Feature

PocketPC

PalmOS

Screen Physical Size & Quality

Typically physically larger screens, 240x320.

The latest models are 480x640, providing superior font and image quality over any Palm models on the market

Except for a few models(Tungsten T3 and T5), physical dimensions are typically square and smaller, with newer models being 320x320, older models being 160x160. The lower 1/3 of the physical screen area is usually dedicated to graffiti input.

The 320x320 and 320x480 models are the most common today and provide superior font and image quality compared to 240x320 pocketpc models.

Wireless Networking

models with both bluetooth and 802.11b can be purchased for as little as $300

Some models have bluetooth. No models available with both

Synchronization

Uses ActiveSync, a windows-only solution. Transfers and synchronizes files of any type, will convert known types(word,excel) to their pocket equivalents. TCP/IP stack available allowing pocketpc to access internet while synced.

Uses HotSync. Synchronizing data files (such as images, mpegs, mp3s, etc) to main memory must be done by custom applications using conduits. HotSync is easier to setup and use than activeSync. Need 3rd party software to get a TCP/IP stack

Consistency across different models and manufacturers

Very good. Nearly all models are 240x320 color screens, run ARM processors, have a expansion slot(SDIO or CF+ or both), speaker, microphone, 5 buttons and a navpad (up,down,left,right,action)

Palm devices vary widely in screen characteristics and other hardware. A good thing in that it allows for low cost devices and for devices tailored to different market segments, but also a drawback in that developers can't count on models having any particular set of features. More programming support is required to maintain compatibility across the range of products, as well a the need to keep track and specify the models that your software supports.

Battery Life

Typically faster processors(300mhz+ X-Scale) mean lesser battery life. PocketPC’s generally have user swappable batteries, so you can carry extras in the field

PalmOS is much more efficient and there is less operating system overhead, so less processor speed is needed, meaning longer battery life. Batteries typically are integrated, requiring cradle or cable time to recharge, although recharging is need less.

Multi-Tasking

PocketPC OS is a multi-tasking OS so numerous programs can run simultaneously

Palm applications save their state and exit when switching between applications, giving the appearance of multi-tasking, but the background programs are not actually running. Some workarounds exists.

Memory Management

Applications don't close when you open a new application. They are only minimized, so they hold on their memory and resources when not in use. Closing apps is rather cumbersome and many users use 3rd party utilities to handle the management of running programs

Palm applications save their state and relinquish their memory and resources, which makes PalmOS more efficient in memory usage.

Cost

minimum configurations start around $200 with high-end models around $700

wide range of devices starting as low as $100 up to $400

Input

Popup keyboard, transcriber allows using entire screen as data entry area

Popup Keyboard, dedicated writing area(except T3&T5). Graffiti recognition software generally regarded to be better than pocketpc

File System

PocketPC uses a file system for both internal memory and storage cards. Integration with Desktop File Explorer

No File System except for Storage Cards. Lack of file system overhead increases performance. USB drive emulation on some models allows file transfer compatibility with almost all operating systems

Programming Environment

Windows Desktop C/C++ developers will find the environment familiar, and the development tools are excellent. API documentation is poor.

There is a learning curve to develop Palm applications, and a limited choice if development environments. Palm developers are more likely to have to build their own synchronization solution, since hotsync will not handle data types other than Palm's database format (PDB). API documentation is good.

Applications

Better availability of graphics intensive games and moving map applications

More software titles available since the Palm platform is more popular.

Stability

Soft resets required more often than Palm. But stability has improved over the years.

Soft resets are rare

Installing Applications on Storage Cards

yes applications can be installed and run from either location

Yes, with a 3rd party utility that copies apps and data from storage card to memory before executing. Their is a short delay depending on the size of the application and data being launched.

Pre-Installed Software

All models come with email, web browser, word, excel, PIM software, picture viewer, media player(mp3,wmv).

PIM software on all models, but models vary widely on what other software comes pre-installed, particularly when it comes to browsers, email clients, and media players, Docs2Go(Word,Excel)

Media Capability

All models of Pocket PCs are capable of playing full-screen video and mp3 audio files

Only higher end models like are capable of playing video in full-screen mode.

PIM Quality

Adequate

Palm's personal information manager(contacts, tasks, calendar, memo, etc) are regarded as much better than the pocketpc equivalents.

Battery Depletion Recovery

Most newer pocketpc’s have a nonvolatile file storage area suitable for storing documents and data files. Restoring can be done from a backup file on a Storage Card or from ActiveSync on the PC

A non-volatile storage area is rare. Any changes since the last backup will be lost.

Restoration must be from PC only

Expansion

CF(gps,microdrives) , SDIO

SDIO