Attempting to choose on the PDA? The first choice that you'll need to make is regardless of whether to go with a Palm Operating system program or even a Pocket PC (Windows XP CE) program:
- Palm systems run an operating program called "Palm OS".
- Pocket PC systems run "Windows CE". This appears and operates a lot such as the more familiar versions of Microsoft Windows XP that you use on your desktop or laptop PC. Windows XP CE is not identical towards the bigger versions of Windows XP, and usually does not run exactly the same software program, but it does interoperate nicely with other Microsoft programs.
Some features are a dead heat between Palm systems and Pocket PCs:
- Both Palm systems and Pocket PCs can perform make contact with management, calendaring and to-do-lists.
- Both Palm and Pocket PCs can perform sensible handwriting recognition. In possibly case, it can take a little quantity of obtaining utilized to.
- Both Palm and Pocket PCs have versions available with digital cameras.
- Some versions of each Palm and Pocket PCs assistance music, multimedia and MP3 (MP3 is supported quite a lot on all versions). You will need to check the specs of individual versions to determine precisely what features they provide.
- Internet connectivity is available for many Palm and Pocket PCs.
Right here are some reasons to choose Palm:
- Palm systems are usually less expensive. This really is because Palm Operating system products often have less memory along with a slower processor. They can get away with this, without having you noticing, because Palm Operating system is highly optimized to run on low-end hardware.
- Palm systems are often lighter and smaller than Pocket PCs. Of course, that is not usually the case, so you have to check the specs on individual versions when producing comparisons.
- Palm systems, particularly individuals with slower processors, often will run longer between battery recharges.
- Palm systems, are in our opinion, slightly simpler to use. Pocket PCs use a cut-down version from the standard Windows XP interface, which while effective, can provide as well numerous confusing options.
- Palm systems have a easy and foolproof backup/restore feature which is triggered instantly every time you sync for your primary PC. Pocket PCs don't instantly backup, so you have to remember to pick the option.
And here are some reasons to choose a Pocket PC:
- Pocket PCs integrate much better with Microsoft Word and Excel. They can read your existing files, and it's easy to transfer them throughout. Palm Operating system does not have built-in assistance for Word or Excel, but there are 3rd party programs available, at additional price, that may do the job.
- Pocket PCs integrate with Microsoft Outlook. Once again, for Palm systems you'll need additional software program, even though in some instances this additional software program might be bundled together with your Palm PDA.
- Pocket PCs often have a wider variety of WiFi and other connectivity options. Of course, you'll need to check the specs from the individual PDAs that you are thinking about.
Conclusions:
Of course, your opinion might differ, but for what it's worth, here's how I'd choose:
- I'd choose Palm if I desired a easy low-end PDA.
- If I desired more energy and connectivity options, I'd appear at each Palm and Pocket PC systems.
- If there was any special line-of-business software program which i required to run, also it was only available on a single or the other of Palm Operating system and Windows XP CE (Pocket PC), needless to say that would dictate my choice.
- As usually, I'd carefully check the specs of any individual machines that I was thinking about. You will find great (and some not so great) versions available, of each Palm and Pocket PC.