Windows Mobile is the brand name Microsoft uses with the operating system and software applications it developed for Pocket PCs and Smartphones. Most of the devices described in this magazine come with a version of Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system (OS) and a suite of Windows Mobile productivity and multimedia applications built-in and ready to use. The Windows Mobile OS and applications are embedded programs, which means that Microsoft licenses them to the companies that design and manufacture the handhelds (known as original equipment manufacturers or OEMs), and they build them into the devices that they create. With the exception of system-wide upgrades offered by some OEMs, the Windows Mobile software cannot be deleted or reinstalled by the handheld user.
This Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine Buyers Guide describes the Windows Mobile software and the handhelds that incorporate it. These small, full-featured devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with a variety of features.
This article describes the three major types of Windows Mobile devices: the Pocket PC, the Pocket PC Phone Edition, and the Smartphone.
Pocket PC
The Pocket PC is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) based on the Windows Mobile OS and software application suite. It fits in the palm of your hand and is powered by a rechargeable battery that allows you to use the device for at least a full day (in most situations) before recharging. Information is entered into the Pocket PC with a small pen-like stylus which is used with the color touch screen. The Pocket PC was originally introduced in April of 2000. The most recent version of the OS and software, Windows Mobile 5.0, was released in late summer of 2005. The previous version of the software is called Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. The majority of the devices found in the retail channel are Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, but you may find a few Second Edition devices still available.
Dells Axim X51v in data cradle (top) and i-mates PDA-N (bottom) are Pocket PCs without built-in phone capability. The i-mate device does have integrated GPS capability.
Pocket PC Phone Edition device
These devices are Pocket PCs with mobile phones built into them. This allows the user to make phone calls and connect to wireless data services. In addition to the standard Pocket PC applications, the built-in software includes a dialer application that supports the mobile phone capability. Most of the current devices are based on Windows Mobile 5.0, but a few based on the Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software are still available. We refer to these as Phone Edition devices.
HPs iPAQ hw 6900 Mobile Messenger has a square screen and built-in QWERTY keyboard.
The imate JasJar is a swivel-screen device with a QWERTY keyboard.
The Treo 700w is the first Palm device to be based on the Windows Mobile OS and software suite. (Note: Palm refers to the 700w as a Smartphone, but as we define it, it is a Phone Edition device.
Smartphone
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