By CNET staff
26/07/2005
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/digitalliving/tips/0,3800004921,39245183,00.htm

Whether it's about transferring data from a Palm to a Pocket PC or getting free phone calls from a PDA, our editors answer some of the burning questions on handhelds from our readers.

Free phone calls from your PDA?

Question:

	Skype is currently not available on Palm-based handhelds like the Tungsten C

Submitted by James, via e-mail
I live in Manhattan where, at least in my neighborhood, there are open broadband hot spots all around. If I get an Axim or Tungsten C handheld, will I be able to download Skype into it and have nearly free wireless phone service as long as I'm in range of a hot spot?

Answer:
Answered by Matt Elliot, Section editor
Skype is a free download and will work on any handheld running Microsoft's Pocket PC OS. So it will work with Dell's Axim, but not with the Palm-based Tungsten C. (Rumors have been circulating on the Web for a while about Skype coming to the Palm OS, but so far, they're just that--rumors.)

Calls to other Skype users are free; what you'll have to pay for is a headset that works with your Axim and any charges that you may incur at a particular hot spot. And if you want to call people who aren't on Skype, you'll have to sign up for a SkypeOut account. With it, you can make calls to almost any phone number in the world for low, per-minute rates. You have to prepay for calls by adding money to an account, and your remaining amount is displayed on a tab in the Skype window. I'd suggest starting with the minimum amount of 10 euros (about US$13). We tested the SkypeOut service on a desktop and a laptop and experienced widely inconsistent voice quality. We had better luck with free Skype-user-to-Skype-user calls.

Transfer data from Palm OS to Pocket PC

Question:
Submitted by Judy, CNET forums
I currently have a Sony CLIE that runs on the Palm OS, and I would like to switch to a PDA that runs Windows Mobile. I was wondering, is it possible to somehow transfer all the data I have on the Palm OS to the Pocket PC?

Answer:
Answered by Bonnie Cha
Judy, you're in luck. Chapura offers a product called PocketCopy (US$20) that allows you to copy all your vital Palm desktop information (address book, calendar, contacts, to-do list, and so on) into Microsoft Outlook. Once you have your Windows Mobile handheld, you can then perform an ActiveSync operation to transfer all the information to your new device.

Wait for a Windows Mobile 5.0 device?

Question:

	Today screen in landscape mode (click for more info on Windows Mobile 5)

Submitted by hangukwangja
I was considering getting the Dell Axim 50v this summer when Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 5.0. Is it worth waiting for a Windows Mobile 5.0 device, or should I get the Axim now, then purchase the upgrade to Mobile 5.0 when it's released?

Answer:
Answered by Bonnie Cha
This is a tough call. With the release of Windows Mobile 5.0 in early May, Microsoft added some key, upgrade-worthy functionality to its mobile OS. Windows Mobile 5.0 ships with Word Mobile and Excel Mobile, which supports tables, lists, and embedded images, and now it finally lets you view PowerPoint presentations. The OS also has built-in support for persistent storage so that you don't have to kiss your data good-bye when your battery dies. That said, your ultimate decision may come down to form factor. With Windows Mobile 5.0, Microsoft opened the doors for manufacturers to produce devices with new form factors, such as smaller smart phones and more. However, if you like the form factor of the Dell Axim X50v and it has the features you want, there's no reason you shouldn't get it and upgrade the OS when it's available later in Q3.

Should I go for a Palm or Pocket PC?

Question:

	Palm's latest smart phone, the Treo 650, comes with quadband GSM support and Bluetooth connectivity.

Submitted by Clayton
I've been doing a lot of searching online regarding Pocket PCs, and I have a few questions. Which OS is better: Palm OS or Windows Mobile? My second question is can microdrives, such as the 4GB Hitachi (used in the iPod Mini), be used as expansion for Pocket PCs? Lastly, is there a Pocket PC with the following features: Windows Mobile OS, phone, Wi-Fi, CompactFlash expansion (microdrive), and an SD expansion slot? I basically want a device that will replace my cell phone and my iPod and that I can also use to surf the Internet via Wi-Fi.

Answer:
Answered by CNET staff
Way to be forward-thinking, Clayton. While both the Palm OS and Windows Mobile have their advantages, when it comes to smart phones, I lean toward Windows Mobile. The Treo 650 is a formidable device, but you have more choices when it comes to Windows Mobile. I can't think of any Windows Mobile-based smart phones with CompactFlash expansion slots. That said, there are plenty with SD expansion slots, and we all know that SD cards with ever-increasing storage capabilities are constantly being released. Now, Microsoft recently announced Windows Mobile 5.0, and it will ship with built-in support for microdrives. Apparently, like you, Microsoft is thinking of rendering your iPod obsolete. There aren't any smart phones currently available in the United States that ship with Windows Mobile 5.0, but expect some later this year. In the meantime, check out our reviews of Windows Mobile-based smart phones.