Compaq iPaq Pocket PC

May 2001

Microsoft's Pocket PC has a bevy of functions, such as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Pocket Reader for eBooks and Picture Viewer. You can do the same with Palm OS devices, but it requires purchasing quite a few extra pieces of software and accessories.

But is it better than the Palm OS? Overall, yes and no. Yes, you can do more with this OS out of the box, but no since more isn't necessarily better. Pocket PC is still like using a smaller version of Windows. In comparison, the Palm OS is more intuitive and has organizer software that has, in my opinion, a better graphical user interface. If you are looking for a PDA to be your virtual organizer, I think a Pocket PC may be more than you need. But if you're looking for a smaller version of your desktop PC, Compaq has a pretty good package for you "power users" out there.

Compaq iPaq Pocket PC

$499

•32MB RAM

•16MB ROM

•Color TFT display

•Rechargeable battery

Pros

Great style and feel, Many applications. Smart take on expansion.

Cons

Not an ideal user interface. Some disruptions in hot-syncing.

www.compaq.com

Of all the PDAs I have ever seen and held, this is one of my favorites in terms of style and feel.