Buyer's Guide FAQ Q: What is a Pocket PC?
A: A Pocket PC is a handheld device that enables you to store and retrieve e-mail, contacts, appointments, play multimedia files, games, exchange text messages with MSN Messenger, browse the Web, and more. You can exchange, or synchronize, information with a desktop computer. return to top Q: What is a Pocket PC Phone?
A: A Pocket PC Phone is the same size as the Pocket PC, but comes with built-in wireless connectivity through a wireless carrier such as T-Mobile. Phone Edition devices include all standard Pocket PC features. They also enable you to wirelessly access the Internet and corporate networks, and send and receive e-mail at speeds that meet or exceed dial-up connections. return to top Q: What is a Smartphone?
A: The Smartphone integrates PDA-type functionality into a voice-centric handset comparable in size to today's mobile phones. Smartphone is designed for one-handed operation with keypad access to both voice or data features. It is optimized for voice and text communication; wireless access to Outlook information and secure browse to corporate and Internet information and services. The Smartphone gives you a choice to communicate via voice or text along with the ability to access information and services so you can stay in-touch while on the go. return to top Q: What type of screen do the devices have?
A: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is the technology used for flat-panel displays on computers, Pocket PCs, and other devices. Thin Film Transistor (TFT) is an LCD panel that uses one transistor for each pixel (picture element). This design allows all Pocket PCs to offer a bright color display that responds quickly and is energy efficient. Some models have backlighted "transflective" TFT displays for maximum visibility in low light. return to top Q: How does the device synchronize with my desktop computer?
A: The Smartphone, Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone all come with a cradle that attaches to your desktop PC via ActiveSync -- a software program that manages the connection between the two devices. You can configure ActiveSync to synchronize your e-mail, calendar appointments, contacts and more. return to top Q: What is Microsoft Pocket Outlook?
A: A mobile version of Microsoft Outlook 2002. Pocket Outlook includes Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Inbox, and Notes programs. These enable you to schedule appointments, manage your contacts, organize your tasks, or take handwritten and voice messages directly on your Pocket PC. You can use ActiveSync to synchronize data from Pocket Outlook with Outlook 2002 on your desktop computer. return to top Q: What is Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer?
A: A mobile version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. You can use Pocket Internet Explorer to view Web or WAP pages on your Pocket PC. While browsing, you can also download new files and programs to your Pocket PC from the Internet. return to top Q: What is Windows Media Player?
A: program that lets you play high-quality digital music and video on your Pocket PC. Media Player enables you to stream content from the Internet, and to play music in the background while working with other programs. return to top Q: What is Microsoft Pocket Word?
A: A mobile version of Microsoft Word, providing powerful word-processing capabilities for the Pocket PC. Pocket Word supports the formatting, graphics, spell-check, and many other features of Word. Files created and modified by Pocket Word are fully compatible with Word. return to top Q: What is Microsoft Pocket Excel?
A: A mobile version of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysis program. Pocket Excel supports virtually all standard features of Excel. Files created and modified by Pocket Excel are fully compatible with Excel. return to top Q: What is Microsoft Reader?
A: A program that enables you to read electronic books ("eBooks") on your Pocket PC. These are digital version of print books, offered by many book publishers. Microsoft Reader uses ClearType technology to present text that that is sharp and easy to read on the Pocket PC screen. return to top Q: Can I use my device to send instant messages?
A: When used on your Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone or Smartphone, MSN messenger provides the same chat environment as MSN Messenger on your desktop computer. This includes automatic log-on, seeing who is online, sending and receiving instant messages, and having an instant message conversation with a group of contacts. return to top Q: What is Wi-Fi?
A: The popular name for a wireless local-area network that conforms to the 802.11b specification of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Wi-Fi networks allow data transfer up to a very fast 11MB per second. They are used by many organizations, and are increasingly available in airports and other public places. Some Pocket PCs have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, while others accept Wi-Fi expansion cards. return to top Q: What is Bluetooth?
A: A standard for providing short-range wireless connections between computers, Pocket PCs, and other devices. This provides a fast, convenient way to exchange information between a Pocket PC and a home computer. Some Pocket PCs have built-in Bluetooth capability; others accept a separate Bluetooth expansion card. return to top Q: What is Infrared Beaming?
A: Wireless transmission of data using infrared (IR) radiation, a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength just beyond that of red light. Pocket PCs use IR beaming to exchange information with desktop computers and other devices. return to top Q: What is RAM?
A: Memory that contains the operating system, programs, and other current functions of a computer, Pocket PC, or other device. The computer can read and write quickly to this "volatile" memory, which remains active as long as power is supplied. Pocket PCs are provided with at least 32 MB of RAM, enabling them to run several programs at once return to top Q: What is ROM?
A: Read-only Memory (ROM) - Permanent memory built into a computer, Pocket PC, or other device, which is retained even when the device is switched off. ROM can be accessed ("read") quickly, but it generally cannot be modified ("written to"). Pocket PCs are provided with at least 32 MB of ROM, enabling them to boot up quickly. return to top Q: What is an SD card?
A: The Secure Digital card is a stamp-sized flash memory card used for extra storage capacity for data, programs, music files, and more, which is easily transferred between a mobile device and a desktop computer. return to top Q: What is a CF card?
A: CompactFlash® is a small, removable mass storage device about the size of a matchbook that functions in a multitude of ways such as modems, Ethernet and wireless networking cards, serial, Bluetooth wireless, digital phone cards, USB, laser scanners, etc. The only difference between the CF Type I and CF Type II format is the card thickness. You can easily expand the functionality of your device with a CF card, but you may need an expansion pack for your device that provides a place to plug in the card. return to top Q: What is a MultiMediaCard (MMC)
A: A postage stamp-size removable memory card. MMC can store data, such as pictures, video, or text, which is easily transferred between a Pocket PC and a desktop computer. MMC cards are similar to SD cards, except that the MMC version lacks a write-protection switch. return to top Q: What is a PC Card
A: A removable, credit card-size device that fits into a computer or Pocket PC. PC Cards are referred to as Type I, II, or III, depending on their physical thickness. When attached to a Pocket PC, PC Card devices can provide data storage or communication capabilities, such as connection to a telephone line or local-area network. return to top | 
