On April 19, 2000, Microsoft launched Pocket PC, a platform that would define mobile computing for a decade. Moving beyond the struggling Palm-size PC initiative, Pocket PC represented Microsoft’s most serious attempt to dominate handheld computing.
The Palm Problem
By early 2000, Palm Computing owned the PDA market:
| Company | Market Share (Q1 2000) |
|---|---|
| Palm | 68% |
| Handspring | 15% |
| Microsoft (Palm-size PC) | 8% |
| Others | 9% |
Microsoft’s existing offerings—Handheld PC and Palm-size PC—failed to capture consumer imagination. Palm’s elegant simplicity consistently won against Microsoft’s feature-heavy approach.
A Fresh Start
Pocket PC 2000 wasn’t merely an update; it was a complete reimagining:
New User Interface
- Today Screen: At-a-glance view of appointments, tasks, email
- Start Menu: Familiar Windows paradigm adapted for stylus
- Soft Input Panel: Improved handwriting recognition
- Transcriber: Full cursive recognition option
Hardware Requirements
Microsoft mandated minimum specifications:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 133 MHz ARM/MIPS/SH3 |
| RAM | 16 MB minimum |
| Display | 240×320 QVGA |
| Connectivity | IrDA, serial sync |
These requirements ensured consistent performance across devices—a lesson Microsoft learned from Windows CE’s fragmented market.
Launch Partners
Three manufacturers debuted Pocket PC devices:
Compaq iPAQ H3600
The iPAQ immediately became the aspirational Pocket PC:
- Sleek industrial design
- Expansion sleeve system
- Brilliant TFT display
- Premium build quality
Hewlett-Packard Jornada 540
HP’s entry brought corporate credibility:
- Integrated backup battery
- CF expansion slot
- CompactFlash modem option
- Enterprise focus
Casio Cassiopeia E-115
Casio delivered aggressive pricing:
- Most affordable launch device
- CompactFlash expansion
- Consumer-friendly interface
- Japanese market strength
Technical Foundation
Pocket PC 2000 ran on Windows CE 3.0, featuring significant improvements over CE 2.x:
Performance Enhancements
- Faster application loading
- Improved memory management
- Better power optimization
- Enhanced graphics subsystem
Developer Tools
Microsoft released comprehensive development tools:
- eMbedded Visual Tools 3.0
- Platform SDK
- Device emulators
- Documentation suite
The free availability of professional tools encouraged rapid ecosystem growth.
The Microsoft Office Connection
A key differentiator was seamless Office integration:
- Pocket Word: Create and edit documents
- Pocket Excel: Full spreadsheet functionality
- Pocket Outlook: Exchange Server synchronization
- ActiveSync: Desktop-to-device synchronization
For business users already invested in Microsoft Office, Pocket PC offered unmatched workflow integration.
Initial Reception
Reviews praised the platform’s ambition while noting rough edges:
“Pocket PC 2000 proves Microsoft is serious about mobile. The Today screen alone makes this worth considering.” â€?PC Magazine, May 2000
“Palm’s simplicity remains compelling, but Pocket PC offers more room to grow.” â€?CNET, April 2000
Market Impact
By year’s end, Pocket PC had captured significant mindshare:
| Metric | Change |
|---|---|
| Microsoft PDA share | 8% �15% |
| Palm-size PC sales | Discontinued |
| Developer registrations | 300% increase |
While Palm maintained leadership, the trajectory had shifted. Microsoft proved it could compete in mobile.
Evolution Path
Pocket PC 2000 established patterns that persisted through Windows Mobile’s entire lifespan:
- Annual updates: 2002, 2003, 5.0, 6.0, 6.5
- Hardware partnerships: OEM-driven innovation
- Enterprise focus: Exchange, security, management
- Office integration: Continuous improvement
Legacy Assessment
Twenty-plus years later, Pocket PC 2000’s influence remains visible:
Innovations That Lasted
- Today screen �Widget-based home screens
- ActiveSync �Cloud synchronization
- Touch UI conventions �Modern touch interfaces
Lessons Learned
- Hardware minimums ensure consistent experience
- Free developer tools accelerate ecosystem growth
- Office integration provides enterprise differentiation