316 is an odd designation for the first member of a family of Palm-size PC products. Then again, many might view Auctor as the corporate oddball in the palm-size PC arena anyway. As an ODM (original design manufacturer) Auctor is destined to have other companies reap the benefits of their labor. They will implement design changes and put any company's label on the front of the new PocketPro device so Auctor doesn't have to market and distribute the PocketPro. With that in mind, consider this a "generic prototype preview" of the device. The best part of the PocketPro depends on how the third party companies choose to equip the device's special accessory slot. But before we get to the really exciting stuff, let's cover the basics.
While the Asian-influenced design of the PocketPro will doubtlessly attract some and repel others, there are a number of questionable design choices in the case that we cannot overlook. We have yet to find the perfect storage solution for the pen, and the PocketPro's not-completely-enclosed stylus containment area isn't it. There is an intentional crevice in the rear of the device that runs the entire length of the stylus. To remove it, the owner must push a fingernail into the crevice and pull the stylus out. While this is quite like the Philips Nino, there is no additional plastic at the top of the pen to aid removal, just a serrated area to provide friction for your nail. Further down on the back of the device, the replaceable ROM space has a snap-in door while the battery cover is fastened with screws. We find this completely unexplainable, as users may change a ROM chip maybe twice in a device's lifetime while changing batteries far more frequently.
The PocketPro mimics HP's Jornada 420 with its fold-down protective cover. While the final silver cover will reportedly be far less flimsy than that on our prototype, we appreciated the protection it afforded during our tests. Another fine feature is that the Type II CompactFlash slot is covered by a spring-loaded door-an excellent alternative to the popular cheap plastic insert on many of the PPCs today. Furthermore, Auctor wisely equipped their flagship device with 16MB of RAM and a built-in 33.6 fax modem. The RJ-11 port is well placed at the bottom of the device, making handheld use a breeze even while tethered to a landline. Like almost every color palm-size PC, the PocketPro uses Lithium-Ion main and backup batteries. While we've already discussed the problem of a Li-Ion backup batteries that only lasts a few minutes, the main battery is reportedly good for five hours of use, and the system has built-in recharging circuitry.
The PocketPro also has a few new tricks which experienced CE users will find valuable. In addition to the standard scroll up/down, action, exit and voice recorder buttons, Auctor has added hardware volume controls. Positioned directly below the voice recorder, up and down arrows allow you to control the volume of your system quickly. This is especially handy since the PocketPro also has a stereo audio-out jack just as MP3 players and audiobooks are becoming popular for Windows CE. Also, a set of touch-sensitive application icons (‡ la the HP Jornada 420) resides at the bottom of the screen to provide access to the four common PPC applications. This configuration is preferable to the application icons, as you can tap these with your stylus and get right to work. Of course, the downside to this option is that you lose the alternate functionality that creates a new contact, calendar item, or task when you press and hold one of the hardware applications buttons.
As well as designing an advanced handheld device for users, Auctor has left space for OEM peripherals. Near the top of the screen, there's nearly two inches of space and a custom design socket for fitting special add-ons (like a pager card) into the device without using up the valuable compact flash slot.
Seven companies (four of which will probably ship in the US) are currently working with Auctor to OEM the PocketPro-and perhaps include special accessories in the custom design socket. Auctor itself may ship the device under their own "Amedia" brand. Either way, Auctor plans to have devices hitting the market by the time our magazine hits the stands.
Now that every major manufacturer has shipped a color palm-size PC, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get excited about a new device. Since Casio has the all-around PPC champion and the Everex/ Compaq twins outperform everyone else in broad daylight, a new company is really going to have to impress us to get the PCM seal of approval. Until we see how OEMs utilize the open accessory port inside the device, we're going to reserve opinion. But I'll say that much; if someone puts a hot peripheral in that empty space I might order a PocketPro, or whatever the OEM may call it, the first day they start ship.
-Dan Hanttula
Auctor Corporation
