Microsoft's latest OS for handhelds and smart phones -- Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition -- adds some attractive features, such as VGA support.
Microsoft's latest operating system for mobile devices, Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, is not an earth-shattering upgrade. But it does open the doors for developers to build next-generation handhelds and smart phones. Dell has signed up for it, and Asus is on-board, as is HP, and devices are cropping up, starting with the Dell Axim X30 series with HP's new iPaqs to follow. And later this year, we expect to see the first true smart phone with the new OS, the Motorola MPx220. Still, what's all the fuss about?
You'll flip (literally) for the most notable addition: landscape mode support. With this feature, you can switch from portrait mode, rotating the display 90 degrees for a horizontal view. This is especially useful for Web pages, spreadsheets and photos. To further enhance the Web experience, Microsoft has integrated a one-column layout option for Pocket Internet Explorer so that you have to scroll only up and down, rather than up and down and side to side to view an entire Web page.
Another addition is native support for full VGA resolution (640 by 480 pixels). With the higher-resolution screens, however, text appears smaller, so there's a new control under the Settings menu to adjust the font size. And the OS doesn't stop there. It also supports square-screen resolutions of 240 by 240 and 480 by 480 pixels, leading the way for new form factors. Other enhancements include Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) for tighter wireless security, a shorthand Transcriber function and access to recently used programs via the Start menu.
So is it worth the upgrade? If you desire any of these functionalities, Windows Mobile 2003 SE is definitely worth a look, but just because you want it doesn't mean you'll be able to get it. According to Microsoft, it's up to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to decide whether to offer the updates. HP and Dell have no plans to make an upgrade available for existing handhelds, but they will include it in new products. Asus and Toshiba users, on the other hand, are in luck. Toshiba has released updates for its e800 and e400 series, which can be found on the company's Web site. Asus has said it will offer upgrades to its A716 but not to the A620. And if you're in the market for a new handheld, check out the products listed below, which come with the OS on-board. Editor's note: the availability of Motorola's MPx220 could not be confirmed at the time of writing.
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Dell Axim X30 (64MB, 312MHz processor)
The midlevel X30 is a feature-rich PDA with an affordable price tag to attract both consumers and business users.
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Motorola MPx220
Motorola has updated its popular Windows Mobile-based smartphone, which has enough features for both work and play.
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