Thanks for the link comparing Palm and Pocket PC. I understand that compact flash can be used with either operating system, though it is not offered on the Palm at the present time. As to the potential "winner" between the two operating systems, I recognize the Microsoft system might be more versatile, but that doesn't mean it will ever become the most popular. Here's why:
Whenever a firm tries to scale down a particular technology from large to small, the new product generally fails to perform as well or cost as little as a product developed from the ground up, specifically designed to offer a limited number of features. The scaled down systems tend to be too complicated and too expensive, with extra vestiges of the older, larger parent, that can make it work more slowly or draw more current, etc. This has been demonstrated numerous times.
To give some early history, Ampex was the preeminent company in studio type audio and video recording machines, back in the 1950's and 60's. Ampex made an audio machine, called the model 600, which had many of the features of the larger studio consoles but fit into a small suitcase. It was a very good machine, but it was heavier and cost a lot more than smaller machines developed by Sony, Oki, and others, and eventually disappeared. The video recording console was completely replaced by smaller systems.
The first compact cars made by GM and Ford to compete with Volkswagon and Toyota used scaled down engines and parts from larger full sized vehicles. Remember how "successful" the Vega, Pinto, and Maverick were?
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