First, let's start by describing some of the Windows CE operating system characteristics and capabilities:
Windows CE is a modular operating system designed to build computing devices. Its modularity means that engineers can select which parts of the operating system are required for example, a device may not need a keyboard or a display, but perhaps it needs networking capability. By selecting only those modules a device requires, the size and cost of the device can be controlled. Device manufacturers can use the Microsoft Platform Builder product to produce their own customized devices, or use one of the standard configurations such as the Pocket PC or Handheld PC. These standard configurations come with utilities and tools, such as Pocket Word or Pocket Internet Explorer, that can be incorporated into the devices. This flexibility also produces problems for the application developer. While the Windows CE operating system may support some functionality, such as a TCP/IP stack, the device being targeted may not. Therefore, the application developer should first determine if the feature is present before programming forit! There is currently much confusion around Windows CE versions and naming conventions. In particular, recent devices such as the Pocket PC are labeled "Powered by Windows" and don't actually mention Windows CE at all. The truth is that Pocket PC does use Windows CE. Here are some of the more recent releases of WindowsCE:
To add to the confusion, each of the standard configurations such as palm-size and handheld devices has its own version number. For example, the Handheld PC Edition Version 3.01 actually runs on Windows CE 2.11. To simplify matters, the descriptions of devices will apply to the following operating systems:
Microsoft Pocket PCThe Pocket PC does not have a keyboard and supports written character in- put using SIP (Supplementary Input Panel) with either character recognition or a virtual keyboard. Pocket PC can also use Microsoft Transcriber, a program that uses neural network programming techniques for handwriting recognition. Pocket PC provides multimedia playback (for music using MP3 and video), Microsoft Reader for reading books, Microsoft Pocket Word and Pocket Excel, and Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer for web access. Pocket PC marks the start of a new era in mobile devices. Not only does it offer unparalleled consumer functionality; it also provides tools for the enterprise developer for accessing databases, the Internet and intranet, and server-side components. Most Pocket PC devices support either a type-1 or type-2 Compact Flash slot which can be used for expanding storage (using either solid-state memory devices or Winchester disk drives), or adding peripheral support such as barcode readers, cameras, modems, or connections to GSM mobile phones. Handheld PCThe Handheld PC differs from Pocket PC primarily in its keyboard support. It also has a larger screen. Sub-notebook size devices with larger screens and keyboards are also available. Handheld devices often support a full-size PCMCIA card and a Compact Flash card slot and may have an inbuilt modem. This device configuration is best suited to job functions that require large amounts of data entry and better display capabilities, such as customer-facing situations. Either the screens are touch sensitive, or some form of mouse support is provided. The sub-notebooks running Windows CE are generally the same size as some of the smaller Windows 98 laptop computers, and there is less cost differential. Palm Size PCThe Palm size PC has been largely replaced with the Pocket PC. It provides a user interface that is more similar to Windows, as opposed to Pocket PC, which is more like a browser interface. The Palm size PC suffered from poor battery life and insufficient capability.
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