About Windows Mobile

What is Windows Mobile?

Want the freedom to move but need a way to stay connected? Windows Mobile combines on-the-go technology and your favourite Microsoft Windows-based programs.

You can correct copy in Microsoft Office Mobile, scan your contacts in Office Outlook, send instant messages in Windows Live Messenger for Mobile and tune out with Windows Media Player — all on a hand-size portable device.

Having a Windows Mobile-powered smartphone or PDA puts your office — and your life — in your pocket.

Why do I need Windows Mobile?

Windows Mobile helps you stay in touch with family, friends and business colleagues. You can easily access many of the same programs you enjoy on your home computer from your portable device.

With Windows Mobile powering your smartphone or PDA, you can do a host of cool things. Browse the Internet, view and edit documents and spreadsheets, manage e-mail, make phone calls and send text messages. You have your contacts and schedule at your fingertips no matter where you are, so it’s easy to stay on top of both your social and business commitments.

What can I do with a Windows Mobile-based device?

• Send and receive e-mail that retains much of the same formatting you’d see on a PC, including colours, tables, bulleted lists, embedded images and links.
• Synchronize your calendar and address book with your desktop computer so you can always access your schedule and contacts. If it’s the office computer you’re connecting to, you can sync with Microsoft Exchange.
• View, create and make changes to documents in Microsoft Word, spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint using Microsoft Office Mobile.
• Watch videos and listen to music on Media Player Mobile.
• Send and receive instant messages using Windows Live Messenger for Mobile.
• Add photos and blog entries to your Windows Live Space straight from your portable device.
• Enjoy security features such as data encryption when transferring files to removable storage cards; enjoy the ability to wipe the device’s hard drive from a remote location if it’s been stolen.
• Exchange files with other Windows Mobile-based devices wirelessly through Bluetooth (on selected devices).

What types of Windows Mobile-based devices are available?

There are three categories of Windows Mobile-based devices.

• Hand in your pocket. PDAs are devices that have a touch-sensitive screen that is tapped with a stylus but have no phone capabilities. Designed to function like a handheld computer, PDAs allow users to send and receive text messages, instant messages and e-mail, browse the web, view and create text documents, manage calendars and contacts, and perform other PC-like tasks.
• Get smart. Smartphones are essentially beefed up cell phones that combine advanced features such as web browsing, e-mailing and document editing with the ability to make and receive phone calls over a cellular network. Smartphones more closely resemble cell phones in shape and design; they have built-in keypads for entering numbers and text instead of a touch screen and stylus.
• The combo. A third category, sometimes referred to as PDAs with phone, combines the phone capabilities of a smart phone with the touch screen of a PDA.

Types of Windows Mobile-based devices:

What types of applications are available?

There are thousands of fun and helpful applications designed to work on Windows Mobile-based devices.

• Communication. Keep in touch with Windows Live Messenger for Mobile which comes installed on Windows Mobile based devices. You can also download mobile versions of other instant messaging applications such as ICQ, AIM and Jabber.
• Build brain power. Get educated on the go with dictionaries (English and foreign languages), translators, astronomy charts, public transit timetables and world clocks.
• Get your game on. Bubble Breaker and Solitaire come installed on all devices. Then there’s Bejeweled, Chess, Age of Empires, Tradewinds, Insaniquarium and other casual game favourites that can be downloaded to your device.
• Find your way. Take advantage of GPS software to turn your portable device into a high-tech compass and navigational aid with maps, route plans, step-by-step directions and points of interest such as nearby restaurants and hotels.
• Play it safe. Help keep your device secure with antivirus software, data encryption tools and password managers.
• Rely on the basics. Feel good knowing you get battery life and data usage monitors, file compression tools, bill trackers and due date reminders, and memory card managers.

How can I personalize my Windows Mobile-based device?

Choosing the default settings of Windows Mobile customizes your device to reflect your style. Express your individuality in the following ways:

1. Name that tune. Download and install ringtones that reflect your personality or mood, such as the theme from a favourite movie or video game, or a snippet of a song.
2. Be a quick-change artist. Change the default background of your home screen to something more eye-catching. Choose from a variety of free wallpapers, or use one of your own digital photos.
3. Take a shortcut. Customize your device’s home screen by adding shortcuts to the applications you use most. Synchronize your appointment book and task list with your desktop computer so that your upcoming appointments and ToDo list appear on the home screen.
4. Personalize with pics. Add photos to your address book so that you can see a picture of the person you’re calling or e-mailing.
5. Colour your world: Apply a new colour palette or “theme” to your device.

Where can I find programs for my Windows Mobile-based device?

These web sites make it easy to download programs for your device and make it your own.

• Free Ringtones
• Handango.com
• Handster.com
• MobileTopSoft.com
• PocketPCSoft.net
• Smartphone.net
• Your Mobile Life Overview