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. You can reach Rich at rich@PocketPCmag.com.
Windows Mobile 2003 upgrade for Pocket PCs with integrated phones?
I enjoyed Chris De Herrera’s article about Windows Mobile 2003 in the November issue of Pocket PC. I was interested in purchasing the Samsung i700 Samsung from Verizon but I really would prefer the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system. Samsung has been vague about if and when an upgrade will be available. I was wondering if Chris had any more current information as to whether this upgrade will actually happen and if so, when? I appreciate any help I can get on this issue. I hate buying old technology.
Bruce Appelbaum
Hi Bruce! The way upgrades are provided to customers is as follows: First, Microsoft creates a new version of the software and shows it to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of the Windows Mobile devices. The OEMs look it over, test it briefly on their devices, and decide whether or not to license the release from Microsoft. If they decide to license it, they perform more comprehensive tests on the upgraded software. Then they offer it to the wireless service providers who market their devices, for further testing on the wireless network. Finally, the wireless providers decide whether or not to offer an upgrade to existing device users.
Since Samsung markets the i700 through wireless service providers, the decision to offer an upgrade depends on whether the service providers want to support it. The service provider’s primary concern is providing a trouble-free device to their customers. They are not in the software business and not particularly motivated to offer upgrades to a device that they have already tested extensively and know works. If an upgrade for your device is offered, Verizon will probably be the one to announce it.
Chris De Herrera
Microsoft MVP - Mobile Devices
Can you install applications on storage cards?
I have read Chris De Herrera’s comments about the Pocket PC. I am interested in buying one, but have a question. Can I install applications for the Pocket PC on an SD storage card, like I can on my Palm OS device?
Ron Lowe
Ron, when you install an application to your Pocket PC from your desktop PC using ActiveSync, it will ask you if you want to install the application “using the default application install directory.” If you answer “No,” a dialog box will pop up, allowing you to select the destination of the installation. You can select to install the application to your SD card if you want. However, you need to be aware that not all applications can be installed to a SD card. For example, fonts and software drivers must be installed to main (internal) memory.
Chris De Herrera
Microsoft MVP - Mobile Devices
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