From the Editor

If you look closely at the cover of this magazine you'll notice "Vol. 3, No. 3" ­ a strange volume and issue number for the first issue! The truth is, we've been publishing since the Fall of 1997 as Handheld PC Magazine. This is the 19th issue we've published (the introductory issue, 15 regular issues and 3 special Buyer's Guide issues). We've been here for a while supporting the users of Windows Powered (Windows CE-based) Handheld, Palm-size and now Pocket PCs. We'll continue to do so for the foreseeable future!

This re-launch issue focuses heavily on the new Pocket PC! Microsoft refined the Windows CE operating system, streamlined the user interface, and beefed up the team of built-in applications to make the new Pocket PC the most complete and powerful pen-entry device ever introduced.

Inside this issue we explore the changes to the user interface and Pocket applications. We take a first look at the new Pocket PCs introduced by Casio, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and Symbol. We take a closer look at some of the new Microsoft "Pocket" applications built into the Pocket PC, including Microsoft Money, Reader, Media Player, and Pocket Internet Explorer. We do a quick review some of the new software applications for the Pocket PC introduced by independent software developers. Is the Pocket PC the right choice for enterprise users? Is the Pocket PC better or worse than the new color-screen Palm IIIc? Is there a Pocket PC videophone in your future? Check out the Table of Contents and find out more inside!

As our regular readers know, the Pocket PC is not the only "Windows Powered" device. Windows Powered devices come in different sizes and shapes, with or without a keyboard! Since 1997 there have been Handheld and Handheld PC Pros (devices with keyboards), Palm-size and Pocket PCs (pen-entry devices) and even an Auto PC (a voice-activated, dashboard mounted computer). See "Which is Right for You?" inside to find out more.

The Pocket PC may be the big focus in this issue, but we continue to support Handheld users. Inside this issue you can learn how to create practical databases using the H/PC Pros built in Pocket Access database program. In addition, read about how one mobile user used an H/PC Pro to juggle jury duty and business responsibilities.

Perhaps of most interest to Handheld PC users will be ... the articles on the Pocket PC! Microsoft and the equipment manufacturers will continue to develop Handheld PC Pros. In fact, we may see new products introduced this Summer or early Fall. What new features will they have? Take a close look at the new applications on the Pocket PC for ideas on what you might see built into the next H/PC Pro.

We renamed the magazine for practical reasons. Microsoft and the device manufacturers will be strongly promoting the Pocket PC, more so than previous versions. We believe that over the next year the general public will come to associate "Pocket PC" with all "Windows Powered" devices. We changed our name to Pocket PC magazine to take advantage of that name recognition. When Pocket PC users, or those interested in the devices see Pocket PC magazine on a newsstand, they will immediately know that this magazine supports them.

As I said in the last issue, whatever the name of our publication, we will continue to help all users get the most out of their Windows Powered PC Companions.