Honeymoon's Over - What Don't You Like With WM2003SE?

[Mike Temporale]

Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition has been out for a while now, and most of us have devices that run it and we use them everyday. We come to expect our Smartphone to be the all powerful, and at times it falls short of that target. Nothing can be more frustrating that learning your new Smartphone can't do something so simple, so basic, that your old dumbphone could handle doing. Or maybe it's a more advanced feature that just is not setup right, and prevents you from using it in a useful way. Share with us your thoughts and dislikes, and maybe together we can help shape the future. :wink: And I'll start... There are a number of things that really get me going. I'll share one with you now, and add some more in the discussion later. <!> My biggest complaint is with how Bluetooth has been implemented in the phone. It couldn't possibly be more painful to deal with. I think what makes this worse, is that my iPAQ does it so well. There's a handy little Bluetooth manager. A One-Stop-Shop for all your Bluetooth needs. You can turn Bluetooth on/off, setup partnerships, connect or disconnect to other devices, whatever you need. On the Smartphone, you have to dig into your settings to turn Bluetooth on, and don't even think about disconnecting from ActiveSync or another connection. :roll: I really hope that the Bluetooth implementation gets a complete overhaul in the next release, because right now it is ruining a perfectly good phone. :(

[toticow]

I am using an Imate SP3. Firstly, I hate the fact that its no longer possible to record voice calls - a favourite feature of mine from the old OS. Also, response times are often way to long. The next problem, I am not sure if it just affects my phone, but sometimes it is not possible to hang up the call. You can press hang up, and end call, and anything else, but nothing seems to happen.

[MajesticNJ]

I agree. With my Samsung i600 it takes up to 10 or 15 seconds from the time I hang up for the call to actually disconnect.

It's really inconvenient because people can hear what I say for a few seconds even after I hang up. It makes me paranoid about whether or not someone is hearing what I say after I hang up so I stay quiet purposely for a few seconds to prevent that.

Sad.

Maybe I have had enough of this smartphone crap and need to get a phone to do one thing and one thing only. Be a phone. Time to look into getting an Ipaq again. :)

Fred

I am using an Imate SP3. Firstly, I hate the fact that its no longer possible to record voice calls - a favourite feature of mine from the old OS. Also, response times are often way to long. The next problem, I am not sure if it just affects my phone, but sometimes it is not possible to hang up the call. You can press hang up, and end call, and anything else, but nothing seems to happen.

[Mike Temporale]

Thanks guys, those sounds like very frustrating issues. However they are more hardware issues. I want to focus this on Windows Mobile 2003 SE and what's missing or wrong with it. :wink:

[MajesticNJ]

Mikel, that is what I thought to but I posted it because it really didn't start happening until I upgraded my phone from 2002 to 2003. Now that I think of it, I don't even have SE with my phone so my post is completely irrelivant. :)

Thanks guys, those sounds like very frustrating issues. However they are more hardware issues. I want to focus this on Windows Mobile 2003 SE and what's missing or wrong with it. :wink:

[rzanology]

i for one say that moto should look at the way the late model SE phones are done....say the z600. And take note of eveeeery little thing such as the way they do their bluetooth set up, the auto connect to gprs aftera call, the notifications of other clallers on call or when they put you on hold....and THEN! drop in the smartphone os after you have such basics down.

[Cattle-Dog]

I think one will find some phones are definitely more responsive than others. To keep things on topic, one could say they wish MS would have higher hardware standards for WM2003SE. On my SMT 5600, that particular issue has not been a problem.

I concur about BT management.

My own personal gripes so far are, the lack of a built in photo caller ID. My phone came bundled with a third party application, but I'd like to see it built in and tied directly into Contacts and not a separate utility. Outlook 2003 supports photo ID's and the upgrade to WM2003SE would have been the perfect opportunity to integrate support for it.

You have to sync tasks via direct connection or BT. You cannot sync them OTA. You can sync, in near real time, email, calendar, and contacts all day long, but not tasks.

On a similar note, why not allow OTA syncing from the desktop via Activesync? If I were to guess, I'd bet that 90%+ of all SmartPhone users do not use this great feature because it is not available to them. My company has Exchange 2k3, but will not allow it because of security concerns. I am a MAP subscriber and registered my own domain and threw together my own Small Business Server. It was a lot of initial work and bug hunting, but after you get it working... Man... OTA syncing kicks BT syncing in the teeth! 8O I think demand for SmartPhones would go up considerably if the average Joe could sync from home OTA.

And of course the age old, no built in task manager.

..but I don't want to sound like too much of a pessimist. I think this platform has a lot going for it and I am overall very happy with it.

[peephole]

On the Smartphone, you have to dig into your settings to turn Bluetooth on, and don't even think about disconnecting from ActiveSync or another connection. :roll: I really hope that the Bluetooth implementation gets a complete overhaul in the next release, because right now it is ruining a perfectly good phone. :(

Want a very fast way to enable (or disable) Bluetooth?

Bluetooth Toggle allows the least amount of keystrokes to accomplish this. It can be done with one keystroke (just add a single-digit speed-dial to this utility). Personally, I made it two keystrokes--"2" and "8" (for "B" and "T", BlueTooth, get it?). That way it is easy to remember.

Simply download the file, "BTToggle.CAB" from here:

http://www.modaco.com/index.php?showtopic=99493

and copy it to your phone. Click on this CAB file from your device to install it. After a quick installation, a shortcut to it is placed in the Accessories section of Start menu. Create a speed-dial shortcut to it and you're done.

If you are using a BT headset, this speed-dial can even be invoked while in the middle of a call.

[Jerry Raia]

I have to put the BT difficulty up front too. Even on my iPAQ it can be a pain sometimes but on my MPx220 it is just silly the hassle I have to go through. :x

[thefunkunfaked]

needs proprietary notepad or pocket word

[mbranscum]

Need to add a Find function. I thinks it's rediculous that I have to pay $9.95 for software to do this!!! :?

[cdcooker]

I have SMT 5600. So my gripes here are based on my experience with this phone only, and it may not apply to other phones.


I wish they can integrate the separate Photo Contacts (3rd party app) with the Outlook Contacts (part of Windows Mobile 2003SE). Desktop Outlook 2003 already support photo ID, the only difference here is the photo size difference between desktop and phone, but I think this is something very easy to fix, by creating another smaller photo on the fly in the Outlook 2003 database. Also, the group feature in Photo Contacts is very similar, if not identical, with Outlook Contacts' category. I don't know why we have to create another set of identical features, very inconvenient.
No way to assign ringtones to categories under Outlook Contacts or groups under Photo Contacts.
I don't know if this is hardware or software issue. But it is something very easy to implement. I wish there is another color for the LED to flash if there is any missing call or msg. Right now, there is no indication from the LED whether I miss any call or not, as the screen is off most of the time. A pink flashing LED like Samsung phones will solve this problem.
I really miss the always on LCD screen of my old Nokia 8260. Yes, it is a mono screen, but I can glance all the info without pickup my phone and press a button before I can see anything on the color LCD of SMT 5600. This is definitely hardware issue, and I know it won't be able to fix, or it will run out of power in an hr. however, if I just want to check the time or any miss call, I must pickup the phone, press a button first. Couple more key presses if I lock the keypad.
No easy way to arrange the programs order in the Start menu.
No easy way to add or remove items on the Home screen without 3rd party app. e.g., I want to get rid of the Text Message reminder on the Homescreen, as I never use text msg. This is something the Pocket PC is able to do easily.
Ringtones can't be stored on storage card.
WMP10 will not start at where I pause or stop if I don't use if for awhile. It would be nice if it incorporates some of the features of its desktop counterpart like cross fading, software equalizer. It would be nice if it can display the title of the next track that is going to play.
Windows Mobile 2003SE suppose to support higher resolution on Smartphone too. Where is the hardware now?

[Mike Temporale]

Want a very fast way to enable (or disable) Bluetooth?

Bluetooth Toggle allows the least amount of keystrokes to accomplish this.

I am aware of Bluetooth Toggle, we've discussed it here a couple times. Regardless, it doesn't change the fact that Microsoft made Bluetooth so awkward to use. BT Toggle doesn't give me a Bluetooth manager where I can control all my connections, and whatnot in one place.

[Stinger]

For me:

Improve the UI big time. It's ugly and it takes too many button presses to do the most basic phone actions.
Improve boot-up times. 3-4 minutes from cold is just silly, IMO.
Improve the range of devices. At the moment in the UK, we've got the choice between the MPx200, Orange C500 and the just released T-Mobile SDA - one very out-dated model and two nearly identical devices. More competition would be very welcome.
Find a way to open up the IR and bluetooth functionality to developers. I want bluetooth games and I want an IR remote app.
Make texting as fast as it is on a Nokia.
Fix the support for Java.
Add 3G/video calling support.
Add Wifi support.
Include a built-in GPRS counter. It's an essential item!

I think that just about covers it. :)

[nikjones]

GPRS counter would DEFINATELY be good, I always get charged far more than I think I should.

My 2 previous phones - both Nokias - could have an alarm set, be turned off and then turn themselves on to sound the alarm. Brilliant - I still use one (with an old PAYG SIM card - as my alarm clock. Would love to use my C500 but don't like to run the battery down.

[cdcooker]

For me:

[list] Improve the UI big time. It's ugly and it takes too many button presses to do the most basic phone actions.
Improve boot-up times. 3-4 minutes from cold is just silly, IMO.


Which phone you have that requires 3-4 minutes to boot?

Also, people usually won't buy a phone if they think it is "ugly", even though it is free. There are so many choices out there.

[ipaqmaniac]

My biggest gripe is that my SMT5600 needs to be "rebooted" once or twice per week to "fix" things that stop working. For example, my e-mail client will stop automatically fetching email. The fix: reboot. Once my phone simply stopped making or receiving calls. The fix: reboot. When I say "reboot", I generally mean powering down and powering back on. On some occasions, the power button won't work either; then it's pull the battery out...

It would sure be nice if MS figured out a way to build an OS that didn't need to be rebooted to fix problems! My prior phone was a Nokia 3650 with the Symbian OS. I never had to "reboot" that phone...

[Stinger]

Which phone you have that requires 3-4 minutes to boot?

If you take the battery out and put it back in, my C500 takes 3-4 minutes to boot. A "quick" reboot takes around 50 seconds.

[homeLAN]

Here's what I'd like to see in the next version: Microsoft Voice Command included (along with a hardware spec for a dedicated activation button).

[Kris Kumar]

- HTML mail support
- Make mail download smarter : no download during night time and maybe during select days like weekend.
- Multiple Alarms
- Notes
- pIE : more than one browsing session
- pIE : keypad shortcuts for browsing quickly to the top of the page and bottom of the page (e.g. 3 to take you to the top of the page and 9 to the bottom of the page)
- Calendar : be able to create appointments with reminder alarm set to zero mins
- BT ActiveSync disconnect :-)
- ClearType enable/disable in Settings

- This one ANNOYS me - When you go into Call History->Call Info for a call(click on the name entry): you see Missed Call#, Method (m for mobile, w for work etc), Duration, Date and Time. :evil: Why is Time at the bottom. I always have to scroll down to see the Time. Time is the most important element in the missed call. Why is Method at the top? Why can't they have the time in the Call History listing itself, instead of the method?

- Last but not the least - Reliability, Reliability, Reliability...

[Kris Kumar]

Oh BTW Mike, good post! 8)

It took out a lot of pent up frustration....

[Mike Temporale]

I'm really surprised that nobody has mentioned customization of the phone - homescreens, ringtones, background wallpaper, etc. I don't understand why Microsoft made this so difficult.

[Kris Kumar]

I'm really surprised that nobody has mentioned customization of the phone - homescreens, ringtones, background wallpaper, etc. I don't understand why Microsoft made this so difficult.

Now that you mention it...I think I would like to see some kind of desktop app, that helps me configure my Smartphone - set up my mail boxes, owner info, GPRS/Data connections, basic wallpaper (indepth tweaks might be out of scope, and better handled by third party apps).

I am guessing Microsoft's answer to my suggestions or your questions is the Windows Mobile Start site (that is carrier specific) that lets you configure the settings using a web browser and it sends them OTA.

[Mike Temporale]

I am guessing Microsoft's answer to my suggestions or your questions is the Windows Mobile Start site (that is carrier specific) that lets you configure the settings using a web browser and it sends them OTA.

Maybe so, but I've had a couple dumbphones that could do this with a desktop client out of the box. There's no reason why it has to be so difficult. This kind of functionality should be built in.

[Mike Temporale]

Oh, and another thing that's missing... Creating my own profile, not editing an existing one. Why not give us the ability to create our own profiles? At the very least there should be 6 or so blank profiles that we can change and customize to our needs.

[David C]

1. Why can't I play polyphonic MIDI?
2. Why can't I get Windows Media 10?
3. PIE really sucks. I would like the ability to change my user agent so I can view specific websites.
4. Where is copy and paste?
5. Too many task pile up to slow down the phone, even locking up. (yes, I have XBAR, but it should be part of the phone)
5. Since this is a phone, it should be able to play MP4 files that other camera phone sends me. (yes, I know about PV player, but it's not availble for general users)
6. I would like to use J2ME
7. I wuld like to view flash files
8. An ebook reader would be nice
9. 3 way calling is really hard to acitivate
10. there should be a picture in calculator showing the short-cut direction pad so I know which one is +-X/

[David C]

Oh, one more thing

is there a way to remotely sync with my Activesync and to outlook using regular wireless data connection. Something easy without needing an exchange server or VPN. I just want to back up my stuff while I'm on the road with my regular PC at home.

[stugotsn]

I agree with a lot of what's been said.

But my biggest beef is with the wasted screen real estate.

1. The default fonts are too large. The icons are too large. There's no good (that I've found...) smaller fonts available from 3rd parties...like a nice Verdana would be sweet.

2. There's too much inter-line spacing.

3. There's WAY too much of a "one record per line" mentality to the software. Like in the Contacts manager...There's no reason for City, State, and Zip code to be on separate lines. The software should be able to compose a line and pack the fields together.

[toticow]

I get annoyed when adding a new phone number to a contact as it automatically defaults it.
Then there is also the other annoying navigation problem. If you go into one of the folders (say games) and click back, it takes you right back to the beginning of the menu, where you must then go through 2 pages to get back to where you were.

[Kris Kumar]

...If you go into one of the folders (say games) and click back, it takes you right back to the beginning of the menu, where you must then go through 2 pages to get back to where you were.

I find that annoying too... :evil:

[Cattle-Dog]

One other item I noticed when syncing OTA, and I believe it to be a true bug, the phone only notifies you of new email if it's in your root inbox. So if you have rules that sort your mail into subfolders for you, that mail will not set off any type of audible alert or increment the email counter. You will receive it. You just have to know to look for it. :?

[dmeineck]

How about the whole key lock / phone lock rubbish - this is so stupid how smartphones handle this - take my example:

I have an incoming call, and i have my bluetooth headset connected - I am unable to answer the call using the button on the headset because the keys are locked! - Likewise if i want to make a call using voice dial.

What happens also if i answer a call and want to put it on loudspeaker - i have to unlock the keypad first - kind of hard when you are holding the phone to your ear.

Alarms - why buried so deep within the menu - and why can't i snooze in the morning without having to unlock the keys!!!

GPRS is great, but where is the counter, these phones are great for GPRS but i'm not sure of data usage until i get my bill, by which time it is way too late.

Why cant i use mp3's as ring tones?

Why cant i set alarms etc on tasks?

Why don't notes synchronise?

Why cant i use sound clips I have recorded as ringtones? - In fact where are they even stored on the phone once recorded?!

My camera saying it is out of memory because of all the other running apps - the whole idea of having to use a task manager ala CTRL+ALT+DEL on a mobile telephone is a complete joke - this is a phone - not a pc!

[John Cody]

For me:

Make texting as fast as it is on a Nokia.



Just curious (being a developer), how do you feel is Text Messaging faster on a Nokia?

[dollardr]

As a phone the interface is clumsy and slow. When dialing a number there are delays and poor response times between pressing the keys and actually making the call and connecting.

Takes too long to power on and off.

Have to regularly reboot (remove the battery) to fix software problems and lockups.

Sometimes phone does not disconnect from a call.

Compared to Treos and Blackberries the reliability is pretty poor. IMO, MS smartphones still aren't usable by the average person.

[revolution.cx]

Can someone give an example of an advanced cellphone with a decent interface?

The phones I've used are far clunkier than my SMT5600. It seems that Smartphones are judged at a higher standard than regular phones. People get used to doing something a particular way and then when they use something that is different they call it non-standard or non-intuitive.

If the camera app sometimes takes 3 seconds to launch and othertimes it launches instantly it is perceived to be worse than if it always took 2 seconds to launch.

SMT5600 time from off to being able to make a call: 50 seconds. Power off: about 10 seconds. Never have problems with hanging up. Wife uses the phone all the time and she has problems maximizing windows in XP.

As a developer I'll complain about some behind the scenes things:

- 3 years later and we still have no decent, supported way of programatically using Pocket IE. WTF? :evil:
- Application signing is a confusing, expensive and ineffectual mess.
- Pitiful marketing on the part of MS.
- Developer tools merry-go-round. This has cost end users heavily in a way they will never know.
- No camera API? Fire someone. Now.
- ActiveStink circa 1000 AD.
- Bluetooth via ActiveSync took me 15 hours of effort. Really.
- WMP10 won't sync via bluetooth.
- Carrier-manufacturer-OS circular finger pointing. Great way to lose customers forever.

[Stinger]

Just curious (being a developer), how do you feel is Text Messaging faster on a Nokia?

On most Nokias (including their smartphones), one of the soft keys is usually defaulted to "new message", so from the stand-by screen you can get into the text messaging app with one button press. On my C500 is takes 6+ presses.

Once in the app, the text input seems a lot more responsive too and switching between the different forms of text input is much more logical.

[John Cody]

On most Nokias (including their smartphones), one of the soft keys is usually defaulted to "new message", so from the stand-by screen you can get into the text messaging app with one button press. On my C500 is takes 6+ presses.

Once in the app, the text input seems a lot more responsive too and switching between the different forms of text input is much more logical.

OK, now I understand - I agree.

Thanks for responding :)

[tomc1965]

I hate the fact that no files are allowed to be deleted if they are syatem files. I will elaborate. When you add a program and then delete it like I have done when I have tried different software. Windows leaves a folder in my storage\windows\appMgr directory. In that folder is a system file I can't delete so All these folders and files are taking up space eeven though I no longer have the program installed.

[John Cody]

I hate the fact that no files are allowed to be deleted if they are syatem files. I will elaborate. When you add a program and then delete it like I have done when I have tried different software. Windows leaves a folder in my storage\windows\appMgr directory. In that folder is a system file I can't delete so All these folders and files are taking up space eeven though I no longer have the program installed.

Did you try rebooting your phone and then try deleting those old files?

Sometimes files are left in memory and thus are marked "in use" until the phone is rebooted. Then, since the "owner" app of those files was uninstalled, they won't load into memory again and are then considered "free".

[tomc1965]

I have rebooted my smt5600 many times since those programs were removed but Windows Mobiles 2003 SE will not allow me to remove those folders because of the system files. I have tried deleting the files directly from my file manager on my phone and on my computer when connected but to no avail. It will not allow me to delete those files. Also it has this problem for every program I installed then uninstalled not just a certain program but every program.

[SassKwatch]

My own personal gripes so far are, the lack of a built in photo caller ID. My phone came bundled with a third party application, but I'd like to see it built in and tied directly into Contacts and not a separate utility.

I *HATE* that little piece of functionality. It's bad enough someone might be carrying umpteen little details about me all over creation with them, but now you want to have a pic of me as well.....?

I hope everyone who utilizes this at least asks each contact if it's ok to include that pic before doing so. My response would be a flat no....no matter who.

[ayanGR]

- no support for Notes &amp; File synchronization using Activesync (need to use 3rd party utilities)

- no support for Word/Excel files (need to use 3rd party utilities)

- no straightforward backup-restore procedure. Firmware upgrades mean that you have to re-install and re-configure everything from scratch.

- keyboard does not autolock. For clamshell this is fine, but for candybar design i have been humiliated too many times by accidentally calling random contacts.

- can not record a voice call. This is basic functionality on non-MS phones

- mms using proprietary clients (if it exsts at all), not well integrated, not the same feeling with sms and e-mail

- bluetooth not well integrated. Even with the latest C500/Qtek 8010 etc you cannot transfer files (except with 3rd party utilities). Also bluetooth activesync sucks.

- applications stay in memory and you eventually have to reboot to fix problems

- alarms are clumsy. To set up an alarm you have to go through numerous menus, and then again you can only set one (except if using 3rd party tools)

- on previous versions, the msn messenger eventualy failed to work because "microsoft did some change" but no-one provided a firmware fix. Based on my previous experience, probably it will happen in a couple of months to windows mobile 2003. Tying the software fixes to mobile vendors or even mobile operators is truly dreadfull. I already own a couple of useless Smartphones 2002. Microsoft should distribute patches and upgrades centrally.

- no 3G support. Windows mobile is always one step behind, for example there was no MMS when MMS was thriving. Now what about WiFi and 3G?

Having said all this, i still believe that my Qtek 8010 is the best phone i ever had. Thank god fo 3rd party applications, that cover most of the deficiencies.

[PDADoc]

- The inability to create subfolders in the Inbox app

- Lack of HTML mail support

- No synchronization of subfolders with Outlook, like with the Pocket PC

- Bluetooth implementation too flaky and inconsistent

- Lack of Word and Excel support

- No Microsoft reader; have to use 3rd-party app

- No built-in backup support for ActiveSync

- The menu system as it stands could use some work

- No support for Microsoft Money

I'm sure there are more things if I really took the time to think about it, but these are the most glaring issues that stick out for me.

[Rick Stenson]

Most of these have already been discussed but in case you are tabulating number of mentions:

Single Biggest Peeve:

Cannot make Voice Activated Calls with BT Headset when kyeboard is locked.:evil:

Someone explain to me why we can answer a call with a BT headset when keyboard is locked - but can't initiate a call? This peeve drives me nuts.

Other Peeves -
- Cannot define storage card as default save location for Camera application.

- Inability to organize the Home screen without a 3rd party application.

- On the SMT5600 menu organization is just nuts. (Why is configurations not in settings? Why is resource manager not also in settings.? There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the way things are laid out in the menus.)

- Hotkey to turn BT on or off. There are times when i don't have the Headset and just want to turn off BT to conserve battery.

- When using a BT headset it is very confusing and difficult to handle more than one call at a time. The functionality of answering and managing multiple calls seems to reside only with the headset and not with the phone, Can't tell you the numbers of times I have dropped calls by accident because I couldn't figure out how to switch back to the original call after answering a second incoming call. Manual explains how to do this [in theory] on the headset - but I think you should be able able to do it from the phone as well.

- Phone locks up if a select Shut Down from the Quick List instead of just pushiing and holding the Off button. New out of the box this works, but for some reason after I have configured the phone and maybe installed some applications it breaks. I have traded in phones and can also replicate it across 3 other SMT5600 phones in our company. So not sure if it is a model specific problem or not.

- If you dial an embedded phone number in a calendar item you cannot send any more number dial tones after the call is in session. Example: I have a scheduled Con Call in a calendar item. I navigate to the calendar item and select the number to dial {awesome awesome functionality} however I also have to dial the conference access code AFTER I am connected to the conference service. Can't do it. Pressing the numbers does not send any dial tones.

- Keypad does not light up when locked. Anyone else auto-lock their phones after a time out period? Ever try and key in the lock code in the dark with a dark keyboard? I understand the point of the locked keyboard but how's about doing something like being able to light up the keys by pushing one of the more unobtrusive buttons like the Quicklist?

- Love to have the MSFT Voice Command on this platform. But only if it can install to a storage card.

- Last and not least - Why can't we back these things up via active synch like every other platform I have?


Thanks for listening.

[SmartphoneDriver]

I have an Orange SPV E200, and it has some fantastice features, but I'd also like to echo many of the above criticisms. Particularly the BT implementation which is dire, including the fact the the phone sometimes forgets there is a BT headset - sometimes I make a call with BT fine, then I get an incoming which refuses to use BT, then another for which BT works perfectly!

I also use call divert alot, and this is a really crappy implementation - it is lost way down in the menus (a real pain with the crappy joy-button), it doesn't remember previous numbers and there is no way to include a divert number with a profile as my previous 2 phones did.

A macro facility would easily solve this (I do use xBar, but cant get macros working).

[Kris Kumar]

I have rebooted my smt5600 many times since those programs were removed but Windows Mobiles 2003 SE will not allow me to remove those folders because of the system files. I have tried deleting the files directly from my file manager on my phone and on my computer when connected but to no avail. It will not allow me to delete those files. Also it has this problem for every program I installed then uninstalled not just a certain program but every program.

I have many a times deleted the unwanted folders from the appmgr folder.

On the Smartphone using an explorer, view the properties for the folder you wish to delete, just ensure that System, Hidden, and Read Only are all un-checked or not selected. Then delete the folder.

I know for sure that you cannot remove these folders from the desktop PC using ActiveSync.

And I agree MS should fix this bug. :-)

[Kris Kumar]

- keyboard does not autolock. For clamshell this is fine, but for candybar design i have been humiliated too many times by accidentally calling random contacts.

This might help

Start->Settings->Security->Enable Phone Lock

[Kris Kumar]

- Keypad does not light up when locked. Anyone else auto-lock their phones after a time out period? Ever try and key in the lock code in the dark with a dark keyboard? I understand the point of the locked keyboard but how's about doing something like being able to light up the keys by pushing one of the more unobtrusive buttons like the Quicklist?

Good one....I never noticed it. I guess its because I use the simple lock (no pass code) and always felt my way around.

[TimeHunter]

Okay, I'll admit it. I still use a MPx200 series phone. I have no 2003SE that the vendor, manufacturer or MS have released. Poor me :-P

That said, the homescreen is in XML folks! The very first thing I did was pick apart the setup and design my own screen, and that's before I found all the handy plugins you can drop on top of it all. Voila, 30 minutes of work and I had small icons, date and time formatting, and a bunch of other stuff that wasn't a part of any of the included layouts. And I am NOT a programmer, just a humble sysadmin, and used nothing but notepad to edit it.

Number one gripe, Pocket Office is not included with any but a few of the phones out there. Why is it I can buy a MS-OS PDA and get them bundled, but a phone that often costs just as much does NOT have it?!?!?

Okay, totally not anything about a specific issue with 2003SE, but I feel much better :-D

[lesgainous]

Want a very fast way to enable (or disable) Bluetooth?

Bluetooth Toggle allows the least amount of keystrokes to accomplish this. It can be done with one keystroke (just add a single-digit speed-dial to this utility). Personally, I made it two keystrokes--"2" and "8" (for "B" and "T", BlueTooth, get it?). That way it is easy to remember.
. . .

Hey! Your reply looks very familiar. :x In fact, I think you copied-n-pasted verbatim from my Smartphone blog. Compare your reply and my blog entry at:

http://spaces.msn.com/members/lesgainous/Blog/cns!1pB2nTsP1nhR2PuNUc1Mcukg!167.entry

I don't mind folks using what I publish, but at least have the common courtesy to give credit to the source! :idea:

--Les

[abarry]

I have the SMT 5600 but I did try the Seimens SX66 for a month. The SX66 also has WM2K3SE and does have some features different, though it is a PPCPhone, and not a SmartPhone like the SX66.

The SX66 does have built in Photo Contacts, and in fact, the name of the contact folder is 'Photo Contacts'. Now whether Seimens used a third party app or it is a part of 2K3SE, I don't know. However, I had to download the MS VoiceCommand to be able to voice dial, and even then, would not do it through the BTHS, something the SMT5600 does so flawlessly.


My complaints with an otherwise excellent SMT5600 OS:

1. The delayed hanging up of the BTHS (I use Moto 810).
2. With my other phones, I noticed that the call disconnected as soon as the other caller hung up. Not so here. I HAVE to disconnect, often.
3. Listing of installed apps on the last page
4. Inability to backup/restore through ActiveSync. I had to buy a $30 program from Sprite
5. No memos/notes sync
6. No FIND function
7. No BT Manager
8. Inability to dial from BTHS if the keypad is locked


Few questions:

1. What is OTA?
2. Where do I find third party apps for:
a. Putting a FIND function on my phone
b. Having smaller icons on the Homescreen

[Cattle-Dog]

OTA = Over The Air :wink:

[abarry]

OTA = Over The Air :wink:

Thank you :oops:

[Mike Temporale]

Few questions:....

May I suggest that you post your questions in a new thread. That way we can keep this thread on the topic of WM2003SE Issues. :wink: Thanks. :D

[Kris Kumar]

Not sure if this one has been mentioned. But recently this bug drove me nuts. :twisted: Surprised that I did not notice it earlier.

When the keypad is locked. And your calendar reminder pops up. Dismissing the item is not a problem. However if you want to Snooze the item, you are doomed. Because the Smartphone does not let you Snooze the calendar item. And if you use the left softkey to try and unlock the keypad, you end up dismissing the item. :evil: