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Winner: Palm OS
The easy-to-use Palm wins the first round. |
If the slugfest were to end after just the first round, the winner would be the Palm OS, by TKO. We informally surveyed a range of PDA users--technology editors, first-timers, and hard-core enthusiasts who own models based on both platforms--and the consensus was clear. The Palm OS is easier to use, we were told, while Windows Mobile models are complicated and confusing.
And we agree. Neither OS is particularly difficult to master, but there's no question the Windows Mobile learning curve is steeper. That's ironic, given Microsoft's attempt to make it familiar to Windows users, right down to the Start button. But Windows doesn't work as well shoehorned into a PDA, as it often requires extra effort to accomplish simple tasks.
Take launching programs, for example. The Palm OS places all program icons on its main applications screen, with each little more than a tap away. Windows Mobile requires you to hit the Start button, just like in desktop Windows, and tap Programs. Only then can you look for the application you're after. Want to return from a subfolder to the main Programs window? You have to tap a tiny OK icon in the corner of the screen. Want to get from there to the main Today screen? This time, you tap an X in the same corner. If this sounds confusing and unintuitive, it is.
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Round 1 |
Round 2 |
Round 3 |
Round 4 |
Round 5 |
Round 6 |
Round 7 |
Round 8 |
| Palm |
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| Windows Mobile 2003 |
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