vB Easy Archive - Windows Mobile 5 - Upgrade or Downgrade?

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Windows Mobile 5 - Upgrade or Downgrade?
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Posted by: CeluGeek

After using an MPx220 and an SMT5600 for various months, I got a Cingular 2125 today. (Finally!!!) I've had it for twelve hours and I can't decide yet whether Windows Mobile 5 is indeed an upgrade or a downgrade from Windows Mobile 2003. Note that in this post I'm not talking about the phone hardware, but about the OS itself.

We've been reading about all the great things that Windows Mobile 5 introduces, but what about the great things in Windows Mobile 2003 that are gone in WM5? Here is my list.

File System

People can argue that the file system of WM2003 smartphones wasn't efficient and they are probably right. But I think the file system of WM5 smartphones is actually worse, at least from a power user's point of view. The \Windows folder is hidden, which makes managing files there from a PC, like arranging shortcuts in the Start menu, or adding/removing programs in the Startup folder harder, since you have to unhide the files to access the Windows folder. Also, the folder structure looks more cluttered than in WM2003.

Slower ActiveSync

I have ActiveSync 4.1 installed on my PC. I have three partnerships: a Dell Axim X50, an Audiovox SMT5600 and a Cingular 2125. Guess which one takes the longer to sync?

Start Menu Grid

An upgrade? Not so for hardcore WM2003 users. What's worse, even if you disable the grid and go back to the simpler linear list (which takes a registry modification by the way), as soon as you open a folder like Accessories or Games, the Start menu reverts to the darn grid... and will stay like that until you reboot the phone!

Small Large Font?!

There is a Large Font setting under Settings - Accessibility. However, it takes effect in fewer places than in WM2003. Screens like the Incoming Call (with the caller ID info) and the Call Progress screen are probably the most noticeable downgrades. Plus, the Large Font home screen is a joke. The Windows Simple home screen has a larger clock!

Less auditory feedback

Gone are the clicks when you selected an option or when you opened a menu. While I agree these should've been made user-selectable in WM2003, they were helpful to many users, especially due to the not so trustworthy joystick or navigation bar used in many phones.

More menu levels to navigate

Items like GPRS settings and Bluetooth settings are burried deeper in the menu structure. Gone are the choices to launch the Calendar or Contacts from within an active call, plus to join calls in a Conference, you now have to use the right softkey menu.

Keypad lock

Now, pressing any key turns on the screen. Who's idea was that? Also, it's OK that Microsoft wanted to gain some Nokia users by changing the unlock key to *. But why didn't they think about the many WM 2002 and 2003 users already used to the # for unlocking the keypad?

Media Sync

They've got to be kidding! Do they really think I'm going to sync media files over the slow ActiveSync connection instead of dropping them directly on the storage card with a card reader?

I do like the 2125 as a phone overall, but I'm still wondering if WM5 is all that it's cracked up to be.

Posted by: HalM

Hands down WM5 is better. IMHO, it is like comparing Windows 98 to XP. It does take getting used to and the 2125 is locked so it is harder to modify.

I just read somewhere that a well know business in the UK can now unlock it, so I would go that way and then application unlock it as well. Then you can start customizing it so it will look and feel the way you want.

Posted by: CeluGeek

Quote:

Originally Posted by HalM

Hands down WM5 is better. IMHO, it is like comparing Windows 98 to XP. It does take getting used to and the 2125 is locked so it is harder to modify.

I just read somewhere that a well know business in the UK can now unlock it, so I would go that way and then application unlock it as well. Then you can start customizing it so it will look and feel the way you want.

The 2125 is EXTREMELY easy to unlock. The instructions and link to the free (and non-warez) software are posted here on HoFo. I unlocked mine in one minute or less.

But like I said, the phone itself is OK. It's the OS which from a user's perspective looks like a downgrade when compared to WM2003, even if technically speaking WM5 is superior.

Posted by: sofene

From the perspective of the mpx200, I would definitely say it is a quantum leap forward moving from wm2003 to wm5. The greatest improvement is the perpetual storage and for the mpx200, the conversion of the storage card to internal memory.