Hi group,

Imagine that I wanted to create my own custom Pocket PC. i.e. I have a
list of hardware requirements for the device and want someone to make
it. Does anybody know where I would start with this?!??

Thanks,
Hugh

On 8 Aug 2006 02:47:19 -0700, "Hugh Janus"
<my-junk-account@hotmail.com> wrote:

>Hi group,
>
>Imagine that I wanted to create my own custom Pocket PC. i.e. I have a
>list of hardware requirements for the device and want someone to make
>it. Does anybody know where I would start with this?!??

The Pocket PCs (original, 2002, 2003, ...) are platforms based on the
Windows CE operating system. The Pocket PC specifications are
controlled by Microsoft. Microsoft dolls out licenses sparingly, and
for large sums. So you probably won't be able to create a custom
Pocket PC. For more about "platform", see
http://www.opennetcf.org/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=317
http://www.pocketpcfaq.com/wce/versions.htm

Microsoft provides a tool, called Platform Builder that lets folks
build custom versions of the Windows CE operating system and custom
platforms. I have never even tried it, but I think a license to use it
costs about $10,000 U.S.

Several companies make custom devices as a service. For starts, see:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/plan_partners.mspx


>
>Thanks,
>Hugh

-----------------------------------------
To reply to me, remove the underscores (_) from my email address (and please indicate which newsgroup and message).

Robert E. Zaret, eMVP
PenFact, Inc.
20 Park Plaza, Suite 478
Boston, MA 02116
www.penfact.com

This is the company that builds a number of PDA's for other companies (as
well as themselves):
http://www.htc.com/

I think they made a few of the Dell Axim models, etc.

But I would guess that unless you're talking about thousands of machines,
you're either talking about really big bucks, or they'll decline to respond.
Because everything is so tightly integrated (even worse than a laptop), it
would be very expensive to tool-up for a custom operation.

You could also try companies like Intermec and Symbol; they make "hardened"
PDA's. Utility meter readers, parking ticket people, etc. Basically,
people who use their PDA in outdoor/high-risk activities, and need a unit
that can get wet or easily dropped, driven on, etc.


Clint

"Hugh Janus" <my-junk-account@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1155030439.083078.235930@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi group,
>
> Imagine that I wanted to create my own custom Pocket PC. i.e. I have a
> list of hardware requirements for the device and want someone to make
> it. Does anybody know where I would start with this?!??
>
> Thanks,
> Hugh
>