Pocket PC Vs. Palm Pilot
Ever need to surf the Internet, record an appointment, and play a video game all at the same time? If so, Microsoft’s Pocket PC, unveiled this week, is just the handheld PC for you.
Microsoft is hoping the third time will be a charm for their Pocket PC. The computer giant has joined forces with three other computer manufacturers in its third attempt to develop a product that can compete with the market dominating Palm Pilot.
The Pocket PC combines the usual functions of a datebook, calendar, calculator, and memo pad with the additional capacity to play music, record sound, balance a checkbook, and surf the Internet. Additional hardware gives the handheld PC wireless Internet connections and additional memory storage. Users will also find a slimmed-down version of Internet explorer, an e-book reader, a digital voice recorder, and a Windows Media Player.
All of these extra features don’t come cheap. Priced between $499 and $599, the Pocket PCs are at the high end of the handheld market.
“We’re still a little high, but we give a little extra functionality,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s president and chief executive. “I feel very good about where we are with this.”
And there is still more. According to Microsoft executives, the biggest plus for the Pocket PC is its ability to run a number of programs simultaneously. A user can listen to music, look up an address, and play a video game all at the same time.
Microsoft is also banking on the fact that Palm Computing, recently spun off from 3Com Corp, has no public plans to substantially improve its Palm Pilot.
“Palm ought to be running scared,” said Michael Gartenberg, a senior analyst with the Gartner Group.
CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report