When Microsoft took the wraps off its new Windows Mobile 2003 software for
Pocket PCs on Monday, hardware partners old and new lined up to announce their
support for the new operating system.
Hewlett-Packard led the way with four new
iPaq models based on the new OS. Each of the new devices features built-in
Bluetooth technology and includes mobile printing software to allow customers to
wirelessly print to a Bluetooth-enabled printer.
HP called the new $399 iPaq h2210 the smallest dual-slot Pocket PC available.
It includes both Compact Flash (CF) Type II and Secure Digital (SD) expansion
slots, 64MB of memory and an Intel 400MHz XScale processor.
The company’s new mid-range Pocket PC — the h1940 — offers an SDIO expansion
slot, 64MB of memory and a 266MHz Samsung S3C2410 processor. The estimated
street price is $299. For small- and medium-sized businesses, HP is offering the
h5150 and h5550, which both include a 400MHz XScale processor and a removable
battery. In addition to Bluetooth, the top-of-the-line h5550 integrates 802.11b
wireless LAN technology and a thermal biometric fingerprint reader. The $649
handheld also packs 128MB of memory and up to 17MB of non-volatile flash
storage. The h5150 includes 64MB of memory and up to 4MB of non-volatile flash
storage, and an SDIO card slot. It is expected to sell for around $549.
JVC meanwhile, entered the PDA market for
the first time with two Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs that reflect the
company’s audio/video background. The MP-PV131 and MP-PV331 include a JVC AV
player that supports a variety of compressed formats, including MP3 and MPEG4.
The MP-PV331 also includes MPEG4 video capture and integrated Wi-Fi, and can
stream video wirelessly when used with compatible JVC digital camcorders. Both
models weigh six ounces and include a 400MHz XScale processor, 128MB of memory,
CF Type II and SD card slots. JVC said the MP-PV131 and MP-PV331 would be
available in September for $499.95 and $599.95, respectively.
Gateway also announced its first PDA
offering. The 100X Pocket PC will be based on a 400MHz XScale processor and
features dual CF and SD slots. Gateway said it plans to launch the device in the
third quarter for between $300 and $350.
ViewSonic unveiled the V36, which
features a built-in 300K digital camera, a 300MHz Intel Xscale processor and
64MB of memory for $329. The device is expected to be available in August, along
with ViewSonic’s new 802.11b SDIO (secure digital input/output) card, a $129
add-on.
Others backing the new OS include Toshiba, Dell, Intermec and Symbol
Technologies. The four companies did not introduce new hardware, but will be
including the new OS on their current models, as well as offering upgrades to
customers who already own Pocket PCs.
Toshiba said it would include Windows
Mobile software for Pocket PCs on its e750/e755 and e350/e355 series handhelds.
Customers who purchased a Pocket PC e750/e755 Series device after May 23, 2003,
are eligible to upgrade to the new operating system for $15.99. Those who
purchased an e750/e755 series Pocket PC before May 23 can upgrade to Windows
Mobile 2003 for $50.
Dell, which launched
its first PDA in November, said that the new OS would be available on its Axim
X5 device beginning Monday. The company said it would also offer a $29 upgrade
to existing Axim owners.
Intermec
said it will begin shipping Windows Mobile 2003 on Intermec 700 Color models in
the third quarter. Upgrades will be available for current 700 Series Color
customers, as well.
Symbol also said its rugged PPT 8800
with Windows Mobile 2003 software will be available in the third quarter.
Reprinted from allNetDevices.
