Simple Question (really)

[felixdd]

Does programs that work on the 770 work on the 790? They both are MIPS, just that 790 has a diff OS.

I'm thinking that it works...am I right?

[Richie Rich]

I wonder that too.

But if I were to answer the question with my limited knowledge, I would have to say no.

While both sport the MIPS processor, the 790 runs the WinCE Pro 2000 OS I believe, while I know the 770 runs the WinCE 2.11 core.

I would then assume that programs that use the OS would not be compatible, and those that use direct access to the cpu functions might...

But then I really don't know and would like to... But there is one way to find out. I am a 770 owner, and if you are a 790 owner, let's mail each other our machines.

I promise I won't move on you or leave a false name or address...(grin!), as sure as my name is John Doe.

Seriously though, if anyone has upgraded to the 790 and can answer this question, let us know...I've wondered that too!

[JohnO]

Software that runs on your 770 will run on the 790.

Software written for the H/PC 2000 OS (such as the 790) will not work on the 770 or 780. It is not backwards compatiable!

To put it in plain language, software written for the newer OS will not work on the older OS, but software written for the older OS will work on the newer OS.

Clear as mud - right!:D

[Pilot]

It is my understanding from previous posts here (before the board conversion) and from reviews on various HPC2000 machines that the HPC2000 machines will NOT run most (if not all) older CE programs. I too would find it interesting to hear the contrary from someone who has a MP790.

One thing that makes me question what I heard is realizing (from this thread) that the MP790 comes with a MIPs processor and not the usual StrongArm processor that comes on the majority of HPC2000 machines. It could be that I'm remembering something from a comparison of the Jornada 690 (CE 2.11) and the Jornada 720 (HPC2000). The J690 came with a SH3 processor whereas the J720 has the StrongArm, which would mean that none of the software useable on the J690 would work on the J720. I thought all HPC2000 machines had to convert to the strongarm processor, but apparently not. I wonder how well the MP790 works compared to a much speedier Jornada 790 (40 mhz more muscle on the processor)?

[JohnO]

Pilot

I think that NEC stayed with the MIPS processor, so that all previous software would be compatiable. The trade off is that it's a little slower than the StrongArm, but not enough to really notice during everyday use. For all I know the next Mobilepro may have a StrongArm processor, since as you suggested all of the Pocket PC's and H/PC 2000 were "StrongArmed" (with Microsofts insistance) into using the same processor for all devices.

Who know what processor will be the future choice? :confused:

John