Mobile Enterprise Computing

BlueTooth Love and Hate

2008-08-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Bluetooth is so practical!
Bluetooth is such a piece of crap!

So go my days using BlueTooth. What is does is great. Wireless accessories, standardized interface what more could I ask?

Well, if I would work evertime without niggling issues, it would be a nice start!

Reminds me of USB a few years ago... Plug & Pray...

MC 75 closing comment

2008-07-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Now that my MC35 is back, its time to return the MC75 to the demo pool. Here are my lasting impressions.

A- Its too big for "personal" use
B- It is perfect for service, tech and delivery applications due to its toughness, large screen and power.
C- Having 256mb storage negates the need for an added memory card.
D- That VGA screen is georgeous!!! And big too! Going back to my 2.8" is tough after that 3.8" beauty.

1 step beyond! Bluetooth Keyboard

2008-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

I just acquired a BlueTooth keyboard off ebay and it really opens up doing serious email (and blogging) on the road. One more step in becoming truly mobile and ditchin the PC (or laptop).

The stoweaway Bluetooth keyboard I got is unfortunately discoontinued and officially unsupported, but it works great even on the MC75 full vga with WM6.

I recommend a BlueTooth keyboard to everyone with a handheld.

Expect to pay around 100$ retail, but this olne can still be won for under 50$ on ebay.

MC75 - Same as ever... but better

2008-07-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

After a few days of using the MC75 and its accessories, it really does not feel like anything new (except for that georgous screen of course).

Thats a good thing though! In a world of ever changing technology incompatible accessories, it is nice to be able to use all the accessories from the MC70. Even nicer is that all the applications I have used have scaled without glitch to the higher resolution screen.

I am also getting used to the physical size of the MC70. Being the type of guy who leaves his cellphones on the table, its not too cumbersome while in the car, it works even better because of the larger screen. (I use a bluetooth headset) (the great Motorola H700)

MC75 - Again what a screen! (and a camera)

2008-07-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Still working on the MC75, its incredible how even very very small
text displays clearly. Much better than a desktop lcd. To give you an
idea, the MC75 could display as much information on an 8 inch screen
as your typical 17in LCD if the MC75 screen was 17 the resolution
would be 2560x1920!

Also, I forgot to mention the MC75 has a 2mpix color camera in
addition to the barcode scanner.

MC75 - Replacement Unit

2008-07-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

While my MC35 is being tended too, I received the brand new MC75 (detailed info here)

Although it is bulkier than the MC35 due to its larger screen and industrial design (water and drop resistant!) for the service industry, a few features really caught my attention.

OK, 1 feature really did it for me: the screen, its all about the screen on this baby. Full VGA 480x640, this screen is gorgeous!

It also comes with HSDPA 3.5g high speed cellular; Windows Mobile 6 standard and 128ram/256rom standard. Did I say it had a 3.8" full VGA screen?

This feature should open a slew of new opportunities in the field service industry. Thanks to its increased resolution, detailed technical drawings can be shown without excess zoom, remote desktop becomes practical and websites display "normally"

I'll let you know as I go and explore the MC75 further.

MC35 - temporarily Out of Commission :-(

2008-06-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not updating recently, my MC35 has been experiencing issues with the GPS and Motorola has asked me to send it in for repair. When I get it back, I'll give you an update. The timing is right though, I am going on vacation, so I won't be tempted to work... :-)

MC35 - Day 30

2008-05-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Got the GPS to work thanks to the nice folks at GeoTerrestrial who make a wonderful tool called GPSToday. www.geoterrestrial.com

You have to set the external GPS settings to COM8, 38400 baud in the system settings . This is not setup by default at least with the WM6 upgrade.

MC35 - Day 29

2008-05-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

I figured out the echo problem (it was even happening on my headset):
Set the volume lower! (they all tell me I speak loudly though)

MC35 - Day 25

2008-05-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

I am checking my email while on vacation. These things really are like crack.

MC35 - Day 20

2008-05-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

MC35 GPS is working on and off, some older software don't seem to work at all.
Maybe I should RTFM. (or actually buy software rather than try obscure italian freeware).
If an ISV would like to send me a free copy of their software, I promise not to say bad things ;o)

MC35 - Day 16

2008-05-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Just got a my accessory pack with autocharger holster (car+belt) and extended life battery. Note on battery life: OK with regular, great with extended life. Just like every other smartphone. With 2x battery I last 2 days including Wifi and voice usage. Do make sure you set your power and radio mode to auto-adjust or battery save.

MC35 - Day 11

2008-05-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Just upgraded the OS to Windows Mobile 6 (at 1/2 price until June 3.0th)
No big changes but generally improved.
Bad news I lost all my data.
Good news is I've gotten rid of some crap software (Zumobi comes to mind)

Speaking of software installs, get an SD card (1gb should be enough) and put as much as you on can there (including email attachment) the main storage fills up quickly. Also erase your install files when you are done.

MC35 - Day 9

2008-05-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Brought the MC35 to an Apics annual conference. All these "productivity geeks" (It takes one to recognize one) just drooled.

I think the crackberries are in for a rough ride long term. WinMobile on the corporate side, Apple iPhone on the consumer side...

MC35 - Day 5

2008-05-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Tried finaggling during weekend with email settings and gave up and installed gmail. Works great! (though I now have 6 inboxes)

MC35 - Day 2

2008-05-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

I've finally acquired my SIM card and Motorola H700 BlueTooth headset.

Very easy to connect the headset.

Voice quality was imperfect at first, some echo mostly (hands on and free) but it improved quickly, there must be something at work in the background.

A collegue with a Moto Q9, told me there is a mail workaround with gmail to send my email. I'll have to check if the same works on Yahoo.

MC35 - Day 1

2008-05-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

I think I am addicted.

No cellphone coverage yet, but WIFI is great and easy to use.

I am getting my BlueStar & personal emails delivered to me :-)

Sending is another story, all servers are blocking because I am outside their networks :-(

Any Suggestions?

MC35 Day 0

2008-04-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

I got my MC35! Nice Retail Box!

Unfortunately its not charged and there is no printed documentation :-(

It does make it more environmentally friendly :-)

Mobile Enterprise Computing Intro

2008-04-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have recently acquired an MC35 as a cellphone and mobile computer for my personal business needs.
I have decided to document my trials and tribulations with this new gizmo.
I have also decided that everything would be written from the mobile itself, so expect short blurbs, abbreviations and typos... The keys are quite small, I might need an external bluetooth kbd if this becomes a laptop replacement when traveling...