I've done some snooping and managed to get some info on the new operating system. The biggest complaint I have with the current version of Windows CE is its speed. It just seems to take too long for things to happen. It also seems to hang up on occasion, requiring a reset to get things moving again. The new version, according to what I've read, is much faster, thanks to a complete redesign. Gone are the 3-D buttons and effects that were only decoration anyway.

I've heard the new version promises to be at least twice as fast as the current one. It's also going to be much more stable, according to Microsoft, so those annoying resets will, hopefully, become a thing of the past. Also, all double clicks have been eliminated, so navigation will be quicker, requiring single clicks only. When you tap and hold the stylus against the screen, a context menu box opens, similar to a right click in Windows 98.

Finally they've included a built-in task switcher allowing instant access to the most recently used programs. No more slogging through cascading menus to open a new program. Speaking of cascading menus, they're gone. They created far too much clutter on a small screen. Microsoft has now put the menu bar at the bottom of the screen, so your hand won't obstruct your view while completing tasks. There's a customizable Today screen allowing you to display any personal information you want to view there.

Synchronization has also been improved. This is an area that was addressed by the release of ActiveSync 3.0. However, ActiveSync 3.1 now adds the ability to synchronize Notes, as well as having USB support and infrared synchronization for Windows 2000.

Pocket Internet Explorer includes the new Offline Favorites for offline viewing of Web content, integrated AvantGo account setup, and 128-bit encryption among other improvements. Shown in Figure A, Windows Media Player, meanwhile, supports WMA and MP3 formats for downloading digital music and playback.

FIGURE A

You and Windows CE will be able to make wonderful music together with the Windows Media Player.

Also included in the new Windows CE is Microsoft Reader (shown in Figure B), which displays clear, crisp fonts on the small screens for easy reading. Microsoft Money for Pocket PC is included for mobile financial tracking and synchronization with Desktop Money. For the travelers among us, Microsoft Expedia Pocket Streets is included in the box.