Microsoft pocketpc
Microsoft Pocket PC, sometimes referred to as P/PC or PPC, is based upon the Windows CE framework. Variants of this operating system include versions such as Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003/2003 SE, 5 and Windows Mobile 6.0. Variants also exist for Smartphones, such as Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone edition.
Benefits
One of the key benefits of Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform is file format compatibility with the desktop versions of the company's productivity software. Mobile versions of Microsoft software, such as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Pocket PowerPoint, allow individuals to view and edit these files outside of the home and office.
Another benefit is integration with Microsoft's cross-platform solution, the .NET Framework. The .NET Framework and its associated class libraries handle things such as memory management, file I/O, and many other functions. The .NET Framework allows programmers to develop code in one of several .NET languages, such as C# and VB.NET. Pocket PCs run a simplified version of the framework called the .NET Compact Framework.
In order to maintain synchronization and connectivity with desktop computers, Microsft developed the ActiveSync program. The user merely has to connect the Pocket PC to the desktop computer in order to synchronize items such as appointments, contact lists, and even multimedia files.
History
Windows CE, which serves as the framework for the Pocket PC operating systems, began its life in November of 1996. The NEC MobilePro 200 and the Casio A-10 were the first two PDA-type devices available with this early version of the operating system, which was dubbed Handheld PC 1.0.
Subsequently, Microsoft released iterations of its mobile operating systems with names such as Handheld PC 2.0 (1997), Palm-Size PC 2.0 (1998), Handheld PC Professional Edition (1998).
As development of Windows CE continued, manufacturers began to build more esoteric devices around it, such as internet TV set-top boxes and web-enabled telephones.
Pocket PC officially began its public life when it was previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2000. Codenamed "Rapier", the first version of the Pocket PC operating system was simply named Pocket PC.
Pocket PC Versions
Pocket PC 2000
Pocket PC 2000, based on Micrsoft's Windows CE 3.0 platform, was a first step towards the familiar appearance and functionality that is offered by Windows Mobile 5.0. Devices running Pocket PC 2000 ranged from the Askey PC010, which had a 16-color grayscale screen with no expansion slots, to the Casio EM-500, which had a 64k color screen and provisions for upgraded pheripherals such as cameras. Pocket PC 2000 launched with versions of Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Microsoft Reader bundled. ActiveSync 3.1, which provided an easier way to install applications onto the Pocket PC, was required to synchronize with host desktop machines.
Pocket PC 2002
Codenamed "Merlin," Pocket PC 2002 was Microsoft's Windows CE 3.0-based upgrade to Pocket PC 200. Pocket PC 2002 offered many improvements over the previous operating system, including a Terminal Service Client, a new mail Inbox, Windows Media Player 8.0, improved versions of Pocket Word and MS Reader, and many other features.
There were three service packs (EUUU1/2/3) released which addressed bugs and other issues in the original release.
Windows Mobile Versions
Please see Microsoft Windows Mobile for more information on these Operating Systems.
Pocket PC Devices
In recent years, a number of manufacturers have elected to produce Pocket PC devices. Some of these makers include companies such as:
- Acer
- Asus
- Audiovox
- Dell
- HP
- HTC
- Mitac
- Motorola
- MWg
- Samsung
- Siemens
- Sony Ericsson
- Symbol
- Treo
Because different manufacturers are targeted at different segments of the market, such as business and consumers, the features and functionality of these devices sometimes differ greatly. For example, some devices have built-in capability for taking images and videos, while other devices have tools such as biometric fingerprint readers and barcode scanners.