So I've had a Windows Mobile 2003 Device, for about 2 months now, and it's time to review...
(There are links galore for pictures...)

Part 1 of 2:

1. Pocket PC Past?
I don't have a true past with the Pocket PC/Windows Mobile platform. I did however, have a Windows CE device, and I quickly found out that what I was use to, is way different on WM2003.

2. Today Screen
The Details: When you start your Pocket PC, you get a cool Today screen (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=3). This screen tells you all that's happening today, and gives a quick glance at Tasks that need to be done, and your name. I need to know that I own a Pocket PC. ;) One cool thing about the Pocket PC, is that the today screen/start menu is changeable (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=7), and UI is color changeable, well at least the start menu, and top bar.
Pros: Clean, and crisp. Quick glance at day.
Cons: Lack of being able to have a 'Real' desktop, with launch-able icons, and other details.

3. The Start Menu
The Details: This isn't your Windows Start Menu (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=8). First, It has a "Recent Programs" bar on the top, which lists the 6 most recent apps that you've ran. Below it, are up to 9 customizable slots, and then a "Programs", "Settings", "Find...", and "Help"
Pros: One thing I love, is the customizable slots, and the recently used programs.
Cons:One thing I really hate, is that the "Programs" doesn't cascade. What it does, is open a new window (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=9), that's filled with all your programs.

4. The rest of the title bar.
The Details: Just like in Windows, you have a system tray, that has icons. After tapping one of these icons, you get a bubble (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=10), that contains the information for that icon. You can always tap the time for the Date/Time, and Next Appointment, and a quick Battery Status. Next we have the Close "X" icon. Instead of windows, the "X" just "Smartly Minimizes", and doesn't actually close it.
Pros: While most people hate the "Smart Minimize", I actually like it, because when switching from app to app, it's handy to keep more than one open. Plus, since Windows keeps track of which programs use the most memory, it closes them as more system ram is needed.

5. The Control Panel
The Details: In Windows Mobile, the "Control Panel" isn't called that, it's just called "Settings". The Settings panel (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=11) is laid out in 3 different tabs, "Personal", "System", and "Connections". Each item in here controls something. ;)
Pros: I like how it's tabbed. This makes it easy to pick different setting quickly.
Cons: However, I feel as if I have to go here too often. Especially to the memory, and power options. Strictly because WM doesn't tell you anywhere but in the "Settings" the exact amount of Memory/Power you have left.

6. Pocket Outlook
The Details: Pocket Outlook is just like it's big brother. It has Tasks (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=12), Calendar (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=13), Notes (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=14), and Contacts (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4).
Pros: Act just like the desktop version. Love the Voice Recorder!
Cons: None

7. Windows Media Player 9 Series
The Details: WMP9 for WM2003 (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=5) is a player of MP3s, WMA, and WMV. It has playlist options, and mappable button support.
Pros:WMP for WM2003 is great. Easy file copy from the desktop, and plays it quick and clean. It also handles full screen video very well, and zips through media. It's Playlist option make it easy to pick your favorite tracks.
Cons: Big Video Files take a long time to load.

8. Pocket Internet Explorer
The Details: PIE is just like it's desktop counter-part. It offers sync-able offline browsing (through Mobile Favorites, or integrated AvantGo). It has a "Fit To Screen" feature that shrinks down sites, so they fit on your little screen.
Pros: Avantgo integration, and good quick browsing make it great!
Cons: As you can see with MousePad (http://groups.msn.com/HastinsPictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=6), the "Fit to screen" doesn't always work.

Look Forward to Part 2 in the next few weeks when I cover, ActiveSync, Pocket Word/Excel, and more...