Which Mobile Devices can I use?
The easiest way to get going would be to get yourself a PocketFMS Oudie. The Oudie comes with PocketFMS Mobile pre-installed and will basically run out-of-the-box! It has an excellent, sunlight-readable screen and even attaches to a range of autopilots and TCAS devices! Here's some more info on the Oudie.
However, you can use PocketFMS Mobile on a wide range of devices - you may already own a compatible device!
Once you have downloaded PocketFMS, you first install it on any regular Windows-based machine. For most people that would be their desktop PC or laptop, however, a Tablet PC, netbook or UMPC will do the job as well.
Once the setup is to your liking, you can have PocketFMS Desktop create a Mobile Device installation for you. A Mobile Device can be either a Windows Mobile device (a Pocket PC or SmartPhone) or a Windows CE-based Car Navigation (CarNav) device. These are also known as Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs). The commonallity between these machines is that all run a Windows CE core; Windows Mobile just adds functionality to Windows CE - but CE is what we need!
| Some of the main differences between Windows Mobile and Windows CE devices are: |
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a Windows Mobile device: |
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a CarNav device / PND: |
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Runs Windows Mobile 'on top of Windows CE'. |
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Only runs Windows CE. |
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Can do email, games, internet, etc. |
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Basically only does navigation. |
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Can have an integrated cell phone. |
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May have carkit functionality, but is not a phone. |
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Can have an integrated GPS receiver. |
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Has an integrated GPS receiver. |
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Was designed for indoor light conditions. |
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Is often better suited for sunny conditions. |
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Can talk with your PC via ActiveSync / Sync Center. |
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Connects to a PC as a removable USB drive. |
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Installed applications decrease performance & stability. |
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Does not allow for additional applications to be installed. |
Which one is right for me?
Which device is the right one for you is a highly personal choice. We have our Top 3, but you may feel other items are more important than we did. Just a few considerations before buying a Windows Mobile or CE device:
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DISPLAY
Check the screen contrast & brightness! In a sunny cockpit, many displays become unreadable. |
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POWER
A bright display uses more battery power. You'll need external power for longer flights, e.g. from your aircraft's onboard power grid or an external battery. |
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SIZE
A larger display size is clearer, easier to operate but also takes more cockpit space. |
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LOCATION
Where are you going to put the device in flight? Common options are yoke mounts, suction mounts and kneeboards. |
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BUDGET
Low cost devices usually have less performance (= longer waiting) and a lower display quality. |
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PURPOSE
Will you be using it for navigation only? Get a CarNav device.
Or will you also use it for email, as an agenda, cell phone, etc.? |
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GPS AVAILABILITY
If no internal GPS receiver is present, consider how will you connect an external receiver (cable, Bluetooth)? |
