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Is Pocket PC Dead?
The reality is that a shift in consumer expectations has pushed PDAs used as 'standalone' devices into a future of limited life and usefulness. The current paradigm is now wireless, converged smartphones that are combined with PDA functionality and built-in cameras. So newer devices usually do what an old Pocket PC could do, plus even more.
So why don't we hear about "Pocket PC" phones anymore?
Because when Microsoft updated the operating system for Pocket PCs in recent years, they decided to emphasize their newer broader operating system family label 'Windows Mobile' rather than 'Pocket PC'. So while Windows Mobile 5 based Pocket PCs were originally designated as running "Windows Mobile for Pocket PC" or "Windows Mobile for Pocket PC Phone Edition", the "Pocket PC" nomenclature was dropped from successive generations of mobile devices. [Update- Since this event several years back, the shift is now to newer Windows Phone 7 devices, which next generation replaced older Pocket PC or Windows Mobile styled PDAs and phones. 3D has a Phone3D app compatible with Windows Phone 7, which is vastly different and provides a greatly improved user experience over Windows Mobile. However the separate prior Pocket3D program may still be used with compatible older "Windows Mobile" devices. ]
Starting with the Windows Mobile 6 operating system, the device line-up was officially renamed to
Windows Mobile "Professional" = formerly Pocket PC Phone Edition
Windows Mobile "Classic" = formerly Pocket PC (stand-alone PDA without phone functionality)
Windows Mobile "Standard" = formerly Smartphone (phone without advanced Pocket PC functionality).
What does Pocket3D software work with?
Special Pocket3D software is compatible with devices running Windows Mobile "Professional" or "Classic". What about "Standard"? No, Pocket3D and other more advanced programs will not run on Windows Mobile Standard devices, which were mostly only phones with a few limited extra abilities. A quick clue whether a Windows Mobile device will work is that Professional and Classic devices have the start menu at the top, while Standard devices have it at the bottom. But you'll want to double-check actual device specifications. Our system requirements can be found Here.
Should be straightforward, right? Not quite so fast. Device manufacturers and reviewers didn't always make it easy to figure out exactly which particular Windows Mobile flavor is running on their phones. For a time BOTH devices (Professional and Standard) were lumped together under a Smartphone category. Being a consumer is tough, isn't it?
So how do you determine if a device is compatible with Pocket3D? Check the specifications of the individual device you are considering to make sure it runs a compatible operating system. Generally most Windows Mobile 5/6 Professional type phones used a "Touch screen with stylus" and included the "Microsoft Office Module". [Update- Windows Mobile 6.5 phones did transition over to finger-touch screen abilities] So that would be one option to look for. Also, the windows Start button is always at the top of the screens of those devices. Popular stand-alone devices like iPAQs and SoMo (sold by Dell) fell in that category.
What features to consider?
There was quite a variety of Windows Mobile Professional and Classic devices out there, and they were not equal. Available models were constantly changing so we suggest reading reviews and checking with other inspectors about the devices they are using. Some factors to consider include screen size and clarity, whether you want additional features like GPS or larger slide-out or built-in QWERTY keyboards (Windows Mobile already includes an on-screen keyboard), and battery life.
What about other popular phones I hear about?
Not only are there Windows Mobile type devices to distinguish between, but there are also other phone/PDA operating systems.
So what about iPhones, Blackberries, and other phones? Will they work with Pocket3D? Not if they don't run an appropriate operating system. Sorry, iPhone runs an Apple based operating system and Blackberry is a RIM OS. Other operating systems are also out there for various phones and PDA, such as Symbian, Hiptop, Linux, or Palm OS (note- Some "Palm" brand devices actually ran Windows Mobile, while others ran Palm OS).
Don't need phone features? No problem, get a compatible unlocked device and just don't use its phone features. Some inspectors have found deals on eBAY and similar sites. Just make sure the device meets our System Requirements.
[Update- We currently recommend just getting a current compatible Windows Phone 7 or Android device. Although other device features may make use of phone or data services, such devices may also be used without phone service to run certain mobile apps like Phone3D if that is your wish. Minimally you would need at least need internet access on your main computer and/or Wi-Fi however to transfer files to/from it.]
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