How to upgrade to Pocket PC 2003?

September 11, 2003 | Pavel Koza | format - Other (ar.) | viewed - 1267x
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How to upgrade to Pocket PC 2003?

If your name is not Gates or Dell, a Pocket PC is probably an investment you cannot afford every other day. Fortunately, most devices meet the hardware requirements for upgrading without the need to tweak the guts – you just run an installer and in a short while, the FlashROM contains a brand new (better, faster, nicer...) operating system. Nevertheless, a happy ending to the story called "Pocket PC 2003 upgrade" depends on several factors.

First - it is good news that Microsoft has released a new version of its operating system, but of little importance for users of all those iPAQs, Axims and LOOXs. Due to the differences between various PDA brands (even though they use the same operating system), Microsoft does not offer a box version but supplies the software to manufactures only, who adapt the installation for their device and then offer to their customers. It is in a manufacturer’s sole discretion to offer an upgrade for all of its older models or only selected ones or none at all. In order to prevent a drop in sales (most people will postpone purchase of a new device until after the upgrade has been released), Microsoft offers manufacturers a so-called Technology Guarantee Program. Within this scheme, devices purchased 30 days before and 90 days after the official release of Windows Mobile 2003 (i.e. between May 23 and September 23, 2003) will be upgraded free of charge, only for the cost of distribution.

Second - in order to be upgradeable, the device must have at least 32MB of FlashROM memory. But beware, there are different types of FlashROM. For example, the NAND type Flash is not suitable for upgrade because it does not support the execute-in-place (XIP) technology, on which all upgrades are based. By the way, most upmarket devices have 48MB of ROM, with manufacturers citing the need to have enough space for a new operating system...

Third - only rarely can you get something free and this is not the case. You will have to pay quite a few bucks for the Pocket PC 2003 upgrade. It is the hardware manufacturer who attaches the price tag and it is you who will choose to accept it or not.

[POLL]

HP / Compaq

HP is or will be offering an upgrade for its iPAQ h5400, h3900 and h3800 series. Customers who use the Technology Guarantee Program will pay $16.00 (after filling in and sending this coupon, PDF), others will be able to buy it later for $29.95. An upgrade for iPAQ h3800 will be available in October. The official upgrade website is here.

Fujitsu-Siemens

Fujitsu-Siemens is or will be offering an upgrade for its only series, LOOX 600. Customers who use the Technology Guarantee Program will pay $26.00 (after filling in and sending this coupon, ZIP), others will be able to buy it later for €64.99. The official upgrade website is here.

Toshiba

Toshiba is offering upgrade for the e750/e755 models. Customers who use the Technology Guarantee Program will pay $16.00 (after filling in and sending this coupon, PDF), others will pay $50.00. The official upgrade website is here.

Dell

Dell is offering upgrade for its only model, Axim X5. Unfortunately, I have not been able to obtain more information on availability and pricing. If you use a Dell, call their info line - Call Dell at 1-800-WWW-DELL to order.

Acer

Acer is offering upgrade for the n10 model. Customers who use the Technology Guarantee Program will pay $26.00 (after filling in and sending this coupon, PDF), according to my info the upgrade is not available for others. The official upgrade website is here.

Casio

As far as I know, Casio is not planning to offer upgrade to Pocket PC 2003 for its devices.

NEC

As far as I know, NEC is not planning to offer upgrade to Pocket PC 2003 for its devices.

Asus

As far as I know, Asusis not planning to offer upgrade to Pocket PC 2003 for its devices.

XDA, MDA etc.

There is only sporadic information on upgrades for devices with the Phone Edition. If you have the courage, you can try an UNOFFICIAL upgrade as described on this page. On your own risk!

Conclusion

When choosing a new device, people usually consider performance and price but rarely other aspects, such as technical support and service. As you can see, the cheapest device is not necessarily the best buy... The list clearly shows which manufactures do care about their customers and which lose interest (at least on the PDA market) as soon as money changes hands.