11-21-2006, 04:00 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Happy 10th Anniversary Microsoft Windows Mobile
"I don�t know the actual introduction date for the first Windows CE devices. But, I always considered their launch at Fall Comdex 1996 to be their public introduction. The original devices were pretty spartan by even my 1996 standards. So, I waited until early 1997 to buy my first Windows CE device: An HP 320LX Handheld PC. It was a step up from HP�x 300LX. The 320LX had 4MB RAM (compared to the 300LX�s 2MB), a backlit screen, and a CompactFlash slot as well as a PC Card slot. Unlike other Handheld PC, it also had a 640�240 grayscale (greenscale) screen. It was a great device and as you can see from the photos here, it still works! HP engineers really built stuff to last back then (I have a few choice words about the iPAQ line HP inherited from their Compaq merger in some other blog entry). I just stuck in a fresh pair of AA batteries and the HP 320LX fired up. Even the backlight still works fine."
Todd Ogasawara's article is a great blast from the past - it's amazing that Windows Mobile (Windows CE) is 10 years old now. I have vivid memories of reading reviews of the first generation handheld PCs in a magazine called boot (now Maximum PC, and still the only computer magazine worth reading), and selecting the Philips Velo 1 as the device for me (it received the only "A" rating of the round-up if memory serves). I ordered it from the USA, and by the time it came with all taxes, shipping, and dollar conversions, it cost me about $1500 Canadian ($1350 USD). It was worth it though, I loved the device - until the hinge broke...again and again. Speaking of blasts from the Windows CE past, look how time flies. I also find it darkly amusing that no Windows Mobile device can do what I need yet with appointment reminders, even after all these years. I'm still hunting for a Velo 1 on eBay to reclaim some of the original glory...
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11-21-2006, 04:05 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 147
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For those interested, you can get a history lesson on Windows CE at http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/. This is the other site that I run along with Chris Tilley and he has composed the majority of this article.
Regards,
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Clinton Fitch ~ MVP-Mobile DevicesPrincipalClinton Fitch (Dot) Com!
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11-21-2006, 04:18 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 8
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Velo
I think I've got my Velo around somewhere. I think that was my second or third Windows CE device. I could probably start a museum!
Mike
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11-21-2006, 04:49 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 8
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Found it!
Well, I found my old Velo, along with a Cassiopia, an original Ipaq (3600?), and an IBM Writepad. Those go along with an updated Ipaq (3900?), an Asus, and my current Dell X51v. Throw in my Smartphones MPX200, 220, Samsung I700, I730, TMobile SDA and my current Dash, and I realize I've spent way too much money on Windows Mobile devices!
:?
Mike
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11-21-2006, 05:18 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 44
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Original Beta Tester on this Device
I was part of a small group of external testers on these devices and actually bought one after they were released. The beta had a code name of Pegasus.
They were Spartan devises but they had a real high cool factor and look where we are ten years later. I actually like the "mini" PC look and feel but their portability was limited. You could actually work on a document with their screen/keyboard size. Battery life was real short.
Now I use a Motorola Q.
Great memories - thanks,
Karl
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11-21-2006, 06:41 AM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 555
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I used to have a NEC MobilePro 770, and still have an Intermec 6651.
I was quite active back on the BrightHand HPC forums, and a few other odd ones. The good old days of hacking PPC programs to work on CE 3.0...fun times....
Now I have an IBM X60s with an extended battery. 10 hrs of no-frills battery life. It's all I need 0X
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11-21-2006, 11:07 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 25
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I had the Ericsson badged version of this, the MC12, with built in comms. I remember being blown away when I first got it, and it still works
Pete
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11-21-2006, 06:27 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 548
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I really never went for it until they came out with the Palm-size PC...
I was very interested though... I even wanted to have both HPC and PsPC.
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Carlo GuerreroFot�grafo ProfesionalMicrosoft MVP, Mobile Devices
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11-22-2006, 12:18 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 468
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I had the 320 LX. I think I still do, someplace. It was an upgrade from my 100 LX DOS-based PDA. (I think the 100 LX was actually the better device). It was also an upgrade, I suppose from my Casio Zoomer GeoWorks handheld, which was just too slow to be useful.
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11-22-2006, 02:46 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 784
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I remember when the first Windows CE handheld devices came out and I really wanted one, but they were expensive and I didn't really have a practical use for one at the time (I was in high school). I didn't get into Windows CE until I bought an iPaq 3600 Pocket PC. It was a bittersweet experience to say the least (more sweet than bitter though). :lol:
(originally posted at SPT)
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T-Mobile Dash | HP iPAQ 4100 | HP iPAQ 2210 | HP iPAQ 1910 | Intermec 6651 | Toshiba E570 | Compaq iPAQ 3600 | Casio Pocket Viewer
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Linear Mode
