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| | | The allure of Windows Mobile's operating system for smart phones primarily rests on its familiarity among users who desire the functionality of a miniature, portable version of their Microsoft-based PCs. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The HTC Fuze, is popular with business users and individual consumers alike. It's offered exclusively through AT&T at $299.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate and a two-year contract). The no-contract or retail/replacement cost for the Fuze is $499.99. Monthly data plans start at $30 a month; AT&T's unlimited usage plan for the Fuze is $129.99 a month.
- The Sumsung Omnia is a much more affordable Windows Mobile option. The online, two-year contract price is $99.99 exclusively through Verizon. Monthly data plans run $30 -$45/month. The no-commitment, retail/replacement cost soars to $499.99, however industry watchers expect that price to drop considerably to fall in line with competitive models.
What should be included: | - The Fuze is much sought-after because there are few features it doesn't have. It provides solid performance, intuitive design, as well as all the requisite multimedia wizardry (including browser, camera and media player) for entertainment purpose. Downsides: It lacks a standard headphone jack and is slightly bulky -- the tradeoff being a slide-out, push-button keyboard in addition to a touch screen that's easy to navigate. The top of the list starts with 3G, Wi-Fi, voice-guided GPS and Bluetooth -- the list goes on from there. WMExperts offer a thorough rundown.
- The Fuze is built for the power business user and ships with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional Edition. It offers the standard core applications like the Microsoft Office Mobile Suite and comes with several information management tools, such as Adobe Reader, Remote Desktop, a Zip manager and more. The Fuze supports a number of e-mail solutions, including Microsoft Exchange Server and BlackBerry Connect.
- Similar to other Windows Mobile smart phones, the Samsung Omnia sports a full HTML browser, 5 megapixel camera and 8 GB of internal memory. It has GPS, 3G data capacity, a full HTML browser and a customizable touch display and stylus.
- Often the priority for team-oriented corporate users who opt for a Windows Mobile-powered phone is the ability to synchronize Outlook and Microsoft document-sharing throughout the organization via Microsoft Exchange Server. The costs for setting up Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 can run over $10,000.
Additional costs: | - The AT&T Fuze has more than one online store devoted to a vast inventory of add-ons. OnlyFuze.com is a good first-stop , offering competitive prices on such items as a charging cradle for $24.99, protective covers starting at $9.99, external battery packs for as low as $29.99, and assorted Bluetooth gear starting at $19.99.
- OnlyOmnia is the premier online shopping mall for Omnia accessories. Cases start at $9.99, Bluetooth gear ranges from $34.99 to $89.99, and a variety of supplemental chargers can be had for as little as $14.99 for a vehicl plug-in.
Discounts: | - Check with the phone's service provider for rebates and discounts. AT&T often offers specials on the Fuze. Samsung does as well, such as its $70 discount for the Omnia if purchased online.
Shopping for a windows mobile phone: | - To browse, compare and find just the right phone, go no further than Microsoft's Windows Mobile smart phone site. From older model Palm units to enterprise workhorses, it's an great place to get oriented and carried away to service provider Web sites that provide a wealth of device specs and payment plans.
- A good launch point for systems administrators interested in installing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 is the company's TechNet library.
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Article updated August 2009 |
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