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02/02/2005: "Handhelds need Wintel"
CNET reported today that shipments of Handheld computers (mainly PocketPC and Palm) are down 10% compared to one year ago. The problem with Palms and PocketPC is that they lack functionality, expensive and not easily extendable. I got to work on a Pocket PC (IPAQ) back in 2001. It had a wireless card a built in browser, pocket outlook and an organizer. Nowadays I work on Pocket PC (Axim X 50) that costs about as much and has a wireless card and a built-in browser and organizer. In four years, Pocket PC (a.k.a Windows Mobile) did not acquire a significant new feature.
I am yet to try Pocket PC Phone Edition, but besides being expensive, Pocket PC Phone Edition is appears bulky and much slower than a regular Pocket PC. The key to new hi-tech products is innovation. And if Microsoft and Palm Source do understand that Handheld computer is not a smaller computer with a subset of features, but a completely new gadget, we will be waiting for interesting Handhelds from other companies.