PocketPC Phone Edition is the first device designed specifically to run the mobile phone-enabled edition of Microsoft's PocketPC 2002. Is this much anticipated PDA/phone, built for VoiceStream by the same company that builds iPaqs for Compaq, the best foot forward for Microsoft's new OS? Probably not. Having spent several days with the device, I'm ready to tell you why.

In the Microsoft world, the only thing that compares to this device is Audiovox's Thera. However, the convergence in that device--which runs the regular edition of PocketPC 2002--was managed by Audiovox and not by Microsoft. The device I have in my hands now has the convergence baked into the operating system. The $549 device I tested was built for VoiceStream (soon to be T-Mobile) by Taiwan-based Hi-Tech Computing, the same company that builds iPaqs for Compaq. Certain resemblances to iPaqs are unmistakable. Not only are the shape, weight, display, and metallic finish similar, but so is another design choice that I consider a mistake: the battery is built-in. The device must be returned to VoiceStream should the battery ever fail. Now, this device can have another battery added. But here's the strange part: The secondary battery has to be screwed onto the back of the device. Imagine if a regular cell phone manufacturer made either design choice (to build the battery in or to attach additional batteries with screws). That phone would be a flop.