ABCs of Pocket PC's

							WorxWire

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ABCs of Pocket PC’s
PM Worx now has the capability to integrate with a new addition to the Windmill offering called Mobile Worx. Mobile Worx is a Pocket PC application that allows you to take your work orders with you into the field. When out in the field, workers can look up task details, view asset information, assign parts, see relevant maintenance history, and even access resident names and phone numbers. They can also leave feedback for colleagues and contractors, enter completion details, and record labor time. Adopting Mobile Worx means considering a whole new realm of mobile computing. There are many devices out there that are compatible and it seems there’s a new device every day – believe me, it’s hard to keep up. Here are some things to consider when buying a Pocket PC. Phone vs Pocket PC There are two broad categories of Pocket PCs out there, a straight PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a Smartphone (a cell phone and PDA combined). The trend in the market seems to be towards Smartphones and I expect to see major growth of new mobile products in the phone category which means a potential phase-out of straight PDA devices over the next few years. Evidence of this was seen when Dell discontinued their line of Axim Pocket PCs and the word on the street is that they’re developing a PDA Phone. Most wireless carriers such as Verizon, Cingular (now AT&T) and Sprint carry at least one Smartphone in their product line. For maintenance staff who already carry a cell phone, the integrated phone and Pocket PC makes sense so that they have only one electronic device to carry. If your company already has a cell contract with a carrier, there’s often an upgrade option that’s affordable to swap out old cell phones with new PDA phones. It’s best to contact a representative with your cell carrier to investigate your options. Cost Pocket PCs capable of running Mobile Worx can range anywhere from $99 (with a cell contract) to $7,000. Don’t buy the $7,000 device. It’s not made out of gold, nor is it encrusted with diaMobile Worx Minimum Requirements Windows Mobile 5.0 OS 350+ MHz processor 64+ MB RAM 240x320 or 240x240 display touch-screen with stylus Terminology PDA: Personal Digital Assistant Smartphone: Integrated Phone and PDA Stylus: a thin pen-like device used to operate most Pocket PCs. It’s the PDA version of a mouse QWERTY: a keyboard with keys arranged like a standard desktop keyboard. The name QWERTY comes from the first six letters on the top left of the keyboard The Trend: Smartphones are quickly taking over from Pocket PCs.

monds. Normally the device that you buy will be under $500. Usually, if you’re buying a Pocket PC phone, the cell carrier discounts the device if you sign a contract – the longer the contract the cheaper the device. Here’s an example of pricing on a compatible Phone (PPC-6700) from Sprint when signing a 2 year contract: Regular Price: Instant Savings: Mail-in Rebate: Phone Cost: $549.99 - $150.00 - $300.00 $99.00

UTStarcom PPC-6700

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ABCs of Pocket PC’s – cont’d

WorxWire
Features Like any computer, the list of available and optional features is quite lengthy. Be sure to review the minimum requirements for Mobile Worx listed earlier before buying a device. So long as you meet those requirements, you might want to consider some of these other features: QWERTY Keyboard Although Mobile Worx is designed to allow ease of use without a hardware keyboard, many devices come equipped with a keyboard right on the front of the device and some have a keyboard that slides out when required. The slide-out keyboard types usually require you to hold your device sideways. Mobile Worx will adjust to accommodate this ‘landscape’ feature. WiFi WiFi means that a device is capable of wireless internet or network connections. Most devices will have this built-in and WiFi enabled devices can interact with PM Worx if you have a wireless network in your community. Accessories The availability of accessories is important as you might want to purchase a protective case, replacement batteries, replacement docking stations or chargers, wireless phone headsets etc. Think of the add-on accessories you might want and ensure that your supplier offers these items.
HP iPAQ hw6920 Sprint PPC-6700

Pick the features that fit.

Common List of Mobile Worx Compatible Devices This is not a full list, but these are the most common and affordable devices that we know of so far. Like I said, the list of available devices seems to change daily so check the website of the manufacturer or cell carrier to see what’s current. Keep in mind that the prices listed often require an airtime contract with a cell phone provider. If you have any questions about device compatibility with Mobile Worx, give me a call or drop me an email at kadamo@windmill-software.com Device PPC- 6700 Palm Treo 700w/wx HTC 8525 IPAQ hx2495 IPAQ hx2795 IPAQ 6000 series Asus myPal 600 series Supplier Sprint/Verizon/Telus/Bell Sprint/Verizon/AT&T/Bell/Telus AT&T/Telus HP HP HP Dell Cost $99 - $399 $199 - $399 $299 - $499 $399 $499 $499 - $599 $499 - $550

I know that all of these choices can seem overwhelming. Please feel free to call us and take advantage of our expertise. We’re more than happy to answer your questions and make sure that you get the best solution possible. Call our technical experts at 1-877-363-9679 ▄