Dave's iPAQ

Boxwave miniSync for Verizon XV6600

The miniSync comes in a small box with brief instructions on the back. Since it is essentially simple cable, it’s pretty self-explanatory and no additional drivers are necessary. To install, plug it into a computer’s USB port and connect your XV6600.

The miniSync is a 5 inches when closed, and pulls out to a 35 inches of cord when extended. When you’re done, just pull it out a little bit and the cord retracts back in. But be careful? it really snaps back! Overall, it’s a really smart design, and Boxwave has done it again giving the XV6600 a much needed sync cable especially when using the EVDO-Laptop trick!

Get it now

I am excited to announce effective immediately we will now accept international orders in our hardware store. Many of you have always asked me if it was possible in which it wasn’t. Now since Mobile Planet has been acquired by Expansys we can now offer our international customers the ability to order from our hardware store. Please note if you purchase an iPAQ it will not be a US iPAQ it will be an iPAQ for your corresponding location.

Hardware Store

Lava Solutions Group have their line of TiPro Titanium cases available through MobilePlanet. You can check them out here. [affiliate] Presently they have cases available or will have in very short order for the 1900, 2200, 4100, 4300, 3000, and 5000 series Ipaqs. Titanium offers extra protection.

One very “COOL” device that promises to be the
“Accessory of the Year”!

Some months back, we heard about a Virtual Keyboard that was about to marketed to the “Tech” Community. Of course there was a lot of hype…a lot of discussion…and many who felt it was just not real!

Well folks, it is real, it is terrific, it is accurate, and it is Bluetooth!!

A new era of wireless mobile communications is about to begin with the introduction of the world’s first wireless Virtual Keyboard by iTECH. The Bluetooth VKB is an enhanced version of their Virtual Keyboard (VKB), which is a tiny device slightly larger than a pack of gum that projects a full-size keyboard on any flat surface through a unique system using infrared technology. Truly, we are about to enter into an era of unprecedented convenience!

Dave’s iPAQ was fortunate and extremely pleased to be asked to review the iTECH Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard. Of course, I was honored to be among the first to actually test a device that was “virtual”. I must admit that prior to actually seeing and working with it, I was a bit skeptical as to its real abilities but after spending some serious time with it on several of my iPAQs, I can tell you that this is one very “cool” device that promises to be the “Accessory of the Year”!

Several weeks went by from the first conversation I had with the folks at Power Positioning (2P) Ltd. They are a worldwide company specializing in online marketing, Search Engines Optimization and worldwide distribution and promotion of technology products. During that time, I had several conversations about this product, its anticipated announcement, and when the Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard would actually be released to the public. Most importantly, I was able to learn a little about the folks I was dealing with. They were a group of kind, caring, dedicated professionals that were absolute believers in the quality and the function of their product. It was because of these conversations that my excitement over the BTVKB (Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard) began to grow.

I received a call last week saying that my BTVKB would be shipped on Monday and that I would get it two days later. I just couldn’t wait for the time to pass—I wanted to see and use this keyboard. Finally FedEx delivered it within 10 minutes of the expected delivery time (I love the ability to track a shipment on the web). I wanted to “tear” open the box to look inside but NO—I need to take a picture first!

As I have said several times before in past reviews, presentation means a lot to me. The keyboard just wasn’t encased in some plastic covering, it was placed in a well designed box meant to give you a feeling that you were about to open something special — and you were!

Inside, neatly placed in a form fit container, I found the keyboard, a very nice leather case that had a soft protective interior, a charger, a mini CD with the drivers and software, and a Quick Start Guide. Each item was packaged in plastic to protect it. I tore open the plastic on each item to look at each piece. I actually tore the quick start guide as I hurriedly tried to get the CD out of its package.

I have used a GPS for years and have found it to be an invaluable tool when traveling. In the early years, I had a GPS attached to my laptop which I would use to help guide me through the highways and byways of those new and exciting places we would visit. I tried to figure out a comfortable way to position my laptop in the car so either my wife or I could see the screen while we were traveling.

Of course, anyone who has ever used a laptop knows full well the difficulty that exists in driving and trying to view the screen which of course is why most (if not all) sellers of GPS devices place the caveat on their products that these devices should be used with a navigator in the passenger side of the car to assist in the navigation. I heartily agree!

However not every trip that you take may allow you the flexibility to have a navigator. With the advent of both written and spoken directions on the GPS program I use, a lot of the difficulty of navigation was eased while driving. Eventually I bought my first iPAQ and when I found a GPS solution I could use, it was a world of difference.

My wife found it significantly easier to use while we were on a trip and when I was alone, I could keep it resting on the console to glance at as I was driving. Hearing and seeing the directions clearly made it easier but it still was not enough. For a long time I adjusted to having my iPAQ rest on the consol but I wanted a better solution. I started to look at mounting solutions but the ones I saw were either too bulky or just really looked terrible. Most were made to be universal holders and that was just not the look I wanted. I wanted a better solution but I just was unable to find what I needed, that is until I saw the Seidio G2500 GPS Ready Mount .

The Seidio G2500 GPS Ready Mount had a variety of features that caught my attention but what I liked the best was that it was made specifically for my device — the 4700. That meant it was going to not look like an “add on” but rather something that would have an aesthetic look as if it was supposed to be there. It has the same color as the iPAQ and its slim design molds into the iPAQ giving the appearance that it was part of the original equipment. Besides good looks, what this mount provides is a professional, safe and secure system for your iPAQ!

So besides the “look”, what was it that I liked? Because it was a model specific holder, my iPAQ was going to fit snugly and securely in the holder eliminating the fear of it becoming dislodged while driving. There is an integrated power system so that when it was plugged into my DC power source, it would charge my iPAQ while driving. In addition, with the power on, there is an amplified speaker with a volume control built into the unit and there is a power out enabling me to charge additional devices while using the GPS mount. Although I use a Bluetooth GPS, it is GPS ready for wired GPS units. What you get is a neatly designed unit that is slim, stylish and lightweight that will provide you with the ability to use your iPAQ and GPS in your travels comfortably and most importantly, safely!

Telsis has revealed a further key technology advance in text messaging that is set to deliver more convenience for users and more profitability for operators of both GSM and 3G networks.

An enduring frustration for remote and mobile workers is that text messages sent from their laptop or notebook computer via a 3G or GSM data card don’t have the same originating number as their mobile phone.

It causes three problems. Recipients see a message from an unfamiliar number and may ignore it. They may text a reply to a laptop or notebook that is turned off or no longer with the user. And if they try to reply by voice, the data-only card rejects their call.

Text and voice expert Telsis has solved all three issues in one move with its SMS Data Card Identity System. Simply added to any mobile network, it automatically replaces data card numbers with customers’ phone numbers. Recipients see a familiar phone number and can reply immediately by text or voice to a handset that is almost certainly turned on and within reach of the sender.

The Telsis advance represents a significant revenue-building value-add for operators, stimulating both message and voice traffic, and is typically expected to pay for itself in less than 12 months.

Data card usage is growing in Europe at around 50% a year, mostly among business customers. Enhancing the utility of data cards for these high ARPU users is a logical next step according to Telsis chairman Jeff Wilson. “Research from Ericsson shows that 60% of text messages are replied to by SMS, 21% by voice call and a further 6% by both SMS and voice call. We calculate that the extra messaging and return call traffic stimulated by an SMS Data Card Identity System could be worth as much as 100 Euros annually per user. Operators will quickly cover their costs and generate new revenue.”

The first of its kind in the world, the Telsis SMS Data Card Identity System is a small footprint, stand-alone solution that can be simply added to any mobile network. From a low cost starter package the system can be easily and inexpensively upgraded to cope with network and traffic growth.

With its headquarters, research and production site in the UK, Telsis (www.telsis.com) has sales and support operations in Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Singapore and Australia. The company offers a range of carrier-grade infrastructure platforms including intelligent SMS Routers, IN service control points, service control points, switches, media gateways for NGN and VoIP networks, protocol converters and advanced IVR solutions that support a wide variety of innovative value-added text and voice services. Telsis products are in use with major fixed and mobile network operators around the world.

Visit Telsis HERE

To design a successful Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 mobile messaging solution, you need to understand the capabilities of the software and hardware upon which you build your messaging system. Microsoft’s guide is designed for organizations that use Exchange 2003. It focuses on configuration changes for the Exchange 2003 infrastructure for direct synchronization to Windows Mobile-based devices.

A growing number of businesses today regard messaging systems as mission-critical systems. For this reason, companies place strict reliability and availability requirements on their e-mail systems. Equally important is the heightened for demand mobile messaging. An increasingly mobile work force and more geographically dispersed businesses mean that user requirements are continually evolving. All of these factors place demands on Information Technology managers and system architects, who are charged with designing highly reliable, secure, and consistently available messaging systems that meet users’ needs.

To design a successful Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 mobile messaging solution, you need to understand the capabilities of the software and hardware upon which you build your messaging system.

This guide is designed for organizations that use Exchange 2003. It focuses on configuration changes for the Exchange 2003 infrastructure for direct synchronization to Windows Mobile-based devices.

You can view the Step by Step Guide to Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Mobile Messaging with Windows Mobile-based Devices here.

05-21-2005, 10:40 PM	#1
Registered User   Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 65	4700 GPS, WiFi and Memory questions Hi, I was using Mapopolis software on my 3835. I liked it and even the new 4.0 version had voice prompts. Although 2 dementional, it was easy to use, allowed on unit point to point directions and it was easy to read. Unfortunately, I have to purchase a yearly subscriiption which allowed unlimited downloads of county/parish maps, their POI’s and their maps may not be up-to-date and I am not sure if they have a national major highway route map to use for vacation planning. Now that I have a 4700 VGA, the 4.0 doesn’t work and their beta is a pain to download and install. Based on the pro’s and con’s above, does anyone have a suggestion on GPS software that runs well on the 4700 with a single purchase price that you can get updates, is easy to use and read. Also a good bluetooth GPS receiver that will work with the 4700. Also, I have been in two airports that I get a WiFi signal, but I can’t connect. Is there an actual signal or is it they just won’t let me connect? Oh, one more thing. my 3835 would allow me to close (stop)programs. It released the memory without a soft reset. The 4700 allows me to stop programs, but doesn’t seem to release the memory without a soft reset. Has anyone else noticed this? Thanks in advance!! Bob

05-22-2005, 03:30 AM	#2
Registered User   Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 76	I tried Tom Tom on my 4705 and had problems getting to work. Of all things customer support told me the problem was a conflict with my BT Keyboard drivers. They suggested a hard reset and avoiding the BT Keyboard. Instead, I tried the HP iPAQ BT Navigation Receiver and Software. Works fine for me and guaranteed to work on a 4700. At the airport, you may have picked up WiFi signals for a closed (private) network or some type of subscription service which would require you to pay a monthly fee for access. Unless you see a sign posted (and there are very few of these)that says FREE WiFi service, it’s probably not free. I fly Continental regularly and am a member of their President’s Club. They provide free WiFi to members and anyone who can get close enough to the walls outside the club. By not releasing memory, do you mean the programs are not closing (the “X” in the upper right corner only typically minimizes programs) or after they close they don’t seem to release all the memory. If the former, you need a third party Task Manager to close programs easily. You can find simple apps for free or more robust versions for a few dollars. If you mean the later, memory does seem to be returned when I close apps, but sometimes not as much as I would expect. Don’t know the exact reason, but eventually a soft reset becomes the necessary thing to do.

05-22-2005, 03:30 PM	#3
Registered User   Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 65	Thanks for the info. I was going to try a different BT GPS receiver, but at the moment it is on my favorites on my other computer. It is supposed to be more sensitive. I was mainly concerned with the software. I have a Garmin Color Street Pilot that I am going to sell. So I am familiar with two 2 dementional mobil map programs. I want one that has ocasional updates, a good list of POI’s, voice prompts, can give LAT-LONG/ALT/TIME/DAY-NIGHT mode and most importanly will reroute automatically if you are off track (not just turn you around and go back the way you came to get back on track. Most of these are on most software, but ease of use is important. I don’t want to fiddle with it much. I have a version of DeLorme Street Atlas 2004, but usually used Mapopolis. Maybe it is time to try the Delorme. I hope it is VGA compatable. Thanks for the info on the WIFI spots. I found a list of free spots…both airports aren’t on the list. I would have thought HP would have done a little better at releasing programs using precious memory. I knew about “stopping” the program. My 3835 did a better job at releasing the memory, I think. Battery Plus did well, but I think it has power usagage issues (seems to use too much sometimes).

05-28-2005, 03:11 PM	#4
Registered User   Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2	My System Quote: Originally Posted by BRagl2 Hi, I was using Mapopolis software on my 3835. I liked it and even the new 4.0 version had voice prompts. Although 2 dementional, it was easy to use, allowed on unit point to point directions and it was easy to read. Unfortunately, I have to purchase a yearly subscriiption which allowed unlimited downloads of county/parish maps, their POI’s and their maps may not be up-to-date and I am not sure if they have a national major highway route map to use for vacation planning. Now that I have a 4700 VGA, the 4.0 doesn’t work and their beta is a pain to download and install. Based on the pro’s and con’s above, does anyone have a suggestion on GPS software that runs well on the 4700 with a single purchase price that you can get updates, is easy to use and read. Also a good bluetooth GPS receiver that will work with the 4700. Also, I have been in two airports that I get a WiFi signal, but I can’t connect. Is there an actual signal or is it they just won’t let me connect? Oh, one more thing. my 3835 would allow me to close (stop)programs. It released the memory without a soft reset. The 4700 allows me to stop programs, but doesn’t seem to release the memory without a soft reset. Has anyone else noticed this? Thanks in advance!! Bob I also have a 4705 with a CoPilot (Emtac) bluetooth receiver and CoPilot Live 5 software. The system works well for me and I really like it. It was pricy (~$370) for the package and CoPilot does not have the best Customer Service, however, their program runs well right out of the box and “plays well with others.” Once properly set up, the 4705 communicates flawlessly with the Emtac receiver usually getting 7-8 satelites within a minute or two. The receiver is also WAAS capable for improved accuracy, but you have to download additional software (free from Emtac) to accomplish this.

05-28-2005, 09:16 PM	#5
Registered User   Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 128	GPS-I use delorme handheld for maps along with the earthmate BT gps receiver. Works outstanding for my mobile needs as a Service Engineer traveling the upper midwest. Memory-there are third party apps, Wisbar, Spb pocket plus, etc. that “close” programs to free up memory, or you can use itask to show running programs, tap and hold for close.

05-28-2005, 09:57 PM	#6
Registered User   Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 65	I really like Mapopolis, but I noticed that when I select landscape on the 4700, the maps don’t go out to the edge. Does anyone know if any of these mapping/GPS software are VGA compliant and if they fill the whole screen in landscrap? I will check with Mapopolis. Maybe I am doing something wrong. Their customer service is really great. I have never had the help with software they they have given me with theirs.

05-28-2005, 11:42 PM	#7
Senior Editor     Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Massachusetts & Maine Posts: 2,524	I think DeLorme’s Bluelogger is a terrific unit. I have been very satisfied with its performance . __________________ Jack Cook Senior Editor, Dave’s iPAQ Microsoft MVP-Windows Mobile Devices NEW Dont forget our Podcast hotline telephone number in the US: 1-425-738-9506 available 24 hours a day 7 days a week or leave us a SKYPE Voicemail by clicking here . Also dont forget to add our podcast in iTunes by clicking here.

Our weekly podcast is avaliable. If you use this and copy the address into your aggregator. Now you should be all set and automatically download any of our podcasts on the fly. Just like setting up a season pass in tivo! If you would not like to use an aggregator you can download the direct link by right clicking here.

Today Jack, Steve and I talk about Tech Ed, HTC Universal and of course the iPAQ.

Show links:

Tivo To Go

Push Email a necessity or hype?

Logitech diNovo Cordless Desktop

Dale Coffing HTC Universal Review

Dave co-hosting KLAV radio in Los Vegas

Skweezer Pro Winners

Apple Support top notch!

Photos of the new Intel Chip on the Macintosh

Credit Photo’s

Also Podcast Alley was nice enough to add us to their podcast search engine. I would love for you to check them out and if you feel you like the podcast it would be great to get a vote. You can vote for us by clicking this link

NEW now you can leave us a Skype Voicemail by clicking here

Leave us your name, city, state and question along with your email.

We have been lucky to work with the folks over at iBIZ to get an exclusive of the new iBIZ Virtual Keyboard. In this review we will go over the software install process, fuctionality and ease of use. Many sites have labeled this product vaporware but as you can see we have it. The Virtual Keyboard leverages the power of laser and infrared technology and projects a full-size keyboard onto any flat surface. As you type on the laser projection, it analyzes what you’re typing by the coordinates of that location.

Once we received the virtual keyboard I was able to talk with a representative of iBIZ to explain the current situation. As many of you are aware of the litigation issues going on with this keyboard, I was assured that iBIZ is currently looking into a redundant supply chain so the minute we hear they are ready to ship you will know.

The virtual keyboard comes with adapters for Palm, PocketPC, USB, Serial and a power cable to charge the device. In order to load the software driver the user needs to copy the appropriate device driver onto the iPAQ and launch the cab file. Once this process is complete the user will find an icon in the program tab of the iPAQ. Once the application come up you are prompted with a considerable amount of options to select from. First the user would need to click on the “Enable VKB” to create the partnership with the device. Once this happens you will hear a notification beep that the unit has accepted the relationship. Once you enable the relationship you can then select the intensity of the laser that is appropriate for your surface.

When you click over to the properties tab you have an option for sensitivity of your fingertips. We found that setting number 6 was just right for our liking. You will also notice an auto repeat tab that we chose not to select due to the higher success rates we were able to obtain. Another great feature in the software is the ability to see how much power you have left in the device!

As you can see in this picture the unit projected beautifully and I was pleasantly surprised. It took us about an hour to get used to the typing style and also for us to get the feel of typing on a flat surface. I liked the overall clarity of the projection and also was impressed with the availability of an up,down,left,right arrow this was a nice touch and responded appropriately.

The only downfall that I noticed was that iBIZ might have thought of also including a universal docking station for the iPAQ. If you look at our photo’s you will notice the iPAQ was laying down and the cable supplied was extremely short. I was able to utilize on of my own universal cradles which made the typing experience enjoyable. During this time we were also able to achieve around three and a half hours of typing time before we had to charge the Lithium Ion battery.

Overall I feel iBIZ has delivered a stellar product. The projector was extremely durable and well manufactured. We did notice though the classic two fingered hunt and peck style of typing works best with the Virtual Keyboard. Which, if you use it with your iPAQ could be heaps faster than using a tiny on screen keyboard or handwriting recognition entry. If you are a geek like I am then you will love this unit.

Read the letter from Ken Schilling, CEO iBIZ