Windows CE 1.0 FAQ
By Chris De Herrera, Copyright 1996, 1997
Version 1.02, 3/1/97

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Q: What is Windows CE?

 A: Windows CE is a new operating system that has a similar look and feel to Windows 95. It includes scaled down versions of Excel, Word, Internet Explorer and Schedule. It also has support for terminal emulation as well as PPP for Internet E-Mail and web browsing. E-Mail is supported in a smaller version of the Inbox that is available in Windows 95. Additional applications are available from 3rd parties.

Q: What desktop PCs can it connect with?

A: The software provided by Microsoft is called HPC Explorer. It is supported in Windows 95 and in beta for Windows NT. Data Viz has committed to supporting connectivity to Macintosh systems in the future. There is no support for Windows 3.1 or DOS.

Q: How can I share my data with my HPC?

A: By using HPC Explorer to transfer files from and to my PC, file translation is automatic. Pocket Word and Pocket Excel files must be translated in order to use them on the PC. Some formatting may be lost when you send an Excel or Word document to the HPC. Also, the contacts and tasks can be synchronized to Schedule 7.0a. The HPC can also display graphics and use them for wallpaper on the desktop. This conversion is done at the time the graphics file is sent. As for .wav files, the HPC can natively play .wav files that are 8 bit 11khz mono. TrueType fonts are also supported.

Q: What are the "standard" specifications for Windows CE Hand Held Computers (HPC)?

A: Each Windows CE system has a minimum of 2mb of ram and 4mb of rom. The display is 480 x 240 with 4 shades of gray. The screen is touch sensitive and acts like a mouse for the provided stylus. The keyboards are Qwerty style but they do not have any function keys or 10 keypads. Each keyboard does include control, alt and Windows keys. The i/o ports include a serial port and an IrDA port as well as a PC Card (PCMCIA) type II slot. Each unit has a notification light on the unit for alarms. Also. a speaker capable of playing .wav files is included.

Q: Is handwriting Recognition included?

A: No, handwriting recognition is not included. ART has created a recognizer for Windows CE which is available separately (408-973-9786). Jot handwriting recognition is available from CIC http://www.cic.com (415-802-7735).

Q: How is my ram used?

A: Ram is used to store applications and data files as well as execute them. In the control panel, system option, you can adjust the amount of storage for applications verses execution. The minimum execution space is about 500k, although it is common to use 1mb or more for program execution. Additional program storage is available on PC Cards.

Q: What type of PC Cards are supported in Windows CE?

A: Sundisk/Sandisk 5 volt and 3.3 volt ATA flash cards are supported. Also, Sram cards are supported. PC Card modes are supported but be careful, your battery runtime will be about 10 minutes. An A/C adapter is recommended for PC Card Modems. At this time, linear flash (ie: Newton or Zaurus) is not supported.

Q: What is the format of the PC Cards?

A: The PC Cards are supported using the standard FAT file system. Also long file names are supported. The cards read/write compatible with DOS, Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, thus providing fast and easy file transfer.

Q: What type of Internet connectivity is possible?

A: The Windows CE system provides support for PPP connectivity to the internet. Via this connection, you can browse the web with Pocket Internet Explorer. Pocket Internet Explorer will scale down pages that are wider than the HPC screen. E-Mail support is provided through Pop3 or SMTP. Additional capabilities such as Newsgroups and IRC are available from Ararat Software, http://www.ararat.com.

Q: What are some of the differences between the HPCs?

A: Most of the HPCs are based on Hitachi's SH3 cpu. The NEC and Phillips system use custom Mips cpus. Both CPUs are 32 bits and the Mips have a 64 bit mode as well. Although 32 bit CPUs are good, the Hitachi CPU is more efficient since it uses 16 bit instructions. This reduces storage and execution space in ram by up to 50%. Also, the Phillips, Hitachi and LG Electronics include internal 14.4k modems on some models.

Q: Does the HPCs support E-Mail from CCMail or Lotus Notes?

A: Yes, support for CCMail and Lotus Notes is available via River Run Software.

Q: Does the HPCs support Faxing?

A: Yes, Fax software is available from BSquare Development. There is an evaluation version available at http://www.bsquare.com/development/.

Q: Does Windows CE support AOL?

A: No, AOL support is not available at this time.

Q: Does Windows CE support DOS or Windows applications?

A: No, Windows CE is a new operating system. The programs for Windows CE are completely different than DOS or Windows applications. Windows CE is a true multitasking and multithreaded operating system, you can even run 2 or more applications at the same time. It is Win32 API compatible except it does not have all the extensions available such as MAPI, OLE, DDE, etc.

Q: Can I convert my PIM data from _____ to and from my HPC?

A: Yes, Intellisync is available to convert your data to and from your favorite PIM. Contact Puma Technology at (800) 774-PUMA.  Data Vis offers PIM conversion software as well http://www.dataviz.com

Q: Can I synchronize my schedule with my work PC and home PC?

A: No, you can not synchronize your HPC with 2 or more PCs. You can copy your whole database from one system to another, thus synchronizing your HPC.

Q: Can I synchronize multiple HPC's with one PC?

A: No, you can only synchronize one HPC with your desktop.

Q: What is the maximum baud rate for connecting my HPC to my PC?

A: The current maximum baud rate is 115200. This is dependent on the speed of your desktop cpu and uart (16550 preferred).

Q: Do the HPCs support Ethernet or Token Ring?

A: No, Ethernet and Token Ring are not supported at this time.  Also, Ethernet and Token Ring PC Cards require more power than most PC Card Modems do.  This means that you would have to use an AC adapter in order to connect to a network.

Q: Can I see my Desktop from my HPC when it is connected?

A:  No, there is no support for viewing the Desktop files from the HPC.  There is support for using the Desktop to move/copy/backup files from the HPC.

Q:  Can I see how much space is available on my HPC?

A:  Yes, you can see how much program and storage space is available and currently in use by using Settings, System, Memory.  There is no support in v1.0 for viewing the amount of space free or used on PC Cards.

Q:  Can I use my IRDA compliant Infrared on my laptop to connect to my HPC?

A:  Yes, you can.  The laptop must be using Windows 95 and have the IRDA 2.0 driver installed.  Once driver is installed, you will need to make sure that the infrared serial port is designated as a virtual serial port in the Control Panel, System.  Also, you must change the serial port of the HPC explorer to use the IRDA serial port (usually com 2 or 3).  Finally, you have to create a definition for the communications in Remote Networking.  This definition must specify that you will use the IRDA port.   Don't forget to press the reset button on the HPC prior to testing the communications.  I have successfully communicated with multiple HPCs at 115.2k.

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