Users Petition for OS Upgrades

When Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC was announced earlier this week, many handheld users were happy to learn that there would be a upgrade available for their devices running Pocket PC 2002. On the other hand, the news wasn't good for everyone. Several popular handhelds aren't being offered upgrades. Still, many users aren't taking this lying down.

For those who are new to this, releasing a new handheld OS doesn't work the same way as it does with desktops and laptops. The upgrade doesn't come straight from Microsoft. Instead, Microsoft gives the new operating system to its licensees who customize it for their individual models and release it.

Handheld makers are not required to offer upgrades, though they may alienate their customers by not doing so. Microsoft's FAQ on upgrading to Windows Mobile 2003 says, "OEMs may choose not to offer an upgrade for all Pocket PC models in all languages in all countries." An OEM is the Original Equipment Manufacturer i.e. the company that produced the Pocket PC.

Undeterred, many are working to put pressure on the maker of their handheld to release an upgrade for their particular model.

Possibly the most vocal of these so far has been those with a Toshiba e740. This model was recently replaced by the e750/e755, which is upgradeable to the latest version of the operating system. Nevertheless, at this point Toshiba isn't offering an upgrade for the older model.

In an attempt to convince the company to develop the upgrade, an online petition has been posted, which has been signed by over 1800 people at this point. This petition also asks for a Microsoft Mobile 2003 upgrade for the Toshiba e330.

It's possible that these upgrades will eventually be available. Several posters in the Brighthand Forums have reported hearing from Toshiba technical support people that a upgrades are being developed but are delayed because of technical problems. However, there has been no official word from Toshiba to confirm this.

These people aren't alone. A similar petition has been created for the Hewlett Packard h1910, for which no upgrade has been offered either.

Fortunately, not all users find themselves in the situation of having to convince the maker of their handheld to release an upgrade. Dell is offering one for both its Axim models, HP says there will be upgrades for the iPAQ h5450 and iPAQ h3900 series, Toshiba has one for its e750/e755, and ViewSonic is developing one for the V35. (Read this article for more details.)

Related Links

• The Upgrades Are Coming! The Upgrades Are Coming!
• Pocket PC 2003 Is Finally Here!