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CUTTING THE TIES FROM PC TO PDA
Abstract
This article could also be called "cutting
the umbilical cord" since its purpose is to show how
to break the parent/baby relationship between a PC and a Pocket
PC. The basic PDA philosophy is that a PDA is expected to
be attached to a PC and its main purpose is to provide a portable
copy of information that resides on a PC. The terms Pocket
PC and PPC will be used interchangeably in this article.
One of the goals of Mobile Crossing is to
provide PDA solutions that do not require a PC connection
to work properly. This article lays this ground work and provides
topics that will stimulate discussion in the forums.
Pocket PC Computers.
Today's Pocket PC's are capable of being
full computers in their own right. They can have 400 MHz processors
with 64 Meg or RAM supplemented with additional writeable
ROM storage and pluggable expansion memory. They have color
screens, I/O capability, and an operating system with most
of the capabilities of Windows on a PC. They are more powerful
than full PC's of only a few years ago.
Microsoft has relegated the PPC to a role
of being a satellite to a PC. For this reason many people
who don't own a Windows PC do not consider a Pocket PC as
a unit they would buy. Even if they own a PC or use one at
work they might not be interested in extending the functions
to a portable device. Mobile Crossing units can operate fully
as a navigation solution without any connection to a PC.
There is no reason why any PPC cannot be
a standalone unit if supported properly. In addition there
is no need to give up connectivity to get this independence.
Thus, even a person who wants to use PC connectivity can use
it at home and still be assured that an extended trip will
not compromise this data.
ActiveSync
The main tie between a PC and a Pocket PC
is ActiveSync. This program provides all of the interface
functions between the two pieces of hardware. The following
services for the user are performed by ActiveSync:
- It synchronizes their PIM data
permitting appointments, contacts, etc. to be set one place
and show up both places. Outlook is the PC application that
contains the PIM data on the PC.
- It provides a method of running
setup files on the PC to get files installed on the PPC.
- It maintains copies of all installation
files so they can be reinstalled if needed.
- It provides a method to reinstall
and remove files previously installed. (But only if they
were installed via ActiveSync.)
- It maintains independent information
for multiple PPC devices for some things but not PIM data.
To get separate PIM data the user will need multiple logins.
- It provides a backup facility.
- It provides loop through Internet
connection. With an ActiveSync connection the user can use
the browser on the PPC to surf the Internet for example.
- It supports conduit applications
to modify data as it is sent to the unit. This is used by
Adobe to add tagging for example. It is also used to translate
WORD files and EXCEL files to the native PPC format. Other
applications can use conduits to provide similar services
for their files.
- It provides the ability to browse
the file system on the PPC and drag and drop. Drag and drop
goes through the conduits.
- It syncs the clock on the PPC
to the PC clock. (This service is provided via the Outlook
sync)
- It will sync one directory on
the PPC if desired – This is usually 'my documents'.
Full sync of the entire PPC contents is not supported by
ActiveSync.
- It is needed to activate the
Microsoft reader. Microsoft Reader files are synced using
a conduit.
- There are a few other minor things.
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