ViewSonic has announced a handheld device running Microsoft’s Pocket PC 2002 operating system. The PCV35 is a lightweight, entry-level handheld with 64 Mb of RAM, a 300 Mhz XScale processor, 240 x 320 colour LCD and lithium ion battery.

In addition to the standard range of Pocket PC productivitity, communications and PIM software, ViewSonic will bundle a Powerpoint and image viewer with the device. ViewSonic has also announced devices based on Microsoft Tablet PC and a custom implementation of Windows CE .NET.

The PCV35 will cost under USD 300, making it one of the least expensive Pocket PCs on the market.

“Performance and ease of use are priorities for our customers, but price is still the number-one determining factor for most everyday users,” said David Feldman, ViewSonic. “With ViewSonic’s Pocket PC V35, consumers shopping for a personal digital assistant will no longer have to sacrifice functionality, application familiarity and style for affordability.” Ed Suwanjindar, product manager in the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft Corp, added: “With the ViewSonic Pocket PC V35, customers will enjoy the same great Pocket PC experience at a very attractive price. We’re delighted to welcome ViewSonic as the latest Pocket PC OEM.”

Insight

The lower end of the Pocket PC market is becoming commoditised. Volume manufacturers such as ViewSonic can buy most of the required design expertise and components ‘off-the-shelf’ and use retail channel muscle to compete on price. This is not necessarily a bad thing for other Pocket PC vendors.

The additional user base which will be attracted by the sub-USD 300 pricepoint will encourage more developers to create applications for the platform and increase the overall appeal of the Pocket PC OS. However, it adds further weight to PMN’s argument that Palm cannot seek to compete on price with either fellow Palm OS vendors or Pocket PC OEMs.