Planning On Upgrading to Windows Mobile 5.0?

[Darius Wey]

It's been a little over a month since Windows Mobile 5.0 was made official by Microsoft. Some devices will be receiving upgrades (e.g. the Axim X50/X50v, the iPAQ hx2000 and hx4700 series, the Pocket LOOX 718 and 720 series, and apparently, the E-TEN M500 as well). Some devices will not be receiving upgrades (it's an extensive list, so I'll save the details), and on the other side of the fence, some new Windows Mobile 5.0 devices have been announced and are going to be released very shortly (e.g. HTC Universal, E-TEN M600, and the list goes on and on). As exciting as all this is, the real question is - "are you planning on upgrading?" It's the weekend - so if you have the time, weigh in with a vote and perhaps a few words. If you're also a Smartphone user, be sure to check out a similar poll running at our sister site, <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/">Smartphone Thoughts</a>.

[Rod3]

I'll upgrade my Axim, but only after other people have done it and worked through the problems. :wink:

[del1313]

My wife has an x50v that's upgradeable, but my h2210 sure isn't. I'm hoping to get the HTC Universal if someone actually announces it in the US market.

[marcm]

I'm going to be buying an X50v used, but it will probably come without WM5 so I will have to upgrade it. Hopefully WM5 lasts a little longer than WM2003SE... :wink:

[csterns]

WOW! I'm pretty peeved. I havent' heard anything about the i-Mate Pocket PC Phone PDA2K but with the amount of money invested in it not to be upgraded is robbery.

[ipaq_wannabe]

well, i think that by the time WM2005 gets released here in japan - all the growing pains associated with the upgrade would have already been sorted out (hey, DELL-Japan still hasnt even released ROM A02)... which means that i could take a wait-and-see attitude - if WM2005 really brings more than woes (like no WiFi ActiveStink)

just my thoughts

- (at) Axim x50v w/ Fitaly 3.5

[ppcinfo]

I'm a Pocket PC software developer, so I'll have to upgrade to WM 2005 for testing purposes. Luckily, I have a X50V is upgradable. Otherwise, I would just simply use WM 2003 SE, since it meets my needs.

ppcinfo

[timcolling]

Unfortunately, I decided to purchase an Ipaq 5555, so I have been denied an upgrade to WM 2003 SE by HP and now again have been denied an upgrade to WM 2005 by HP. I probably won't purchase another Ipaq. I might purchase a Dell instead, next time, but I really would prefer a converged device that includes cell phone capability that is compatible with Verizon.

However, until I can purchase a device with 128 MB of RAM, VGA screen, WM 2005, WiFi, BlueTooth, and cell phone capablility that is compatible with Verizon, I'll just stick with the 5555 for now, at least until it breaks again. (It has been back to HP for repairs twice in the 18 months that I've owned it). A fingerprint reader would also be a nice feature, if it actually worked reliably, unlike the one on the 5555. A camera also might be nice, but I am not so sure now that more and more buisnesses are banning cell phones and PDAs with cameras.

HP had a chance to be "special" in my list of vendors, but they've lost that opportunity forever now. HP isn't yet on my list of "never again" PPC vendors (Toshiba is on that list) but HP is no longer on my "most favored" list.

- Tim

[ombu]

Well, 2210 here unable to upgrade and I won't buy a new device till next year.

This is somehow sad to a PPC lover like me but I think it's the way to go, the 2210 has been the best device I've owned by far and I use it 24 X 7, I'm used to it's performance, no trouble at all, soft-reset once a week (saturdays, just because). I'm not an early adopter right now as I was before although I'd like to, but I'll wait till three or four WM2005 devices go through PPCT filter (best geeks world wide :wink: ) and make my move, maybe a convergence device, there's time enough to think about it, but I won't loose the way I'm working right now.

Regards.

[KTamas]

Well, my Blue Angol _theorically_ not upgradable, but hey, we have XDA-developers.com and i am sure that we will have an WM5 upgrade... (okay, non-offical, so what)

[whydidnt]

Though I'm unhappy about losing the ability to sync via WiFi, I will probably upgrade my HX4700 to WM 5. The primary reason is that the new memory configuration will free up RAM and save me the $200.00 I was considering spending at PPCTechs to upgrade to 128MB RAM.

[surur]

Where's the "I'm upgrading my Loox AND getting a MDA IV" option?

Surur

[TMann]

I'll upgrade my Axim, but only after other people have done it and worked through the problems. :wink:

Ditto. :)

As with any OS upgrade, the compatibilty of my main applications will also play a key part in my decision to upgrade. If half of my applications don't work, or will require purchased upgrades, I'll probably just stick with WM 2003 for now.

TMann

[mclaughlinc]

I voted that I would purchase a new Pocket PC well cause I am hopeful some unannounced new groundbreaking designs are on the way.

Wishful thinking, well maybe. I have really loved my PDA2K and wish iMate would release the upgrade but I know that won't happen. So I will be forced to upgrade my device.

[bahrie]

Have a Loox 720 but will not upgrade because activesync 4.0 will not allow to sync via WiFi.

[Phillip Dyson]

I'm starting to lean towards a phone edition device. So that'll probably be my next purchase.

The E-TEN m600 seems to be the most interesting one for me. However, I'm not sure I'll have an oppurtunity to purchase one in the states. Does anyone know if the m500 ever got FCC approval?

Still on the fence about giving up things like dual card slots, vga, and usb host.

[bvkeen]

Will definitely upgrade my x50v. The timing is the question. I sync to both home and work computers, and it could be a while before our IT folks at work allow installation of ActiveSync 4.0. If not for delayed AS deployment at work, I'd update as soon as available.

[welovejesus]

I'll upgrade my Axim, but only after other people have done it and worked through the problems. :wink:

Ditto. :)

As with any OS upgrade, the compatibilty of my main applications will also play a key part in my decision to upgrade. If half of my applications don't work, or will require purchased upgrades, I'll probably just stick with WM 2003 for now.

TMann

TMann,
You said it! Software makes the PDA powerful. Without certain key software, life wouldn't be the same. :roll:

[Darius Wey]

Where's the "I'm upgrading my Loox AND getting a MDA IV" option?

Which one will be your main device? If you'll be using one as much as the other, then pick any of the two poll options. I doubt there'd be many in your boat, so poll results aren't likely to be skewed to a great extent. ;)

[surur]

Actually now that many of the high-end features of the Loox 720 will be available in the MDA IV, I expect quite a few Loox owners will be upgrading (in Europe at least).

Surur

[DaleReeck]

However, until I can purchase a device with 128 MB of RAM, VGA screen, WM 2005, WiFi, BlueTooth, and cell phone capablility that is compatible with Verizon,

That sounds like my perfect device too :) Unfortunately, it always seems as if the perfect phone device is always just one feature lacking, just one feature away from being the device we want. For instance, that new Samsung I730 coming from Verizon has everything I would want except for not having a VGA screen. Of course, as a general rule, phone PDA's are always about six months to a year behind their non phone counterparts in features and capabilities.

[GadgetMan]

Though I'm unhappy about losing the ability to sync via WiFi, I will probably upgrade my HX4700 to WM 5. The primary reason is that the new memory configuration will free up RAM and save me the $200.00 I was considering spending at PPCTechs to upgrade to 128MB RAM.

This is exactly my main reason as well. It explains why hx4700 came with 128 MB ROM and only 64 MB RAM. No need to upgrade RAM, I will buy extended warranty from HP instead.

Cheers,

[Patrick Y.]

I really want to purchase a new device with WM 5, but $$$ is my main concern.

[TheWolfen]

While I'm fairly torn on this topic - I don't want to lose WiFi syncing - I'll probably still upgrade. I have a X50v with the PPCTech RAM upgrade, but I suppose the new memory system won't hurt me, and I like to stay with the latest OS. I just don't understand why they downgraded ActiveSync!!!! :evil:

[guinness]

I haven't seen any real compeling reason to upgrade to a WM05 device, other than VGA, but even then, it doesn't work the way I would like it, the OS still looks and operates basically the same.

Still happy with my WM03 X5.

[Possum Roadkill]

I'll of course convince myself that I'm going to wait until it's been tested by the poor saps that go out and purchase it the very second it is available but then, poor sap that I am, will go and purchase it the first second it is available. Then I'll hope it fixes the hx4705 battery issue the last update caused, but it probably will not. :?

[timcolling]

However, until I can purchase a device with 128 MB of RAM, VGA screen, WM 2005, WiFi, BlueTooth, and cell phone capablility that is compatible with Verizon,

That sounds like my perfect device too :) Unfortunately, it always seems as if the perfect phone device is always just one feature lacking, just one feature away from being the device we want. For instance, that new Samsung I730 coming from Verizon has everything I would want except for not having a VGA screen. Of course, as a general rule, phone PDA's are always about six months to a year behind their non phone counterparts in features and capabilities.

I should have also specified that it be at least a 624 Mhz processor!

- Tim

[ricksfiona]

Unfortunately, I decided to purchase an Ipaq 5555, so I have been denied an upgrade to WM 2003 SE by HP and now again have been denied an upgrade to WM 2005 by HP. I probably won't purchase another Ipaq. I might purchase a Dell instead, next time, but I really would prefer a converged device that includes cell phone capability that is compatible with Verizon.

However, until I can purchase a device with 128 MB of RAM, VGA screen, WM 2005, WiFi, BlueTooth, and cell phone capablility that is compatible with Verizon, I'll just stick with the 5555 for now, at least until it breaks again. (It has been back to HP for repairs twice in the 18 months that I've owned it). A fingerprint reader would also be a nice feature, if it actually worked reliably, unlike the one on the 5555. A camera also might be nice, but I am not so sure now that more and more buisnesses are banning cell phones and PDAs with cameras.

HP had a chance to be "special" in my list of vendors, but they've lost that opportunity forever now. HP isn't yet on my list of "never again" PPC vendors (Toshiba is on that list) but HP is no longer on my "most favored" list.

- Tim

I too have an iPAQ 5555 and have been very happy with it. It would be awesome if I could get WM5 for it, but I don't think with the specs it comes with, that I would get any real benefits from it anyway. No VGA, average processor and no GPRS. No biggie.

I can't wait for the WM5 versions of the iMATE products!

[bnycastro]

I'll probably be getting a WM5.0 Phone Ed device. I would like something small ang maybe with a thumb board (nothing like this announced yet). So I'd be amongst the people waiting to upgrade if the hardware is there. I'm not sure other WM5.0 Phone Ed devices would be out so far the HTC Univ and the ETEN m600 are getting all the attention... wonder if the other PPC makers will be going into Phone Ed as well, I hope they do.

[mattbugz]

Unfortunately, I decided to purchase an Ipaq 5555, so I have been denied an upgrade to WM 2003 SE by HP and now again have been denied an upgrade to WM 2005 by HP. I probably won't purchase another Ipaq. I might purchase a Dell instead, next time, but I really would prefer a converged device that includes cell phone capability that is compatible with Verizon.

I have the same device and share your concerns. I think my next PDA will be a Dell.

[Darius Wey]

I'm not sure other WM5.0 Phone Ed devices would be out so far the HTC Univ and the ETEN m600 are getting all the attention... wonder if the other PPC makers will be going into Phone Ed as well, I hope they do.

The Gigabyte Einstein actually looks very interesting. Although it's a pity that not a lot of details have been released since its unveiling at Computex.

[JD Silver]

I currently use a Telus version of the Audiovox PPC6600 and just love it. I'll stick with it until Telus releases a WM5 device with enough improvements to justify the update. If Telus upgrades current users of the 6600 to EVDO (the chipset is currently not active in the device) then I'll stay with it for awhile.

[bnycastro]

I'm not sure other WM5.0 Phone Ed devices would be out so far the HTC Univ and the ETEN m600 are getting all the attention... wonder if the other PPC makers will be going into Phone Ed as well, I hope they do.

The Gigabyte Einstein actually looks very interesting. Although it's a pity that not a lot of details have been released since its unveiling at Computex.Is this a Phone Ed device? I was thinking this was a WM5.0 Smartphone.

[juni]

I'm still waiting for a "Club Windows Mobile" t-shirt :D

[ipaq_wannabe]

anyway - can anyone at least give an estimate price of how much the upgrade would be?

i may not upgrade (knowing that there wouldnt be WiFi sync anymore, among a few) - just for reference purpose

thanks!!!

- (at) Axim X50V w/ Fitaly 3.5

[nch2284]

I upgraded my loox 720 (with the last upgrade) and it crashed. I had to send it back to FS; luckily it was still under warranty. FS told me that the upgrade had 'damaged' some of the eprom - they had to replace the motherboard :devilboy: ... so I'll be very wary before I upgrade to V5. I had backed up all my data - so all wasn't lost. Just had to wait 2 weeks for the motherboard to arrive etc etc.

:evil:

[Darius Wey]

The Gigabyte Einstein actually looks very interesting. Although it's a pity that not a lot of details have been released since its unveiling at Computex.Is this a Phone Ed device? I was thinking this was a WM5.0 Smartphone.

All signs point towards it being a Pocket PC Phone Edition.

[Darius Wey]

anyway - can anyone at least give an estimate price of how much the upgrade would be?

There isn't a "general" price for the upgrade since there's more than one manufacturer providing upgrades. With regards to your device (the X50v), it'll be up to Dell to decide what the price is, and at the moment, that figure has not yet been released to the public.

[Carlos]

Why isn't there an ''I've already upgraded" option on the poll?

I've been using WM5 for a little over a month on my XDA II and would never go back. Out of the many apps I use, only one, Multi IE, doesn't work now. Most worked anyway, and the rest have betas that work on WM5.

The OS is more stable, and the phone in particular is more reliable.

[Darius Wey]

Why isn't there an ''I've already upgraded" option on the poll?

Use your instincts. The second option would fit you, wouldn't it? ;)

Besides, we're talking about final versions of the Windows Mobile 5.0 upgrade, not betas being leaked high and low all over the internet.

[surur]

Carlos, tell us more about WM 5.0 as its implemented on the xda 2.

Whats the file system like? Where's your My documents folder located? How much free storage have you got in your root directory to install software and to store documents. How does Activesync 4.0 work? Can you sync to storage card? What's happened to your 128Mb ram. Is it all still accessible. How well does "persistent storage" work ie. when you run out of power, what happens? Has there been any improvements in the bluetooth implementation.

(Ive got about 100 more questions, but thats enough for now. I cant believe we haven't had a proper review of the OS answering these questions in detail, especially now that it has been released.)

Surur

[twpd]

When I look at the lack of real significant improvements to the PPC o/s over the last few years I have to question whether or not WM2005 will bring enough "benefits" to make it worth the trouble of upgrading. The chances are that I'll have to purchase upgraded software to go with it and it'll be full of bugs in the same way the 2003SE is atm....I think I'll pass on it for the time being and watch how things unfold. I'm sick to death of resets, data loss and having to dick around just to get the whole shebang working reliably-ish. My Psion S5mx was and is leagues ahead of this nonsense.

[powder2000]

I have an axim x50v and although I will miss activesink over WiFi I will most likely be lured to an upgrade. Something about a new OS that just makes me want to do it. :lol:

[Damion Chaplin]

HTC Universal here I come!

Unless, of course the Flipstart is ever released from Vaporwareville. :wink:

[Carlos]

Whats the file system like? Where's your My documents folder located? How much free storage have you got in your root directory to install software and to store documents. How does Activesync 4.0 work? Can you sync to storage card? What's happened to your 128Mb ram. Is it all still accessible. How well does "persistent storage" work ie. when you run out of power, what happens? Has there been any improvements in the bluetooth implementation.

File system has the same look and feel; you won't see anything new there. File Manager works better, more useful/logical navigation between storage types. The 128MB is split in half, one to install software, the other as running memory. I'll tell you, this is a great, I'd call perfect implementation. I've installed EVERYTHING except the GPS maps internally, with some room left. I don't have to worry about that crowding my program memory. I also have the flash memory as another storage area. AS 4.0 has been 100% reliable in Windows. It is partially reliable running on my Mac (what I use normally), better than 3.x was. I have not tried storage card sync, nor have I tried letting the batteries die. I did note that doing a hard reset didn't lose most things, including the registry (which can be annoying if you WANT to kill it). Bluetooth is rock-solid, but then it was always very good on the XDA II no matter which OS you had. I tried the PDA2k and it had completely unusable BT; hopefully that will be fixed with WM5, as I'd like to own one if it works.

Overall, there are no major bugs that I can see. It is reliable and stable. I don't have to reset as often as with 2003SE or 2003.

I have to question whether or not WM2005 will bring enough "benefits" to make it worth the trouble of upgrading
This is the most significant of all the upgrades since Handheld PC changed to Pocket PC. It maintains some familiarity, but is vastly different. I'm glad I spent some time with a Smartphone, because the core is far more like that than PPC.

I have a lot of working software, and only one that doesn't work as I mentioned. Most things worked to begin with. A few did not, but I have working betas (because of NDA I won't list them all, but they are the top names that most PPC users use).

Overall functionality is very nice; generally more logical and intuitive. Some UI features required to merge the PPC and Smartphone are annoying though, such as having a bias toward softbuttons which don't exist on current PPC devices (but will in the future, just like on Smartphones). They also trimmed down some menus and removed options I use. The snooze is the one that annoys me most; they removed some intervals which I used to use. In summary though, the benefits have outweighed the drawbacks by far, not even counting the "geek" factor at all. I look at this tool as my primary communication method and it's the only place I manage projects; it has to work (I have no home or work phone).

[mattbugz]

When will we start seeing new devices running WM5? It's nearly time to upgrade my iPAQ 5555.

[jhmurray]

I'm on my third Pocket PC with a different version for each, I have finally come to the conclusion that this is not an upgradable device. Lack of company support and lack of upgradability even though my last two devices have 64 megs of rom has made me decide to move on. I don't know what the future will bring but I am going back to mainstream just winxp i.e. maybe a tablet pc.

JHM

[Darius Wey]

When will we start seeing new devices running WM5? It's nearly time to upgrade my iPAQ 5555.

Most likely, Q4 2005 and Q1 2006.

[Dalantech]

I have an axim x50v and although I will miss activesink over WiFi I will most likely be lured to an upgrade. Something about a new OS that just makes me want to do it. :lol:

...like finally being able to use that GPU and it's 16MB of video RAM in every application?... :D

I can't wait for MD3D games to come out!