“Wired” connectivity refers to connections using a cable. All Windows Mobile Pocket PCs and Smartphones have a USB port on the bottom of the device and ship with a USB cable or data cradle with an attached cable. Simply install the free ActiveSync software on your desktop PC, connect to your Windows Mobile device via cable or cradle, and you’re ready to go! You can use the desktop PC to install programs on the Windows Mobile device, as well as to transfer files and synchronize data between the two. Plus you can use ActiveSync’s “‘pass-thru” feature to connect your Pocket PC to the Internet through your PC (if your PC has a live Internet connection).

It’s possible to add wired modems as well as LAN and serial ports to a Pocket PC.

Wired modems allow you to connect to a phone line and dial up to an Internet service provider. Dial-up connections are relatively slow and poorly suited to Web browsing, but sufficient for checking e-mail. Socket Communications (socketcom.com) has dial-up modems in CompactFlash and SDIO formats. In addition, Socket offers a Cordless 56K Modem that physically connects to your phone line but wirelessly communicates with some Bluetooth-enabled Windows Mobile devices (see compatibility list—Socket does not list any Smartphones as being compatible with these modems).

LAN (Ethernet) adapters let you connect your Pocket PC to a Local Area Network. Once connected, you can move files and synchronize data very quickly. They are available in CompactFlash format from Socket Communications.

Serial port adapters let you connect your Pocket PC to modems, bar code scanners, mag-stripe readers, and other devices with RS-232 ports. They are available in CompactFlash format from Socket Communications.

All but a few Windows Mobile devices come with a built-in IrDA (infrared) port, which allows you to “beam” Calendar Contacts, and Tasks items between your Pocket PC or Smartphone and another Windows Mobile device and some Palm OS devices. In addition, HP and other manufactures include software with some Pocket PCs that allows you to use the IrDA capability to remotely control your TV, VCR, and other home entertainment systems.

Integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability are nearly ubiquitous in the more recently released Windows Mobile devices. However, if you have a device that does not include one of these, you can add it via relatively inexpensive hardware accessories.

Add-on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in the CompactFlash and SDIO formats are available from Socket Communications (socketcom.com). Be sure and check the compatibility list to see if it works with your device. In addition, MobilePlanet (mobileplanet.com) offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters, including the Spectec SDIO Mini Wi-Fi Card, a Wi-Fi adapter in the MiniSD format suitable for Pocket PCs and Smartphones with this smaller card slot.

All Pocket PC Phone Edition devices and Smartphones have an integrated mobile phone that lets you make phone calls and send and receive data using cellular networks like those from Sprint, Verizon, AT&T Wireless, and T-Mobile. However, to use these capabilities, you have to sign up for a one- to two-year service contract. Once you have done this, you can use your device to not only make phone calls, but to check e-mail, instant message, and browse Web. Note that high-speed wireless data capability is only available in certain geographical areas. Check with the wireless carriers before hand to make sure it’s available in the areas you are interested in.

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