Handheld PC

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sharp Mobilion PRO PV5000A, one of the many Handheld PCs produced.

A Handheld PC, or H/PC for short, is a Microsoft term for a computer built around a form factor which is smaller than any standard laptop computer. It is sometimes referred to as a Palmtop.

A true Handheld PC runs on a Platform Release of the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, with the term also covering Windows CE devices released by the broader commercial market.

[edit] Design requirements

The Handheld PC was the original hardware design for consumer PDA devices running Windows CE. It allows one to organize one's life on the move. Billed by Microsoft as a "PC Companion device", the Handheld PC provides familiar applications from the PC in a mobile format with all the convenience and portability of a PDA. Originally announced in 1996, the Handheld PC is distinctive from its more recent counterparts such as the Palm-Size PC, Pocket PC, or SmartPhone in that the specification provides for larger screen sizes as well as a keyboard.

To be classed as a Handheld PC the device must

Run Microsoft's Windows CE (Handheld PC Platform Release)
Be bundled with an application suite only found through an OEM Platform Release and not in Windows CE itself
Use ROM
Have a screen supporting a resolution of greater than 480×240
Include a keyboard
Include a CompactFlash Slot
Include a PCMCIA Slot
Include an infrared (IrDA) port
Provide wired serial and/or USB connectivity

Examples of Handheld PC devices are the NEC MobilePro 900c, HP 320LX, HP Jornada 720, and Vadem Clio. A full list of Handheld PC class devices can be found at HPC:Factor in the Handheld PC Device Specifications List.

Microsoft has not issued a Platform Release for the Handheld PC since 2000, focusing development on Platform Releases for the Pocket PC and Smartphone. Along with Platform Release device, additionally there are devices commonly called Handheld PCs by end users which do not necessarily match the specification laid down by Microsoft in a rigid way. These devices take up the physical hardware characteristics of the H/PC but instead of running on a Platform Release, run on the commercial, retail version of Windows CE (from CE 2.12 onward).

Windows CE devices which match all of the hardware requirements of the H/PC specification but lack a keyboard are known as Windows CE Tablet PC or Webpad devices.