Pocket PC

PocketPC Compaq iPAQ 3630 (modified version)

HTC Kangaroo Bluebird Peacock

Pocket PC 2000

HTC Apache

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Pocket pc qtek 2006-08-26

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Pocket PC

Manufacturer	Various
Type	Personal digital assistant
Release date	April 2000
Operating system	Windows Mobile
CPU	Various
Storage	Internal flash memory, SD card, CompactFlash
Display	Touchscreen LCD
Input	Touchscreen, stylus
Camera	Optional
Connectivity	Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Power	Rechargeable battery
Dimensions	Various
Mass	Various

A Pocket PC is a personal digital assistant (PDA) that runs the Windows Mobile operating system. Pocket PCs have many of the capabilities of modern desktop PCs, including the ability to run a variety of software applications, access the Internet, and manage personal information.

History

The Pocket PC was first introduced by Microsoft in April 2000. It was designed to be a more powerful and versatile alternative to earlier PDAs, such as the PalmPilot. The initial devices were manufactured by companies like Compaq, HP, and Casio.

Features

Pocket PCs typically include the following features:

• A touchscreen interface, often operated with a stylus.
• The ability to run a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Office Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, and various third-party applications.
• Internet connectivity through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks.
• Personal information management (PIM) tools, such as a calendar, contacts, and task manager.
• Multimedia capabilities, including audio and video playback.
• Expandable storage through SD cards or CompactFlash cards.

Operating System

Pocket PCs run the Windows Mobile operating system, which is a scaled-down version of the Microsoft Windows operating system designed for mobile devices. Windows Mobile includes a suite of applications designed for mobile use, such as Microsoft Office Mobile and Outlook Mobile.

Connectivity

Pocket PCs offer various connectivity options, including:

• Infrared for short-range communication with other devices.
• Bluetooth for wireless communication with peripherals like keyboards and headsets.
• Wi-Fi for wireless Internet access.
• USB for wired connections to other devices and computers.

Decline and Legacy

With the advent of smartphones and more advanced mobile operating systems like iOS and Android, the popularity of Pocket PCs declined. By the late 2000s, most manufacturers had shifted their focus to smartphones and other mobile devices. However, the Pocket PC played a significant role in the development of mobile computing and paved the way for modern smartphones.

Related Pages

• Personal digital assistant
• Windows Mobile
• Microsoft
• Smartphone
• PalmPilot
• Compaq
• HP
• Casio