Road tripping with Windows Mobile |
| | Some of my most vivid memories—both good and bad—involve road trips. From childhood vacations spent trapped in a sweltering station wagon (“Don’t make me stop this car!”), to Florida-bound spring break adventures (“No, I need to see your real I.D.”), to recent leisurely tours through wine country (“A bottle costs what!?!”), road trips have long been a part of my life.
So, when I recently found myself with a couple of weeks off and nothing to do, I immediately thought, “Road trip!” Time to escape the rain and snow of Seattle and head for the warm sunshine of the California desert. This time, my Windows Mobile phone came along for the ride—and I discovered it’s the perfect tool to handle many of the virtual road blocks that I’d encountered on past trips.
The steps described in this article are based on the HTC 621S Windows Mobile 6 Standard phone from T-Mobile. Depending on your phone, the version of Windows Mobile software it runs, and your carrier, the steps may differ slightly. |
| | | Though not absolutely necessary, it’s generally a good idea to have a destination in mind before you set out. No need to decide on the exact route, but do consult a map.
For me, (loosely) planning the itinerary is one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. I while away hours with Windows Live Search Maps. I especially like that Live Search Maps estimates the driving time between user-specified points. It also helps me get a sense of what’s between here and there—both geographically and in the way of services. After not-so-careful consideration, I decided on the following route: Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Oregon (visit family); to Lincoln City, Oregon (hook up with Highway 101—the coast route); to San Francisco, California (visit friends); to Yosemite National Park (if the snows allow); to Sequoia National Park (I’ve got a thing for big trees); to Palm Springs, California (and Joshua Tree National Park); and then, back home again. |
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 Windows Live Search map of road trip route |
Find lodging along the way |
While I map out important stops on my route, I don’t bother booking hotels for each night. I’m never quite sure how far I’ll get or what side trips I may take. That’s the allure of a road trip.
Windows Mobile and Live Search help me find the nearest hotel while I’m on the road. (Actually, whoever’s riding shotgun gets to work the phone. The driver just drives.)
To find the nearest hotel: |
| First, change your Live Search location to the town you’re interested in. From the Live Search screen, click Change my Location. Enter your new location, and click Find. After Live Search updates your location, click New Search. Enter your hotel criteria in the search field, and click Enter on your phone or click the Search icon (the magnifying glass) on the screen.  Tip Your device tries to guess the word you’re currently typing, displaying possibilities across the bottom of the screen. Use the arrows to highlight the word you want, and click Enter. Scroll through the results. You can click Call, Reviews, or 1-click directions for each entry.
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| | The weather can be questionable in the mountains during early spring. With Windows Mobile, I can quickly check the weather conditions at my next stop. If the mountain pass on my route is closed, I’ll be able to revise my plans and save driving time.
To check weather conditions: |
| On the Home screen, enter your search criteria in the Live Search field. Click Enter. (If you don’t see the Live Search field, click Start > Windows Live or Start > Programs > Windows Live.) Since the weather at a national park is a common query, the appropriate link appears at the top of the search results. Click the link to view current conditions at the park. Scroll down to find the conditions. The road I’ll be taking is open.  The park’s web site also includes a webcam that offers the perfect image to set the mood for visiting the park. 
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| Use your phone to connect your laptop to the Internet |
With Windows Mobile, you can connect your laptop to the Internet using your phone. This is especially useful when your hotel (or tent) doesn’t have Wi-Fi, but does have cell service. Use the Internet Sharing app included with Windows Mobile. For detailed instructions on using your phone as a wireless modem with either a USB or Bluetooth connection, see Using your Windows Mobile phone for laptop Internet access by Jason Dunn. The article also points to several third-party connectivity apps. | |
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Throughout the trip, I take pictures with my fancy digital SLR camera and also with my phone’s built-in camera. The reasons I use both? For one, my expensive DSLR travels safely tucked away in its protective case. My phone (and its camera) rest right in my breast pocket, for quick-and-easy access anytime. Also, I can instantly message or e-mail the pictures snapped with my phone—no need to download them to a computer first.
To take a picture with your phone’s camera: |
| Click Start > Camera. Frame the picture using the phone’s screen as the viewfinder, and then press Enter to take the picture. (On some phones, instead of clicking Enter, you’ll click the camera icon.)  Tip Explore your camera’s settings and options by clicking the wrench icon on the main camera screen or in the Camera Menu.
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| To send a multimedia message: |
| Click Start > Pictures & Videos (or Start > Programs > Pictures & Videos for some phones). Locate a picture you want to send, and press Enter. Click Send. Make sure MMS is highlighted, and click Select or press Enter. Click in the various fields to enter recipients, a subject, and a bit of text for the image. Click the arrow on the right to add additional images. When you’re done composing the message, click Send.
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Finding your way through unfamiliar city streets can cause some of the most stressful moments of a road trip. Thankfully, the latest GPS solutions for Windows Mobile can take care of the navigation, alleviating undue stress and bad feelings that can detract from a destination’s charms.
As a quick Internet search reveals, many great GPS applications exist for Windows Mobile. I believe GPS apps provide some of the most practical and helpful tools on a mobile phone. The combination of GPS and Windows Mobile has certainly made believers—and users—of several of my directionally-challenged friends.
From helping you get there in one piece, to making the most of your time when you arrive, a Windows Mobile phone is a must-have for any road trip. Use it to plan your journey, find hotels and sight-seeing spots, and most importantly, to share your adventures along the way. | |
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