Windows CE 3

Another new entry in the spring sales are the new Windows CE releases. CE licensees are showing their CE 2.0 machines, which are taking their time to be released in the UK, and prototypes of the PalmPC models, due for released sometime before June '98. Given that CE 2.0 was announced by all the manufacturers at the beginning of last September as due for release early this year, I can't see why the delay with upgrades. Only the Hewlett-Packard machines seem to be shipping, and those mostly in the States rather than Europe.

PalmPC is Microsoft's rather contentious name for models that imitate the Pilot machines. The form factor is almost identical, although all of the PalmPCs that I have seen so far are noticeable larger than a Pilot, and the initial user interface is a cross between CE and the Pilot. Initial impressions, and I'll stress that I have only had a few moments with the new models from Philips and Everex, are pleasant. I am convinced that size is still the dominating factor in this market, so I am prepared to stick my neck out and say that the Pilot still rules.

Slightly further away is the AutoPC, with one model due from Clarion. So far Microsoft only have a video to demonstrate the machine, but they still say that it should arrive this year. The AutoPC will replace your radio cassette player in the dashboard, and offer a voice control interface to standard CE applications. Additions should include route finder and following software, voice interface to a mobile phone, and embedded audio functions. There should also be a control mechanism that can be mounted on the steering column.

Words and design by:
Paul Lynch
Last updated: March 11, 1998