Thursday, April 27, 2006
Windows Mobile 5 – Power On issue
Many users of different Windows Mobile 5 devices have been complaining about an issue where their device would not power on and even a soft reset would not help. The only solution was to remove the battery and then reseat it and power on. Another symptom of this issue was an unusually high battery drain when the device appeared to be off during this time. This appears to be a client side ActiveSync issue introduced in Windows Mobile 5 given the number of different devices that have been affected. One possible fix that has been banded around on various forums is to introduce a fake exchange synchronisation schedule which seems to eliminate this issue for the vast majority of users. If you are experiencing a similar issue on your Windows Mobile 5 then you can try the follow fix:
Once you have done the above, you can remove this entry from the ActiveSync options on your device although it will do no harm leaving this in place.
- Disconnect the device from cable/cradle
- Run Activesync on device
- Click Menu
- Click Add Server Source
- Set Server Address = fake
- Click Next
- Set User Name = fake
- Set Password = fake
- Set Domain = fake
- Click Next
- Uncheck all synchronization items
- Click Finish
- Click Menu again
- Click Schedule
- Set both Peak and Off-peak times = Manually
- Uncheck Send outgoing items immediately
- Click OK
- Close Activesync
- Reconnect to cable/cradle and sync
Once you have done the above, you can remove this entry from the ActiveSync options on your device although it will do no harm leaving this in place.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
IntumiCal 1.1 released
Well, with my time off, I missed the official release of the latest version of IntumiCal. I have been using the beta and can testify to this being a great Calendar replacement for your Windows Mobile device. Unfortunately, Windows Mobile 5 is not supported with this latest release although it is due in version 1.2.
I recommend you check out the Intumi website if you are looking for something more informative than the default tools without using one of the more heavyweight alternatives.
I recommend you check out the Intumi website if you are looking for something more informative than the default tools without using one of the more heavyweight alternatives.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Updates coming soon
I've now moved into my new house but in the middle of the post move duties such as decorating and setting things up. Things will be back to normal very shortly and I have a review and some Acer updates lined up for posting soon. I never realised how much I would dislike the packing side of things!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Acer n311 - build quality
Today’s update on the Acer n311 will focus on build quality. When you have an important device in such a small, pocket able form as the Acer n300 series, you need to know that the device will hold up to daily use. I’m happy to report that the Acer is a very well put together Pocket PC. While the overall fabrication is mostly of plastic, the corner edges are painted to give an impression of brushed aluminium. This almost lends itself to an air of extra confidence so you need to keep in mind that this is still just plastic. The unit feels relatively substantial in hand for its small size and is very well screwed together; there is no give or creaking under moderate stress. The buttons all respond very well to a firm press with the power button on the side the least likely to be inadvertently activated. The hold switch, like the stylus, is easy to grip when required while remaining discreet. The joystick in place of a d-pad feels tight yet easy to manipulate however the small plastic top could use a rubber coating or similar to aid control with the tip of your thumb.
One area where the Acer is a little disappointing is in the loudspeaker. While this is clear enough, it is located on the rear of the device and is not particularly loud on anything apart from its highest setting. While this setting is loud it is not quite up there with the majority of other devices. A front facing speaker would have been an improvement although with such a small front fascia, this would probably be technically impossible.
As with all Pocket PCs, a screen protector is highly advisable and I would certainly recommend the use of a good case to protect that painted plastic. Apart from these aesthetics and the use of a relatively low power processor for a VGA device, I would say the Acer represents great value for money. This is especially true given the feature set and design, wrapped up in a well bolted together product. From a build quality point of view, the n300 series does not disappoint.
One area where the Acer is a little disappointing is in the loudspeaker. While this is clear enough, it is located on the rear of the device and is not particularly loud on anything apart from its highest setting. While this setting is loud it is not quite up there with the majority of other devices. A front facing speaker would have been an improvement although with such a small front fascia, this would probably be technically impossible.
As with all Pocket PCs, a screen protector is highly advisable and I would certainly recommend the use of a good case to protect that painted plastic. Apart from these aesthetics and the use of a relatively low power processor for a VGA device, I would say the Acer represents great value for money. This is especially true given the feature set and design, wrapped up in a well bolted together product. From a build quality point of view, the n300 series does not disappoint.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Proporta Announces Accessories for XDA Neo
Proporta has added accessories for the XDA Neo to its current product collection of over 1000 accessories. A selection of cases are among the products available from Proporta to keep your Xda Neo safe from damage.
Head on over to the Proporta website for more details.
Head on over to the Proporta website for more details.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Acer n300 accessories now available from Proporta
Proporta are now listing accessories for my current PDA of choice, the Acer n300 series. As usual, they have a good selection of cases, cables and screen protection so if you have recently picked up one of these great little Pocket PCs then head on over to the Proporta website and tell then Andy sent you!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Acer n311 - package contents
Well I’m still in the middle of a house move with no web access at home so I have decided to write a few textual updates on the Acer n311 Pocket PC in the meantime.
Today I will focus on what you get in the box and the quality of the components.
The surprising thing about the packaging is the size of it, this has got to be the smallest Pocket PC box I have seen and given that this includes the device, cradle and power supply, it really does come as a small shock.
When you lift the Acer out of the box, you immediately notice how small and light this thing is, it seems like a feather weight and when you add the battery it seems to double in mass.
The Stylus included with the Acer is standard issue for current Pocket PCs i.e. a single shaft, shiny metal stylus with black plastic tip and contoured top for extraction from the silo. A nice touch is the laser engraved Acer logo on the side towards the top. At first it proves a little fiddly to pull the stylus out however this has become straight forward after a few uses and now easy to do.
The top end n311 model comes with a cradle which is initially flat packed. This is assembled by taking a transparent plastic section which fits into the base unit to complete the dock. I like this cradle for two reasons; it is designed to be used in either portrait or landscape orientations and also features good functionality above connecting your Pocket PC. As well as the expected charging and syncing of your device, you can charge a spare battery and also plug USB devices directly into the cradle to take advantage of the USB Host functionality of the Acer. The cradle is reasonably well weighted which makes it easy to remove the device when you are on the move.
The full user guide is supplied on the included CD ROM which saves paper but may prove inconvenient for someone new to the Pocket PC platform. The paper based quick start guide covers the basics to get you up and running though and will be enough for the majority of users.
One thing that many vendors do not supply with a Pocket PC is a case to protect your new investment in daily use. The n300 series does come with a case and one would think that Acer should be commended on this however given the type of case supplied, I know for a fact that I would not miss it. The case is more a drawstring bag of sorts which is fabricated from the material used to clean glasses. The instructions included with this bag state one of its functions can be used to clean the screen however it really does offer little to no protection and I would recommend replacing this as soon as possible with something far more suitable.
The Acer carries a standard two year warranty which I find very satisfying and better than many and you also get a one year traveller warranty for use abroad. Acer should certainly be applauded for this and I am always confident of companies that offer these extended forms of standard warranty.
So now we know what comes with the Acer, the question is what is missing? Well, one thing I always look out for is some form of syncing and charging when on the go, I mean who realistically is going to carry a cradle around with them for this purpose? While I don’t expect to receive a second charger, I really do wish more manufacturers would supply a sync/charge cable to offer the ability to do either when travelling or in the office for example. As it turns out, this is one of the first things I buy for a device and wish Acer would include such a cable, preferably at the expense of the so called case as it seems to be a much more practical accessory.
Today I will focus on what you get in the box and the quality of the components.
The surprising thing about the packaging is the size of it, this has got to be the smallest Pocket PC box I have seen and given that this includes the device, cradle and power supply, it really does come as a small shock.
When you lift the Acer out of the box, you immediately notice how small and light this thing is, it seems like a feather weight and when you add the battery it seems to double in mass.
The Stylus included with the Acer is standard issue for current Pocket PCs i.e. a single shaft, shiny metal stylus with black plastic tip and contoured top for extraction from the silo. A nice touch is the laser engraved Acer logo on the side towards the top. At first it proves a little fiddly to pull the stylus out however this has become straight forward after a few uses and now easy to do.
The top end n311 model comes with a cradle which is initially flat packed. This is assembled by taking a transparent plastic section which fits into the base unit to complete the dock. I like this cradle for two reasons; it is designed to be used in either portrait or landscape orientations and also features good functionality above connecting your Pocket PC. As well as the expected charging and syncing of your device, you can charge a spare battery and also plug USB devices directly into the cradle to take advantage of the USB Host functionality of the Acer. The cradle is reasonably well weighted which makes it easy to remove the device when you are on the move.
The full user guide is supplied on the included CD ROM which saves paper but may prove inconvenient for someone new to the Pocket PC platform. The paper based quick start guide covers the basics to get you up and running though and will be enough for the majority of users.
One thing that many vendors do not supply with a Pocket PC is a case to protect your new investment in daily use. The n300 series does come with a case and one would think that Acer should be commended on this however given the type of case supplied, I know for a fact that I would not miss it. The case is more a drawstring bag of sorts which is fabricated from the material used to clean glasses. The instructions included with this bag state one of its functions can be used to clean the screen however it really does offer little to no protection and I would recommend replacing this as soon as possible with something far more suitable.
The Acer carries a standard two year warranty which I find very satisfying and better than many and you also get a one year traveller warranty for use abroad. Acer should certainly be applauded for this and I am always confident of companies that offer these extended forms of standard warranty.
So now we know what comes with the Acer, the question is what is missing? Well, one thing I always look out for is some form of syncing and charging when on the go, I mean who realistically is going to carry a cradle around with them for this purpose? While I don’t expect to receive a second charger, I really do wish more manufacturers would supply a sync/charge cable to offer the ability to do either when travelling or in the office for example. As it turns out, this is one of the first things I buy for a device and wish Acer would include such a cable, preferably at the expense of the so called case as it seems to be a much more practical accessory.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Proporta Support Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N500 series
Proporta has released accessories for the Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N500 series, increasing the current product collection for mobile devices to over 1000 products.
First to be released from Proporta is the Aluminium-Lined Leather Case. This handmade case protects your Pocket LOOX N500 from impact and scratches, whilst the screen of your device is protected using the unique ‘Screen Saver System’. A sheet of aluminium embedded within the leather offers the same level of protection as an aluminium case with the look of a traditional leather case.
The device is fully accessible whilst in the case, so you can even have peace of mind whilst your device is charging. A fully removable belt clip allows the case to be attached to your belt and can be removed when not needed. Internal storage for two SD/MMC cards allows you to carry extra memory around safely. The Alu-Leather case is compatible with the Proporta Magnetic Vehicle Docking Mount, ideal for GPS users. The Alu-Leather Case is available in a book or flip style.
Proporta has also designed an Aluminium Case, designed to keep your Pocket LOOX N500 protected from damage caused by impact and scratching. Precision moulded from the finest quality 100% anodised aircraft-grade aluminium and completely lined with a soft protective cushioning of neoprene, this lightweight case offers the ultimate protection.
Proporta also has a USB Sync and Charge Cable allowing you to sync and charge your Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N500 series, wherever you are via the USB port on your computer. This is ideal for people who use more than one computer, such as at work and at home, or for those times when it is impractical to carry a docking cradle with you.
The Proporta Advanced Screen Protector will also help keep the screen of your device free of scratches and fingerprints. Proporta are so confident that these washable screen protectors are the best on the market they are covered by a lifetime guarantee. Made from a new ultra high-clarity plastic, your screen will be protected without impairing the brightness or clarity.
Don't forget, you can now register all Proporta branded products for a Lifetime Warranty at www.proporta.com/lifetime. As always, all Proporta purchases are covered by the company's Never Argue Money Back Guarantee - if for any reason or no reason at all, you are not completely happy, Proporta will refund you in full, or offer you a replacement (whichever you prefer).
Sounds like a good deal for any LOOX owners out there? Then find out more at the Proporta website.
First to be released from Proporta is the Aluminium-Lined Leather Case. This handmade case protects your Pocket LOOX N500 from impact and scratches, whilst the screen of your device is protected using the unique ‘Screen Saver System’. A sheet of aluminium embedded within the leather offers the same level of protection as an aluminium case with the look of a traditional leather case.
The device is fully accessible whilst in the case, so you can even have peace of mind whilst your device is charging. A fully removable belt clip allows the case to be attached to your belt and can be removed when not needed. Internal storage for two SD/MMC cards allows you to carry extra memory around safely. The Alu-Leather case is compatible with the Proporta Magnetic Vehicle Docking Mount, ideal for GPS users. The Alu-Leather Case is available in a book or flip style.
Proporta has also designed an Aluminium Case, designed to keep your Pocket LOOX N500 protected from damage caused by impact and scratching. Precision moulded from the finest quality 100% anodised aircraft-grade aluminium and completely lined with a soft protective cushioning of neoprene, this lightweight case offers the ultimate protection.
Proporta also has a USB Sync and Charge Cable allowing you to sync and charge your Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N500 series, wherever you are via the USB port on your computer. This is ideal for people who use more than one computer, such as at work and at home, or for those times when it is impractical to carry a docking cradle with you.
The Proporta Advanced Screen Protector will also help keep the screen of your device free of scratches and fingerprints. Proporta are so confident that these washable screen protectors are the best on the market they are covered by a lifetime guarantee. Made from a new ultra high-clarity plastic, your screen will be protected without impairing the brightness or clarity.
Don't forget, you can now register all Proporta branded products for a Lifetime Warranty at www.proporta.com/lifetime. As always, all Proporta purchases are covered by the company's Never Argue Money Back Guarantee - if for any reason or no reason at all, you are not completely happy, Proporta will refund you in full, or offer you a replacement (whichever you prefer).
Sounds like a good deal for any LOOX owners out there? Then find out more at the Proporta website.
