Microsoft has taken the wraps off the latest version of its handheld computing software - Pocket PC.

Devices using the Windows CE-based software have been touted by analysts as the first credible challenge to Palm Computing, which currently dominates the handheld computing market.

Pocket PC has an improved user interface that dispenses with cascading menus and double-clicking on launch buttons - features that dogged previous versions of CE. An Internet Explorer browser, slimmed down versions of Office applications and support for industry standard expansion slots for use in extending storage and connectivity have been added. These slots will allow connection to printers, modems and digital cameras.

Microsoft's ClearType technology for reading books, and a media player for audio and video files - including MP3 - have been added to entice consumers.

The software launched with commitment from four manufacturers to sell Pocket PC devices. Here's vnunet.com's roundup of the new devices from Casio, Compaq, Hewlett Packard and Symbol Technologies.

Compaq
Compaq's Pocket PC device is called the iPaq and includes Microsoft's Pocket Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Reader and Windows Media Player.

The device weighs 150g and is 1.27cm thick. It is powered by a lithium ion battery with up to 14 hours life and recharges automatically when it is returned to its docking cradle.

The screen resolution is 240 x 320 and it is equipped with a Compaq Flash slot that enables users to add a 56K modem, memory cards and other peripherals. The iPaq is powered with a 206MHz StrongArm 32bit Risc processor and has 32Mb of Ram as standard.

With the hardware launch, the company also unveiled what it described as a "slide-on jacket", aimed at adding extra functionality to the iPaq. Compaq said the jacket is built with a new open standard technology that allows developers to build modular expansion packs that could accommodate additional power or memory, PC or Compaq Flash cards or gaming options, or give customers wireless access to the internet or their corporate networks. The technology is available now free to developers.

Compaq is the only company to offer its current handheld device customers an upgrade to the new platform. Compaq customers who already own one of the company's previous handheld Windows CE devices - the Aero 1520 or Aero 2100 - can upgrade to Pocket PC depending on certain conditions.

Casio
Casio's Pocket PC device comes in three different versions - the Cassiopeia E115, EG 80 and EG 800, all of which feature the standard Pocket PC applications including Microsoft Pocket Word, Excel and Outlook, MP3 support and a built-in USB port built into the cradle.

The E115 is aimed at mobile professionals and has 32Mb of Ram, a Compact Flash card slot and a Hyper Amorphous Silicon TFT colour (240 x 340 dots) display. The other two models, the mono EG 80 and colour EG 800, are ruggedised with water- and shock-resistant cases and are aimed at what the company describes as "heavy duty" corporate environments.

These machines also feature Casio's new power management technology - flat Lithium Polymer Rechargeable battery designs capable of extended battery life up to 76 hours.

Hewlett Packard
Hewlett Packard last week launched two handheld devices based on Pocket PC, the 545 and 548. Both versions come bundled with a travel charger, USB cradle and a full suite of Microsoft Pocket PC applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, Money, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player (supporting MP3 and WMA formats), eBook Reader and a desktop version of Outlook 2000.

The Jornada's casing is made from metal alloy casing and has a detachable cover. The 540 series is available in two versions: the 545, which comes with 16Mb of Ram, and the 548, which has 32Mb. Both products have a 240 x 320-pixel colour display, an industry standard Compact Flash Type 1 slot, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts for around two weeks of average use.

HP has also included a range of productivity and communication software in the box including AOL Mail and Yahoo, PeaceMaker for exchanging contacts with Palm users via infrared, and Landware's OmniSolve Calculator. Built-in security enhancements include hardware serialisation and password administration.

Users can connect the HP Jornada 540 series colour Pocket PCs wirelessly via selected mobile phones using Socket Communications' Digital Phone Cards for internet access, email, short message service and remote access to corporate servers. HP's connection advisor utility on the HP Jornada website helps customers choose the correct wireless solution and provides links to hardware purchasing information.

Future plans for the HP Jornada 540 series include wireless accessories for CDPD and GSM/GPRS networks, and a CompactFlash Type I Bluetooth module to enable wireless internet access via cellular phones and connectivity to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Symbol
Rugged PC manufacturer Symbol launched its PPT 2700 family of devices based on the Pocket PC platform.

The devices feature bar code scanning and wireless Lan connectivity, and the buttons and triggers have been placed to allow one-handed operation in either hand.

The 2700 models all weigh less than 335gm and measure 17.8cm high.

Symbol said the machines fit into the "extreme environments" category of its products. They are sealed to IP54 standards for protection against windblown rain and dust, and can withstand multiple drops to concrete of up to 1.2m.

The 2700s come with 16Mb of Ram and 12Mb of flash Rom. A Symbol application programming interface (API) allows bar code data capture and wireless communication to be integrated into a new or existing application.