the widest viewing area of all the CE machines we tested, allowing us to view information just as it would appear on a desktop PC.
The keybo
ard on the HP has sloping keys that work well with the heavy, angled stylus. We found the battery compartments easy to access; you don't need a screwdriver to open them. The spare battery compartment includes a reset button to clear the system's memory, which we found helpful when resetting the unit between file transfers.
The HP also did fairly well on features, placing fourth after the NEC, Hitachi, and Philips models. One major problem is its on/off buttons, which are located on the space bar. This makes it easy to accidentally turn on the machine when the cover is closed by simply pressing down on the closed case.
Among the CE hand-helds, the HP was the fastest in our file transfer tests: 217.33 seconds to upload 100 schedules and 200 contact files, and 47.83 seconds to download the same number of files.
The NEC MobilePro 450 is the winner in our Low Cost category for CE-based machines. It comes with a number of built-in functions and connectivity options, such as a PC Card modem and a 1
15.2-Kbps infrared port. We found the stylus to be sturdy and the keys tactile.
We also liked the built-in stylus cradle on the combination serial port-A/C adapter. In fact, we found the attachment itself handy for easing the hand-held into the cradle for a convenient, one-step connection. Additionally, data transfer was easy. However, we did not like the shiny screen, which caused glare and made viewing difficult.
We chose the Psion Series 3 as the winner among the hand-held computers that use a proprietary operating system. It was the clear performance winner in both OS categories, taking only 5.8 seconds for file uploads and 6.5 seconds for file downloads. It tied with the Sharp 5800 for first place in usability with its 5- by 2-inch screen, easy-to-use multifunction buttons, and keys that make an audible click.The Psion Series 3 came in first place for features as well, due to its multitude of applications and its battery life (estimated at 80 hours). Communications options on this system were
impressive, with PC Card compatibility and synchronization software. The unit comes with its own development software, Psion's Object-Oriented Visual Application Language (OVAL), which is compatible with Visual Basic. The Psion also supports C++ and Organizer Programming Language (OPL). Additionally, we found the Psion's external sound recorder with playback capability to be indispensable.
Second Place
Second place for the Windows CE-based systems went to the Hitachi HPW10E4. The system is fast, landing in second place for performance among the six Windows CE machines. It boasts a good download time of 51.3 seconds and a decent upload time of 215.03 seconds. However, it is mediocre in the areas of usability and features. We found some serious design flaws, in addition to an annoying screen flicker.
To change the backup battery, we had to unscrew an underside panel, exposing the DSP modem board and other circuitry. Although the keyboard is easy to type with, we found the screen to be som
ewhat unresponsive for writing with the stylus. Additionally, the PC Card eject button is located directly below the cover release, which makes it easy to accidentally eject the card when opening the cover.
The Sharp Zaurus 5800 is our second-place winner among the units using a proprietary OS. It ranked number one in usability among all the proprietary-based systems we tested. Its multifunction buttons are easy to use, and its large, backlit screen is impressive. The Zaurus is slow at transferring files, however. It ranked last in terms of performance (159 seconds for downloads and 62.4 seconds for uploads) among all the proprietary-OS systems we tested.
Notable Toteable
We make special note of the Philips Velo 1, which came out on top in usability among the CE machines. The keyboard has well-spaced oval keys and useful multifunction buttons. The touchscreen was the most responsive of all those we tested. The Velo 1 comes with a built-in 19.2-Kbps modem and RJ-11 connector. Its voice-mem
o feature is extremely useful, storing 16 minutes of sound per megabyte. With the ability to handle both flash or DRAM, the Velo 1's upgradability is a welcome benefit. However, you cannot add a flash minicard if you already installed an OS upgrade ROM in that slot. Plus, the Velo 1 loses pocketability when you connect an extra half-inch-thick module for PC Card support.
Size Matters
The largest system of the lot, Apple's Newton MessagePad 2000 weighs 1.4 pounds and measures 1.1 inches high by 4.7 inches wide, with a depth of 8.3 inches. But it represents the only option among the units we tested for someone who wants a Macintosh-like OS. Thanks to its 160-MHz StrongARM SA-110 RISC processor, the system is quite fast--just seconds behind the Psion. Additionally, the Newton's 480 by 320 transflective LCD offers resolution of 100 dots per inch and 16 levels of gray scale. The Newton is a veteran in the field, so there's plenty of software available. But it will cost you. The system is priced at
$1099, which includes an external keyboard, case, and software.
The smallest footprint belongs to the U.S. Robotics Palm Pilot Professional, which weighs a mere 5.7 ounces and measures 0.7 by 3.2 by 4.7 inches. Its super-long battery life of two months, in combination with its $399 price and tiny size, make it the market leader.(The Pilot captured 51 percent of the hand-held market in 1996, according to Dataquest.) Our performance tests showed it to be quite fast, scoring 20.9 seconds for file uploads and 19.6 seconds for downloads. However, its scores were only fair in features and usability. The Pilot is an excellent choice for people who want smallness and long battery life but could care less about extra bells and whistles.
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Best Overall: Hand-Held Computers
