Pocket PC

Operating System
The Pocket PC operating system is Windows Mobile which is developed by Microsoft. The biggest thing to be aware of when purchasing a Pocket PC is if you are using Windows Mobile 2003 and earlier or Windows Mobile 5 and later. If you can buy a device that is running Windows Mobile 5 or later. Not only does this operating include more features than earlier versions but it stores programs in Flash memory rather than RAM memory. What this means is that if you are using a Mobile 2003 or earlier device is that if you let your battery run out and lose its charge your programs will be erased off of your PDA. You will then of course have to re-install them. If you are using a device newer than Mobile 2003 then your programs will not be erased if your PDA battery loses its charge.

Windows Mobile 5
Windows Mobile 5 comes in three different versions depending on the type of device you purchase. If you are buying a device that you would like to install applications on make sure that you don't purchase a device running Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition.

Pocket PC Edition: This version of Windows Mobile comes on Pocket PC PDAs.
Pocket PC Phone Edition: This version of Windows Mobile comes on some Smartphones.
Smartphone Edition: This version of Windows Mobile comes on some Smartphones. Please note that this version has less features than Pocket PC Phone Edition (more information).

Windows Mobile 6
Windows Mobile 6 comes in three different versions depending on the type of device you purchase. If you are buying a device that you would like to install applications on make sure that you don't purchase a device running Windows Mobile Standard Edition.

Classic: This version of Windows Mobile comes on Pocket PC PDAs.
Professional: This version of Windows Mobile comes on some Smartphones.
Standard: This version of Windows Mobile comes on some Smartphones. Please note that this version has less features than Professional Edition (more information).

Syncing - Windows
If you are using a Windows computer and want to sync a Pocket PC with it, you will need to download software from Microsoft to do so. If you are using Windows 2000 - Windows XP then you will use ActiveSync. If you are using Windows Vista then you will need to download Windows Mobile Device Center. Both of these are downloadable from Microsoft's website.

Syncing - MAC
If you are using a MAC computer and want to sync a Pocket PC with it, you will need to purchase third party software to do so. Two of the software applications that allow you to do this are: Pocket Mac Pro and Missing Sync. Please note that this software will allow you to sync items such as your calendar, contacts, etc. between your MAC and Pocket PC but in most cases not allow you to install software using your MAC. Instead you will have to use a PC computer to install software to your Pocket PC.