PocketPcPower.net

Tuesday 7th January, 2003

Snowman at 19:51 EST by Sam

Well, I'm still away and will be for a few more days but I just wanted to post this little picture of me next to our snowman. It's been snowing a lot up here so far and my best friends and I decided to get to work and build a huge snowman. After an afternoon of work here is what we came up with! Not too bad, maybe not a world record but still pretty descent in size... Next step is to find a PPC large enough to fit in "his" hands!
Until I get back, I hope you all had a wonderful Holidays!
See you soon.

Sunday 29th December, 2002

Happy New Year: at 18:08 EST by Sam
I just wanted to wish all our readers a Happy New Year!
I will be away for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow but hope to be able to continue sharing my thoughts and helping out people this coming year by posting more new and doing more reviews.
In the meantime, I am still looking for more volunteers to review and post on the site, so please email me if you think you have what it takes ;)

Have fun and don't drink too much ;)

eWallet 3.0 release: at 17:59 EST by Sam

Ilium Software has just release a new version of its eWallet software. eWallet 3.0 features:
*New detail fields for important extra info.
*Icons and card colors now on all handhelds (including Palms).
*New AutoPass feature fills in usernames and passwords on web pages for you (Windows PC only).
*More live URLs.
*Live phone numbers (if you have a phone-enabled handheld).
I've been using eWallet since day one, so I have no doubt this new version will fit my needs again. I will get back to it as soon as I performed the upgrade. Ilium is also offering very attractive upgrade deals so if you already have eWallet make sure you check out their site (you might even qualify for a free upgrade).
Check it out here.

3 new Pocket PC Phones: at 17:54 EST by Sam
Here are three new Pocket PC Phone Edition that have been announced within the past couple of weeks. Whether or not any will make it to the US market is still a mystery, especially considering the amount of PPC announced that never even make it to production.
In any case, here they are:
HTC codenamed Falcon. This new little device looks very inspired from the T-Mobile/O2 device but will work on CDMA2001 networks meaning that it should be compatible with carriers such as Verizon and Sprint PCS. The phone was approved by the FCC last week but is still in its design stage.
Check it out here.
E-Ten corp has announced it's new P700. The device is announced to work on GSM networks and will feature Xscale CPU, SDIO, CF Type I slot and a removable battery. Again not ETA for this unit.
More here.
Finally, one of the coolest of all is the new Intrisyc PDA. The PDA isn't quite a PocketPC, it is much more. The PDA will run PocketPC 2002 Phone Edition as well as Linux, WinCE.NET and even Smartphone. All this with a very nice looking form factor, Xscale CPU, 64MB of RAM, Bluetooth, SD and CF slot.... and more! This sounds very appealling, especially for those on GSM networks. No info yet as of when the device might be available but I would personally like to see it happen!
More here.

Hot stuff for 2003? at 17:42 EST by Sam
One item that I can't wait for to come out, are those charging mats. MobileWise has already announced and demoed these cool items. The Wire-Free Electricity Bases will allow you to charge any device (at least those using their chip) by simply placing the units to charge on the base (which looks like large mouse pad). Interestingly, they have announced that Acer is supposed to support the technology. I still wonder if my Acer Tablet PC will be able to work. It would be very cool!
In the meantime check out their site for more info on this technology.
Find it here.

Resco Explorer 2003: at 17:37 EST by Sam
Resco is coming back hard on Aidem with its new Explorer 2003. Besides the fact of the selected name (I hate those apps that have years on it... you always feel like getting the next year version, which in term isn't always the latest). The new file explorer utility allows you to encrypt, zip and do some registry editing all within the same program. Pretty cool.
The program is currently sold for $19.95 which brings it to the level of Aidem's File Explorer 2 that I reviewed a few months ago.
More info here.

Coolest phone ever: at 17:34 EST by Sam
I was just checking out new phone that are coming out, and found this one out. The Neonode N1. This is off course a GSM based cell phone (I believe the coolest phone are all GSM base though CDMA phones are becoming more and more attractive, unless off course you need to travel overseas) and is supposed to be running on MSFT Windows CE.NET. The phone is insanely small, making my T68ie look ridiculously big. In any event, cell phone technology is advancing at a fast pace, so get ready for some amazing stuff this coming year.
Check it out here.

ViewSonic PocketPC RAM dilemma: at 17:31 EST by Sam
ViewSonic PocketPC has been advertised since day one as a 64MB of RAM unit but users had to find the hard way that only 36MB were user's accessible.
Cnet has published an article going over this memory problem. Fair or not, ViewSonic has announced that they will buy the units back from unhappy customers.
Onto the full article.

Spb Pocket Plus: at 17:25 EST by Sam
Spb Pocket Plus is software that enhances the Pocket PC operating system with enhancements that has been requested by many Pocket PC users but still missing in all the official OS updates.

Pocket Plus features:
*Close (X) button will really close programs.
*Easy to use task manager as a pop-up menu on the X button.
*Multiple Pocket Internet Explorer windows.
*Full screen mode in Pocket Internet Explorer.
*Repeating sound for appointment alarms.
*Battery monitor on the Today screen.
*Storage monitor on the Today screen.
*Customizable program shortcuts on the Today screen.
*Localized to main languages
More info here.

Virtual Keyboard, how close are they? at 17:21 EST by Sam
Senseboard first introduced this concept last year. Their "vitual" keyboar will sense the motion of your fingers and will enter the letters accordingly. The first prototype was produce this month. The technology is very interesting though I must say that we're not quite there yet. Customer version of the product probably won't be out for a few more months and accuracy will probably be equivalent to handwritting input (at least at first). But without actually seing one of those, all this is speculations of course.
In the meantime, check out the Senseboard website for more info on this.
Onto the Senseboard Tec website.

Wrist Case for T-Mobile PPC: at 16:57 EST by Sam

Infusing Threads just came out with a very interesting case idea. They are now offering a case for the T-Mobile/O2 PPC that will attach to your wrist. The Wrist Sport line of case looks nice though I'm still not sure how many people would want to wear it on their wrist at all time. In any case, A+ should be awarded for the idea!
Find out more here.

Ultra Portable PDA charger and Sync cable: at 16:54 EST by Sam
BoxWave is now selling a really nice little USB Sync/Charge cable that will very nicely retract in a small housing. The idea isn't new but it is the first time I've seen it ported to a PocketPC cable. Tired of those cable lying around your desk, or filling up your bags? Well check out this cool little product.
Find it here.

New Internet browser for PPC: at 16:52 EST by Sam
NetFront is a brand new Internet browser for your PocketPC. That said, you'll ask me why would you need a new browser where PocketIE does a fairly good job. Well NetFront fills the blanks where PocketIE doesn't! For instance, NetFront supports Javascripts, DHTML, and other very useful features used on many sites.
NetFront also lets you open multiple windows and zoom on pages, something that is impossible without an add-on in PocketIE.
Find out more here.

Which PDA Is "Simple" Again? at 16:47 EST by Sam
Ed Hansberry has just published a very interesting article on PocketPCthoughts.com going over the good the bad and the evil of PDAs. In his article Ed compared the Palms and PocketPCs and how one could be used more efficiently than the other. Bottom line is the PocketPC is indeed the overall winner of this little face off.
Read the full story here.

Thursday 26th December, 2002

Mapopolis Major Roads Maps: at 19:55 EST by Sam
Mapopolis is pleased to announce the immediate availability of Major Roads Maps. With a Major Roads map, you can generate coast-to-coast, address-to-address directions right on your PDA. A few key points are below:

No need to return to home or office when your schedule changes, simply re-generate directions on your PDA.
Especially useful for long-haul drivers such as truckers or traveling sales people, the Major Roads Maps are self-contained, and do not require reconnecting to a PC or the internet to generate each trip or segment.
The Major Roads Maps "stitch" to Mapopolis county maps. Drivers can load the Major Roads Maps and any areas that they would like detailed coverage of.
More info here.

Vaja's new cases: at 19:53 EST by Sam
Well, Christmas or not, Vaja has again done their homework. They released a bunch of new cases, including a flip top case for the new HP1910 (here), a new Morpheus IV for the HP5400 (here), as well as some other cell phone and Palm cases.
Talking about the new HP PPCs, I've had lots of people telling me some really good things about the new iPAQ 1910. The unit is really small and works very nicely considering its price.
The H5400 is also shipping now. Looks like a very nice unit though since the specs are so close to my 3970, I think I'm going to hold off on getting a new unit for a little while.
Find out more on the Vaja site here.

Free Xmass game from Clickgamer.com: at 19:41 EST by Sam
Clickgamer.com is offering a free little game called Snowed In. The game comes at a perfect time as we did indeed get blasted yesterday! Anyways, Snowed In is a cool little puzzle game that should entertain you while stuck in the snow ;)
Get it here.

Mazingo updates: at 19:39 EST by Sam
Mazingo is one of the service that I like the most on my Pocket PC. It brings news on a daily basis to the device and lets me view them while on-the-go without a live Internet connection (cheaper too than using my GPRS service). Mazingo has just announced that they are now offering some Live Weather Channels for NYC and Sacramento. They also added European channels as well as some new exiting features.
Find out more here.

Hexacto super savings: at 19:31 EST by Sam
Well, Xmass is over but Hexacto is still running a promotion. They have bundled a bunch of games together and are offering them at an amazing price so don't wait and head to the Hexacto website. They also have smaller bundles with less games but also cheaper (price range from $19.95 to $89.95).
Onto the Super Packs page.

Boost your IrDA signal: at 19:25 EST by Sam
Datanywhere has released a couple of weeks ago and very interesting device that plugs into your PPC audio jack and allows it to transmit infrared signal. The signal strength is supposed to be doubled, and the device comes with a remote control software.
For more info, check out the Datanywhere website.
Find it here.

Comdex videos on the Pocket PC Mag website: at 19:22 EST by Sam
The Pocket PC magazine has included some interesting videos of the Comdex.
Check them out here if you missed the Comdex.

Jornada users upgrade to EUU3: at 19:20 EST by Sam
I've had Jornada users reporting that the iPAQ EUU3 (which features WMP 8.5) will install and work on Jornada 560 series.
I haven't tested it myself nor do I think HP would recommend it, but it should work.

HP Pocket PC Printing: at 19:18 EST by Sam
If you're still not aware of that, HP has made a little utility that allows you to print from your Pocket PC to your HP printer. The utility is currently offered on the HP website and doesn't cost a thing.
Check it out here.

Pocketwerks Vinyl 1.0 Release: at 19:15 EST by Sam

Vinyl was created for the sole purpose of providing a simple and elegant way to remotely navigate and playback your digital music collection on your PC with your Pocket PC.
The Vinyl software package consists of two applications, one designed to run on your Windows PC, and the second on your Pocket PC. VinylServer is the PC application which runs in the system tray of your desktop PC and indexes as well as plays the music from your music collection. Vinyl is the Pocket PC application that provides various views of your music collection with robust playback and playlist support, all rendered in an easy to use interface.
Just a few of the possible scenarios for using Vinyl include:
Create a playlist on your Pocket PC and listen to it playing on your computer speakers while at work or play.
Connect your PC soundcard to your home stereo system and choose from the hundreds of songs living on your PC to be played during a party or while just relaxing at home. Pass your wireless enabled Pocket PC around and let your friends add their favorites to your playlist.
Connect a small FM transmitter or music transmitter to your PC, and use Vinyl on your Pocket PC to choose your music that is now accessible in every room of your house.
Interesting little app if you have a bunch of mp3s to manage.
Check it out here.

Wednesday 25th December, 2002

Toshiba e740 recall: at 04:17 EST by Sam
Out of all Xscale units out there, I have to say that the e740 might be my least favorite. Not that the unit isn't good but rather that my initial use and feel weren't as good as other Pocket PCs. I was most disturbed by the slower performance that the unit offered, especially considering the supposedly faster CPU (again, the Xscale isn't technically faster than previous SA CPUs though I have had a pretty good experience so far with my H3970. Also, don't forget that the Xscale factor isn't just speed but also a great part is the much improved power consumption). On the other hand the e740 has some nice features such as built-in 802.11b.
That said, there is a recall on some e740 units (serial numbers 72014641L through 92041620L). These units may lose data if the battery is allowed to fully discharge or if it is removed from the unit. If you have one of those units, please don't wait until it is too late, and call Toshiba today at (800) 788-1653.
For more info on the recall check the Toshiba website here.

Tuesday 24th December, 2002

Merry Christmas! at 01:34 EST by Sam

I have been so busy for the past couple of weeks, and I haven't even had a chance to wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Well, here it is! I hope all our readers have a Wonderful Christmas with lotz of gifts (hehe, maybe a new PPC will be waiting for you).
I will be catching up on news this week so stay tuned. After that, I'm off for a couple more weeks for the New Year so there probably won't be much during that time (and the server will be down) unless of course some volunteers are interested in posting news!
Just to keep you all updated on that, I'm still trying to put a team of editors together to post and do some more reviews. I already have a few people interested so stand by for some really cool reviews and please email me if you are interested...
On that, go get your last minute presents (or tree) and have some fun!

Monday 9th December, 2002

Navman GPS 3420 review: at 16:53 EST by Sam

After my little try up to MA for the Holidays I had the chance to fully try the new Navman GPS unit (with its brand new mapping software). I have to say that I am very impressed by the quality of the software/hardware. Navman did some awesome work especially for those wanted a cheap onboard navigation system.
Onto the review.

e740 for $324.99 after rebate: at 11:32 EST by Sam
Amazon is offering an awesome deal for the Toshiba e740. Jason has made the announcement today on PocketPCthougths but considering the really good deal, I wanted to share it with you. You can get a brand new e740 (built-in Wifi, XScale CPU, 64MB RAM) for less than $325 after rebate.
Get it here.

Friday 6th December, 2002

Mobile Planet new stuff: at 15:58 EST by Sam
Looks like the Mobile Planet is getting ready for Christmas time! They've got tons of new stuff in their latest catalog. The H5450, and H1910 are already listed. The H3970 is now offered for $650 though I still don't understand how they sometimes charge double the MSPR price on an item. For instance the MemPlug Dual CF sleeve is priced at $99 where you can get it from CompUSA for $49. Still the Mobile Planet is an awesome store (oh, they also offer Tablet PCs now) that I buy from often. Looks like most of my Christmas list well be from them... ah, the whole catalog maybe!
Did I mention that their current giveaway is a Palm Tungsten (I know, it's a Palm but you can always dump it on eBay).
Find all you need here.

Moving to T68i: at 15:53 EST by Sam
I finally got myself a T68i. Believe it or not but I've lost my good old T39 in the subway here in NYC the week before Thanksgiving so I ended up getting a T68 (almost the same price as a T39). Reception on the T68 isn't as good as my T39 but I have to say the cool factor takes over! Sweet phone, nice features, and awesome battery!

TextMaker for PPC shipping: at 15:38 EST by Sam

TextMaker is the first completed component of SoftMaker Office
anywhere, a mobile office suite for Windows, Windows CE, and
Linux which also comprises a Microsoft Excel-compatible
spreadsheet, a database package, and a PIM/groupware combo.
SoftMaker Office anywhere will be available in "regular"
desktop and mobile editions as well as a client/server
edition running over the LAN or Internet.
I talked about it a few weeks ago, and had the occassion to test it out. TextMaker really fills what was missing in PocketWord.
Check it out here.

Maptech releases new maps for GPS: at 15:35 EST by Sam
Maptech (Amesbury, MA) releases an elegant all-in-one solution to its Pocket Navigator software by adding a GPS sleeve by NAVMAN for the Compaq iPAQ. The Pocket Navigator/GPS Solution gives you access to detailed USGS topographic maps, NOAA nautical charts and FAA aeronautical charts (sold separately) with a direct GPS hardware integration. Whether you rely on maps and charts for work or recreation the new Pocket Navigator/GPS Solution offers real-time moving map display in your hand showing the highest quality, detailed cartography available. See what it looks like at www.maptech.com.
Mapping software aren't cheap but when you consider the amount of work put into it and also the possibilities offered when you have a GPS receiver, it might be well worth the investment.
Check out the Maptech site for more info and a complete list of their products.

Viewsonic V35 PPC only has 36MB of RAM: at 15:03 EST by Sam
PocketPCthoughts just made a very interesting report on the V35. The new Viewsonic PPC is advertised as a 64MB unit but really comes with 36.45MB of usable RAM.
Read the report on PocketPCthoughts.

Cropped Out release: at 14:58 EST by Sam
Cropped Out is an addictive fast-paced arcade action puzzle
where players do battle with alien technologies. Featuring fluid
graphics, dynamic sound and incredible particle effects, Cropped
Out is a blistering assault on the senses.
The game is now available for $14.95.
Find it here.

New Vaja Cases: at 14:45 EST by Sam
Vaja is offering some more cases. They now have a Palm Tungsten Magnetic Closure case. They also have an awesome case for the Sony-Ericsson T68i.
Onto the Vaja's website.

Vito Technology's winter promotion: at 14:43 EST by Sam
Vito Tech, Russian software developer, is running a winter promotion for some cool PPC apps.
Vito is offering everything from games to GPS mapping software. I was looking at their site today and found some really interesting stuff. I was particularly interested in the GPS mapping software as I will be posting my review of Navman really soon.
In any case here is the link for the winter promotion.

Targus Noteworthy Click'n' type keyboard: at 14:37 EST by Sam
PocketPCthougths has posted a review of the Click 'n' type Keyboard for e740.
Read the review here.

Domain of the Infinite: at 14:36 EST by Sam
Domain of the Infinite is a website that shows the production process of making a movie. Everything is included from the script to the concept of art. You can download videos directly on your Pocket PC.
Make sure you drop by.

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