If you choose to add the HAL Digital Music Center ($29.95), you can use Pocket Internet Explorer to control your entire collection of MP3s. Play a single song, select music by artist name, musical genre (rap, oldies, swing music, etc.), or even play music in your collection that was released during a particular year or decade. You can also create custom playlists and integrate them with speakers located in different parts of your house. For example, "dining mode" might play opera in your kitchen, while "party mode" plays rock music in the family room.
Smart homes that already have an Omni automation system by HAI Inc. (http://www.homeauto.com) can add the Web-Link II software for many of the same features as the HAL HomeNetPDA. Professional installation is required for the Omni system, but HAL can be installed by a power user in under an hour.
Configure your Pocket PC apps
Required: The free applications already on your Pocket PC.
Even though you have connected your Pocket PC to a wireless network, you may have neglected to configure all of your applications to take advantage of your new wireless capability. Fortunately, you can do that in less than ten minutes, so that you can surf the Web, chat, send e-mail, and synchronize with your PC wirelessly. Best of all, these are no-cost solutions that will "wow" your friends and make your life easier than ever.
Pocket Internet Explorer should automatically work when connected to a wireless network. If you experience any problems, follow these steps:
From the Start menu, go to Settings > Connections tab > Connections icon >Advanced tab.
Tap on the Select Networks button.
Select the "My Work Network" option from the first dropdown box and tap the Edit button below it.
In the Proxy Settings tab, check the box labeled "This network connects to the Internet." (Note: MSN Messenger requires an update which can be downloaded at no charge from Microsoft’s Web site (http://www.pocketpc.com). Once you have installed the update and followed the instructions provided above for configuring Pocket IE, MSN Messenger should work as well.)
E-mail can be accessed over a wireless network in two ways; directly from the Pocket PC or via synchronization with your computer. To set up your Pocket PC to send and receive E-mail, follow these steps (Note: If you would like additional help in setting up your POP3 E-mail including a step-by-step list of instructions, please review the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article on the subject (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;312905):
Launch the Inbox application and select New Account from the Accounts menu.
The E-mail Setup wizard will appear and provide a 5-step process for setting up your E-mail account. During Step 4, (the Account Information screen), make a note of the name you give the E-mail service. Complete all of the information the wizard requests and click Finish.
Before you compose a new message, select the custom name you created in the previous step from the Accounts menu. You can now compose or download E-mail directly onto your Pocket PC.
If you prefer to synchronize with your desktop computer over the wireless network, continue by following these steps:On your desktop PC, select Connection Settings from the ActiveSync File menu and check the "Allow Network (Ethernet) and Remote Access Server (RAS) connection with this desktop computer" option.
Launch ActiveSync on your Pocket PC and select Options from the Tools menu.
Ensure that the correct computer name is entered in the "Use this PC" field (you can compare this with the computer that has ActiveSync installed on it by right-clicking on My Computer, selecting properties and clicking on the Computer Name tab).
Once this is set up, simply tap the Sync button in ActiveSync on the Pocket PC to begin the wireless synchronization process.
Detailed instructions on setting up your Pocket PC to synchronize over a network are available on Amset IT Web site (http://www.amset.info/pocketpc/sync-network.asp).
Troubleshoot your network
Now that you have your entire life running through a wireless network, you will probably want to be able to troubleshoot the network and Internet services directly from your Pocket PC. Thankfully, doing so is as easy as installing vxUtil from Cambridge Computer Corporation (http://www.cam.com). This suite is the "Swiss Army Knife" of Internet and network utilities, guaranteed to make your IT friends jealous as they drag around a laptop to perform many of the same functions that vxUtil performs on your Pocket PC.
The Info feature provides the current IP address and detailed connection information for each adapter on your Pocket PC, including the USB cable (which makes this ideal for troubleshooting the ActiveSync Internet pass-thru feature), Bluetooth modem, and network adapters. The Ping and Ping Sweep features allow you to send a signal to a specific IP address or an entire range of network IP addresses. Trace Route identifies the path to a host or device on your network. Port scanner (Fig. 5) will search your network and list each device it finds including the services (FTP, HTTP and SMTP) that are available on each device. DNS Audit scans an IP address range and performs a reverse DNS lookup for each address.
(above) Fig. 5: The vxUtil Port Scanner searches a range of ports on any IP address to locate open ports.
The Finger, DNS Lookup, and Whois tools provide information on users, IP addresses and Internet domains respectively. Password Generator creates word, character, or letter passwords based on the minimum allowable length, suggested length, and number suggestions you’d like the program to provide. The IP Subnet Calculator provides a complete breakdown of an IP address and subnet mask, including the network and host address size. The Quote and Time features poll network servers for the quotation text (typically a "quote of the day") and system clock data which you can optionally use to synchronize your Pocket PC clock. Get HTML downloads HTML code from any Web server and displays it for troubleshooting. Wake On LAN allows you to remotely power up machines on the same network that support the WOL feature. Best of all, vxUtil is free for personal use, and a professional version adds scripting to automate RAS dial-up, result logs, and additional advanced features for system administrators.
Want to "get more?"
Are you an expert in a particular Pocket PC technology? Have you felt like you’re not taking full advantage of some features of your handheld? In either case, send us your comments ([email protected] or [email protected]). We will try to make it easier to become a Pocket PC power user!
* * *
Dan Hanttula has covered the handheld market for more than a decade, lectured at PDA conferences and vertical market trade associations, and appeared on popular television series like TechTV’s Screen Savers. Later this year, he’ll be teaching an entire curriculum of Pocket PC classes at the Moore-Norman Technology Center. He has published hundreds of articles including guest pieces for ZDTV, C|NET, Microsoft, Leo Laporte’s 2003 Technology Almanac, and other print media and online news sources. His Web site (http://www.SemperAptus.com) is designed to promote Internet-connected devices and has become a popular resource for Pocket PC users and gadget lovers alike. In March 2001, he published his first book, the Official Hewlett-Packard Pocket PC Handbook by IDG Books. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
Ask Microsoft
Where can I go online to get support on how to use my Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Smartphone?
To keep up with the latest in the world of Windows Mobile, bookmark and visit Microsoft’s Web site often (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx). In addition, you can visit the Windows Mobile Support Web page (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/support/default.aspx) to sign up for a Windows Mobile newsletter, find "themes" to customize your Pocket PC or Smartphone, download applications including Microsoft Money and Streets & Trips to help you be productive, and discover new functionality with step-by-step instructions (Fig. 1).
(above) Fig. 1: Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Support home page.
Finally, you can get support and great ideas on how to use your Windows Mobile devic
e from fellow Windows Mobile customers by visiting Microsoft’s Windows Mobile newsgroups. The Pocket PC newsgroup includes popular topics about ActiveSync, multimedia issues, downloads, eBooks/audio books, and a marketplace section where members buy and sell Pocket PCs. In addition, there are non-English newsgroups available in Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, and Portuguese. Links to Pocket PC newsgroups are found on the Windows Mobile Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/communities/pocketpc/newsgroups.mspx).
A single English-language Smartphone newsgroup is available at this time, covering all topics. In addition, there are Chinese and French Smartphone news groups. Links to these newsgroups are found at (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/communities/smartphone/newsgroups.mspx).
I recently started sending and receiving e-mails from my Windows Mobile Pocket PC. The only complaint is I can’t find my sent e-mails. Where are they stored?
We’ve designed the software to maintain the familiar look and feel of applications you likely use on your desktop PC. As with Outlook on your desktop, on your Pocket PC, try tapping on the "Inbox" menu in the upper left corner of your screen. This action displays the "Show" view, which will allow you to access other folders such as Deleted Items, Drafts, Inbox, Outbox, and Sent Items (Fig. 2).
(above) Fig.2: The Show menu displays the different Inbox folders.
Simply click on the folder you’d like to explore and proceed with reading, writing and deleting mail. If you have other questions, visit the online tutorial (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/support/default.aspx) or check out some of the support options described in the answer to the first question.
I’ve been reading about Pocket PCs from Dell and HP that have the "new" Windows Mobile software. What does this mean?
In March, Microsoft unveiled its Windows Mobile 2003 software Second Edition, an extension of the Windows Mobile 2003 platform, with a primary goal of enabling device makers to create new innovative hardware that offers customers richer experiences. Devices with the hardware components necessary to take advantage of the newly enabled functionality in the software, including VGA support for high resolution screens that optimize the Internet browsing experience, global font scaling to enable customers to adjust the type size to one that suits them, and landscape support, will enable everything from swivel screen devices to multimedia and gaming-focused devices.
(above) Dell’s new Axim X30 series is powered by the new Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software.
I’m going to ask you the same question that a million others have asked. Which Pocket PC should I buy?
We think all the manufacturers shipping Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones are bringing great mobile devices and experiences to their customers. Naturally, with unique Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones available from over 35 device makers, questions about which one to buy are not uncommon. We’ve offered up some resources on Microsoft’s Web site that you may find helpful as you consider the price-point you’re comfortable with and the lifestyle you lead. Visit our Devices at a Glance Web page (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/buyersguide/helpmechoose/default.mspx) to learn more. Pocket PCs start at just $199; Smartphone prices vary with mobile operator data plans. Be sure to consider GPRS and Wi-Fi capabilities for mobile Internet browsing, and advanced security functionality such as the biometric fingerprint feature.
(above) Microsoft’s "Devices at a Glance" Web page can help you select the Windows Mobile device that’s right for you.
What’s Online
by Jim Karpen
Getting the Help You Need
Online Sources of Tips and FAQs for Windows Mobile Devices
In past columns we’ve outlined how to get help by posting questions and comments to discussion groups. This issue I thought we’d take a look at collections of tips and lists of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that can be found online. There are many great help sites available.
Microsoft Sites
Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Support Page
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/support/default.aspx
A good first stop if you need basic help is Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Support page, which has separate sections for Pocket PCs, Phone Edition devices, and Smartphones. To access the information, select the appropriate section, choose your "Region" (Americas, Europe, etc.), select your device model from the drop-down menu, choose your operating system version, and hit the "Get Support" button. The appropriate support page will pop up (Fig. 1). The drop-down menus only list recent models and the 2002 and 03 versions of the OS—support for older devices seems to be limited.
(above) Fig. 1: Microsoft’s Windows Mobile site offers support for recent Pocket PCs, Phone Edition devices, and Smartphones.
The opening support page offers a Getting Started tutorial that helps you with such basics as setting the date and time and customizing the Today screen. You’ll also find ActiveSync and e-mail tutorials on the support page.
To the far left of the page is the Support Topics list. This covers a wide range of topics, including Information Input, Pocket Outlook, Settings, and more. This list lets you access well over 100 "How-To’s" with step-by-step instructions and screenshots.
If you’re having trouble getting online with your device, the Internet section walks you through the process of connecting via modem or wireless network.
The section on Pocket Outlook has extensive information on Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Inbox, and walks you through basics such as creating a contact, beaming a contact, and changing contact options.
The Programs area is especially rich, covering Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Microsoft Messenger, Calculator, and Terminal Services Client. The information for Pocket Word includes topics such as input methods and selecting and editing objects. The section on Excel covers 28 different topics, going into many different features of this application.
Microsoft’s Knowledge Base
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx
Another place to get your questions answered is the Microsoft Help and Support section. It includes links to software updates, the Product Support Centers, Newsgroup information, and Microsoft online support. But the chief resource is the Microsoft Knowledge Base, which is a huge archive of articles that contain answers to problems and solutions to technical issues. Unlike the tutorials above, the focus here is what to do when you run into specific glitches.
After you click on the Search the Knowledge Base link, you’ll see a drop-down menu at the top that invites you to first select a Microsoft product. Select "Pocket PC" and then type in keywords related to your question. The page includes instructions and search tips, and it specifically shows you how to search for error messages and downloads.
Help Sites Created by Users
Of course, your support options aren’t limited to Microsoft’s site. Many experienced users have created Web sites that give you the help that you need.
MobileViews Microsoft.Public.PocketPC Newsgroup FAQ
http://to-tech.com/mobileviews/pocketpc-com/pocketpcfaqlist.asp
Todd Ogasawara is a Microsoft MVP—a knowledgeable Pocket PC user—who frequents the newsgroup and answers questions when he can. He realized that he and other MVPs were answering the same questions over and over again, so he created this well organized and clearly presented list of frequently asked questions (and their answers). The list can be very helpful dealing with some common problems, such as how to format a CompactFlash card, play an MPEG movie on your Pocket PC, perform a hard reset, import Palm PIM data to a Pocket PC, install themes, and more.
Todd has an older Pocket PC FAQ (http://to-tech.com/windowsce/faqs/pocketpc-faq.htm) that’s gradually being superseded, but may cover some topics not in the newer FAQ.
(above) The Unofficial Pocket PC Newsgroup FAQ.
A Few PocketPC Tips, Tricks and Links
http://www.bevhoward.com/bhhpj.htm
Bev
Howard’s Pocket PC Tips, Tricks and Links page is another good resource. Like Todd, Mr. Howard is a Microsoft MVP who often answers people’s questions in the newsgroup and has assembled some very useful information. The Contents bar on the left side of the page lists the topics he covers further on down the page. Items with an asterisk next to them link to another Web page that focuses on that specific topic.
Bev’s help in the newsgroup is always tops and so is his FAQ page. His ActiveSync section, for example, covers some frequently encountered problems such as "unresolved items."
PC Counselor’s How To’s
http://www.pc-counselor.com/How_to/index.htm
PC Counselor markets Tweaks2k2, a program that simplifies the process of hacking your Registry. The site’s extensive How To page has an extensive collection of tips, many of which involve making changes to the Registry with the help of a Registry editor program. Some of the tips aren’t risky and cover common topics such as how to play MPEG and AVI movies, how to turn off the screen during audio playback, and how to save your Microsoft Reader activation.
Pocket PC magazine, October/November 2004 Page 16