America Online’s Windows CE Resource Center

By Rich Hall, Managing Editor
(Thanks to AOL for furnishing us this information.)

AOL’s Windows CE Resource Center (keyword WINDOWS CE or WCE) provides in-depth coverage of handheld computers (H/PCs) using the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. Members can participate in live chats, post questions and answers, download software, surf Windows CE Web sites, and compare H/PCs here. The Windows CE H/PC Resource Center, part of AOL’s PDA Forum, includes the following major sections:

Message Center

AOL’s Windows CE Resource Center includes an active messaging area for discussing H/PCs with other AOL members and CE Resource Center team members Chris De Herrera, Larry Finch, John Schettino, and Craig de Fasselle. There are sections for individual H/PC models, tips, help, general discussion, development, and comparing CE handhelds to other PDAs. The message area provide 24 hour a day discussions for H/PC fans sharing their knowledge of Windows CE.

Windows CE Software Libraries

Software relating to Windows CE devices, or designed to run on the H/PCs, is found in this collection of categorized libraries. Current categories include Databases & Lists, Graphics & Sounds, Accounting, Analysis Tools, Games, PIMs, and Utilities. Each library includes shareware, freeware, commercial demos, and other files for H/PC enthusiasts. Files can be found by browsing, or using the PDA Software Search to locate specific types of files quickly—simply select the “Other PDAs & Palmtops” category.

Windows CE Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

AOL also offers a Windows CE Tips & FAQ center. This information resource contains tips and shortcuts from experienced H/PC users, as well as general help on related activities such as file decompression. The area is continuously updated, including H/PC Easter Eggs, tips on PC cards, upgrading memory, communications and ISP information, and more. Members will often find answers to their questions in this area.

Windows CE Web Collection

This collection of Web sites includes links to dozens of Windows CE pages, making it easy for members to find additional CE resources from a single location. The Resource Center also highlights specific Web pages, such as Chris De Herrera’s Windows CE ISP Settings, Comparisons, and CE 2.0 Information pages. AOL members only have to email the URL of a CE-related site and one of the CE forum team will have it included in the collection.

Windows CE in the News

This area includes press releases and special announcements about Windows CE and third party products. The area is updated continuously as new products are announced.

Monthly Chats

Windows CE-only chats are held at least monthly in the PDA Forum’s conference room. These chats are normally held the third Wednesday of the month at 9:30 p.m. Eastern (U.S.) Time, but may be held on other nights to accommodate special events, such as the recent CE chat held live from Comdex that included an H/PC giveaway. Other recent chats have regularly featured expert guest Jim Floyd, Handheld PC Product Manager at Microsoft. Chat schedules for the next week and month are posted in the conference area, along with transcripts of recent conferences.

H/PC Comparisons

The CE Resource Center includes extensive comparative information on H/PCs. These comparisons include user reviews of each H/PC, and Web table of H/PC technical specifications. These help members review the relative strengths and features of each handheld PC when trying to determine the best unit for their needs.

E-TEXTS

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