Compaq's iPaq has dominated the market for PocketPC-based handheld computers to the extent that Microsoft used it as the standard for the 2002 version of the software. But in the next round, the American company, now owned by Hewlett-Packard, will have to fight off a strong Japanese challenge led by Toshiba, Fujitsu, NEC and Casio.
Toshiba's e310 and e740 both went on sale in the UK this month. Toshiba says the consumer-oriented e310 is the smallest and lightest PocketPC available: it weighs only 140g. It may also be the cheapest at £299.99 inc VAT. For comparison, the Palm m515 is 1mm thicker, only a gram lighter and costs about the same.
However, the Toshiba e310 has 32MB of memory, a 206MHz processor, a 240 by 320 pixel colour screen, built-in stereo MP3 player and great handwriting recognition, whereas the Palm m515 has 16MB, a 33MHz DragonBall chip, a 160 by 160 screen (only a third as many pixels) and Graffiti. Both have SD (Secure Digital) expansion slots. But for business users, the e740 is much more attractive.
It is one of the first PocketPCs to come with built-in wireless - either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (802.11b) - and it has an accessory battery that extends its running time to 32 hours. The built-in rechargeable pack works for 10 hours, says Toshiba, then you can swap that for an accessory pack that runs for 22 hours.
This does make the e740 thicker, but not much. Another interesting accessory for the e740 is a £20 extender that slots into the bottom. This adds a USB port and a standard PC monitor port: the e740 has an extra ATI Imageon 100 graphics co-processor to drive it. You can plug the e740 into a video projector to give presentations, or plug in a PC monitor and keyboard and use it as a desktop PC replacement. (A PocketPC won't run standard PC software, but you can use its built-in Windows Terminal Services to run those remotely on a Windows server.)
The e740 has 64MB of memory and a CompactFlash II expansion slot, as well as an SD slot. This makes it slightly thicker (15.2mm) and heavier (179g), but provides more options for plug-in cards. It also has the 400MHz Intel XScale version of the StrongARM processor.
However, with current software, this seems to offer no advantages, and adds to the price. The e740 costs £469 plus VAT with Bluetooth (£551) and £495 plus VAT with Wi-Fi (£582). The Compaq iPaq H3970, by contrast, seems to be much the mixture as before - until you turn it on. The new TFT screen is brighter and much clearer than my 3670. (It also has a bluish tinge that makes the old model look pink.)
The H3970 also has a 400MHz XScale and the performance feels very snappy. But then, it always has. What sets the iPaq H3970 apart are its Bluetooth wireless connection, Nevo infra-red software and back-up software. This fits on a 48MB flash ROM (up from the usual 32MB) with 20MB free.
The Bluetooth Manager will find and connect to a wide range of devices such as audio headsets, mobile phones, printers and PCs. Nevo lets you use your iPaq as a universal remote control for infrared devices such as TV sets. The PocketPC's appeal has always been its ability to perform multiple functions: electronic book and map reader, media player, voice recorder, etc. Adding remote control is an obvious but useful enhancement, but hardly justifies the price: £529 plus VAT (£622).
The H3970 is a lot less pocketable than a Toshiba - it's 16mm thick and weighs 190g - but the extra expansion sleeves let you use a wide range of peripherals. People who have already invested large sums in add-ons will want to stick with the brand.
However, those new to the game should check the availability of CompactFlash- and SD-compatible plug-ins to see if they can get the functions they need in a sleeker format. Just try to avoid seeing the H3970's screen. (JS)
Danger's entry rings alarm bells
If you think the £400 or so it costs to buy a connected PDA such as 02's XDA and Jornada 928 is a bit too steep, you've got a new ally. Danger, a US start-up, wants to slash the price of integrated mobile phones/handheld PCs with a product it hopes to launch in the UK early next year.
The Hiptop device, shaped like a bar of soap, has a 2.6in monochrome screen that flips open to reveal a small thumbpad. Users can make calls, send and receive email and access HTML internet pages via a GPRS (general packet radio service) connection. It also features Instant Messaging and regular PDA facilities such as an address book and calendar.
The company has also signed contracts with a variety of companies to provide additional content and enhance its personal organiser, digital camera and music-playing facilities.
Unlike products from rival companies such as Palm, Handspring and Research in Motion (manufacturer of the Blackberry), the Hiptop is targeted at the young, rather than business users. "There are a lot of people looking for an inexpensive mass market device," says Danger's chief executive Andy Rubin. He predicts buyers in the 20-40 age bracket will be attracted by the offbeat design and competitive price.
Its US launch price is around $200, less than half that of comparable connected PDAs. Part of the reason is that the Hiptop will not be sold under Danger's name. Rather, it will be badged by the networks that buy it - in the US it is T-Mobile, and in the UK, possibly Orange. See the link below.
Further proof that manufacturers are taking the budget end of the PDA market seriously has come from Sony. It has launched its cheapest Clie Palm-based handheld PCs in the US. The $200 PEG-SJ20 features a monochrome screen, rechargeable lithium ion battery and 16MB of memory. Its cheaper sibling, the $150 PEG-SL10 has just 8MB of memory and is powered by two AAA batteries. Both models are expected in the UK later this year.
If your idea of a PDA is a tiny device that can carry large files, DGN's Dion DMX may fit the bill. A little larger than a watch and weighing only 30g, it can carry up to 128MB of data, which is transferred to the device from a PC via a USB connection. Facilities include an integrated MP3 player, voice recorder and clock. It is available for $149.00 from GGN Tech (see link below). (AN)
