The Mobile Genealogist

The different cell phone providers such as T-Mobile or Verizon use different cell phone technologies for their cellular network.    This has a bearing on the type of Smartphone that you purchase as phones designed to work on one network generally will not work on the other.   (In the United States, you usually purchase your Smartphone from the Cellular provider so compatibility is not an issue)   The type of phone you have will also determine if it can be used when travelling abroad.

Brighthand has a non-technical article describing the differences between the two major technologies which can be found HERE.

The above article also has a link to another FAQ that discusses the different data transfer methods used on the above networks.

Bernie over at HistoricalTownMaps has a “Location Based Genealogy” weblog that most recently discussed the use of GPS with your genealogy.    There are quite a few interesting articles you might find useful, you can visit his blog HERE.

Ever need to recharge your handheld but don’t have ready access to a power source or didn’t bring along your bulky charging cradle/cables?

Pocket PC Tech has a solution that is easy to carry and can be used to recharge your device during those low battery situations.

Mobility Site has all the details HERE.

There may not be such a thing as a free lunch to paraphrase a popular saying, but you can get a free GPS application for your mobile device from Wayfinder.

“Wayfinder, supplier of innovative location and navigation services for mobile phones, today announced that it is introducing its Wayfinder Active application in the U.S. and Canada. Wayfinder Active is a free GPS application for mobile phones with a unique combination of maps, GPS recording and statistics that is designed for people who enjoy running, hiking, skiing, biking or other outdoor activities.”

Mobility Site has more details HERE.

Chris Leckness over at Mobility Site is a Microsoft MVP.  (Most Valuable Professional)  MVP’s are not Microsoft employees but are individuals recognized as valuable technical volunteers for a particular Microsoft Product line.  (Windows Mobile for example)

Shortly Chris will be attending the MVP summit in Seattle and is giving everyone the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have about the current state of Windows Mobile.   If you have any comments or complaints, more information and the ability to post can be found HERE.

File this under “Would be a cool feature to have on my Windows Mobile Device”.  No devices yet have the “Pico Projector”, but imagine the ability to project device information onto any surface…

Mobility Site has the details HERE.

On October 8th we had the article “Need a SIP?” about an alternative SIP (Soft Input Panel) that you could get for your device.  (The SIP is the pop-up keyboard/keypad that is found on Pocket PC’s)

Now Mobility Site has an article about a interesting new SIP called Slideit that might be worth checking out.   The article, including a video demonstration, can be found HERE.

We’ve had a few postings regarding Windows Mobile 6.1, but up to now it has all been unofficial, at least as far as Microsoft is concerned.

Today Microsoft officially announced the release of Windows Mobile 6.1 at the CTIA convention in Las Vegas.

The Boy Genius Report “Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1. Finally” can be found HERE.

Brighthand and “Microsoft Announces Windows Mobile 6.1 *Update 2*” can be found HERE.

Engadget and “Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.1, Device Upgrades” can be found HERE.

Mobility Site and “Press Release: Windows Mobile 6.1 Announced” can be found HERE.

Pocket PC Thoughts and “Windows Mobile 6.1: New Features at a Glance” can be found HERE.

the:unwired and “OFFICIAL: Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.1 and Internet Explorer 6″ can be found HERE.

Finding non-phone based devices is getting harder and harder.    Dell had a popular and moderately priced series of devices with the Axim line, both VGA and non-VGA.   Unfortunately, Dell left the Windows Mobile business in 2007 although recent rumors indicate they may be working on a WM Smartphone device.

We’ve posted recent articles regarding the VGA HP iPAQ 210, but there is also a more moderatly priced QVGA iPAQ that is also worth your consideration.

Mobility Site has more information about the iPAQ 110 series which can be found HERE.

Have you been looking at devices lately with references to “GPS” or “aGPS”?   Unclear as to what is the difference?

WMExperts has a quick tutorial that should answer your questions HERE.