Get More Out of Wi-Fi

If you have a Wi-Fi enabled Pocket PC and read last issue’s “Get More” article (page 64), you probably realized that most of the Bluetooth applications I described would work over a Wi-Fi network as well. Like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi is a short range, high-bandwidth wireless solution developed to connect computers without cables. But because it’s faster than Bluetooth and has a greater range, there’s a lot more you can do with it. Whether you use Wi-Fi at home, at work, or at wireless “hotspots” on-the-go, it’s easy to become a “power user” with the applications I’ll describe. All these solutions require a wireless network and a Wi-Fi enabled Pocket PC.

Note: The procedures are for informational purposes only. Modifying your Pocket PC can damage your device or the data stored therein, and you assume any risks associated with the modifications. Before you attempt any of this, back up your Pocket PC!

Locate wireless networks in your area

The first step in becoming a Wi-Fi power user is to find every hotspot in your neighborhood. Some Pocket PCs with built-in Wi-Fi also have wireless applications that help you identify and connect to wireless networks quickly and easily. If yours doesn’t, check out pocketWiNc ($19.95) from the Cirond Corporation (http://www.cirond.com). Upon launch, the program scans the area and displays all the available channels, their network name (SSID), signal strength, and many other details (Fig. 1). Tap-and-hold on any network to connect to it or check the Internet availability on each of the networks, plus manage WEP keys, re-obtain an IP address or remove a network ID from your list.

Fig. 1: Locate Wi-Fi hotspots quickly and easily using pocketWiNc.

PocketWiNc is compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g networks. It allows you to set up profiles to enable automatic connection to frequently used networks and choose which networks to connect to when multiple networks are available. The program can send ping and trace route commands, includes support for portrait and landscape viewing, and provides quick launch icons to quickly jump to your Inbox and Pocket Internet Explorer. Because of the incredible features packed into this application, pocketWiNc is superior to the built-in Wi-Fi applications found on some Pocket PCs. I consider it a “must-have” for any Wi-Fi user.

Make free phone calls

Required: Other people with the Skype software installed on their Pocket PC or computer.

The term “Voice Over IP” (or VoIP for short) is used to describe real-time voice conversations that use the Internet instead of a phone line. In the past, I’ve found VoIP applications to be too complex, and the conversations to be frustratingly low quality. Skype Limited (http://www.skype.com) has changed all that with a new service that is very easy to use and that claims to have better quality than a phone conversation. Best of all, they offer Pocket Skype, a free Pocket PC version of the software, that is not only user-friendly, but its ultra-cool as well! When a call comes in (Fig. 2), the Pocket PC displays the caller’s name and allows you to answer, ignore or reject the call.

Fig. 2: Pocket Skype brings VoIP to any Pocket PC with an Internet connection. Calls appear in the pop-up window so you can see who is trying to reach you.