Grand opening
Grand Central Station, as seen in Figure A, is a cavernous building with an ornate vaulted ceiling painted with renderings of the constellations. The enormous room is congested with bustling commuters and tourists posing for pictures that can't possibly take in the scope of the scenery. On this day, adding to the confusion of the teaming crowds, were product vendors and our fellow press agents. We gathered in anticipation of the Pocket PC's official unveiling.

FIGURE A

Grand Central Station bustled more than usual before the show. Click picture for a larger image.

The event took place outside the awkwardly named Michael Jordan's-The Steak House NYC on a curtained off, jury-rigged stage on one of the balconies overlooking the main concourse. Security was tight, consisting of one guy who asked anyone who approached the roped-off area, "Who are you?" Showing cunning insight and discrimination, he took us at our word that we were press.

Once inside, we had brief opportunity to enjoy some bagels and orange juice before being ushered onto the narrow balcony where folding chairs were arranged. Due to the confined space, the majority of the attendees no doubt had little to see other than the large monitor screen and the backs of heads, as seen in Figure B.

FIGURE B

Most attendees could have done with a pair of binoculars.

Fortunately, such was not the case for members of the press, who were granted front row seating. Between the complimentary breakfast and the actual presentation, we passed the time comparing the features of our respective PDAs like proud parents. Of course, there's always one parent whose track star, honor student progeny shows up all the others. When Steve Ballmer came out and unveiled the Pocket PC, he was that parent.

Suck-Up Guy
Ballmer made his appearance following an animated short produced by Atomfilms.com called "Suck-Up Guy in Planes, Trains, and Pocket PCs." Suck-Up Guy was a poorly dubbed loudmouth carrying a gramophone as part of the multi-media presentation he planned on delivering for his company. As he was attempting to lug his equipment out of the airport, he met an animated Steve Ballmer who helped him realize the folly of his ways, and Suck-Up Guy was made an instant convert to the compact practicality of the Pocket PC.