Microsoft has launched a new brand for their mobile devices: Windows Mobile. Pocket PC 2003 becomes Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, Pocket PC 2003 Phone Edition become Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Phone Edition, and the next version of Smartphone will be similarly named.
Yawn.
Brighthand has the best overview of new and updated features. Most of the improvements are incremental. Wireless users will be interested in the native support for WiFi and Bluetooth along with the completely overhauled Connection Manager. Gamers will love the performance enhancements.
The iPAQ 1940, 2210, 5150, and 5550 are all official with retail prices of $299, $399, $549, and $649, respectively. The releases are being staggered, with the 2210 available today. All have Bluetooth, SDIO, and Transflective screens, the 5550 also has WiFi. The 1940 uses a 266MHz Samsung chip, the rest are 400MHz PXA255s. The 5550 has 128MB RAM, the rest have 64MB, and all have an iPAQ File Store of various sizes.
Jason Dunn has confirmed that the 2210 is compatible with existing iPAQ keyboards.
Other announced 2003 devices include the Toshiba e355, ViewSonic V36 and V37, and JVC’s MP-PV131 and MP-PV331. Gateway’s X100 hasn’t been announced yet, but rumour is that it will launch next month (Update: CNET has X100 specs and a picture).
So far, it’s known that Pocket PC 2003 upgrades will be available for the Pocket LOOX 600, O2 XDA, ViewSonic V35, Dell Axim X5, Toshiba e755, and the HP iPAQ 3800, 3900, and 5400-series.
