Microsoft OSes grow up: WinCE raises profile
Ephraim Schwartz and Bob Trott
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09/21/98
InfoWorld
Copyright (c) InfoWorld 1998
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Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates will formally introduce the next version of Windows CE on Oct. 12 at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference in Denver. The operating system will run primarily on mininotebook-size devices, all code-named Jupiter.
Supporting Microsoft's software efforts, attendees will also get a look at Jupiter-class systems from Compaq, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, LG Electronics, NEC, Philips, and Sharp.
Despite the full tilt system assault, IS managers familiar with Jupiter products are already debating whether the pluses -- a weight of about 2 pounds and eight-hour battery life -- outweigh the minuses -- poor remote access and e-mail synchronization capabilities.
Jupiter units will be priced at just less than $1,000, according to Phil Holden, Microsoft group product manager for WinCE. However, one IS manager believes the entry price is irrelevant.
"It still won't be a bargain if users become frustrated and can't do their job remotely," said an IS manager at a Fortune 500 company. "Unless it has enough [remote] functionality, it's the total cost of computing question all over again."
Microsoft's Holden agreed.
"When you roll out something new, you need to think about support costs; nothing is free," Holden said.
But it appears Microsoft will not offer an immediate solution to WinCE's inability to easily access even its own Exchange Server, which uses IMAP for remote access, while WinCE supports POP3.
One of the OS's more unique, but not necessarily winning, features will be a choice of mouse input or touch screen that vendors will need to choose between.
IBM will opt for mouse-type input using its trackpoint device, said sources briefed by IBM. IBM's Jupiter will weigh just under 3 pounds, will measure 1-inch thick, and will include a keyboard with full travel and an 8-inch active-matrix screen.
However, unlike other vendors, IBM will market the unit as part of its e-business solution, with applications for vertical markets, rather than as a stand-alone product, the source said.
NEC will also introduce a 2-pound Jupiter version of its Mobile Pro, with a touch screen rather than a pointing device, according to a source.
The unit will use a NEC embedded processor, have about an 8-inch thin-film transistor screen, and offer eight to 10 hours of battery life.
HP's system will be priced at $1,000 and will have a more conservative five hours of battery life, a source said. The HP unit is expected to ship in November.
Sharp will have a unique feature on its Jupiter-class system, with a flip screen for use as a tablet or with the keyboard.
According to one mobile analyst, WinCE is still not quite ready for prime time.
"Microsoft needs to figure out how to get the right mix between the core OS, the user interface, and built-in applications," said Gerry Purdy, president of Mobile Insights, in Mountain View, Calif.
Microsoft Corp., in Redmond, Wash., can be reached at microsoft.com.
The shape of things to come
The Fujitsu FMV-Biblo NCV120 device is typical of what Jupiter-class systems will look like.
Processor: Intel 200-MHz MMX Pentium
Weight: 1.1 pounds
RAM: 32MB
Display: 8.4 inches, active matrix
Size: 9 inches wide by 6.69 inches long by 1.3 inches high
Form factor: Clamshell design
Ports: One PC Card Type 3 slot; two USB; two PS/2, two serial, and one parallel
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