ZDNet Report Windows Mobile 5 ('Magneto') Will Be Introduced Next Week

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5697127.html' target='_blank'>http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5697127.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The software maker is expected next week to introduce Windows Mobile 5, the next version of its operating system for cell phones and handhelds. The OS, code-named Magneto, is the latest in a string of software releases that highlight Microsoft's attempts to take on rivals including PalmSource and Nokia. &lt;..> In the past, Microsoft has created different versions of its mobile software, each designed to run on a particular class of device. There were smart phones and Pocket PCs and even Pocket PC phones, but within a given category, all of the devices bore a striking resemblance. A key goal this time around was allowing for more design variety. In an April interview, Allchin said the result would be an array of new products, some of which he called 'amazing.'"</i><br /><br />The article goes on to touch on some of the enhancements and improvements that we can expect to see with Magneto, including one-hand navigation, improved Word software, PowerPoint viewer software, and support for Contact photos. Also included is some speculation on Microsoft's strategy with Windows Mobile. Is Microsoft aiming to topple RIM? Well... maybe not just yet. It's an interesting read, so check it out.

[welovejesus]

If Windows Mobile 5 releases next week, I am setting my sights on the Dell Axim X50v! :way to go: I need some help from Dell bargain hunters. When is the best time to purchase? It seems that when Dell inventory gets back ordered they offer discounts. Thanks in advance for the help! And thanks, Ekkie, for the post!

Edit:
MobileTracker acknowledged the Windows Mobile 5 announcement and said (http://www.mobiletracker.net/archives/2005/05/06/windows-mobile-2005), There is no word on when new devices running the software will begin shipping.

[whydidnt]

If Windows Mobile 5 releases next week, I am setting my sights on the Dell Axim X50v!

I don't think Dell has announced support or upgrades to WM 5 for the X50v yet, have they? They've been pretty good lately about offering some ROM updates, but I don't think they have always done so.

[MerlinAZ]

There's a lot of speculation at this point.
No, they haven't said anything yet.
Dell probably will release an upgrade to Magneto because it looks like the X50v was built for it.
Also, there will be a lot of unhappy users if they don't.

[KISSONLINEMobile]

As a HP4150 user, I can only assume that we will again be left out in the cold with this upgrade...

[Newsboy]

Finally! Contact photos! I hope Dell follows through with their usual stellar support and offers an upgrade for us x30 users.

[stevelam]

As a HP4150 user, I can only assume that we will again be left out in the cold with this upgrade...

And me as an h2210 user (it almost makes me want to move to Dell)

[Newsboy]

I feel your pain. I bought a 1910, presuming HP would offer support and upgrades 2 months after I bought it. Wrong.

I sold it long ago and just moved to Dell. Never looking back.

[stevelam]

I feel your pain. I bought a 1910, presuming HP would offer support and upgrades 2 months after I bought it. Wrong.

I sold it long ago and just moved to Dell. Never looking back.

Which Dell did you get?
*edit* i just read your other post :treadmill: *edit*

[Tye]

As a HP4150 user, I can only assume that we will again be left out in the cold with this upgrade...

And me as an h2210 user (it almost makes me want to move to Dell)

It's pretty much a guarantee that the older iPaqs won't get upgrades (and most PPCs, for that matter). Since WM2005 will make the transition to a more traditional memory scheme, there's just not enough space in the filestore.
It's unfortunate, but I don't think MS really had choice on this upgrade.

[Lost Cause]

As I've just finally made the leap only last week from 2210 to Dell x50v(never thought I'd ever leave the iPAQ family behind), then I'll be *really* sweating on this one !

[Newsboy]

I think you'll be ok. It has been hinted at that Dell is discontinuing the x30 series right around now, and releasing a successor to the x50 soon. The x50 platform will be in production for another 6-12 months, so it should be supported when Windows Mobile 5 comes out.

[Patrick Y.]

If only flash ROM can be the storage in Magneto, does it mean that there won't be an upgrade for the device without or with little flash ROM (acer n10/n30, Asus a730, Loox, etc.) ? :cry: :cry:

[bbarker]

I feel your pain. I bought a 1910, presuming HP would offer support and upgrades 2 months after I bought it. Wrong.

I sold it long ago and just moved to Dell. Never looking back.
I bought a 1910 two months ago for my wife. It's her first PDA, and the first one she has ever wanted. But she wanted something small and simple. I was tempte to get her a Palm of some sort, but a good friend brought me to my senses. She absolutely loves the 1910, and so do I. But for me the X50v is a better fit. Even better would be an HP hx2700.

[bbarker]

Back to the original topic: the apparently imminent release of Windows Mobile 5.

I read the preview located at http://www.mobile-review.com/print.php?filename=/pda/articles/wm2005-magneto-en.shtml . It's a little hard to follow because it's not a great English translation, but the information is interesting.

It lists the following as new or improved features: single-handed control, photos and personal melodies for contacts, improved Word and Excel, a new PowerPoint viewer, and built-in drivers for GPS and cameras. I'd agree with Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Also, for converged devices the one-handed control would be useful (although I still prefer a two-device solution).

I'd say the most important change is how the new OS will handle memory: The approach to memory use has been altered. Now RAM is meant only for main memory, it’s no longer possible to install applications to RAM. Now you shouldn’t worry about the data loss, which can occur because of the drained battery, all the data is stored in flash memory.
That is huge, and past due.

[welovejesus]

I'd say the most important change is how the new OS will handle memory: The approach to memory use has been altered. Now RAM is meant only for main memory, it’s no longer possible to install applications to RAM. Now you shouldn’t worry about the data loss, which can occur because of the drained battery, all the data is stored in flash memory.
That is huge, and past due.

bbarker,
Does that mean even dll's and other system files (files that go to the Windows folder) will not be installed in the RAM?

[bbarker]

bbarker,
Does that mean even dll's and other system files (files that go to the Windows folder) will not be installed in the RAM?
I hope that's what it means, but all I know about it is what I copied above from the preview. The writer spent a lot of time talking about trivia, such as features that have been in the OS forever have have not been changed, and included lots of pretty screen shots. Yet he devoted only those 3 sentences to memory issues.

[nategesner]

I've read that current PPC devices are limited in how much RAM they can actually use at once. This means that a device with 48MB of free RAM is actually limited to using much less.

With the sound of things, WM2005 will allow the user to use much more RAM. This should improve speed for multi-tasking, caching movies, etc. Of course, I'm no techno-geek and could be understanding this wrong. Either way, I'm excited to get my hands on it!