PDAs: Windows Mobile 5 vs Pocket PC 2003

by rhdecker - 10/31/05 3:07 PM

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Post 1 of 9

Windows Mobile 5 vs Pocket PC 2003

by rhdecker - 10/31/05 3:07 PM

I have noticed that some software publishers are actively upgrading their products to support Windows Mobile 5, while others are saying that if their software works for Pocket PC 2003, it will therefore work with WM5.

I just recently purchased the new Dell x51 with WM5, and the programs I have tried so far that are written for PPC 2003 do not seem to work (to varying degrees)...

Do we need to wait for WM5 versions of these programs, or are the PPC2003 versions supposed to work?

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Post 2 of 9

try contacting the software developers

by ackmondual - 10/31/05 7:08 PM In reply to: Windows Mobile 5 vs Pocket PC 2003 by rhdecker

In theory it should be compatible with both, but WM5 uses persistent storage (data gets transferred from RAM to flash ROM so info ain't lost when u run out of battery) which can cause some havoc for some apps.

Else, it couldn't hurt to contact Dell about this..... unless they put u on hold for 15+ miniutes like for their desktop PC customers

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Post 3 of 9

No guarentees...

by John.Wilkinson

- 10/31/05 8:12 PM In reply to: Windows Mobile 5 vs Pocket PC 2003 by rhdecker

Unfortunately, there are no guarentees that software designed for an older OS will work as expected on a device running a new OS. If Microsoft changes something in the OS, it's up to the software publisher to either offer an updated version or a patch for their program. If they don't, it turns out to be a lose-lose situation...they lose money from a decrease in purchases and the consumer loses valuable software. However, that's the way it works out sometimes.

History wise, compatibility has been pretty good. Despite the warning when installing software designed for WM2003 on a device running WM2003SE, I've only found a couple of programs that don't function properly. However, I have not done much with WM5 yet, which may have some larger compatibility issues. On the PC, Windows XP includes a compatibility option, which, while not that commonly required, does ensure older programs will run correctly. (Too bad such doesn't exist in Windows Mobile.)

As ackmondual suggested, your best bet is to contact the software developers and let them know of the issues, as they may not be aware of them yet, or may have a patch available. If they have chosen to ignore the situation, you can remind them that loyal customers depend on their products, and that it would be wise of them to take advantage of the possible sales to the proud new owners of WM5 devices. The worst that can happen is they refuse, and force you to turn to one of their competitors, something I think they'll try to avoid.

John

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Post 4 of 9

Ditto for PalmOS

by ackmondual - 10/31/05 9:36 PM In reply to: Windows Mobile 5 vs Pocket PC 2003 by rhdecker

Major changes for pOS were from os3/4 to os5 (os4 was moreso similar to os3 than os5) and from os5 with real RAM to os5 with NVFS RAM.

For the former, devs overall did a good job keeping things compatible. Some were slower. Others may have done so, but with minor quirks. Others however gave up and left their os3 software completely or not usable on os5. I lost $15 this way on an app. The dev offered a generous discount for an upgrade on another one of his apps I also bought, but I decided not to, as conflicing reviews said it wasn't too good.

For the latter, it's still the same OS, but the NVFS works differently in where data is worked with in chunks (e.g. 512B chunks. Extra space is padded). That wreaked havoc on some apps, especially with backup software to SD cards. Still some issues, but many have been resolved one way or another.

You may have to bite the bullet, but it's certainly worth a try to see what alternative solutions there are

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Post 5 of 9

Thanks for the feedback...

by rhdecker - 11/1/05 8:22 AM In reply to: Windows Mobile 5 vs Pocket PC 2003 by rhdecker

I was looking to see if anyone had any similar experiences...I guess so.

It looks like Windows Mobile for Smartphone is a more recent release than Pocket PC 2003SE, and Windiws Mobile 5 is an update of that. Correct?

One vendor indicated I should use their WMSmartphone version of the app instead of the PPC2003SE version...

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Post 6 of 9

Versions of PocketPC/Windows Mobile...

by John.Wilkinson

- 11/1/05 4:21 PM In reply to: Thanks for the feedback... by rhdecker

In 2003 Microsoft changed their marketing strategy, labeling their operating system for handhelds Windows Mobile, and making Microsoft PocketPC and Microsoft Smartphone subcategories. This was designed to associate it with the dominate Windows OS for the PC, as well as narrow the gap between the two mobile OSes. While I believe Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphones was released after Windows Mobile 2003 for PocketPCs, it wasn't like an upgrade, just a later release date for the software customized for another type of device.

Windows Mobile 5.0 is an update of both of those operatings systems, and helps merge the two into one unified OS. Smartphones now have the WiFi support once belonging only to PocketPCs, and the OS as a whole has more of the Smartphone feel to it. You can also read about the major changes, including persistent memory and a more powerful version of Pocket Office, by clicking here.

As far as using the old smartphone version on your WM5.0 device as opposed to the version designed for WM2003SE PocketPCs, it's interesting. Although I don't have much experience with WM5 yet, logically I'd have to say that the PPC version would be better. The code must be customized so that it functions properly on a smartphone, and a lot of features/funtionalities are usually stripped. Although the devloper knows his/her code the best, it just doesn't sound right to me. You can try the smartphone version if you want, but I'd focus on either prompting the developer for information concerning an upcoming release (if they're good/reputable, they should at least have a patch or new version in the works) or searching for an alternative which does support WM5 natively.

Hope this helps,
John

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Post 7 of 9

That explains the "soft buttons" on the x51v

by ackmondual - 11/2/05 12:11 PM In reply to: Versions of PocketPC/Windows Mobile... by John.Wilkinson

I read IIRC what was Cnet's review of the x51v. The new one-handed-ness implemented closely resembled that of a cellphone. WM5 also combining the smartphone portion of WM explains the where the soft buttons came from

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Post 8 of 9