Developing Pocket PC Applications using Visual Studio.NET 2003
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This article first tries to eliminate some confusion between different types of Windows Mobile devices, then explains how to develop simple Pocket PC solutions using Visual Studio.NET 2003 and Pocket PC 2003 emulators (without any physically available Pocket PC in hand).
A downloadable file for this article is available
here.
What are Windows CE and Windows Mobile?
Windows CE is an operating system that has a look and feel similar to Windows 95/98. It includes scaled down versions of Excel, Word, Internet Explorer and Schedule. It also has support for Internet access, email, and so on.
Windows CE is a small embedded (can run from ROM) operating system. It supports many of the same APIs as larger versions of Windows 9x/ME/2000/XP/2003. The programs for Windows CE are completely different from DOS or Windows applications. Windows CE is also a true multitasking and multithreaded operating system.
Windows CE is a customizable, embedded operating system for a variety of small-footprint devices. OEMs can use Windows CE to design platforms and customize applications to maximize the user experience for devices such as handhelds, thin clients, logic controllers, and advanced consumer electronics.
Windows Mobile is a complete software platform built on Windows CE. Unlike Windows CE, the Windows Mobile for Smart phone or Pocket PC operating systems is specifically designed for devices that require a specialized hardware configuration. The software includes standardized interfaces and applications that ensure compatibility across hardware designs.
A Windows Mobile powered device is a handheld device powered by the Windows Mobile platform. It allows you to retrieve email, keep track of your schedule and your contacts, browse the Internet, send and receive text messages, read and compose Microsoft Word Mobile files, make Microsoft Excel Mobile charts, and view Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.
Next: What are Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone and Smart Phone? >>
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