PC 2003 for e350

Microsoft recently introduced Windows Mobile 2003, which is the latest upgrade to the Pocket PC's operating system and built-in applications.

The previous version of this software was referred to as "Pocket PC 3.0" or sometimes as "Pocket PC 2002" (for the year it was released).

But the new naming scheme for all of the software built into the Pocket PC is meant to emphasize the relationship between the mobile device and Windows, Microsoft's classic brand.

Unless otherwise indicated, whenever I refer to a Pocket PC in this article, I mean a device running Windows Mobile 2003.

Not all of the features listed in this article are available for all Windows Mobile 2003 devices since some of these features require additional hardware such as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a keyboard.

Along with Windows Mobile 2003, Microsoft released ActiveSync 3.7, an upgrade to the software used to synchronize data between the Pocket PC and the desktop PC.

This article focuses on the new software from the perspective of an end-user?the improvements that make using a Pocket PC an easier, more enjoyable experience.

In summary, Microsoft improved the operating system, enhanced communications capabilities, added some useful features to some standard applications, and included a new multimedia application and one new game.

Windows Mobile 2003 uses the Windows CE 4.2 OS
One of the major changes, and one that may not be obvious to the end user, is that Windows Mobile 2003 uses the new Windows CE 4.2 operating system.

Previous versions of the Pocket PC used Windows CE 3.0.

The 4.2 OS seems to be more efficient than the previous versions.

Windows CE 4.2 also supports Internet Protocol version 6.0 (IPv6), which is being used now in Japan and will soon make its way to this country and the rest of the world.

This will ensure that Pocket PC users are able to connect to the next generation of the Internet using the current standards.

Added support for built-in and add-on keyboards

Recognizing the success of add-on keyboards and the desire of some manufacturers to develop units with keyboards built in, Microsoft enhanced keyboard support in Windows Mobile 2003.

When a Pocket PC with the new OS detects a keyboard (built-in or added), it automatically enables "menu mnemonics" (those underlined visual hints in a menu that tell you which keys to press).

It also enables "Auto Menu Accelerators" (chorded keys such as Control-C for copy) so you can navigate even faster.

On Pocket PCs with an integrated keyboard, navigation and application keys allow you to launch and move around in applications.

Finally, the addition of the "SYM" key makes it easier to enter accented characters for foreign languages.

Enhanced communications
Windows Mobile 2003 makes the setting up of communications a lot easier.

Plug in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a wired modem, or turn on your LAN connection and a "wizard" pops up to walk you through the process of configuring th