One of the most useful applications on wireless Windows Mobile devices is Internet Explorer. The combination of wireless connectivity and Microsoft's Web browser means that you can access almost any source of information on the Internet, wherever you are. Unfortunately, it's sometimes inconvenient to use Internet Explorer when you're on the go. For example, it's difficult to enter a long Web address with your stylus or keypad, and you don't have the time to wait for a large Web page to download. Fortunately, there are a few shortcuts available in beta (test) form that can make simple research quick and easy. Best of all, these services are free to use.

Google SMS

The first, from Google, uses your phone's SMS text messaging capability. To access Google SMS, send a text message to the 5-digit number 46645. This number is easy to remember because it spells out GOOGL on a phone's keypad. In the body of the SMS message include a simple query. Google SMS will send a text message reply with the answer to your question.

To see how this works, let's take an imaginary shopping trip for a new Pocket PC. Let's say I'm in the Santa Clara area of California and want to go see what the local CompUSA has in stock.

1. I send an SMS message to GOOGL with the following in the message body: "Comp USA 95054" (the number being Santa Clara's postal code).
2. Within a minute, I get back an SMS message that tells me there are two stores in the area, and lists their addresses and phone numbers.
3. I go to the store at 3561 El Camino Real and look over their selection of Pocket PCs. I see they have an HP iPAQ I'm interested in, but suspect that their price is a little steep.
4. I send another GOOGL SMS message with the following in the message body: "price ipaq hx4705."
5. In another minute I get back a response that tells me the price of the hx4705 from various online sites, such as eCOST and pcmall.com. Now I can decide if I want to buy it now and take it home, or order it online and wait for delivery.