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Packard Bell might be best known for its consumer PCs but it is hoping all that will change with the launch of its first handheld computer.
The Pocket Gear 2060 uses the Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 operating system, just like the umpteen other models available from the likes of Compaq and Toshiba.
The difference, however, is the price - at £379, the Pocket Gear is a good deal cheaper than the competition.
The Pocket Gear follows the trend set by other Pocket PCs for its design - four application launch buttons run just below the screen, with a square directional pad in the middle and a jog wheel on the left of the case for one-handed operation.
There's a headphone socket and microphone on top of the case, plus an infrared port and a slot for SD Cards. As is the norm on Pocket PCs, the Pocket Gear has an unexceptional processor but comes with a generous 64MB of memory.
So far, so good but the Pocket Gear has a few more tricks up its sleeve.
Packard Bell claims over eight hours of use from the battery but since it lost a quarter of its charge after we left the Pocket Gear switched off overnight, this seems rather optimistic.
The lithium ion battery is removable though, which means you can keep a spare handy should you be away from a mains supply.
The USB docking cradle even has a separate slot for charging a second battery separately, which is a nice touch.
Unfortunately, there are also some not so nice touches that put a bit of a damper on things.
The blue light that illuminates the docking cradle when the Pocket Gear is connected is perhaps a matter of taste but at 3.5in long, the telescopic stylus is unpleasant to use but there is a proper spare for use when the device is docked.
The case also has a cheap, plastic feel and the rubber cap that covers the slot for the optional expansion sleeves is just one more thing to lose.
Still, at the price, these are minor quibbles and if you're looking for a comparatively cheap Pocket PC, the Pocket Gear is a good bet.
DETAILS
Price: £379
Contact: Packard Bell 01628 512400
www.packardbell.co.uk
See also:
Low cost and good design make this an attractive PDA option. 23 Oct 2002
All Palm PDAs
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