Quote Unquote
"I want something to organize my life and it should play Tetris."
--Chris Grimes
Introduction
Which is better: a PalmOS-based handheld or a Pocket PC? Well, it depends. Some would argue that PocketPCs favour features over usability. Others maintain that it's all about user base and platform compatibility. Still others cite the elegance and svelte stylings of Palm devices, compared to the generally clunky Pocket PC devices.
It's a lot like the PC versus Mac debate.
Thus, you have to remember to run the advice you read through the filter of your own sensibilities and priorities. Here is what I would classify as a Palm / Mac biased review: http://www.macobserver.com/columns/ibrotha/2001/20010608.shtml. It rightly points out the strengths of the Palm platform, but conveniently neglects the drawbacks. It may be that the weaknesses of the Palm platform are exactly the features (or lack thereof) you happen to care about most. Hence, I will state right here that I use both Palm (m505) and Pocket PC (HP Jornada). I have one connected to a Mac; the other is connected to a Windows PC. For the record, I express no preference, however, I freely admit that the Pocket PC can do a wider variety of things. I will try to maintain an impartial stance while offering Buyer's Guide advice. Read the facts and make up your own mind.
Elsewhere in this section and around the web, you'll find editorials and articles that take a stronger stance on the value of certain features of each platform. In some PocketPC vs. Palm articles (for example, this one), you'll find arguments that a basic misconception of the Pocket PC/Palm debate is the idea that these devices are directly comparable or even go after the same market segment. "The Palm," notes author Vince Freeman, "is a PDA that also functions as a rudimentary computer, while the Pocket PC is a computer that also doubles as a PDA."
In short, it's a highly subjective decision. Most information tends to be biased according to the ideology of the reviewer.
I like having the PocketPC's larger memory, expansion architecture*, better built in web browser, better games, better sound, better email program, movie player, MP3 player, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and a handwriting system that doesn't require me to learn the (more) idiosyncratic Graffiti. (Several of these points, it can be argued, are highly subjective. You may or may not equate "more" with "better.")
On the other hand, I like the fact that the Palm syncs with the Macintosh. I also prefer to carry it around, due to its smaller size. Ultimately, this last point may be the only one which really matters to some people. Which one will you use?
Whichever platform you choose, I'd recommend getting a model that is supported by the ultra-cool "Stowaway" foldup keyboard. I have one of these for my HP Jornada and I love it.
If you get a PocketPC, get one with 32MB (such as the Jornada 548) or even 64MB of memory. I only have 16 in my Jornada 540 and I'm pushing the limits already.
I do not find the interface of Pocket PC particularly poor, however the Palm OS is a little more "Mac like" in some ways. The three best reasons I can give you in favour of Palm are:
If you want to play MP3s, play mini-movies, run "pocket flight simulators," 3-D golf games, VRML (3-D object) browsers, PowerPoint slideshows or run other sophisticated applications more traditionally associated with a desktop computer, the Pocket PC is a better choice. Palm handhelds tend to be more closely focused on address book applications and Daytimer-type functionality.
As with all computers, the "right choice" has a lot to do with the tasks you have in mind. Get the machine that best addresses your needs.
For Further Reading:
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