The future, they say, is based on the Internet and mobile computing.

It's a sign of the times when Compaq's Aero 8000 runs Windows CE in a box bigger than a Sharp PC-A250 (reviewed issue 23, p86) running Windows 98. So what's the big idea? Windows CE uses no moving parts, while software in ROM means immediate start-up times, high reliability, and long battery life all highly desirable qualities in a portable.

Though one of the latest entrants into the handheld market, Toshibas e570 is a key contender.

The past two years have been littered with attempts at combining a phone with a PDA. The first was O2 with its XDA (January 2003, page 41) - an excellent first try, and one that will be revised this month.

The m505 is also the only device in the Labs to feature vibrating alarm alerts.

There are fundamental differences between a handheld OS and the desktop variety. Desktop computers have a lot of power to draw on, while handheld OSes have traditionally been limited by the hardware o

The battle for position in the palm-sized PC market is set to explode in the coming year, and Compaq is determined to lead

Ever since the arrival of Windows CE on palm-sized devices, we at PC Authority have voiced concerns over its suitability and performance on this platform.