Handheld PCs are the first devices based on a mobile OS from Microsoft. Originally introduced in 1996, versions of the Handheld PC are still available from a few vendors. They are larger than the Pocket PC and have a nearly full-sized keyboard and a larger screen. Though they may look like a small PC notebook computer, they run the Handheld PC OS and software suite, the predecessor of the Pocket PC software.
Like the Pocket PC, they are instant-on, instant-off devices that use less battery power and a notebook PC and are easier to maintain. One interesting note: many new Windows Mobile Smartphones and Phone Edition devices now include built-in or slide-out keyboards: if you doubled the size of the new HTC Universal, for instance, you'd have a device that looks very much like a clamshell-style Handheld PC.
Pros
- Features a larger screen; much better for viewing and working with documents, Web pages, and personal information (Calendar appointments, Contacts, etc.) than a Pocket PC.
- Features a near full-sized keyboard, making text entry much easier than on a Pocket PC.
- Features more expansion options such as a PC Card slot, USB host ports, and VGA-out ports.
- Comes with a higher-capacity battery.
- Power: Instant-on, instant-off.
- More MS Office applications in Handheld PC 2000 than in Pocket PCs (Pocket Access and Pocket PowerPoint. (Note: The new Windows Mobile 5.0 does have a less powerful version of called PowerPoint Mobile.)
Cons
- Very high entry price.
- Heavier, less portable and "pocketable" than a Pocket PC
- Handheld PCs based on CE .NET 4.2 have fewer of Microsoft's built-in applications (only MS viewers, augmented by third party editors).
- Does not include all Pocket PC programs (i.e. MS Reader, Asset Viewer, Jawbreaker, Pictures, Transcriber).
- The version of Media Player built into some Handheld PCs plays music only.
- Limited third party software and hardware options; Based on software that hasn't been significantly upgraded for several years.
- Newer models from NEC and Psion Teklogix have a limited subset of the Handheld PC software, augmented by third-party software.
A Handheld PC user…
- Wants the convenience of a clamshell mini-notebook, but does not need to run applications designed for the desktop PC versions of Windows.
- Doesn't mind a bigger form factor than the Pocket PC, in exchange for a usable keyboard and a large, easy-to-read screen.
- Wants additional expansion capabilities like a USB port, PCMCIA slot, or an RS232 port.
- Needs one of the applications included with a particular Handheld, like Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft Access.
- Needs to run a vertical niche application created for a specialized area such as education, etc.
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