Q: What is a Windows Mobile powered device?
A: A Windows Mobile powered device is a handheld device powered by the Windows Mobile platform. It allows you to retrieve e-mail, keep track of your schedule and your contacts, browse the Internet, send and receive text messages, read and compose Microsoft Word Mobile files, make Microsoft Excel Mobile charts, and view Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.* Windows Mobile is a rich platform that allows you to download third-party software to customise your device. You can download e-books, games, maps, business software, and more.
Businesses use Windows Mobile powered devices to help their employees keep in touch while out of the office. Employees may use the devices to check e-mail, track sales, check inventory, place orders, communicate with students, route transportation, and accomplish other tasks by using a variety of line-of-business applications.
The Windows Mobile platform is available on a variety of devices from a variety of wireless operators. You will find Windows Mobile software on devices from HTC , Motorola , Palm , Samsung , Sony Ericsson , and other manufacturers. You can purchase Windows Mobile powered devices from mobile operators including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, 3, and others. Windows Mobile powered devices are available on GSM or the 3G network. To find out more about which Windows Mobile powered devices are available from your mobile operator, browse our devices .
*Microsoft Office Mobile applications are available on Pocket PCs and Pocket PC Phones
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Q: What’s the difference between a Pocket PC and a Smartphone?
A:Pocket PCs come with mobile versions of Office applications in addition to Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile. Though there are different Pocket PCs, many come with Wi-Fi to enable you to connect to the Internet when you are in a wireless hotspot. With a Pocket PC, you’ll be able to use Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile and browse the Internet if you have a device with Wi-Fi and are in a wireless hotspot. You can compose e-mail messages and send them by synchronising with your desktop computer or wirelessly when you’re in a hotspot.
You can do everything with a Pocket PC Phone that you can do with a Pocket PC with the addition of wireless access to the Internet and mobile phone capabilities. If you have a Pocket PC Phone, you can access the Internet through your wireless connection—you won’t need to find a wireless hotspot. Internet access incurs data charges from your wireless provider.
You can add a wide variety of software titles to your Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone. You can visit the Windows Mobile Download page which lists certified Microsoft applications for Windows Mobile powered devices.
A smartphone has phone capabilities and comes with a smaller set of applications. Though you can add third-party software titles to your smartphone, the smaller keypad and screen are designed to give you quick one-handed access to important data. A smartphone is a good choice for business users who need to check e-mail, keep track of their calendars, and take voice notes, but who don’t need the added functionality of Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile. If you find yourself wanting more functions after you’ve purchased your device, there are good third-party software titles designed to extend the capabilities of a Windows Mobile powered smartphone.
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Q: What type of input do the devices use?
A: Pocket PCs and Pocket PC Phones offer several types of input. Some have a QWERTY keyboard. Most use a stylus or on-screen keyboard and a touch screen. You can write, draw, or type your input. Smartphones have a keypad to enter data. Most Windows Mobile powered devices can be used with a portable keyboard that connects to the device with Bluetooth or infrared technology.
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Q: Can a Windows Mobile powered device also play music?
A: Yes! Though many users purchase a Windows Mobile powered device to keep track of their e-mail and schedules, they also like to have some fun after hours. Your device comes with Windows Media Player Mobile. You can transfer music from your desktop computer to your device. You need a storage card to store and play music.
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Q: Can I use the same programs on my device as on my desktop computer?
A: Windows Mobile powered devices use mobile versions of familiar Microsoft Office software. Third-party software companies develop software for Windows Mobile powered devices that extend the platform. You cannot use desktop versions of your software on your device.
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Q: How do I transfer information from my desktop computer to my device?
A: You can transfer files to your device from your desktop computer using a cradle or USB cable. Pocket PCs often come with a cradle, while smartphones usually have a cable. Newer Pocket PC Phones may have a USB cable. A program called ActiveSync comes with your new device. You need to install this program on your desktop to synchronise files between your desktop and your device. If you lose the ActiveSync CD, you can download a copy of ActiveSync from our web site. Use the recommended version for your device.
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Q: Can I browse the entire Internet or just special mobile sites?
A: Though some sites are more suited to browsing on a mobile device, you can browse the entire Internet on your device.
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Q: Do people actually watch videos on their devices?
A: Watching videos on a Windows Mobile powered device is very popular. If your device has Windows Media Player Mobile 10 or later, it's easy to transfer videos from your desktop computer to your device and take your movies to go. Learn more about the latest version of Windows Media Player Mobile .
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Q: What is Bluetooth?
A: Bluetooth technology is a way to connect wirelessly with other devices, peripherals, and your desktop computer. Bluetooth is used most commonly in Windows Mobile powered devices for wireless headsets.
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Q: Can the devices use Wi-Fi?
A: Many Windows Mobile powered devices are enabled for Wi-Fi, the availability of this feature depends on the manufacturer check our site to find some Wi-Fi compatible devices.
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Q: How can I store data on my device?
A: SD and miniSD cards. SD (Secure Digital) and miniSD cards are the standard form of data storage on devices. Each device is different, so check before you buy one to see which card your device needs. MiniSD cards can be used in an adapter to fit into an SD card slot.
CF cards. CF (Compact Flash) cards are often found in digital cameras and are available for a few Windows Mobile powered Pocket PCs. If you have a CF card in your camera and one in your Pocket PC, you can take pictures with your digital camera, insert the card into your device, and view the pictures in a slide show.
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