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Think small: Java on Compaq's iPAQ

Develop micro-Java solutions with Jeode and the SavaJe XE OS

By John Zukowski, JavaWorld.com, 10/26/01

During JavaOne 2001, I looked at several alternatives for working with Java technologies on Compaq's iPAQ. (See "Putting Java on the Information Appliance" (JavaWorld, June 2001).) Since then, I've looked into the software-based offerings -- Insignia's Jeode and SavaJe Technologies's SavaJe XE OS -- more closely. While we're still waiting on the hardware-based Java solution, Jazelle from ARM, these software-based alternatives are more of a reality today. In this article, I will review these technologies and show how you can use them to develop mobile applications.

The hardware

First, some background on the iPAQ -- a Pocket PC loaded with Windows CE. In the near future, that will change to Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 OS, but that won't affect the information here. With its flashable ROM, you can easily upgrade the operating system via software instead of swapping hardware. You won't have to trade in any hardware chips; you just send over the new operating system via its network connection.

Figure 1. A Compaq iPAQ

The device runs on Intel's 32-bit 206 MHz StrongARM processor and is the size of your typical PDA device (5.11" by 3.28" by 0.62"), weighing in just under seven ounces. The gray-scale model, while nice, isn't worth the gray scales. For a little extra money, you're better off with a model that supports 4,096 colors (12-bit). Both the black-and-white and color models start at 16 MBs of RAM and offer 240 by 320-pixel resolution with a 2.26" wide by 3.02" tall viewable area. The color TFT screen is amazingly bright, even providing acceptable viewing support off-center and outdoors.

Beyond the basic PDA applications, like a calendar and scheduler, many people are drawn to the iPAQ for its ability to share files with the desktop. You get applications like Pocket Excel and Pocket Word that let you work with Microsoft Office files and even Microsoft Money for financial planning. It is nice to be able to log your financial transactions on the handheld, then sync up with the desktop version. You can even play MP3 files on the iPAQ, though from a cost perspective, using it solely as an MP3 player is unwise. At best, the sound comes across tinny (too much treble, no bass) when playing music, though it is clearer over a headset. There's even solitaire and a golf game on the CD accompanying the system for those looking to fill some meeting time.

The device supports an expansion sleeve for you to add a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card, if you don't mind carrying another six ounces. You can use this for wireless networking or additional memory. Unfortunately, the iPAQ didn't support my wireless card so wireless networking wasn't an option for me. Before buying your own wireless network setup, be sure it provides Windows CE support for the networking card if you plan to put an iPAQ on your network. (Lucent is a good bet here.) I was left wire-connected to my desktop's serial port. The iPAQ also has USB (universal serial bus) support and infrared. Cradles are also available.

 

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