Round Three: Subjective Opinion
(the Palm OS vs. Pocket PC)
by SemperAptus Staff
 

In our final round, we wanted to compare some of the more subjective components of PDAs our first category being the most subjective of all. Appearance is the ultimately personal choice, but we think that even Jeff Hawkins (the creator of the Palm Pilot) will tell you that the Compaq iPAQ and the HP Jornada 540 series are far more attractive than the bland-in-comparison Palm IIIc. It is as if Palm didn't even bother to come up with a new design for their color devices. 

Communications and Internet connectivity categories also go to the Pocket PC, with it's built-in TCP/IP, RAS dial-up capability. But the Palm Pilot captures ease-of-use and out-of-box experience based on it's simple operating system and user set up. The system walks you through graffiti and basic procedures, where the Pocket PC only shows you how to cut-and-paste using their poorly conceived tap-and-hold interface. 

The Pocket PC returns to the winner's circle with out-of-the-box synchronization. ActiveSync is an excellent synchronization system and works flawlessly (surprise) with Microsoft Outlook. The Palm Pilot finishes the contest with a win in the available applications category.

So, who wins?

If you've come this far in our review, you've doubtlessly found the PDA of your choice. We hope our head-to-head review has given you enough information to pick the device that satisfies your needs. For our staff, the choice is easy. The Pocket PC is a no-brainer for all of the power and capabilities it offers. The Palm Pilot still has a number of valuable offerings, but the Palm IIIc just doesn't stack up against the newest line of Windows CE devices. Of course, the Palm V has a number of unique advantages, but a head-to-head of black and white devices is a whole different review. 

Published: 6/1/00