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Hefty Windows CE Handheld Splits the Difference

Smaller than a full-size notebook, but big enough to sport a usable keyboard, the $899 NEC MobilePro 750C is a tempting traveling companion.

By Yardena Arar, PCWorld   

This Windows CE 2.0 handheld PC looks like a standard notebook sliced in half lengthwise, with a lovely 256-color touch screen and--at last!--a truly usable keyboard. It%squots larger than subnotebooks like Mitsubishi%squots $1500 Amity CN, but weighs less (under 2 pounds). And at $899 it%squots a lot cheaper.

The 750C comes with an array of output options, PC Card and compact flash card slots, a built-in 33.6-kbps modem, and a huge 16MB of RAM . The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasted the advertised 8 hours. The drawbacks? Unlike most Windows CE handheld PCs, which fit in a sports coat pocket, the 750C demands a briefcase or a big handbag when you%squotre traveling.

And don%squott expect the speed or versatility--or Internet service provider support--of a Windows 95 Pentium-based notebook: The MobilePro 750C is sluggish and can%squott cope with graphics or anything else requiring full-blown Windows. But for basic office work, e-mail, simple presentations, and light Web browsing, the 750C%squots light weight as well as its outstanding keyboard and display make it a worthy substitute.

For the complete story, see the upcoming August issue of PC World magazine./I>