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Operating System
(Platforms)
PDA operating systems are not installed, stored, nor run the same as your
desktop/laptop computers OS. Once you have one, you really can not change it (except in some
special cases). The two operating systems you will see the most are Microsoft's
Windows Mobile Pocket PC (based on Windows CE) and PalmSource's Palm OS.
Pocket PC is technically not an operating system,
as it is simply a platform based on Windows CE. (If you want to know
more on the difference, email me.) It is important to be aware that
Pocket PC is based on Windows CE, but is not the same. It is a
modification of Windows CE for a PDA sized device. Pocket PC is a multimedia operating system meaning it is
less in an "organizer style" and more like your desktop or laptop
computer would be. It
combines functions like Windows Media Player and internet connectivity, and
supports some of the highest quality games on the market. Pocket PC devices tend to use higher end processors, more
memory, and more expandability.
The Palm OS is a much simpler, more address book style OS. It is nothing like a
desktop OS, though many relate it to Mac's because it is not a Microsoft influenced
OS. Palm has a larger share of the devices on the market because they not only
produce devices, but companies like Handspring, Handera and Sony also produce a lot of
different devices. The Palm OS tends to bend away form being a flashy OS. It
lacks many features that Windows CE has, though also combines some simple features
Microsoft forgot about.
There is always Linux for those that don't want a "big name
OS", though there are few Linux based devices on the market. If you really want
Linux, look for devices that have a Flash ROM and have support for Linux (check www.handhelds.org).
 No longer are PDA's bulky...
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