Microsoft to launch new Pocket PC OS

Adam Pasick

NEW YORK: Microsoft Corp. will launch a new Pocket PC operating system on

Thursday in a bid to vault into the top spot in the handheld computing market as

those devices become more powerful professional tools and shed their status as

pricey address books and accessories.

Microsoft's launch of Pocket PC 2002 is the latest attempt by the global

software giant to supplant Palm Inc.'s current dominance in the handheld

computer market.

"It's like a kid growing into an adult and getting their first

job," said Giga Information Group analyst Rob Enderle. "The Pocket PC

upgrade is targeted at a professional, maybe someone who's going