So how much longer till Windows XP on a pocket PC?

[CDM100]

Hi, everyone, just looked at this Eve computer by VIA (http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2004May/bch20040514025140.htm) which will run Windows XP embedded (anyone know what that means?).

Anyway, I just thought: the hardware is actually equal or even weaker in some parts than some PPCs (520MHz, 128 RAM). Granted, better graphix and probably better power usage in that device, but is there any essential limitation as to why one could not release a PPC with Windows already today? My parents' computer has lower hardware charecteristics than the latest PPCs, so what is the problem?

Any thoughts?

[surur]

the 520 MHz processor is not really equivalent to a 520 MHz Pentium. Its more like a 150 MHz x86 processor. So in short, you can emulate anything on anything, and DOS runs quite well on a pocketpc (meaning you can play dos games under emulation) but anything beyond that is just too slow.

There are however small PDA sized (or slightly bigger) pocket computers like the oqo, but currently they are very expensive.

http://www.oqo.com/

Its a bit pointless however, because the UI is not optimized for such a small screen. In that way dedicated PPC's are still much better.

Surur

[BUMP THAT]

OMG. I am going to buy one!!! Once I get the money. I need something like this. I need a Desktop OS. Think of all the things I can do. I can have al my suff on the go!! Brilliant. Ant I thought my 4700 was going to be fit for me. :)

[Don Tolson]

One of the big differences between Windows Mobile and XP (for which I am eternally grateful) is the 'instant on' capability of WM.

I have no desire to turn on my Pocket PC and wait 2 mins for the O/S to boot itself, figure out what hardware is out there, and initiate all the 'subsystem tasks' required to get the desktop displayed.

[Ripper014]

The other question is WHY do you want to run XP...?

[Darius Wey]

The other question is WHY do you want to run XP...?

W?BIC! :roll:

For me, a small laptop and a PDA takes preference over a botched-up OQO.

[CDM100]

Well, the one big reason for using WinXP is that (unfortunately) it is the one single OS today which guarantees a pretty high level of compatibility with almost anything (hardware and software) out there. And because you're not stuck with a limited number of products written specifically for PPCs and can easily put in any content you find anywhere. Otherwise, I don't care so much for Windows, but then again, it is the only OS most people learned to use...

Is there any source I could read on how RAM in PPCs relates to 'real' RAM on computers?
Thanks everyone!

[BUMP THAT]

I have been thinking about this and no longer want it. The hardware is not that great and it costs way too much!! 8O And I totally forgot about booting up. ;) I just thought about all the compatibility and couldnt think clear. :)

[surur]

Well, the one big reason for using WinXP is that (unfortunately) it is the one single OS today which guarantees a pretty high level of compatibility with almost anything (hardware and software) out there.

Is there any source I could read on how RAM in PPCs relates to 'real' RAM on computers?
Thanks everyone!

In a way compatibility is overrated. Even if the code ran on the platform, the products would be poorly adapted to the lack of keyboard and very small screen. They would also be very resource intensive (e.g use a lot of ram and expect a lot of hard drive space (including 100's of Mb of virtual RAM) Of course some-one could write software than was adapted to both platforms, but then thats in part what .net is all about, and secondarily he might as well then compile a separate optimised built just for WIN CE.

In WM 5.0, RAM will be RAM, and ROM would be equivalent to HDD on a laptop. The situation is more complicated in current devices, but why go there :)

Surur

[Darius Wey]

You may also want to consider the fact that mobile applications are designed to be started up and minimised instantly. You don't get the same sort of on-the-go operability on an OQO-type device. It runs Windows XP and is very much a mini-computer, with all the bells and whistles that make it a PC, but you also get all the occasional problems associated with it. Also, the OQO is an early concept and a lot of things need to be ironed out before it becomes a potent force in the mobile market. If you want true mobility, look no further than Windows Mobile. I can't emphasise enough the awesome start-up times on a Pocket PC, which almost everyone here has mentioned already.

[Kowalski]

like Surur stated there is no point of running full blown windows xp on a palm sized device. you wont be able to use advantages of windows xp with limited resolution and input devices.

[CDM100]

Well, I did not have in mind something like OQO, which is too weak a computer anyway. I was more thinking of Sony VAIO VGN-U750P 8O style device (but it should be smaller and definitely less expensive).

As for the advantages of immediate boot, I think I read that Longhorn will have something like that, being adapted for PCs which have both a traditional hard drive and a flash memory type drive. This little thing would allow the same immediate start/shutdown capacity. I am also quite convinced that soon (2 years max) that Sony will easily have a 20Gb entirely flash memory in stead of that hard drive.

But just think of how much simpler it is when you don't have to look for software specifically written for PPCs or even for your model/brand, when you're sure that anything you put on your PPC or conect to it will work as intended, no transformation needed! I would like to have a universal device in my pocket, one which will serve any purpose I may wish to use it for at any moment. One that can be tweaked with like a PC. In a word, a device combining a full power PC with the small form factor, immediate boot and other advantages of PPCs.

Can't wait to see the real value of RAM under WM5, thanks! I may well be disapponted though :cry: Ah, well... WIll just wait for the prices to go down on those Sonys...