“Users and analysts predict that Palm Inc. in Santa
Clara, Calif., will continue to hold its own, even though
Microsoft has produced a slick, easy-to-use device unburdened by
problems that plagued earlier handhelds based on its Windows CE
operating system.”
“Microsoft has touted the PocketPC’s Secure Sockets Layer
security capabilities as appealing to information technology users.
But the effort may be futile.”
“Analysts who have tested PocketPC hardware — available at
Wednesday’s launch from Casio Inc. in Dover, N.J., Compaq Computer
Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. — were impressed. Ken Dulaney, an
analyst at Gartner Group Inc. in Stamford, Conn., called the new
Windows CE operating system in the PocketPC “adequate” compared
with earlier versions and had high praise for what he called its
“sleek design.” Dulaney said he has no doubt that the PocketPC will
become a “corporate tool,” but he quickly added, “It’s no Palm
killer.””