Can I use old smartphone, Windows 5 programs on a new Windows 6.*?

[jrjordan]

I have a old Cingular 3125 (Star Trek, that is about 3 years old) and have purchased a boat load of programs for it. I need to switch to another newer cell that actually works, but am hesitant because I might have to purchase the programs again.

Can I use or is there a program that will allow me to use the old smartphone (Windows 5, I think) programs with the new smartphone, Windows 6.* phones? I would prefer a touch phone, would a program still allow me to run the old programs on a touch?

Finally, is there an app that would allow the old programs to run on an iPhone?

Thanks!

[Sven Johannsen]

No, on the last question at least, about running on the iPhone. No WM emulator on the iPhone or iPhone emulator on WM either. There are a good number of programs that are available on both platforms, that the vendor may have a deal on switching platforms, but that is case by case.

Can't give a 100% yes/no on the compatibility, for a couple of reasons. Non-Touch and Touch apps are different. The non-touch ones need to provide a way to do many things, under the constraint that you can't use the screen to do them. A good number of apps have the capbility for both as part of the app, and just adjust to what you have, but others have distinct versions whether you have a Pro or Standard (old terms for touch, non-touch, respectively) device. So it depends a lot on the particular app.

As far as 5.0 apps working on 6.x, I can say most everything I have has made it through 6.1. Don't have a 6.5 (yet) so can't speak to the compatibility there. Best bet would be to visit the vendor Web site to see what they say is compatible. Most of the time an upgrade is reasonably priced which would likely net you greater compatibility as well as new features.

[jrjordan]

Thanks, Sven, I appreciate your input, info., and help!