Windows Mobile 5: Getting Started

[Jason Dunn]

After putting my <a href="http://www.fido.ca">Fido SIM</a> into the WM5 phone the first thing I needed to do was get my data onto it. It would be cool if the phone asked the network for the GPRS settings, but it doesn't, so I manually created the GPRS connection for Fido - easy enough. Then it was time to get my data onto the phone. Since I'm using a hosted Exchange solution (courtesy of <a href="http://www.4smartphone.net/affiliates.aspx?go=referal&ref=JD10726">4smartphone</a>) it was fairly simple. The new ActiveSync client on the phone has an easy menu option: Add Server Source (I think that's what it said - now it says "Configure Server"). I entered in my Exchange settings, and when I pressed finish it kicked off a GPRS connection and began to sync my data. The on-device ActiveSyc client has an updated UI, and it seemed a bit faster than before (though that's all relative when we're talking about pokey GPRS speeds). There are new icons that display as the device is synchronizing calendar events, contacts, etc. I've read that Tasks sync is now supported, and there's finally a Tasks client on the device <i>[edit: there has always been a Task client, which I forgot because it's so useless and didn't sync against my Exchange server]</i>, but none of my tasks synchronized. In fact, on the device ActiveSync client there's no option for Task sync under the Exchange Server section. It is listed under the Windows PC sync list, but I don't normally set up a sync partnership with my desktop PC. If that's the way Microsoft chose to implement Task sync, I'm very disappointed.<br /><br />The biggest user interface change is that the menu system is now iconic, three rows of three, instead of the list we had before. The number keys still work as shortcuts though, so if you're used to pressing START > 2 to get to your app, that will still work. The numbers don't appear in the UI though, so this is more of a power-user feature that will be discovered by new users over time (which is the way it should be). There are other minor UI tweaks - some of the options screens look different, and unless I'm mistaken there's a new default font that's easier to read.<br /><br />So what's it like using a WM5 Smartphone day to day? Tune in next time faithful reader... ;-)

[cmorris]

Syncing Tasks over the air will require Exchange SP2.

[Jason Dunn]

Syncing Tasks over the air will require Exchange SP2.

Aha - I was wondering about that. All the sites (including us) reported that it was part of WM5. Good to know it's coming soon.

[Mike Temporale]

The biggest user interface change is that the menu system is now iconic, three rows of three, instead of the list we had before. The number keys still work as shortcuts though, so if you're used to pressing START > 2 to get to your app, that will still work.

Jason, how does the numbering work - Across or down?

[nedge2k]

The icon numbers are relative to the keypad, ie #5 would be the center icon ;)

[Sven Johannsen]

The Iconic or list format for the menus is available as an OEM option. The vendor could still choose to use the list...or the icons. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way for the end user to select it. I'd prefer the icons as the relative location to key location makes sense to me.

[ARW]

there's finally a Tasks client on the device, but none of my tasks synchronized.

Hasn't there always been a Tasks client on Smartphone. I know there's been one on my i600 with 2002 and 03. That said it's worthless and required a 3rd party to make it funcitonal.

Do you mean that Tasks on WM 05 is functional without additional software necessary?

Thanks,

Al

[Jason Dunn]

Hasn't there always been a Tasks client on Smartphone. I know there's been one on my i600 with 2002 and 03. That said it's worthless and required a 3rd party to make it funcitonal.

Gee, I guess that shows you how little I use it. 8O You're right, there's been a client for a while, but because it didn't sync with my Exchange server, I stopped using it a couple of years ago. :roll:

[nedge2k]

there doesn't seem to be a way for the end user to select it

A simple reg hack will remove/enable the grid ;)

OFF = HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Shell\StartMenu\GridView = 0
ON = HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Shell\StartMenu\GridView = 1

[Jason Dunn]

A simple reg hack will remove/enable the grid

Nice! Hey, you're smart, please hang around here. ;-)

[Mike Temporale]

there doesn't seem to be a way for the end user to select it

A simple reg hack will remove/enable the grid ;)

Yes, there is a reg hack to change it, but lets face it, that's not something a typical end user would be doing. That's more of an advanced user setting. :wink:

[Mike Temporale]

The icon numbers are relative to the keypad, ie #5 would be the center icon ;)

Ah, I see. So it's numbered across and then down. And not Down and then across - which would be really awkward for people. Cool. 8)

[HailFire]

Is your version of WM5 stable? Any system hangs, crashes?

[nedge2k]

Yes, there is a reg hack to change it, but lets face it, that's not something a typical end user would be doing. That's more of an advanced user setting. :wink:

I was working on a little app to do all the essential WM5 reg tweaks but alas I cant get opennetcf to work with vs .net b2 so i cant manipulate the reg in vb :(