Reydio static Reydio static Syndication Sat, 03 May 2008 10:24:13 -0600 jack@mobilegadgetnews.com (Mobile Gadget News :: Making Your Windows Mobile Life Simpler) IP.Blog 60 Where to see my latest postings...
With my new status as Editor Emeritus, you may see me posting here less frequently as I will be devoting my attentions to my section on the Smartphone and Pocket PC Magazine Board of Experts blog.

I'll still post on the MGN front page from time to time, but to get all of my latest editorials, reviews, advice, etc., you can visit me there or at my bi-monthly usergroup meetings when posted at www.mobilecomputingsig.com.

Here's the direct link to my page:
http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=31

Hope to see you there!

]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2006 17:37:43 -0700 GPS recommendations for Windows Mobile 5.0 devices PPC/PPCPE in General
Well I have a few suggestions for you (in no particular order):

For Pocket PC:

IPB Image
On Course Navigator 5 - www.oncoursenavigator.com
I've had a good experience with their software when judging their offering in the Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine awards; although their program memory requirements are quite high, the functionality is more than I expected. A patch came out to improve it's functionality w/WM5.0 on their latest offering.

IPB Image
iGuidance - www.inavcorp.com
This is another one that really performed well in my judging last year and they've also come out with a patch to allow for WM5.0 compatibility.

For Smartphone:

IPB Image
CoPilot Live 6 - www.alk.com
Again their offering last year was excellent and won last year's Best Software Award category for Smartphone GPS - their latest offering includes WM5.0 compatibility (which I'd like to try on my SDA), including hardware specific compatibility with the Motorola Q, Palm Treo 700w.]]> Sun, 11 Jun 2006 01:53:01 -0600 <![CDATA[Here's another reg hack for either your Wizard...]]>
Open up a Registry Editor of your choice
Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Keybd
Create a new DWORD entry with the name EnableIndicator and assign a value of 1

This change does not go into effect until you complete that change and perform a soft reset.

Now when you use the built-in keyboard, a status indicator will be available on the Input tray displaying either a "dot" to indicate the Symbol key is active or the letter "C" meaning Caps/Shift key is active.]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:44:01 -0600 <![CDATA[Mobile Computing SIG of No. Cal's new site!]]> Usergroup
FYI, the www.mobilecomputingsig.com URL will be redirected tonight over to our blog at:
http://mobilecomputingsig.blogspot.com/

There'll be a link on that page to our new (empty forums) at:
http://forums.pocketpcfaq.com/index.php?c=13

- and Articles/Reference/Tutorials at:
http://www.modernnomads.info/articles/

I'll be posting information for our June 21 meeting very soon!]]> Tue, 23 May 2006 14:18:13 -0600 MobileComputingSIG.com - HACKED AGAIN! Hello Members of the Mobile Computing SIG of Northern California!

As you can see from Charles's message, our community site was hacked yet again and it is with great regret that we made the decision to take the site down permanently and temporarily have it point to my blog until further notice.

I am currently evaulating options as to whether or not I can host and manage our own site or collaborate with another mobility site and integrate the usergroup into the forums. As soon as I've decided which direction I will go, I will send an email to you all.

There will definitely be a meeting next month, Thursday May 18th @ 6pm and it will focus on the implementation of an Exchange Server and what Windows Mobile devices can be used with it conducted by a fellow MVP and community member Steven Lai.

For your reference, here are the future meeting dates for the year:

Thursday, May 18th 6pm-9pm
Wednesday, June 21st 6pm-9pm
Thursday, July 20th 6pm-9pm
Wednesday, August 16th 6pm-9pm
Thursday, September 21st 6pm-9pm
Wednesday, October 18th 6pm-9pm
Thursday November 16th 6pm-9pm

Our new forums (special thanks to MS-MVP Chris De Herrera for giving us some space!) can be found here:
http://forums.pocketpcfaq.com/index.php?c=13

- simply 2 sections: News and Discussion. You will need to register there.

I hope to have a new usergroup blog up soon, but we'll keep the new forums as they are so stay tuned and stay in touch!
Attached image(s)
Attached Image
]]> Mon, 01 May 2006 14:31:18 -0600 Come meet me at the Maker Faire, San Mateo, CA!

What is Maker Faire?

Maker Faire is a 2-day family-friendly event celebrating science and technology projects and the Do-It-Yourself mindset.
It’s for creative, resourceful people who like to tinker, and love to make things = “Makers”.
This is the first ever event of its kind with a RC vehicle test area, hydrogen cars, and plenty of opportunity to get your hands dirty with interactive workshops – this isn’t your ordinary technology conference!

Quick facts:
Dates: Saturday and Sunday April 22 & 23, 2006
Location: San Mateo Fairgrounds – San Mateo, CA
Attendees: 10,000+ estimated, focused on technology/hardware/DIY enthusiasts
Admission: $12 adults
Website: http://www.makezine.com/faire

Microsoft is hosting a big space at the event to share information on everything from Xbox, Coding4Fun, Express, to Windows Mobile.

- and I'll be there in the Windows Mobile area from 4pm-6pm!! Come see me and bang off any questions you may have! We will have some SDKs for folks who are interested!!]]> Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:56:35 -0600 Tired of slow reacquisition of your GSM signal? K-JAM/MDA BKA: HTC Wizard
Here's what you can do to reduce that wait time:

1. From the Phonepad, open Menu and select Options
2. On the bottom, go to the Network pad
3. Change the Network selection to Manual in the pull-down menu
4. Select your preferred network
5. Select "ok" to save and close

- this should help reduce that time wink.gif It helped on my JASJAR as well!]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2006 14:57:36 -0700 Usergroup meeting this Thursday, 3/16 @ MS SF!
Hi Everyone! Our meetings have returned back home to the Microsoft offices in San Francisco!

NOTES TO CONSIDER:
#1: Please arrive by 7:00PM, this helps me estimate how much and how soon I can place our pizza order!

ADMISSION:
$5 for those who RSVP; $7 if you don't – covers food, drinks, a raffle ticket, and/or misc. organization supplies.
*Exact change is appreciated.

If you have yet to receive your Evite, you can RSVP ---> BY CLICKING HERE <---

Meeting Plan:
Quite a few items up for discussion:

- Our new sponsor, Handster (briefly introduced at out last meeting - check out their banner on our front page!). (www.handster.com)
IPB Image

- Demo and giveaway of Jeyo Mobile Companion. (www.jeyo.com/companion.asp)
IPB ImageIPB Image

- Copy of Microsoft Voice Command up for raffle, courtesy of Microsoft! (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/downloads/voicecommand/default.mspx)
IPB Image


- Tips for new MDA, SDA, 6700 users!
- Discussion on Syncing your Windows Mobile device to an Exchange Server, from a user's point of view.
- Community discussion on our Forum set up.
- Great topic for all to prepare for next month's meeting.

And of course, our popular open forum, - your chance to see what new software/hardware solutions, suggestions, tips, and tricks we can learn from each other! Also, I'd like to seek out additional committee members to help out with the meetings - if you are interested, let's talk!

Special thanks to:
- Glenn Gerlach, Enterprise Mobility Solution Specialist of Microsoft Corporation's Mobile Device Marketing Group, for hosting our event
- Josh Carroll, Founder and President of Jeyo Inc. for providing a copy of Jeyo Mobile Companion to giveaway!
- Andrew Brown, MVP Lead, of Microsoft Corporation's MVP Program, for providing the copy of Microsoft's Voice Command to giveaway
- Victor Shaburov, CEO of Handster for providing software discounts to us

SOFTWARE PRIZES:
- Jeyo Mobile Companion ($15 value)
- Microsoft Voice Command ($39.99 value)
- more to be announced!

ABOUT:
The SF Mobile Computing SIG is made up of mobile professionals and device users of all skill levels and all ages. We meet regularly to discuss and experience mobility, such as with PDAs, tablets/notebooks, Smartphones, related accessories, software, wireless technology, mobile services and more. The Microsoft Mobile MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) managing this mobile organization are Rey Flores (SF) and Shawna Kelly (Mt. View), as well as our own Mobile Developer Evangelist and Committee member Cliff Thompson.]]> Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:16:43 -0700 <![CDATA[T-Mobile's Free WiFi, for your reference]]> Mobile IPB Image

T-Mobile's Free WiFi Weekends promotion lasts through the last weekend in May. If you saw Slacker's 3/4 post and just tried to connect haphazardly this past weekend (yes, like me tongue.gif ), here are the instructions of how to take advantage of their promotion as found on http://hotspot.t-mobile.com/freeweekends/ :

QUOTE
Step 1
Visit any of our 6,500 T-Mobile HotSpot locations on the weekend and launch your Web browser.

Step 2
Visit http://freeweekends.hotspot.t-mobile.com and enter your T-Mobile phone number.

Step 3
Within moments you'll receive a free text message on your T-Mobile Phone with a pass code. Enter the pass code and you'll be surfing for free!

It's all part of T-Mobile's commitment to help you Get More From Life©.

See what we have to offer, and have some fun while you're at it.


- and yes, this is an exclusive for current T-Mobile phone customers only.]]> Wed, 08 Mar 2006 12:57:08 -0700 My must-have accessories - the short list! PPC/PPCPE in General
1. Best Screen Protection: WriteShields AG by PPCTechs.com
IPB Image

I've reviewed theirs and demoed their product several times that I refer anyone who asks me this to go to their site and order the Anti Glare version of the WriteShields without hesitation. One of my devices has had the same one I installed 4 years ago and it is still like new! And 2 other 2 year old devices are in the same great condition. WriteShields are very durable and easy to install makes this a no brainer! The in-store screen protectors cannot even compare to their product! Now I personally have a need for the AG (AntiGlare) version than the C2-Crystal Clear because I find myself in situations that requires the AG properties. For those that don't wish to lose the screen vibrance, then the C2 product is for you.

2. Best charging solution: Boxwave VersaCharger
IPB Image

I carry so many devices when I travel that uses a USB charging cable that I can't imagine bringing all of the respective AC adapters/cradles or always plugging them into my Table PC for charging. Boxwave's product is the perfect solution. Now I only bring the necessary retractable USB charging cable and the VersaCharger to keep my devices charged while in the car or any available AC outlet. They also have airplane kits for it should you have the need. So now I find my cable bag shrinking and my gadget bag becoming lighter. Now my only problem is keeping them - they've given me one to keep after reviewing them a year, or so ago, and then I bought another one after losing it, which may have been swiped during a trade event where I was doing a demo!

3. Slim leather cases: Sena Cases
IPB Image

Ramsey Oten, Ph.D., President and Marketing Director of Sena Cases really has a good product on their hands. From making PDA cases, they now produce cases for the iPod, and PSP - their quality is exceptional. They are also very fast in responding to the need for producing new and durable models. I've have the case for the iPAQ h6315 (the first one to come out for the model at the time) for more than a year and my h2215 (about 2+ years) - both of which I had the opportunity to review - and was never let down! (You know, come to think of it, I even remember back then, signing up on the waiting list for the first production of the 2200 case!)Those models, like some of their other cases, also allow docking without having to remove the case. And for me, most importantly, provided overall protection without adding significant bulk. There product displays some nice craftmanship and durability (may cases have yet to show some wear). I did not complain once, having to put a device outfitted with a Sena Case info my pants pocket!

3. Handcrafted Cowskin, Cowskin-Crocodile, Cowskin-Ostrich cases: Piel Frama
IPB Image

Now for something a bit more conservative and luxurious, Piel Frama's cases fit the bill! Visit their website for their large selection of cases, all of which are handcrafted by skilled leather craftsman using only 1a Spanish cowskin. Check out their Elaboration process here: http://www.pielframa.com/about_us_fab.htm. Do you remember your Dad's leather wallet or leather jacket and how the leather smelled when ever he pulled it out? You'll experience it whenever you pull your PDA out! It smells, feels and looks rich! I've had their cases for my Toshiba e750 and i-mate JAM and they never ceased to please. The fit and finish is one-of-a-kind, with protection and usability kept intact. They are very receptive to customer suggestions and have great customer support behind it. Stay tuned...I have a review of a couple of their cases coming soon!

So these are my picks - I hope they get you off to a good start!]]> Tue, 07 Mar 2006 13:59:30 -0700