Microsoft's Pocket PC is the Windows-based operating system embedded in a series of handheld devices from manufacturers such as HP, Compaq, and Symbol. Pocket PC includes built in support for E-Mail and Web browsing, as well as special pocket versions of Word and Excel. Like their full-sized PC based cousins, the software programs are integrated with one another, allowing users to auto launch Word or Excel documents received as E-Mail attachments, or launch Web sites in the Pocket Internet Explorer by clicking links presented in documents.

The devices feature full-color display screens and reorganized menu and program layouts designed especially for handheld use. Program menu options, for example, appear at the bottom of the screen, so that on-screen data is not obscured by the user's stylus when making selections. Text data can be entered via a pop-up clickable keyboard, and special translation software allows users to write words directly on the display with the stylus to be translated into target documents such as E-Mails.

The devices support multiple Internet connection options through Flash-card support for external modems, wireless Ethernet Network cards, or connections to existing cellular phones; support for TCP/IP, SLIP, and PPP connections is built in. The Pocket PC version of Internet Explorer is designed to display existing Web pages on the device without modifications to the pages themselves, meaning that users are free to surf to any Web site with the device. The Pocket Inbox supports the standard E-Mail protocols SMTP and POP3; and an included version of the Windows Media Player adds support for both WMA and MP3 audio files.

The latest Pocket PC software release (Pocket PC 2002) will be launched today (October 4th, 2001). According to information provided by Microsoft, the new release includes: the latest/new versions of the Windows Media Player and Microsoft Reader; a Terminal Services application providing the ability to access Windows based servers from the device; additional personalization options, including skins support for Today Screens; and support for multiple wireless connectivity protocols, including 802.11b, Bluetooth, and CDPD/GSM.

Though announced today, users should contact the individual Pocket PC manufacturers for availability of Pocket PC 2002 based devices. Existing Pocket PC users should contact their device's manufacturer to see if upgrades are possible; according to Microsoft, "Some users will be able to upgrade their devices to the Pocket PC 2002 software if their device uses Flash ROM memory."

For further information, visit Microsoft's Pocket PC Web site, as well as the actual manufacturer's Web sites listed below.