I have put together an article which goes over some of the new devices which will be arriving on the market in the next few months. I also included some info on the new PocketPC operating system.
Read article @ http://www.ppczone.net/ppcnew.htm
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This device sounds very interesting. It seems to have a huge array of features and looks nice as well. I am also curious as to how the OMAP processor performs. I hope this device comes to the market.
Specifications:
OMAP1510 application processor
TMS320C55x™ DSP and TI-enhanced ARM925
Memory
32/64 MB NAND Flash
64 MB SDRAM
Display
240×320 QVGA transreflective
0.24 mm pitch
HR TFT touch sensitive
Keyboard/buttons
Four programmable
Dial and End call
Two volume
Power, backlight, reset, and record
Navigation pad
Communication ports
USB
IrDA SIR
Wireless connectivity
Tri-band GSM/GPRS: TCS2100
802.11b: TNETW1100B
Bluetooth: BRF6100
Indicators
Red LED for power/charge
Green LED for event alarm, message, email
Vibration for event alarm, message, email or incoming call
Audio
Built-in microphone, speaker (speakerphone and audio playback)
Handsfree earphone/microphone jack
Stereo headphone jack
Camera
800×600 (0.5 MPixel) images
YUV format output
SD/MMC expansion support
USB and Infrared synchronization support
Special Features
Backup/restore facility (persistent storage)
Voice recorder
Speakerphone
Microsoft® Pocket PC 2003 OS
Battery Usage (estimates)
8 hours GSM talk time; 450 hours GSM standby
6 hours GPRS browsing
12 hours PDA constant usage
Battery: Lithium Polymer, 3.6 V at 1900 mAh capacity
Charging via USB and AC adapter
Physical Dimensions
117.7 mm (H) x 74.4 mm (W) x 20 mm (Thick), excluding antenna
Weight: 174 g
More info @ http://www.ti.com/wanda
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A new version of the dell axim firmware is available on their website version A03. I have just installed it without any problems. I don’t think there are many new additions to this update but if you have yet to install A02 I would recommend you download A03 and install it.
-Resolved Pocket Internet Explorer issue that produced an error when connecting to certain web sites
-Improved notification of backup battery charge
-Improved time-out of the power button light (notifications) to extend battery life
-Improved start-up time
-Improved navigation button applet
-Improved CompactFlash modem interface driver
-Support for C stepping of Intel XScale CPU
-Support the features from the Microsoft Adaptation Kit Update 5
Download from ftp://ftp.dell.com/utility/R59756.EXE
There is a good howto on installing the ROM update available at Aximsite
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At the Embedded Systems Conference, Microsoft Corp., the worldwide leader in embedded operating systems, today announced the release to manufacturing of Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET version 4.2, previously code-named “McKendric.” Windows CE .NET 4.2 combines Microsoft’s most advanced real-time operating system with powerful tools for rapidly creating the next generation of smart, connected and small-footprint devices. Windows CE .NET 4.2 adds new features for creating innovative solutions in gateway, voice over IP (VoIP) and set-top box (STB) devices along with faster performance and greater application compatibility for the wide range of consumer and commercial embedded devices in which Windows CE is used today. In addition, Microsoft announced that more than 60 companies participated in the Microsoft early development programs for Windows CE .NET 4.2, providing valuable customer feedback and at the same time kick-starting their own delivery of a wide range of devices and solutions based on the new operating system.
“Windows CE .NET 4.2 provides customers with the desired technology for implementing sophisticated voice, video and data functionality for next-generation devices. Customers are already taking advantage of the new feature sets found in Windows CE .NET 4.2 as they prepare to deliver new gateway, voice over IP and set-top box solutions. The positive response from industry leaders to Windows CE .NET 4.2 demonstrates it is in lock step with the evolution of the embedded software industry,” said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. “We’re very excited to see industry data rank us No. 1 in the embedded marketplace and will continue to improve our products and services along with our strong partner base to maintain this leadership position.”
Please remember this is not the next version of PocketPC however PocketPC 2003 will be based on the CE 4.2 core / kernel.
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I am currently in the process of writing a very detailed review on the Dell Axim X5 advanced PDA. So far I have been very impressed with this device. Look forward to it. 
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According to PocketPCitilia another new HP Ipaq is coming soon. This one is supposed to be called the HP Ipaq 5550 and will include PocketPC 2003, 128mb Ram, 48mb Rom,SD,Bluetooth and Wifi. One of the most interesting things is the ROM size which is 48mb which could mean any current devices with 48mb ROM will be upgradeable to PPC2003.
According to Brighthand it’s possible the new Ipaq could be available on May 30th.
“In late March, the FCC gave its approval for Hewlett Packard to begin offering a new line of Pocket PCs, at least one of which will have built-in Bluetooth wireless networking. A few days ago, High Tech Computer, the company making the device for HP, sent a message to the FCC asking that the approval documentation be taken down because the devices won’t be available for some time…Plus, the FCC posted the exact request for confidentiality on its site, which reveals what might be the release date for these handhelds. The letter says, “because these two products are still confidential to market until May 30, please set aside the FCC grant.” Later it says, “please also un-set aside these two grant[s] so that the information is back on the FCC website on May 30.”
There is also a user over on the Brighthand forums which says he has seen and held the new device.
More info here
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Paris, April 17th
A brand new free guide for Auvergne available on Pocket PC
Region of Combrailles on the heart of France, the “Guide du Routard” and the hiking topoguides editor “Chamina” are associated to provide you this free guide on pocket pc, with all the informations you need to enjoy as much as possible your stay in France : adresses, detailed maps, hikes, places to practice fishing or hang gliding… and places where you have, for free, a Toshiba Pocket PC with added performance : the e740 Bluetooth (for PDA lovers)
Everything is detailed on the guide : prices, maps, accomodation equipments, gastronomy, opening hours, footpaths…
Everything is multimedia : diaporamas, sounds, photos…
In the heart of Massif Central, the Combrailles is full of treasures : volcanoes, highlands, cheeses, faboulous gastronomy for a low price… This region is the perfect venue for quality rest and relaxation in a preserved natural setting. There’s nothing quite like a stay in this rural place to recharge your batteries !
Let’s discover with your Pocket PC this area where the quality of life is a priority..
Free download link : http://www.vguide.org/formcombrailles.html
Dell have released a new version of the Rom for Dell AXim devices. Version A02. Note the last item which mentions support for the C1 Stepping Xscale aka PXA 255. I have been investigating this and so far it looks like there are no performance improvements. I will have a definite answer when I recieve my own Axim in a few days.
List of fixes is below.
Remember the download requires a hard reset and is also quite large at 27mb which could be a problem for dialup users like myself.
In five years’ time, more Windows CE devices will be shipping than Windows PCs. So reckons PC and PDA market researcher eTForecasts.
So while 2002 saw 126 million PC shipments worldwide and nine million WinCE device shipments, come 2008 and 190-200 million PCs will ship compared to 200-220 million WinCE devices, according to eTForecasts’ numbers.
Driving this are some staggering growth rate predictions. While PC shipments will rise by around 7-9 per cent over the next few years, before rising to double figure growth around 2005, WinCE shipments will see a massive 250 per cent increase in shipments between 2004 and 2006. Growth never drops below 50 per cent between now and 2010, according to eTForecasts’ figures.
The company’s argument is that as consumer electronics devices evolve they will become more like computers. “Computer hardware and software platforms have started to invade many electronics device categories and will become the preferred system architecture for an increasing portion of electronic devices,” says eTForecasts. “Only the simplest devices with fixed functionality will avoid this trend.” That, it believes, will favour the adoption of OSes like WinCE and embedded Linux….
Full story @ The register
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