New Pocket PCs Are a Mixed Bag
Computers are getting smaller--much smaller. First there was the mainframe; then came the minicomputer, followed by the desktop personal computer, portable, laptop and notebook-sized PC. Just this week, Compaq Computer introduced a line of battery-operated notebook PCs, at prices up to $5,000, that offer more power per pound than anything else on the market.
But now we have even smaller PCs, known as palmtops, handhelds and pocket PCs. These tiny computers are small enough to fit into a coat pocket and light enough to be carried around all day.
A pocket computer can easily become your constant companion, enabling you to take notes, perform calculations or look up information at any time. Someday, it may be possible to store all of your data on a pocket computer and to use your desktop PC as a sort of docking station, providing a large screen and keyboard as well as access to printers, networks and other equipment.
Along with the convenience of miniaturization, however, is a problem that even the most advanced computer scientists have yet to conquer. There has to be a way to get information in and out. And as long as we rely on display screens and keyboards, there are some major trade-offs associated with miniaturization.
I’ve recently tested two new pocket-sized PCs from the pioneers in the field, Atari and Poqet Computer. Atari and Poqet make what are perhaps the only genuine pocket-sized computers. Sharp, Casio and others have come out with less powerful computing devices that essentially are handheld electronic organizers.
Atari calls its $399 Portfolio “a full-featured personal computer in the palm of your hand.” The device weighs one pound and is about the size of a VHS videocassette. It comes standard with 128K of random access memory, expandable to 640K.
The machine uses an energy-efficient version of the CPU that was used in the original IBM PC, and it runs on three standard AA batteries. Its operating system--the basic instructions that enable the computer to handle programs and data--uses the same commands as MS-DOS, the operating system used for IBM and compatible personal computers.
Although it is laid out in the same general “QWERTY” fashion as the regular PC keyboard, the Portfolio keyboard is about 38% smaller than a desktop computer’s and the keys, which resemble pieces of Chiclets gum, are smaller.
As a touch typist accustomed to full-sized keyboards, I found myself typing much more slowly and making more mistakes than I would using a regular PC. The liquid crystal display screen is very easy to read, but it shows only 40 columns by eight lines instead of the standard 80 columns by 25 lines.
Software can be loaded into the machine via credit card-sized cartridges. An optional cable can transfer programs and data between the Portfolio and an IBM-compatible PC.
The Portfolio can’t run off-the-shelf IBM PC programs, but Atari claims that the computer can run MS-DOS software that has been “adapted” for the machine. Atari spokesman James Fisher said there are “several dozen programs under development,” but he would not name any of them or the companies that are developing software.
I doubt that the Portfolio will ever be widely used for running adapted, off-the-shelf MS-DOS programs, however, because of the machine’s limitations. Fortunately, the programs that come with the machine make it a fairly robust personal information manager.
Built into the machine’s read-only memory is a spreadsheet program that uses the same files and many of the same commands as Lotus 1-2-3. There is also a text editor that provides rudimentary word processing features such as find and replace, a calculator and a personal diary and calendar with programmable alarms. The built-in address and telephone directory can dial a number if you hold the Portfolio’s speaker against the handset of a touch-tone phone.
A more impressive--and much more expensive--new hand-held computer is the Poqet PC. The machine, which is slightly longer and a little thinner than the Portfolio, also weighs a pound, but when it comes to capacity, the Poqet is in the big leagues. It’s a full-function IBM-compatible PC that works 50% faster than the original IBM PC. The MS-DOS operating system (version 3.3) is built into the machine’s read-only memory.
It comes standard with 512K of RAM and several built-in programs including a calculator, a simple word processing program, a schedule program and an address book, along with software to connect the Poqet to a modem or to another PC.
Unlike the Portfolio, the Poqet is designed to run standard IBM PC software. I tested it with the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program and other MS-DOS programs. Software can be loaded into the machine via a cable or through an optional, battery-operated 3 1/2-inch floppy drive.
There are also two slots for credit card-sized read-only memory cartridges. The company has arranged for several software publishers to sell programs on these cards, which can be easily slipped into the machine. Several programs, including Lotus 1-2-3, Lotus Agenda and WordPerfect, will be available on cartridges.
ROM-based software offers several advantages. Such programs start very quickly, and they leave the random access memory free to store data or run other programs.
As with the Portfolio, data stored in Poqet’s memory is not disturbed when the machine is turned off. Memory is also preserved for up to 10 minutes while the user changes batteries. Two AA batteries are expected to power the machine for about 100 hours, according to the company.
Its keyboard is laid out in the standard QWERTY order and includes IBM-style function keys. The keyboard is about 20% smaller than a standard PC keyboard and, unlike the Portfolio keys, the Poqet keys provide good tactile feedback.
When I tested a prototype of the machine, it took me a few minutes to get used to the keyboard, but it did the job. I found myself typing a little more slowly than I do with a regular keyboard--and I did make more than my usual number of errors--but it is much easier to use than the keyboard on the Portfolio. I could picture myself using the machine to take notes, but I doubt if I would enjoy using it to write an entire column.
The LCD screen displays the standard 80 columns by 25 lines. The characters are smaller than those on a standard screen, but are quite readable in a well-lit environment.
Owning a pocket-sized computer can be a liberating experience. The machines provide immediate access to information, a convenient place to jot down notes and, with a modem, provide access to worldwide information services.
But the miniaturization of components is only part of the battle. The real test will be based on human engineering--designing machines that are easy and pleasant to use. If you’re in the market for such a machine, don’t base your decision solely on specifications or reviews. It is essential to try the machine to be sure you find the screen and keyboard comfortable.
POCKET-SIZED COMPUTERS ATARI PORTFOLIO
A one-pound, hand-held computer with built-in software for spreadsheet, note taking, calculator, diary and address book. Already available.
Specifications: 80C88 central processing unit (CPU) running at 4.92 megahertz; 128K of internal RAM (expandable to 640K with optional peripherals) and 256K of ROM; 63-key QWERTY keyboard; speaker with telephone dialing and 25 melody tones from 622 to 2489 hz.
Screen: 4 1/2-inch by 1 5/8-inch Supertwist LCD (240 by 64 pixel) display with 40 characters by eight lines. Screen also can be configured to serve as a 40-by-8 “window” to show a portion of the data that would appear on a full-sized PC screen.
Power Source: Three standard AA batteries or optional AC adapter.
Options: Smart Parallel Interface for printers or PC file transfer; Smart Serial Interface for modem or printer; 256K memory expansion card.
Manufacturer: Atari, 1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94088. Phone: (408) 745-2000. Fax: 408 745-2088.
THE POQET PC
A one-pound, IBM-compatible computer. It will come with MS-DOS version 3.3 and several built-in programs, including: a four-function calculator with memory, a simple memo and note-taking program, a schedule program with alarm, an electronic address book and card file, a communications program for accessing a modem and a file transfer program. It also will come with Microsoft’s BASIC programming language. Expected to be available by the end of 1989.
Specifications: 80C88 central processing unit running at 7 megahertz; 512K of internal ROM and 640K of ROM; 77-key QWERTY keyboard with same function keys as the IBM/AT-style keyboard; speaker with telephone dialing and 25 melody tones from 622 to 2489 hz.
Screen: Supertwist LCD (640 by 200 pixel) display with 80 characters by 25 lines.
Expansion Capabilities: IBM/XT-compatible expansion slot, serial port.
Size: 8.75 by 4.3 by 0.93 inches
Power Source: Two standard AA batteries.
Options: 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB, IBM-compatible floppy disk drive that operates on four AA batteries; parallel communications cable; serial modem cable. A two-megabyte memory expansion card is expected by the middle of 1990.
