LG Electronics Phenom Ultra

This is the third time in as many issues of Handheld PC Magazine that we have reviewed an H/PC with a large, touch-typeable keyboard. I'm beginning to suspect that a trend is developing. This time I'm looking at the LG Electronics Phenom Ultra. As with the NEC MobilePro 750C (see page 6, Jul/Aug 98) and the Hitachi HPW-200 EC (see page 9, Sep/Oct 98), this attractive, black unit looks more like a mini-notebook computer than the Handheld PC we started writing about 20 months ago.

Hitachi manufactured this H/PC for LG and the Phenom Ultra is almost identical to the Hitachi HPW-200EC reviewed in last issue.

The Phenom Ultra has a keyboard that, while small compared to standard notebook computers, is luxuriously large by H/PC standards. Most people will be able to touch type easily on the Phenom Ultra's keyboard. In fact, once you get used to the closer spacing of the keys, you discover that you don't have as far to reach to strike a key. I type as fast or faster on these large-keyboard H/PCs as I do on my desktop.

The Phenom Ultra (and the Hitachi HPW-200EC) has the largest display of any H/PC. Like many other H/PCs, it has a horizontal, 640x240 pixels color touch-screen. But the diagonal measurement of its color screen is 8 inches (21 cm). This is a quarter of an inch (0.64 cm) larger than the NEC MobilePro and 1 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) larger than the screens on most other H/PCs. The size makes the screen quite easy to read, especially if you adjust the brightness and contrast properly and keep it out of direct sunlight. [Tip: Hold down the Alt key and press the Quick Launch keys on the top row of the keyboard to adjust the contrast and brightness.]

The Phenom Ultra comes with a nice set of bonus software (see sidebar). The Citrix ICA Client lets you use the Phenom Ultra to access a Winframe network and run full-blown network applications on the Phenom. This should be especially popular with corporate clients. Another interesting looking piece of software was the MobileCHOICE application suite. Coupled with a wireless modem and messaging service, this lets you send and receive e-mail without having to connect up to a phone line.

A "Handheld" PC?

The trend with Windows CE is towards bigger keyboards and screens. Take a look at the review of the new Handheld PC Pro for the latest example of this trend. True, it's easier to type on these devices, and the screens are easier to read. And battery life, while shorter than the monochrome screen handhelds and Palm-size PCs, is still acceptable for off-and-on use, away from an AC adapter. But we're starting to seriously stretch the meaning of the word "handheld." You can still hold it in one hand, but you're better off carrying it in a briefcase or tote bag.

Handhelds seem to be growing into mini-notebook computers. They are lighter, generally less expensive, and have better battery life than Windows 95/NT notebooks. In addition, they come with the basic software and most-used applications built-in, making the total cost of ownership (operating system, additional software and upkeep by an MIS department) much less than traditional notebook PCs. I think this size H/PC has the best chance of wide corporate adoption.

Whether or not individual mobile professionals buy the newer H/PCs in great quantity depends on how powerful this H/PC is perceived to be, and how "visible" it is. Manufacturers need to promote it as an inexpensive and practical solution, and they have to push it out into the retail channel more vigorously. I don't think many users will buy a product like this sight unseen. They'll want to go to a store and look at the screen, type on the keyboard, and play with the built-in applications.