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November 24, 2007
The Key to Great GPSing
If your Windows Mobile device is not equipped with built-in GPS, you will need to buy a satellite receiver so that your Pocket Pal can engage in GPS navigation. Some software packages come with a receiver, some do not. Over time, I have witnessed the diminution of receivers, but I just got a new one that is so small it fits on my key ring—amazing.
Measuring 2 x 1.25 x .75, it weighs about an ounce, and you will hardly notice it in your pocket when in operation. I put mine on a lanyard. The Freedom mini GPS receiver will hook up with any Bluetooth equipped device. It features Bluetooth V2.0 with a range of up to 30 feet. This SiRFstar II device tracks up to 20 satellites.
The rechargeable lithium ion battery will operate for about nine hours before needing a recharge, which is a good day’s drive for me. But, just in case you need a recharge on the road, it comes with a cigarette lighter adapter/charger unit.
What I found to be remarkable was that you can just leave it on your key ring while you are diving, and it picks up the signal and transmits it just fine. Usually the receiver must be in plain view of the sky in your windshield. Even more amazing, you can leave it in your pocket, your backpack, or briefcase, and it will still pick up a signal and relay it to your tracking device. No sky view needed with this greedy little signal grabber.
You could have one on your keyring and start navigating in a jiffy by visiting http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=3687&t_mode=des. They cost $129.95. Note that the receiver does not come with navigation software.
An excellent navigation program that I highly recommend is by OCN. What I appreciate about this application is that it is completely plug and play. You just slide it into the expansion slot of your WM device; it automatically installs, and you are good to go immediately because it comes with preinstalled maps of the U.S. and Canada. You do not have to download and transfer maps from a desktop or install software or go through a cumbersome registration procedure. All the data and the program comes on an SD card that acts as a caddy for a mini and micro SD card so that it will fit into any device.
To obtain a copy, go to www.buygpsnow.com. The price varies from $119 to $229 depending on the package your purchase.
Happy GPSing!
Posted by conradb212 at 08:05 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2007
PhatNotes for Outlook now Available
PhatNotes is the ultimate note taking program for Windows Mobile devices. The only problem is that it would not sync with Outlook notes. Now, due to popular demand, version 5.1 offers that capability. The only problem is that in order to accomplish this useful feat, many of the features had to be disabled. For instance, the new simplified version lacks password protection and text formatting because these are not supported in Outlook notes.
PhatNotes for Outlook works on all Windows Mobile devices, touch and non-touch screens. It syncs with ActiveSync for XP and earlier Windows editions as well as with Vista and Windows Mobile Device Center (if you’re lucky).
The new scaled down version of PhatNotes for Outlook is half the price of the full version. It costs $19.95, and is available at www.phatware.com. There is no special upgrade pricing. Maybe that’s because it’s sort of a downgrade. :-)
Posted by conradb212 at 08:04 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2007
New game releases
It seems I have been inundated with new game releases lately. I have to be careful about putting too many games on my pocket pal because it’s like having a bowl of candy on board. Anyway, I thought I’d share the news with you in case you have better self-control than I do when it comes to getting addicted to handheld games.
Astraware (www.astraware.com) has just announced the release of the Classic Collection, a new bundle that includes many of their popular games at a considerable 2/3 savings off the normal price if you were to buy each game separately. The package includes Sudoku, 8 classic board games, and 12 of the best-known card games, all for only $39.95. Inquire about special pricing if you already own some of the games. This collection of classics is a must for any self-respecting game folder.
The eight board games are Chess, Backgammon, Ludo, Checkers, Reversi, Nine Men's Morris, Snakes and Ladders, and Tic Tac Toe.
The 12 card games include Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Clock, Yukon, Canfield, Four Seasons, Sultan's Harem, Idiot's Delight, Golf, Calculation, and Freecell.
Another great gaming provider, PDAmill Game Studios, has just announced the release of a new product called Fun Factory for Windows Mobile Devices. 
Fun Factory is just that. With great graphics, engaging audio, art, and animation, the intuitive controls make it easy to enjoy right out of the box. The package actually includes five games to test your skill: Slider, Crane, Memory, Selector, and Balloons. Check it out at www.pdamill.com. It can be yours for $14.95. I like the auto-save feature so that you can pick up where you left off the last time you played.
PopCap continues to amaze me with its gallery of casual games, many of which have been adapted for handhelds now. Among my favorites are Peggle and Zuma. The latest release is Amazing Adventures: The Lost Tomb, which is set with an ancient Egyptian theme. Your task is to go through a multitude of levels to discover a lost tomb.
You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in archaeology to enjoy this game. The art is incredible in the manner it is used to conceal objects that you must discover in various settings. While you can only play this game on your desktop, laptop, Tablet, or UMPC, it is slated to be released for WM devices soon, and you may wish to ramp up on it before it comes to the small screen. Check it out at www.popcap.com.
By the way, if you are a Peggle fan, you may wish to view this incredible Peggle shot that nets the player 13,623,560 points in a single shot. Most people don’t get than many points in a whole game. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blwEBkEm5tg to check it out.
Posted by conradb212 at 07:59 PM | Comments (0)