Tips and Tricks

Protect Your Investment

Even if you get a great deal on a Windows Mobile device, you’ll still want to protect your investment. The screen is one of the most fragile parts of these devices. The more scratches on your screen, the less enjoyable it is to use your device. Worst of all, repairing a cracked screen can set you back a couple of hundred dollars. Check out PDA Parts (pdaparts.com) or Pocket PC Techs (pocketpctechs.com) or AX Micro Solutions (axmicro.com) if you should break your screen.

No cost protection

Most Pocket PCs and Smartphones come with a basic slip cover or carrying case. Use it, especially if you carry your device around in a briefcase or shoulder bag.

Low to moderate cost protection

Manufacturers also offer optional cases varying in price and quality. Go to your manufacturer’s Web site and look for the link labeled “Accessories.”

In addition, a number of independent vendors offer low to moderately-priced carrying cases and slip covers for Windows Mobile devices. You can check out the following vendors: Belkin (belkin.com) JAVOedge (javoedge.com), PDair (pdair.com), Piel Frama (pielframa.com), Pocket PC Techs (pocketpctechs.com), RhinoSkin (saunders-usa.com/rhinoskin/), Sena Cases (senacases.com), or UniQase (uniqase.com). If you need a really rugged case, consider Otter Products (otterbox.com). In addition, camera stores have excellent padded, weather-resistant carrying cases that may work with your device. For less expensive solutions, check out the camera or electronics departments at discount stores such as Wal-Mart or Target. They won’t have “made for the Pocket PC” stamped on the front, but they should work just fine.

Another relatively inexpensive way to avoid wear and tear on your Pocket PC’s display is to use screen protectors (also called “screen overlays”). These thin, transparent plastic sheets cover the screen and protect it from scratches and marks from excessive tapping, but let you see and use the touch screen easily. If you can’t find them on your device manufacturers’ Web site, they are available from a number of third-party vendors, including NuShield (nushield.com), PocketPCTechs (pocketpctechs.com/ws.asp), JAVOedge (javoedge.com), and Belkin (belkin.com).

(c) 2007 Thaddeus Computing, publisher Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine. Click here to receive a free trial issue.