Has "Palm Pilot" Just Been Easier to Say Than "Pocket PC?"

[Raphael Salgado]

I remembered watching <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0305357/">Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle</a></i> on cable recently and stumbled on a scene where Cameron Diaz retreives a Pocket PC from a locker and shouts, "Palm Pilot!" (Further explanation <a href="http://tinyurl.com/l6qol">here</a>). Of course, true mobile device connoisseurs such as ourselves would declare blasphemy. But, over the last few years when people have asked me what gadget I'm holding in my hand, I do notice that it's harder to roll the words "Pocket PC" off my tongue than it would be to say "Palm Pilot," had it been one. Add our latest, supposed catch phrases, "Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC" and "Windows Mobile-Powered Pocket PC," and you'll probably see why the script writers will choose "Palm Pilot" instead.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/salgado_lbbjasjar.jpg" /> <br /><br />Perhaps our "WMDs" ;) don't get enough (or proper) exposure in the media because they're too complicated for the average person? Imagine how the movie <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361841/">Little Black Book</a></i> would be if she was sporting around his i-mate JASJAR instead, yet another comparatively difficult phrase to say in a film (not like the director would even allow that, nor is the device little or black). Do you give an easier name or description of your device when asked? Do you have a hard time explaining to people what device you have?

[Jason Dunn]

Great topic! When asked, I always just say "Pocket PC". If they ask more, I say it's running Windows Mobile, a special Microsoft operating system. But I never try to cram all that into one description. And now that Pocket PCs are more common, it's not QUITE so unusual a device that people haven't ever heard of it before.

[piperpilot]

I go even more generic and tell them that it's my PDA. If they ask what that is, I don't even attempt to explain it, although I might tell them what the acronym stands for.

[aroma]

Do you give an easier name or description of your device when asked?

Oh yeah... I definately have a nickname for my little device! I thought all guys did! :wink: :devilboy:


OK... that was bad. I just couldn't resist.

:dilemma:

[JD Silver]

I use the term PDA, and provide more information if they are interest. Palm Pilot has the "product identification" just like kleenex or xerox, and it will be pretty difficult to move the media into greater precision.

If interest is expressed, I'll usually explain the differences between Palm OS and WM, focusing mainly on multitasking with a demo.

[makic]

I use "Handheld" typically. Sometimes "Ipaq."

[bkerrins]

I say it's my phone :)

[Felix Torres]

I call it what it is; a Pocket PC.
If asked, I say its a pocket-sized computer.
Which is exactly what it is.

Most are satisfied with that; a pocket-sized computer is a simpler concept to relay than trying to explain acronyms and varieties of Windows to people that just aren't interested in that much detail.
If they have enough tech familiarity to inquire further, then I explain it runs the mobile version of Windows, not the desktop version.

Otherwise, I try to avoid the TMI syndrome. ;-)

[ddhsoftware]

I have to agree that not even the platform, but the device name matters. I think the term iPAQ was the last product name for a Pocket PC device that had that easy to say connotation. That really does matter- look at all the iPod wannabees, how many have actually tried to come up with a product name instead of a model number? The consumer side of me can't understand it, but the business side of me knows how much harder it is to secure a name than a product number!

[Tony Rylow]

I usually just call it my phone, or if they ask what kind, usually just give them Pocket PC.

[PDANEWBIE]

I used to say Ipaq but then too many people thought it was some form of IPOD. Now I say I have a PPC and if asked I say Pocket PC.

In all I am tapping away so much I don't get bugged often :)

[tabenate]

Great picture :twisted: ,er .. topic :wink:

It's PDA for me too. Actually I think saying Palm Pilot would confound even more - Palm ain't big down here in the southern tip of Africa.

[pocketpcadmirer]

Thanks to lot of advertisement these days, people really know what I am carrying. When they see the O2 logo, they automatically surmise that it is a 'high' end phone. :wink:

[Gerard]

I replied 'Pocket PC' for the first couple of years. The blank stares, and the frequent 'oh, like a Palm Pilot?' nonsense, moved me towards saying just 'it's my computer.' That's what I've been saying for the past few years, as it generally spawns the appearance of understanding. Once it's sunk in for a few seconds, they'll often go on to ask something like 'so it does email, the internet, stuff like that?' And I'll say 'yup, and documents and spreadsheets and contact and appointment stuff.' If they're still paying attention and want more (unlikely) I'll go on about graphics editing, audio recording, FTP, and whatever else seems relevant to the person at hand.

Is a Palm device still really a 'Pilot'? I thought they'd stopped making Palm Pilots almost a decade ago. Wasn't that back in the US Robotics period?

[Mitch D]

I sell both iPaq's and Palm's where I work and everyday I have people coming in looking for a "Palm Pilot". Most people don't realize there is even a difference between a Pocket PC and Palm device so they tend to use the generic term.

Yes I do correct them when I am explaining the advantages of the Pocket PC verses the Palm but in some cases you can tell by the look in thier eyes (lights on but no one is home) that they just don't understand. :wink:

[Vincent M Ferrari]

I just call it my handheld. If anyone asks, I berate them for their luditity.

Kidding about the handheld part. :lol:

[Nurhisham Hussein]

If Cameron Diaz was picking my pocket, she can call it anything she likes :devilboy:

[applejosh]

I used to say iPAQ (when it was applicable) or PocketPC, which was usually met with blank looks. So then I'd say it was kind of like a Palm (and then they'd say, "Palm Pilot?") It's amazing how many people still call any handheld PDA a Palm Pilot. And yes, the "Pilot" part disappeared after one of the first two product lines. (I can't recall if my first Palm was a Palm Pilot Personal or just a Palm Personal.)

[Miz]

Just one year ago, most of my acquiantances call any such device "Palm" (and most of them write "Plam"). But now with the emergence of pocketpc phones, a lot of people begin to know the word "Pocket PC" ... but they call it "O2". (O2 XDA seemed to be the first popular one in my country I guess.)

[Damion Chaplin]

I guess it depends on what I was just doing with it.

If I just had it up to my ear, I say "My Pocket PC" and watch the oohs and aahs. If I was using the stylus or keyboard, I usually say "My Phone" and again watch the oohs and aahs.

These days, many people have heard the term "Pocket PC" and thus don't ask for qualification, however, most people still have no clue what the difference between a Palm and PPC is. I guess they just figure one term morphed into the other.

[Down8]

I go even more generic and tell them that it's my PDA. If they ask what that is, I don't even attempt to explain it, although I might tell them what the acronym stands for.PDA rolls just as well as "Palm Pilot". Depending on my perception of the person's intelligence, if someone asks "Is that a Palm Pilot?" I either say "yes" or, "no, PocketPC - much better."

-bZj

[Lex]

I work for a New Jersey based company so I say, "You toykin ta meh?"

[tommyd75]

I have had various pocket pc's throughout the past 6 years and when asked about them I would say it's a pocket pc and people would ask if it's "like a palm pilot" and I would reply sort of but better, more like a pc that you can take with you , hence the name!!!!
Now adays I have a Ipaq 6515 and it iritates me when people see it and call it a blackberry, just because of the built in keyboard.
I explain to them that it does so much more, and most importantly it has a touch screen interface.

Just my $ 0.02 :D

[Glint]

I call it my PDA. If I get a 'huh?' response I say "Like a palm pilot but better".

And definitely, saying palm pilot is the first thing that flitters through my mind. Probably because I had a palm first.

[Raphael Salgado]

I have to chime in with some relief that I can just say "it's a Treo." ;) In the New York/New Jersey Metro, the streets and trains are packed with suits holding these bad boys, so it's so popular that it won't matter if they think it's a 600, 650, or 700w.

[Gerard]

Cameron Diaz? Blonde... skinny... but otherwise no resemblance. Oh, they're both human (I think) and female...

[Jon Westfall]

I don't tell them anything! I rarely have people ask me outright what I'm holding, although I do get a lot of "That's a PHONE?" when I put the stylus away and start a phone call.

[j0dan]

People understand "Treo" now. (hate my treo and any palm btw)

But my Pocket PC always gets called a palm pilot. I correct with "Pocket PC" but I'm afraid it does no good. I like the "like a palm pilot but better" response.

[Darius Wey]

If Cameron Diaz was picking my pocket, she can call it anything she likes :devilboy:

You mean Brittany Murphy? Or are you thinking of a different scenario?

[Gerard]

Oh no, he actually knows her name. How very....... telling.

[Darius Wey]

Oh no, he actually knows her name. How very....... telling.

What? Never seen a movie before?

[Gerard]

Sorry. Just stretching a bit, as this is a nomenclatural thread anyway, and it seemed to have run out of steam. Yes, I have seen many movies, and some (although not the little black book thingy, which somehow I missed) make me squirm to remember having dropped a few bucks to see them. Guess the latest of that sort for me was the Ultra Violet thing, which I saw for only two reasons; 1) I see just about any science fiction movie, just to encourage the genre, in vain hopes that one day there'll be more decent examples.... and 2), because the heroine is a babe. There, I said it. Happy?

[isajoo]

if any one ask's me i just act like they never really asked and just put it in my pocket and then if they are still interested them i would explain to them the whole big bang theory on pocket pc's... start off by saying its an ipod on staroids x1000. then its a palm pilot once again pn staroids x1000. and then the final one its 1/4 of a laptop. then let their imagine take over. :lol:

[Darius Wey]

There, I said it. Happy?

You know, I was just messing with you. ;)

But, back on topic: If anyone asks me what I'm holding, I'll say it's a Pocket PC. Some will ask if it's a Palm Pilot. If so, I'll make the effort and tell them that it's a Pocket PC, and show them a bit of what it can do (time permitting). If there's anything Pocket PCs and Smartphones need, it's mass education. Hopefully, in a few years, people will know enough to realise that Joe User is holding a Pocket PC, not a Palm Pilot.

[ctmagnus]

2), because the heroine is a babe.

:rotfl: Is there any other reason to see a movie? ;) :mrgreen:

[sapibobo]

When people asked i just call it Windows Mobile. Sometimes people will understand the word PDA-only.

[Janak Parekh]

So... what am I supposed to do? I am carrying a Palm, after all.

:lol:

Incidentally, people may not recognize the term "Pocket PC", but many of them do recognize "iPAQ" -- it's really sad that HP squandered the brand name, because at the time of purchase the iPAQ term was rapidly gaining on PalmPilot (and may have been level with "Palm", which never quite successfully replaced the PalmPilot moniker).

--janak

[Don't Panic!]

"Palm Pilot" is easier on the vocal chords than "Pocket PC" or "Windows Mobile". P's and D's are hard constanants. ;)

[Gex]

Windows Mobile devices really need a catch name! I never call them Pocket PC's anymore since that term (to me) seems so old and outdated.

Look at how everyone knows what a BlackBerry is... does that name have ANYTHING do do with what the device is??? No.. but people like cute names that can be associated with certain brands and devices.

Generally the population knows what a BlackBerry is... also the Treo brand has broad recognition.

Almost no one know what Windows Mobile is... Pocket PC is even worse... it dosnt sound cute or trigger any sort of association with a certain type of product.

So we still don’t have a real good product name...Windows Mobile seem to be better though than Pocket PC as people are usually familiar with Windows and can somewhat relate to there being a mobile version of Windows.

I usually just say "its a Treo 700w"...and i might add "its the (Microsoft) Windows version of the Treo.... or "it has/runs a version of (Microsoft) Windows for mobile devices"....

I used to say its my Windows Mobile Phone before I got the Treo....or its a phone that runs a version of (Microsoft) Windows for mobile devices/cell phones.

[hamishmacdonald]

It's true: it's a silly little point, but if Microsoft really want to occupy a share of people's imagination with these devices, they need to make them easy to think of. And naming is one of our greatest powers for creating a possibility in others' minds. (As my friend Dan says, "Adam's first job in Genesis was to name everything. Before that, it was just an undistinguished mass of fur and feathers.")

So these things need a name that's easy to remember and easy to say. "Windows Mobile Device" -- ugh. Talking about your OS in the name? How about talking about what it's for?

In the meantime, I tend to say "pocket computer". It's clunky, but it saves the person having to think or ask about an acronym.

[onesix18]

I just call it my phone, although even after all this time, with Blackberrys and Treos now nearly ubiquitous, people still sometimes say "That's your phone? Wow, what does it do?"

Yes, even at the airport people say this. Come on people, this isn't exactly new tech at this point! LOL I think it's the sliding keyboard that gets them (HTC Blue Angel).

[Steve Jordan]

Just yesterday, I was reading an e-book on my Toshiba PPC, when someone asked me, "Oh, is that a Blackberry?"

I think it has more to do with what gets marketed and publicized better. "Pocket PC" isn't harder or easier for me to say than "Palm Pilot," but everybody knows the phrase "Palm Pilot," and now "Blackberry." Who's had "Pocket PC" drilled into them by innumerable TV spots, magazine articles and movies?

If you market the Pocket PC better, and call it a warp radish, everyone will be asking, "Is that a warp radish?" This is just another clear indication that PPC manufacturers need to get off the stick and advertise, if they actually want to sell these things.

[halr9000]

My wife still calls my WM5 device my Palm or Palm Pilot. I've had like 4 devices since the Palm ones several years ago!

[JPD6825]

I find that 'PDA' rolls off the tongue the easieat, so I and my wife both tend to use that in our conversations. Such as... 'I need to charge my PDA...' (as there is just one charger on the nightstand). With the uninformed and curious I refer to it first as a PDA and then maybe later in the conversation I say '... it's actually called a Pocket PC".

[UnwiredSoftware]

Strangely enough, I usually just say something like, "I have your contact info in my Palm," or "I'll put it in the Palm."

Basically, the word "Palm" seems to be my standard that I'm having a hard time breaking, especially since I carry a Smartphone and a Pocket PC...Well, shoot, I'm actually not having a hard time breaking my 'misuse' of terminology at all...I'm just not trying : )

Palm. There, I said it again!

__________________________________
Darren Conway
Unwired Software, Inc.
www.unwiredsoftware.com

[yanathin]

Now that I bought myself a Treo 700w, it's easy for me. When they ask me I respond with, "Yeah, it's the new Treo with Windows on it." Everybody knows what a Treo is, and everybody knows what Windows is. When I had my Qtek 9100 I didn't know what to call it, so I just referred to it was my phone.

Now the real trick is what to say when somebody asks what my Tablet PC is... for some reason nobody seems to understand the term "Tablet PC."

[halr9000]

Everybody knows what a Treo is
*sigh* Almost makes me want to get a Treo so that its easier to explain to non-techie friends. :D

[Steve Jordan]

Everybody knows what a Treo is...

You are incorrect, sir! My wife and half my co-workers don't know what a Treo is. If you mentioned the word iPaq, they'd say: "Yeah, that's a Palm Pilot, right?"

[Jason Lee]

If some one asks me "is that a palm?" I will say no, it is a pocket pc. It runs windows.

Or if they ask what is that? I will answer my computer or sometimes my phone. If they want to know more I will say it runs windows and show them the start menu. They either think that is cool and move on or I end up in a product demo. hehe

We ordered a bunch for a project at work and everyone was calling them palm pilots. After a few months of correcting them with pocket pc i've got a few calling them pocket palms... oh well. close enough I guess. :)

[uwaku]

"It's my mini-computer." Usually gets their attention, especially since I never hold it to my head as a phone (Bluetooth works so much better).

And Gerard, the Cameron Diaz reference was because the original message mentioned her in Charlie's Angels. And yes, that's Brittany Murphy, as almost any straight male who actually sees movies will tell you. Don't feel bad about the confusion. Hot chicks'll do that to you, especially at my age...

I do like how Raphael subbed a PPC for the Palm Tungsten E from the film, though!

[stick]

My kids always ask me for my PDA so I found myself saying the same. I now use the Palm 700w and have now starting saying Palm or PDA.

[A_bug]

It's true: it's a silly little point, but if Microsoft really want to occupy a share of people's imagination with these devices, they need to make them easy to think of. And naming is one of our greatest powers for creating a possibility in others' minds. (As my friend Dan says, "Adam's first job in Genesis was to name everything. Before that, it was just an undistinguished mass of fur and feathers.")

So these things need a name that's easy to remember and easy to say. "Windows Mobile Device" -- ugh. Talking about your OS in the name? How about talking about what it's for?

In the meantime, I tend to say "pocket computer". It's clunky, but it saves the person having to think or ask about an acronym.

I wasn't going to post but Hamish's post reminded me of something. My Son (now 3 1/2) has not only seen me use my Axim (try getting a 3 year old to say that one) but he also know how to do a few things (turn it off and on, and turn of the alarm (pTravel Alarm)). So to make it easier for him i've just called it 'my little computer' (b/c really that is what it is). And that works just fine for him.

Great now i'm seing the revised scene from Scarface, "Say Hello to my little [computer] friend . . . " :lol:

Actually - for a while my wife called it my palm (though she's had a Palm V back in the day while i've never had one (Newton, Visor, Jornada, iPaq, Axim). But now that she has games on there that she likes to play all the time (all the time). She just calls it 'The Gamey thing' or depending on how tired she is, she'll just mimic the motions of using the stylus :D

Ok now i'm really off topic. . . .

A (meandering) Bug :wink:

[friscosooner]

I sometimes just call it my Windows Handheld. While I do like the WMD term I think it reminds most people of Weapons of Mass Destruction!

[CDW]

I normaly just say "PDA" or "Phone", it depends which function I intend to use, but if someone would specifically ask, I would tell them its my T-Mobile Smartphone MDA III.

Chris