Different, Not Better
Dec 17 '99
Despite whatever Bill Gates might think, sometimes world domination is just besides the point. Although the Palm OS certainly wins on the ease of use front, and CE has taken lots of heat recently, there is definitely room for two different OSes in the diverse world of non-PC computing. When choosing a PDA/HPC, look closely at your needs and then determine which solution is the best fit. As with most things in life, there's always more than one answer.
Points for the Palm. . .
If you need a small device for keeping track of your personal data, there's no denying that the Palm rules. CE devices can't come close to matching its user-friendly interface, light weight (especially if you choose the Palm V) and low prices. I'm happy to admit that after trial runs with dozens of devices, the Palm V has taken up pride of place in my pony baguette.
This popularity certainly doesn't hurt. Tons of third-party developers are making everything from database apps to fancy cases for the Palm. As a result, you can truly customize this device to be just about whatever you want - within limits.
And Against. . .
That's the definite flip side to the Palm's simplicity. Because the Palm folks have (justifiably) been complete Nazis about throwing out anything that doesn't work perfectly, the platform is severely restricted to a "less is more" aesthetic. So forget about playing MP3 clips on your Palm device any time soon (yes, I know Handspring is claiming they'll be able to support this, but only with an add-on module that costs just as much as another Palm).
The reality is, some people actually do need color screens, voice record capability, and keyboards. And despite its flaws, that's exactly what Windows CE can provide.
I Can CE Clearly Now. . .
If what you're looking for is not a souped-up personal organizer but rather "PC Lite," there's no denying that CE is a far better choice than everything that's come before. (Anyone remember the Gridpad or the Newton?) With CE, you can choose amongst form factors ranging from (admittedly bulky) PalmPCs all the way up to mini-notebooks with full 10-inch screens. For people who really need it, color screens and a keyboard more than make up for an admittedly kludgey interface.
Although CE has gotten slammed on the ease of use frontier, it's certainly no harder to use than Windows. And there's no denying that its bundled apps are far more powerful than anything the PalmOS can muster up. Ever try drafting a five-page memo or an Excel spreadsheet on your Palm? You can do exactly that on any larger CE device, and easily swap files with your desktop.
But Maybe Not For Long. . .
However, Microsoft's wavering support for the platform is a definite cause for concern. Despite initial enthusiasm from manufacturers that led to some definite cool stuff (check out the Vadem Clio/Sharp TriPad!), the ardor has cooled signficantly. Microsoft still ostensibly claims that CE is key to its future, but heads appear to be rolling in droves back at that sector of the Redmond campus.
Doubt regarding the future has had an immediate side effect: Third-party vendors have been slow to come up with peripherals and software. Although you should still be able to cobble together quite a decent system if you try, everything tends to cost much more than comparable Palm solutions, as do the devices themselves (which is no surprise since they are so much more powerful).
So what should you choose? The answer lies in what you do. If you're just keeping track of your day, get a Palm. If, however, you need the versatility of a PC and are willing to put up with higher prices, greater complexity, and somewhat less portability, Windows CE is currently the only non-PC answer. And instead of kicking CE when it's down, remember this: The more choices there are, the better it is for all of us gadgeteers out there.
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