PDA Phone Rings True

In the ongoing quest for the perfect combination of handheld and cell phone, Microsoft has taken a decidedly PDA-centric path. Its Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition operating system includes the entire Pocket PC 2002 OS, as well as extra features designed for personal digital assistants with built-in wireless voice and data capability.

We looked at the first Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition-based device, from T-Mobile (formerly known in the U.S. as VoiceStream). The device fits nicely in the hand and is easy to use as a phone with or without the included stereo headset. It supports both U.S. and European GSM/GPRS networks, an ability that will endear it to international travelers. And at $550 with service contract, it's more attractively priced than Audiovox's $800 Thera, a Pocket PC-CDMA cell phone hybrid that doesn't use the new OS. (Microsoft says a CDMA device using the new OS will be available within a few months.)

PDA Convenience

The T-Mobile PDA's features are easy to use while you talk on the phone through the headset. For example, if you want to take notes during a call, you can tap on an icon to bring up a memo sheet containing contact information for the person you've called (as long as the person is in your Pocket Outlook contacts).

If you're listening to music on Windows Media Player and a call comes in, the OS turns down Media Player's volume so you can hear the phone ringing, and pauses the music if you decide to take the call (or make a call yourself). Additionally, the OS supports Tel URLs--phone numbers received in e-mail or SMS messages. When embedded in an e-mail or SMS message, a Tel URL becomes a link, and you can dial it simply by tapping on it.

The device also features caller ID information that uses your contact list; call logs; voice mail; flashing missed-call alerts; and a soft phone keypad that lets you easily dial numbers with your fingertip if a stylus isn't handy.

The T-Mobile GPRS data network, operating at speeds approaching those of 56-kbps dial-up connections, delivers Web pages to Pocket Internet Explorer with acceptable (if not lightning) speed. One drawback: Web pages that are designed for display on larger PC screens are difficult to read on the T-Mobile device.

Also, T-Mobile's Pocket PC Phone Edition suffers from some design quirks. For example, that useful note-taking icon does not appear if you initiate a call from your Pocket Outlook contacts (as opposed to starting from the phone-keypad interface).

However, the operating system offers powerful tools for well-heeled corporate types who are willing to invest time in learning its features. People who would prefer a smaller, more phonelike phone-PDA hybrid may want to wait until Microsoft introduces its Windows Powered SmartPhone 2002 OS later this year.

SUMMARY

Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition Microsoft

SUMMARY

T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition T-Mobile List: $550