We cannot respond to all letters or e-mail (but we read them all). Please send us questions, suggestions for improvements in the magazine, ideas for new software, or general comments. All responses, unless otherwise indicated, are from Rich Hall, Editor of Pocket PC magazine. You can reach Rich at rich@PocketPCmag.com.
Do I need a later version of Pocket Internet Explorer?
I have upgraded my HP iPAQ h3835 to the Windows Mobile 2003 software and have discovered a problem. The upgrade installs Pocket Internet Explorer version 4.01. It will not correctly display the graphics for many of the sites I visit. Can I upgrade PIE to a later version? Thanks you for your time.
Mark G. Aldworth
Mark, Microsoft designed PIE to identify itself to Web sites as v4.01. Some of the problems encountered by users are fixed by simply changing this ID to a later version. This does not change the program at all, but Web sites "think" it is and allow it to connect. Changing the version ID requires editing the Pocket PCs system registry, which can be a tricky procedure. However, a free program called RegKing (http://www.doctorce.com/regking.htm) simplifies the process.
As for problems with graphics, keep in mind that the Pocket PC does not have a built-in player that handles Flash video, which is common on many Web sites. However, a Flash player for the Pocket PC is available from Macromedia (http://www.macromedia.com).
Finally, because the Pocket PC has a smaller display than a desktop PC, by default it will try to modify the appearance of a Web page to make it fit. You may want to uncheck the "Fit to Screen" feature, which is accessed from PIE's View menu.
Chris De Herrera
CEWindows.Net
Likes PocketPCTechs
Based on an editorial in the magazine a few months ago, I contacted PocketPCTechs about upgrading my iPAQ 3870 with additional memory. I want to report that it was a pleasant experience working with them. One of their people (Lloyd) was quite helpful with aftermarket service when I asked him how to use the additional 128 MB of SRAM that they installed into the iPAQ. We spoke a few times on the telephone and communicated via e-mail and he was quite helpful in sorting out the technical issues with me. I would certainly recommend them to any of your subscribers who want to upgrade their Pocket PC memory.
Bob Fuller
How to replace a "non-replaceable" battery
I was reading in a review that the battery on the iPAQ h3970 is not replaceable. I imagine that this means that it cannot be replaced by the user and that you have to send it somewhere to have it replaced. Is that correct?
Daniel Garwood
You are correct. When the battery on one of these devices dies, it can usually be replaced by the manufacturer. In addition, a company call PocketPCTechs offers do-it-yourself battery replacement kits. You have to take the back off the iPAQ and disconnect the battery. This probably voids HP's warranty, but the warranty on your h3900 has probably already expired. You can also send the iPAQ in to PocketPCTechs and have them replace the battery. For more information, visit their Web site (http://www.pocketpctechs.com).
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