Mobile Computing: Palm vs. Pocket PC

The products are different, but also the same. How do choose?

James A. Martin

Feature: Choosing Between a Palm and a Pocket PC

So what's it going to be?

If you work for a business that has standardized on a particular PDA, you've got no choice. If you're resolutely anti-Microsoft (and I know many who are), it's a no-brainer. But for the rest of us, deciding between a Palm and Pocket PC isn't so easy. In fact, the choice has become more difficult, as the two competing platforms share more similarities now than ever.

This week, I'll present the top reasons to buy a Palm OS PDA or a Pocket PC, with an eye toward helping you choose the platform that's right for you. This isn't an exhaustive list of comparisons, however--my goal is to touch on the main differentiators.

Also, I'll focus on the differences between Palm OS and Pocket PC devices as PDAs, not as combination PDA/cell phone devices. That's because I'm assuming most people in the market for a combo device would decide on the PDA platform they need first, then choose a device that supports it.

Reasons to Buy a Palm

More third-party software. The Palm OS has 72 percent of the worldwide PDA market, according to IDC. As a result, there are thousands more applications available for Palm devices than for Pocket PCs. So if you want lots of programs to choose from, such as Iambic Software's TimeReporter time-tracking software (available for Palms but not Pocket PCs), your best bet is a Palm OS PDA.

For a look at my favorite Palm OS applications, read "Mobile Computing: Best Programs for Your Palm." For my top Pocket PC applications, see "Mobile Computing: Top Pocket PC Programs."

Lower prices. The least expensive new Palm OS device is the Zire, which lists for $99. By comparison, the least expensive new Pocket PC models (such as Dell's Axim X5) retail for about $200. The Zire lacks some features of low-end Pocket PCs, namely a color screen. But when you're on a tight budget, the price tag may appeal more to you than a fancy display.

For the latest PDA prices, check out the PCWorld.com Product Finder.

Needs fewer resources. The no-frills Palm OS doesn't require a speedy processor and tons of memory to run efficiently. On the other hand, Pocket PCs, with an operating system based on Windows, are more resource intensive and thus require faster processors and more memory (which drives up hardware costs).

Easier to use. This is a judgment call, which I suspect will cause my in-box to overflow with fervently expressed disagreements. But I've used both platforms, and in my humble opinion, the Palm OS and the applications that run on it are more straightforward and simply designed than their equivalents on Pocket PCs, yet are powerful enough to get the job done.

Better integration with Microsoft Office. This could be the subject of an article by itself (as well as another heated argument). In my experience, DataViz Documents To Go 5.0, included on most Palm models, provides tools and integration with Microsoft Office files that surpass the versions of Office on Pocket PCs. For instance, unlike Documents To Go on Palms, the pocket Office applications don't include PowerPoint (though third-party applications are available that provide access to PowerPoint files).

Smaller size. In general, Palm devices tend to be more compact than Pocket PCs. This differentiator is diminishing as larger, more robust Palms and smaller, more streamlined Pocket PCs come to market.

Reasons to Buy a Pocket PC

More models and vendors. Pocket PC vendors include Asus, Casio, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba, and ViewSonic. By comparison, the majority of Palm OS PDA models in the U.S. come from Sony and Palm/Handspring--the two companies plan to merge. (I'm not including specialty devices based on the Palm OS, such as the AlphaSmart Dana notebook alternative. For more on the Dana, see this week's Handhelds section.)

Better screens. Until recently, the most Pocket PC color displays were crisper and offered more resolution than most Palm OS displays. This, too, is changing, however, as Palm OS devices--particularly multimedia handhelds from Sony--are aggressively catching up with Pocket PC models.

Better Web browser. Pocket Internet Explorer, the "mini-me" to the Windows version, is the best Web browser I've used on a PDA, partly because it's so similar to what I use on my Windows machine.

Easier multitasking. Pocket PC can open more than one application at a time, unlike Palm devices--though only one Pocket PC app can appear on screen at a time. This makes it a bit easier and faster to jump between applications, but it also consumes more memory.

MP3 player. Pocket PCs come standard with Windows Media Player for MP3 and other multimedia files, while only newer, high-end multimedia Palm OS devices come with media-playing software.

Built-in speaker. Speakers are standard on Pocket PCs but are only found on some Palms, such as high-end Sony multimedia devices. This isn't a huge advantage, because even the best Pocket PC speaker is sounds tinny. Still, if you want to create and play back voice recordings or add GPS/mapping software systems with audible driving directions to your PDA, the Pocket PC is your best bet.

And the Winner Is...

If you are primarily need a compact, reasonably priced, easy-to-use PDA for calendaring, contacts, to-do lists, and possibly a few multimedia perks, shop for a Palm OS device.

On the other hand, if the familiarity of the Windows OS interface appeals to you, if you want to carry around what is essentially a tiny version of your PC, and if you want multimedia to be the rule and not the exception, then go for a Pocket PC.

Either way, before you make your purchase, visit our PDA buyers' guide.

NOTEBOOKS & ACCESSORIES

News: A Shock From Sony

If you use a Sony VAIO PCG-FRV25 or PCG-FRV27, you could be in for a shock--an electrical one, to be exact. The giant electronics manufacturer recently notified registered owners of those models that the modems in their VAIOs could give them a mild, static-electricity-like jolt. But for this to happen, the notebook must be connected to a phone line while the user is touching a metal surface on the computer and receiving an incoming phone call--all at once.

Reportedly, no one has actually been shocked under these circumstances, the modems have since been fixed, and Sony is asking affected users to return their notebooks for repairs, according to Sony.

Review: Tablets Get Snappier

Does Intel's Centrino chip set live up to its claims (improved battery life, faster processing speeds, easier Wi-Fi networking) for Tablet PCs? Yes and no, according to our tests of Acer's TravelMate C110 subnotebook ($2099) and Motion Computing's M1300 tablet ($2106). The bottom line, says PCWorld.com reviewer Yardena Arar: These new models offer snappier digital ink than earlier models, but they cost more and their battery life is disappointing.

Review: Storage to Go

We recently put 15 portable, affordable storage products through their paces and came up with three Best Buys: SanDisk's pocket-size USB device, the Cruzer; Sony's multiformat DRU-510A DVD burner; and Maxtor's Personal Storage 5000DV external hard drive.

Tip: How to Find the Best Airplane Seat

Recently, I wrote about how to determine which airplane seats are the most comfortable for mobile professionals with notebooks. Since that article appeared, I learned of SeatGuru.com, an essential site for anyone planning a domestic airline trip.

The site offers detailed seat maps for all cabins on aircraft operated by American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, and U.S. Airways. What's more, each seat is color-coded for comfort--green (very good), yellow (be aware!), and red (bad seat). Factors taken into consideration include seat pitch (the distance from one seat back to another). The availability of video, audio, and power outlets is also provided.

HANDHELDS

Review: Latest Pocket PC OS Not a Must-Have

PCWorld.com reviewer Yardena Arar tested Windows Mobile 2003, the update to Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 operating system, and found it to be so-so. The new OS makes setting up a Wi-Fi connection easier, and enterprises will appreciate the virtual private network client and other data security improvements. Otherwise, the new OS, which may be available as a download for some Pocket PC 2002 models, is not essential, Arar says. Windows Mobile was tested on Hewlett-Packard's new IPaq H2210 and a wireless-enabled Toshiba E755.

News: Dana Goes Wireless

AlphaSmart has announced plans for a new version of the Dana, a Palm OS-based notebook alternative. The new edition will include built-in 802.11b technology for wireless e-mail and Web surfing. The Dana Wireless also includes enhanced spell checking, built-in USB modem drivers, and other improvements. It should be available by the time you read this; pricing wasn't released as of this writing.

WIRELESS

News: Music for Wireless Phones

Sprint's PCS Group has inked agreements with major labels to offer music over wireless phones. Warner Music Group is providing full-length streaming music tracks and video clips to PCS subscribers, while Sony is supplying animated polyphonic ringers, song clips, and specialized sound and voice recordings. The content is part of Sprint PCS Vision's Premium Pack, which costs $15 per month.

Suggestion Box

Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it.

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