1.2.3.2. Pocket PC

The term "Pocket PC" sometimes causes irritations concerning its definition. In fact, Pocket PC is not the name for the new Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 operating system. Instead, Pocket PC is the name for a mobile device class using a customised version of Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 as its underlying operating system. This customised version of Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 was built by Microsoft and is optimised specifically for this type of device. Products in this class are the Compaq iPaq 3630, the Hewlett-Packard Jornada 545/548, and the Casio E-115. They can be classified as mobile devices without a build in keyboard, instead a touch screen and a pen is employed for user interaction. The name for the same device running Windows CE 2.11 or lower is Palm size PC.

The customised version of Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 for the Pocket PC provides following features:

• Calendar: seamless synchronisation with Microsoft Outlook calendar.

• Contacts: possibility to keep track of addresses, phone numbers, and other vital information.

• Expansion: provisioning of an industry-standard expansion slot.

• Notes: the Natural Handwriting Recognition feature lets the user write noted the way he always does, and audio notes are also supported.

• Pocket Inbox: synchronisation with the Outlook Inbox and support of all email formats.

• Pocket Internet Explorer (Version 3): the gateway to the Internet, without limitation to "Web clippings". The functionality of the Pocket Internet Explorer will be described in a dedicated Chapter.

• Pocket Word and Excel: Built-in support for Pocket Word and Excel means the user can open and view his email attachments, and it also means he can his essential documents with him on the road.

• Reader: Possibility to download favourite books and to read them on the Pocket PC, it also supports audio content.

• Tasks: Complete task management functionality including definition of new tasks and editing of existing tasks as well as alerting and synchronisation functionality.

• Windows Media Player: Built in support for digital music and due to multitasking capability the user can listen and work on his device at the same time.