Pocket PC 2000, originally codenamed 'Rapier',10 was released on April 19, 2000, and was based on Windows CE 3.0. It was the debut of what was later dubbed the Windows Mobile operating system, and meant to be a successor to the operating system aboard Palm-Size PCs. Based on Windows CE 3.0 which was launched in the same year, the only resolution supported by this release was 240×320 (QVGA). Built-in apps included pocket versions of Microsoft's Office suite, including Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Pocket Outlook, as well as Notes, a note taking app with handwriting recognition.
By Mark Scardina
As the new kid on the block, the Windows CE Handheld PC had the venerable HP Palmtop to use as a benchmark. I thought it would be interesting to put them up against each other in a software and hardware comparison. This article does not take into account any third-party software. While I do not attempt to draw any overall conclusions (preferring to leave that up to each reader), the results are quite interesting, and I believe they portend a bright future for Windows CE and Handheld PCs.
Specifications Comparison
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX
Typical Windows CE HPC
Operating System
DOS 5.0 and System Manager
Windows CE
Included Applications
LapLink, Lotus 1-2-3, cc:Mail, PIM, Database, NoteTaker, WorldTime, System ,Macros, Pocket Quicken, Filer, DataComm, Stop Watch, HP Calc, Application Manager
Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Mail, Pocket Internet Explorer, PIM, Explorer, Calculator, World Clock
Included Connectivity
LapLink Remote and Connectivity Pack
Windows CE Explorer (req.Win95)
Processor
80186 @ 8MHz
Risc Processor at 33-40MHz
Screen
640x200 mono or 320x200 with 4 levels of gray scale
480x240 with 4 levels of gray scale
Backlighting
No
Selected models
Keyboard
80 keys inc. 8 Application Keys
61 Keys
Pointing Device
None (not req.) Can use serial Mouse
Pen
Power
2 AA batteries or AC Adapter. Can use AAs and internally recharge
2 AAs, Rechargeable Battery Pack, or AC rechargeable Adapter. Can use rechargeable AAs but must be externally recharged
PCMCIA Support
One Type II Slot
One Type II Slot
IR Support
Serial IR Support
IrDA Support
Printing Capability
Serial Printer or Serial-Parallel Adapter required
None
Printer Emulations
Epson FX-80, HP LaserJet, IBM ProPrinter
None
Supports SRAM PC Cards
Yes
Yes
Supports ATA Flash Cards
Yes
Yes
Supports Linear Flash Cards
Yes with included driver
No
Supports Modem PC Cards
Yes
Yes
Included RAM/Storage
2MB or 4MB (opt 5/6MB upgrade)
2MB or 4MB
Dimensions
1' H x 6.2' W x 3.4' D
1' H x 6.9' W x 3.7' D
Weight
11 oz.
13.4 oz
Can Run DOS Programs
Yes (Those not requiring x386 or above processor)
No
Can Run Windows 3.x Programs
Can run Windows 3.0 or below if Win 3.0 installed
No
Can Run Windows 95 Programs
No
No
Can Run Windows CE Programs
No
Yes
Supports EMS Memory
Yes, with optional Driver
No
Numeric Keypad
Yes
No
Sound Support
.SND Files and Alarms
.WAV Files and Alarms
Word Processor Comparison
Windows CE Handheld PCs include Pocket Word, which is a subset of Word for Windows. It has most of the word processor functions without the desktop publishing and graphics capabilities of the desktop version. It reads and writes ASCII text files and a proprietary .PWD format that compresses the data. Word .DOC files can be imported and .PWD files can be exported with a Windows utility or HPC Explorer.
The HP 200LX includes Memo as a basic word processor. Besides reading and writing ASCII text files, it supports limited formatting and outlining when using its proprietary .DOC format. This format is not exportable to other word processors.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Memo
Windows CE Pocket Word
Document Size Available Memory
400K
Available Memory
Character Formatting
Normal, Bold, and Underline
Normal, Bold, Italics, Underline
Paragraph Formatting
Left Justified
Left, Center, Right Justified
File Type Import
ASCII
ASCII (Word for Windows with HPC) Explorer
File Type Save As
ASCII and MEMO .DOC Format
ASCII, Pocket Word .PWD Format
Font Support
Courier
Arial, Comic Sans MS, Courier New, MS Sans Serif, Symbol, Terminal, Times New Roman, and Wingdings
Outlining
Yes
Yes
Templates
Smart Clip
No
Zoom Modes
40x16, 64x18, 80x25
No
Undo
No
Yes
Macros
Yes, System
No
Graphics Support
No
No
Search and Replace
Yes
Yes
Multiple Files Open at One Time
No
Yes
Spell Checker
No
No
PIM Comparison
Windows CE Handheld PCs include an Information Manager that incorporates three applications: Calendar, Contacts and Tasks. These applications can be kept in sync with Schedule+ with the included HPC Explorer for Windows 95. The Tasks application can double as a project manager due to its category function. The HP 200LX has an Appointment Book application that includes a ToDo list manager. A separate Phone Book application handles contacts, addresses and phone numbers. Syncing with a PC version is available with an optional connectivity pack.
Appointment Book vs. Calendar
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Appointment Book
Windows CE Calendar
Views
Day, Week, Month, 6 Month
Day, Week
Alarms
Yes - Sound and Message
Yes - Sound, Message, and Light
Appointment Types
Time and Event
Time and Event
Repeating Appointments
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly, Custom
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly
Undo
Yes
No
Find Function
Yes
No
Sync with PC PIMS
Yes, with optional CPACK
Yes with included HPC Explorer
Password Support
File Level
No
Phone Book vs. Contacts
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Phone Book
Windows CE Contacts
Records Supported
Combined Business/Home
Business and Personal
Custom Fields
No
Yes
Notes
Yes
Yes
Number of Phone Numbers
4
8-12
Custom Display of Record List
Yes
Yes
Undo
Yes
No
Sort Options
3 Field Customizable
Alphabetical by Name
Find Function
Yes
Yes
Subset Functions
Yes - 16 Definable
No
Import/Export
Yes, with optional CPACK
Yes with included HPC Explorer
Password Support
File level
No
ToDo's vs. Tasks
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX ToDo's
Windows CE Tasks
Priority Support
Custom
1 -9, A - Z
Notes
Yes
Yes
Recurring
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly, Custom
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly
Duration
Days
Time and Days
Views
Daily All
Daily All, Completed, Active
Carry Forward
Yes
No
Categories
No
Yes
Find Function
Yes
No
Alarms
No
Yes
Password
File Level
No
Spreadsheet Comparison
Windows CE Handheld PCs include Pocket Excel, which is a subset of Excel for Windows. Its largest area of compatibility is with the available functions, as it does not support macros, data, and graphs. It reads and writes to a compressed .PXL format that can be exchanged with Excel using HPC Explorer for Win95. The HP 200LX includes a virtually complete version of Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.4. Support is included for @functions, macros, data functions, and graphing. It reads and writes standard Lotus .WK1 files and no conversion is required.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Lotus 1-2-3
Windows CE Pocket Excel
Spreadsheet Size
Available memory
Available memory
Macro Support
Yes
No
File Type Import
Lotus .WK1, Text Files
Excel .XLS with HPC Explorer
Undo
No
Yes
Graphing Pc suite iphone for mac os.
Yes
No
Data Functions
Yes
No
Function Support
Yes
Yes
Zoom Modes
64x18, 80x25
No
Maximum Rows and Columns
8192 rows x 256 columns
16384 rows x 256 columns
Search and Replace
Yes
Yes
Multiple Files Open at One Time
No
Yes
Spreadsheet Linking
Yes
No
Calculator Comparison
Windows CE HPCs include a built-in basic Calculator designed primarily to provide basic 4-function arithmetic with square root and percent. Entries are displayed in 'paper tape' format with an on-screen keyboard available for stylus input.
The HP 200LX includes a sophisticated multifunction calculator suited to a wide range of uses. Most types of calculations can be performed, and a 'solver' is included for equations and custom functions. A converter for currency, length, area, mass, volume, and temperature is also included.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Calculator
Windows CE Calculator
Arithmetic Functions
Yes
Yes
Date Functions
Yes
No
Time Value of Money Functions
Yes
No
Business Functions
Yes
No
Statistical Functions
Yes
No
Conversion Functions
Yes
No
Math Functions
Yes
No
Equation Solver
Yes
No
Custom Functions
Yes
No
Number Formats
Fixed Decimal, Scientific, Engineering
Fixed Decimal
Calculator Modes
Arithmetic and RPN
Arithmetic
E-mail Comparison
Windows CE HPCs include a built-in e-mail client that interfaces to standard POP3 Internet mail service providers. It interfaces with the Contact Address book in the Information Manager, providing a centralized client list. Connections are via a modem and a PPP connection. Only text messages can be sent or received at this time. The HP 200LX includes the mobile version of cc:Mail that interfaces to any dial-in connection to a cc:Mail Post Office. Local and Network address books are supported, as well as automatic directory updates. Binary or text file attachments can be sent or received. Internet mail access must be through a gateway, such as the ESP Networks.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX cc:Mail Mobile
Windows CE Pocket Mail
Mail System
cc:Mail 8-bit binary
POP3 7-bit ASCII
File Attachments
Yes
No
Address Books
Yes - Local and Network
Yes - Local
Address Updates
Automatic
Manual
Message Formatting
Plain text
Plain text
Quoting
Yes
Yes
Windows Ce 5.0 Free Download
Message Management
User Assigned Folders
User Assigned Folders
Data Terminal Comparison
Windows CE HPCs include a built-in basic Terminal application designed primarily to log onto a text-based system. No binary file transfer support is provided. There is also no scripting capability to facilitate the session. Multiple communication configurations can be saved as icons.
The HP 200LX includes a basic communications application called DataComm. Support is included for all standard protocols, as well as a Server mode under Kermit. A basic script file function allows for automating logons or basic comm sessions.
LapLink, Lotus 1-2-3, cc:Mail, PIM, Database, NoteTaker, WorldTime, System ,Macros, Pocket Quicken, Filer, DataComm, Stop Watch, HP Calc, Application Manager
Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Mail, Pocket Internet Explorer, PIM, Explorer, Calculator, World Clock
Included Connectivity
LapLink Remote and Connectivity Pack
Windows CE Explorer (req.Win95)
Processor
80186 @ 8MHz
Risc Processor at 33-40MHz
Screen
640x200 mono or 320x200 with 4 levels of gray scale
480x240 with 4 levels of gray scale
Backlighting
No
Selected models
Keyboard
80 keys inc. 8 Application Keys
61 Keys
Pointing Device
None (not req.) Can use serial Mouse
Pen
Power
2 AA batteries or AC Adapter. Can use AAs and internally recharge
2 AAs, Rechargeable Battery Pack, or AC rechargeable Adapter. Can use rechargeable AAs but must be externally recharged
PCMCIA Support
One Type II Slot
One Type II Slot
IR Support
Serial IR Support
IrDA Support
Printing Capability
Serial Printer or Serial-Parallel Adapter required
None
Printer Emulations
Epson FX-80, HP LaserJet, IBM ProPrinter
None
Supports SRAM PC Cards
Yes
Yes
Supports ATA Flash Cards
Yes
Yes
Supports Linear Flash Cards
Yes with included driver
No
Supports Modem PC Cards
Yes
Yes
Included RAM/Storage
2MB or 4MB (opt 5/6MB upgrade)
2MB or 4MB
Dimensions
1' H x 6.2' W x 3.4' D
1' H x 6.9' W x 3.7' D
Weight
11 oz.
13.4 oz
Can Run DOS Programs
Yes (Those not requiring x386 or above processor)
No
Can Run Windows 3.x Programs
Can run Windows 3.0 or below if Win 3.0 installed
No
Can Run Windows 95 Programs
No
No
Can Run Windows CE Programs
No
Yes
Supports EMS Memory
Yes, with optional Driver
No
Numeric Keypad
Yes
No
Sound Support
.SND Files and Alarms
.WAV Files and Alarms
Word Processor Comparison
Windows CE Handheld PCs include Pocket Word, which is a subset of Word for Windows. It has most of the word processor functions without the desktop publishing and graphics capabilities of the desktop version. It reads and writes ASCII text files and a proprietary .PWD format that compresses the data. Word .DOC files can be imported and .PWD files can be exported with a Windows utility or HPC Explorer.
The HP 200LX includes Memo as a basic word processor. Besides reading and writing ASCII text files, it supports limited formatting and outlining when using its proprietary .DOC format. This format is not exportable to other word processors.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Memo
Windows CE Pocket Word
Document Size Available Memory
400K
Available Memory
Character Formatting
Normal, Bold, and Underline
Normal, Bold, Italics, Underline
Paragraph Formatting
Left Justified
Left, Center, Right Justified
File Type Import
ASCII
ASCII (Word for Windows with HPC) Explorer
File Type Save As
ASCII and MEMO .DOC Format
ASCII, Pocket Word .PWD Format
Font Support
Courier
Arial, Comic Sans MS, Courier New, MS Sans Serif, Symbol, Terminal, Times New Roman, and Wingdings
Outlining
Yes
Yes
Templates
Smart Clip
No
Zoom Modes
40x16, 64x18, 80x25
No
Undo
No
Yes
Macros
Yes, System
No
Graphics Support
No
No
Search and Replace
Yes
Yes
Multiple Files Open at One Time
No
Yes
Spell Checker
No
No
PIM Comparison
Windows CE Handheld PCs include an Information Manager that incorporates three applications: Calendar, Contacts and Tasks. These applications can be kept in sync with Schedule+ with the included HPC Explorer for Windows 95. The Tasks application can double as a project manager due to its category function. The HP 200LX has an Appointment Book application that includes a ToDo list manager. A separate Phone Book application handles contacts, addresses and phone numbers. Syncing with a PC version is available with an optional connectivity pack.
Appointment Book vs. Calendar
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Appointment Book
Windows CE Calendar
Views
Day, Week, Month, 6 Month
Day, Week
Alarms
Yes - Sound and Message
Yes - Sound, Message, and Light
Appointment Types
Time and Event
Time and Event
Repeating Appointments
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly, Custom
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly
Undo
Yes
No
Find Function
Yes
No
Sync with PC PIMS
Yes, with optional CPACK
Yes with included HPC Explorer
Password Support
File Level
No
Phone Book vs. Contacts
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Phone Book
Windows CE Contacts
Records Supported
Combined Business/Home
Business and Personal
Custom Fields
No
Yes
Notes
Yes
Yes
Number of Phone Numbers
4
8-12
Custom Display of Record List
Yes
Yes
Undo
Yes
No
Sort Options
3 Field Customizable
Alphabetical by Name
Find Function
Yes
Yes
Subset Functions
Yes - 16 Definable
No
Import/Export
Yes, with optional CPACK
Yes with included HPC Explorer
Password Support
File level
No
ToDo's vs. Tasks
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX ToDo's
Windows CE Tasks
Priority Support
Custom
1 -9, A - Z
Notes
Yes
Yes
Recurring
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly, Custom
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly
Duration
Days
Time and Days
Views
Daily All
Daily All, Completed, Active
Carry Forward
Yes
No
Categories
No
Yes
Find Function
Yes
No
Alarms
No
Yes
Password
File Level
No
Spreadsheet Comparison
Windows CE Handheld PCs include Pocket Excel, which is a subset of Excel for Windows. Its largest area of compatibility is with the available functions, as it does not support macros, data, and graphs. It reads and writes to a compressed .PXL format that can be exchanged with Excel using HPC Explorer for Win95. The HP 200LX includes a virtually complete version of Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.4. Support is included for @functions, macros, data functions, and graphing. It reads and writes standard Lotus .WK1 files and no conversion is required.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Lotus 1-2-3
Windows CE Pocket Excel
Spreadsheet Size
Available memory
Available memory
Macro Support
Yes
No
File Type Import
Lotus .WK1, Text Files
Excel .XLS with HPC Explorer
Undo
No
Yes
Graphing Pc suite iphone for mac os.
Yes
No
Data Functions
Yes
No
Function Support
Yes
Yes
Zoom Modes
64x18, 80x25
No
Maximum Rows and Columns
8192 rows x 256 columns
16384 rows x 256 columns
Search and Replace
Yes
Yes
Multiple Files Open at One Time
No
Yes
Spreadsheet Linking
Yes
No
Calculator Comparison
Windows CE HPCs include a built-in basic Calculator designed primarily to provide basic 4-function arithmetic with square root and percent. Entries are displayed in 'paper tape' format with an on-screen keyboard available for stylus input.
The HP 200LX includes a sophisticated multifunction calculator suited to a wide range of uses. Most types of calculations can be performed, and a 'solver' is included for equations and custom functions. A converter for currency, length, area, mass, volume, and temperature is also included.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX Calculator
Windows CE Calculator
Arithmetic Functions
Yes
Yes
Date Functions
Yes
No
Time Value of Money Functions
Yes
No
Business Functions
Yes
No
Statistical Functions
Yes
No
Conversion Functions
Yes
No
Math Functions
Yes
No
Equation Solver
Yes
No
Custom Functions
Yes
No
Number Formats
Fixed Decimal, Scientific, Engineering
Fixed Decimal
Calculator Modes
Arithmetic and RPN
Arithmetic
E-mail Comparison
Windows CE HPCs include a built-in e-mail client that interfaces to standard POP3 Internet mail service providers. It interfaces with the Contact Address book in the Information Manager, providing a centralized client list. Connections are via a modem and a PPP connection. Only text messages can be sent or received at this time. The HP 200LX includes the mobile version of cc:Mail that interfaces to any dial-in connection to a cc:Mail Post Office. Local and Network address books are supported, as well as automatic directory updates. Binary or text file attachments can be sent or received. Internet mail access must be through a gateway, such as the ESP Networks.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX cc:Mail Mobile
Windows CE Pocket Mail
Mail System
cc:Mail 8-bit binary
POP3 7-bit ASCII
File Attachments
Yes
No
Address Books
Yes - Local and Network
Yes - Local
Address Updates
Automatic
Manual
Message Formatting
Plain text
Plain text
Quoting
Yes
Yes
Windows Ce 5.0 Free Download
Message Management
User Assigned Folders
User Assigned Folders
Data Terminal Comparison
Windows CE HPCs include a built-in basic Terminal application designed primarily to log onto a text-based system. No binary file transfer support is provided. There is also no scripting capability to facilitate the session. Multiple communication configurations can be saved as icons.
The HP 200LX includes a basic communications application called DataComm. Support is included for all standard protocols, as well as a Server mode under Kermit. A basic script file function allows for automating logons or basic comm sessions.
Features and Capabilities
HP 200LX DataComm
Windows CE Terminal
Windows Ce 5.0 Office
Multiple Profiles
Yes
Yes
Terminal Emulations
Pocket Excel Download Windows Ce 5.0
VT100, ANSI, TTY, Custom
VT100, TTY
File Transfer Protocols
Text, Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem, and Kermit
No
Screen Capture
Yes
No
Scripting Support
Yes
No
Speeds Supported
300 to 115K
110 to 115K
Programmable Function Keys
Pocket Excel Windows Ce 5.0 Download
4
None
Pricing and Contact Information
Windows Ce 5.0 Iso
PTab Spreadsheet for Windows Mobile Pocket PCPTab is a fully functional spreadsheet with the key features of common desktop spreadsheets: Excel & Pocket Excel compatibility, macros, charts, data validation, dropdown boxes, outline etc. PTab works on all Pocket PC Widnows CE versions: Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition (SE), Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 6, 6.1, 6.5. PTab is available for Windows Desktop PC, Windows Mobile Pocket PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone, Windows CE.Net, Handheld PC (HPC) and Palm-Size PC.
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