Definition: Pocket PC

An earlier operating environment for handheld computers from Microsoft, based on the Windows CE operating system. Introduced in 2000, the Pocket PC included Pocket Office applications (Internet Explorer, Word and Excel), handwriting recognition, an e-book reader and wireless Internet. It was designed to compete with the Palm devices, which were popular at that time.

Pocket PC was part of the Windows Mobile platform and was renamed Windows Mobile Classic and Windows Mobile Professional in 2007. See Windows Mobile and Pocket PC Phone Edition.

Handheld Windows

Pocket PCs such as this Jornada from HP emerged after the turn of the century, providing users with mobile versions of popular Windows programs.