Almost all recently-released Windows Mobile touch screen devices have mobile phone capability built into them. However, a few devices without phones and using previous versions of the OS/software suite are still available. In addition, HP recently released two new Windows Mobile 6 "Classics" (touch screen devices without phones–what we used to call "Pocket PCs"). The touch screen devices have more capable versions of the Windows Mobile OS installed, and can run a larger variety of applications than the non-touch screen smartphones. Below, we list the phone-enabled devices first and the ones without phones after them.
Notes About Phones
For phone-enabled devices sold by carriers, the nationwide "broadband" or "3G" coverage offered by carriers is usually limited to areas with larger population densities. Check coverage of wireless plan before committing to it–some carriers have maps detailing 3G coverage online.
Phone-enabled devices sold by independent vendors (as opposed to wireless carriers) tend to be more expensive because the cost of the device is not subsidized by a 1-year or 2-year service contract; they are, however, typically unlocked, which means you'll be able to use them overseas without a problem. Note that many carrier devices can be unlocked too.
Devices listed and not listed
The pros, cons, and comments below are based on reviews of touch screen devices (PDAs and phone-enabled devices) available on the market as of October 26, 2007. Note that we have not listed every single device available.
- Even if they are still available, we have not listed devices with a pre-Windows Mobile 5 version of the OS/Software suite.
- Some devices are offered by multiple vendors and have different brand names. For these, we list them once under the brand name of a significant U.S. vendor or carrier and mention the other vendors that offer the same device under a different brand name.
- Some vendors offer multiple versions of the same device with very minor differences. For those, we list a single device or label them as a series.
- Some vendors focus their marketing efforts overseas. If their devices are not available in the U.S., we don't list them.>
- Some devices are not officially available in the U.S., but you can get them through third-party vendors. In these cases, we list the more popular models and mention that other models may be available.
Pricing
The prices associated with the devices we list are from the device manufacturers, wireless carriers, or third-party vendors such as Simoncells.com, OnTheGoSolutions.com, or MobilePlanet.com. Note also that the price of a device sold by wireless carriers typically requires the purchase of a two-year service agreement and that the price listed may involve an online discount and/or rebate.
Where to buy older Windows Mobile devices
We give pricing information and purchase links at the end of each Windows Mobile device listed below. Note, however, that many of the older or non-U.S. devices we do not list and accessories for them are available from these third-party vendors:
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