Like any Operating System (OS) or brand in the communications industry, there exist rumors about them. Some of them are advantageous and makes a curious user want to try it while others only make potential customers shun away from the product. For example, Nokia used to be known to be the most user-friendly among all the brands and that SonyEricsson had one of the slowest OS out there. I am sure there are fans (and critics) of each brand who will say otherwise but the truth remains: such rumors are bound to exist.

Which is why in this article, I hope to bring up some of the perceptions that people have of Windows Mobile and discuss it from a neutral point of view in the hopes that those looking to give WM a try will have a better understanding of it.

Rumor #1: It Is Complex

That depends on what you mean by complex. Some tasks such as making a call and sending text messages are pretty straightforward. Others, such as tweaking the registry, might be a little complicated at the beginning but after a while, you’ll get the hang of it. Unless you are planning on cooking your own ROM or creating new applications for your Windows Mobile device, there is really nothing complicated about it.

Plus, if you have been using Windows on your PC for a while, it would be easier because the 2 systems are similar. That’s not to say that Mac and Linux users are at a disadvantage. While I am neither, the icons and text should be sufficient to help you navigate.

Rumor #2: It Is Hard To Learn

I guess this is more a question of how easy it is for you to get familiarized with a new operating system. When I first switched from a normal Nokia phone to their S60 platform, it was a steep learning curve as I experimented how to get things done. After a couple of days, I pretty much got the hang of it.

With Windows Mobile, almost all operations are done with the help of icons and helpful text. And if you need more information about something, there are forums and sites that you can refer to for help. The initial few days might be tough on you but you’ll get the hang of it.

Rumor #3: It Is Limited

I hear this a lot but I could never place my finger on what people mean when they say that the Windows Mobile platform is limited.

It can’t be the software because there are tons of software, both free and commercial, out there that you can choose from to get what you need done.

It can’t be the customization because you can make your Windows Mobile device look like anything, including an iPhone. Plus, there are quite a number of individual developers who create customized ROMs which users are looking for.

It can’t be the hardware because there are so many models of Windows Mobile devices for you to choose from that some might even say that you are spoilt for choice.

So when people say that the Windows Mobile platform is limited, what exactly do they mean? Maybe you can shed some light on this?

Rumor #4: The Devices Are Expensive

Well I guess if you have been buying basic phones all your life, then buying a Windows Mobile device can be considered expensive. But don’t give up.

There are rebates that you could use to lower the price of the phone. Some service providers even have free Windows Mobile device for you if you sign a plan with them. If you are one of those users who seldom change your phone, this might be perfect for you.

Or if the mobile phone you want is not offered by your service provider, try those 3rd party authorized dealers. Instead of offering phones for a lower price, they provide you with cash rebates which you can apply to your next phone purchase.

All in all, I think Windows Mobile devices are reasonably priced. Remember that these are not just normal phones but have PDA functionality as well so it’s only natural that they cost more. And when you compare them to other smart phones such as the iPhone, you’ll come to realize that Pocket PCs are not that expensive after all.

Rumor #5: The Devices Do Not Have Good Battery Life

This I have to agree. I am not even going to argue about this rumor. It’s actually true. But why you might wonder?

That’s because Pocket PCs have much larger screens than normal phones. And this translates into more power consumption when your device is constantly turned on.

But don’t fret. This can always be countered. For starters, you could lower the power consumption by decreasing the backlight intensity. Next, you can turn off vibrate as this is known to really drain the battery. And for users who know how to tweak, you can turn off mobile data connection if you are not a heavy user so as to lower the power consumption. Now who was the one who said Windows Mobile was limited again?

Conclusion

Hopefully I’ve managed to clear the air about the rumors surrounding the Windows Mobile platform. What are some of the rumors of Windows Mobile that you have heard that were not covered here? I would love to hear from you.

Tags: opinion