Microsoft unveils Windows CE 2.1 and Handheld PC Professional Edition: New Software! New Hardware!
On October 12 Microsoft announced the release of Windows CE 2.1 for the Handheld PC Professional. Simultaneously, at least one manufacturer, Sharp Electronics, announced the release of the TriPad, a new "Handheld PC Professional Edition" using the Windows CE 2.1 operating system and an enhanced set of built-in applications. Hewlett-Packard and Vadem are expected to ship Handheld PC Pros in limited quantity before the end of the year. Acer, IBM, Compaq, NEC, Fujitsu, and other manufacturers are expected to release H/PC Pros in 1999.
Windows CE 2.1 is the operating system that Microsoft is releasing. Microsoft released the operating system to PC Companion manufacturers and embedded systems developers in September. Handheld PC Pro (H/PC Pro) is the term that refers to Handheld PCs running Windows CE 2.1 and the enhanced set of H/PC applications. Although the first H/PC Pros to be released are the size of a mini-notebook computer, H/PC Pros may come in smaller form factors. Various manufacturers will make decisions on what form factors will be offered.
Microsoft is sticking to its "PC companion" philosophy with the H/PC Pro. My use of the term "mini-notebook" in the above paragraph does not mean that these devices have the full range of notebook PC capabilities. Microsoft has worked to make the H/PC Pro a more talented companion, with improvements to the operating system, the built-in "Pocket" applications, and Windows CE Services. But it is not a Windows 95 or Windows NT machine.
Windows CE 2.1 operating system enhancements
Microsoft is adding support for additional CPU processors, including the ARM 720T, DEC SA-1100, NEC VR4111 (Mips R4000) (in 32-bit mode), NEC VR4300 (Mips R4000), and Hitachi SH4. Windows CE 2.1 also lets you store databases, registry files, fonts, and device drivers in RAM, PC flash memory cards, or anywhere in the file system. The database is accessed and updated in place (where the customer located it). The registry is accessed and updated in RAM. Windows CE 2.1 will be localized in World-Wide English (WWE), Japanese, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese. A technical description of the changes in Windows CE 2.1 is available on Microsoft' Windows CE Web site, at www.microsoft.com/windowsce/embedded/techpapers/wce21/default.asp.
Windows CE 2.1 adds IMAP4 support, enabling mobile users to connect with Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino servers. In addition, Windows CE users can create "offline folders," allowing them to store and organize e-mail messages in folders. Windows CE 2.1 now includes the ability to open documents saved in desktop Word and Excel formats, and save Pocket Word and Excel documents in those formats, making it easier to send and receive document attachments. Also, the folders for the Inbox can be stored on a storage card allowing users to receive larger messages and attachments.
Applications: enhancements and additions
Tasks: Comes with a new "quick edit" view, making it easier to access and enter Tasks.
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