Windows CE and Windows Mobile

[Purple J]

Hi

I recently bought a handheld tablet PC with WinCE 5 installed, specifically to use a particular download programme on it. After many attempts to install this programme I was told that the programme was for Windows Mobile, NOT Windows CE, so wouldn't install.

I didn't know that Windows Mobile was the name of a separate operating system and thought CE was simply what was used on Windows mobile devices to save space.

Can anyone explain the difference please? Even an article in Wikipedia says that Windows CE and Windows mobile are the same thing!

BUt another page says:

Windows Mobile is best described as a subset of platforms based on a Windows CE underpinning. Currently, Pocket PC (now called Windows Mobile Classic), SmartPhone (Windows Mobile Standard), and PocketPC Phone Edition (Windows Mobile Professional) are the three main platforms under the Windows Mobile umbrella. Each platform utilizes different components of Windows CE, as well as supplemental features and applications suited for their respective devices.

I find this all very confusing, and still feel that the store where I bought the device has let me down. It took three visits (the first time they said I had to buy an SD card to install any extra programme) and a call to their technical helpline to find the reason for the problem. On the third visit the manager said that CE and Mobile were different (nobody else had picked this up, even though I brought along the programme maker's instructions about the Windows Mobile download). They won't refund because the device has been opened and used. :mad:

PJ

[AnswerDude]

What tablet did you purchase and what program are you trying to run?

Generally Windows CE is the operating system. Windows Mobile (or Pocketpc or Windows Phone) is the name of a product which runs Windows CE OS with other set of software, drivers and applications specific to its hardware configuration.
Your issue is not exactly software but hardware, WM programs are written and compiled specifically for a set of hardware configuration, ie. programs compiled for a type of CPU will not run on another, programs that run on touch screen unit will not run on non-touch screen device.

[Purple J]

What tablet did you purchase and what program are you trying to run?

Generally Windows CE is the operating system. Windows Mobile (or Pocketpc or Windows Phone) is the name of a product which runs Windows CE OS with other set of software, drivers and applications specific to its hardware configuration.
Your issue is not exactly software but hardware, WM programs are written and compiled specifically for a set of hardware configuration, ie. programs compiled for a type of CPU will not run on another, programs that run on touch screen unit will not run on non-touch screen device.

Right, think I see what you mean. Have had a reply from the helpline, and their downloads definitely won't work with Windows CE, so no point trying any more. They produce Bible study software, so maybe I can find another similar download from another site, that will work on CE. The ones I've come across so far don't make it clear if they work on CE 5, and/or their downloads are expensive.

The device has a 5" touch screen - just the right size. it is called an A10JQ MID according to the instruction booklet. It has a Win CE C5G operating system.

I don't want to waste money on another device, but if there's no other way it's important to be certain that the installation will work this time. Windows XP (same as my main PC) would be fine but almost all mini laptops are too big, as well as more expensive, or they run on a different system. The smallest XP laptop available at a reasonable price is 8.9", which might do. ...Only the store where I got the tablet don't have any (they offered part exchange but not a cash refund).

The store has mini laptops (around 7") with Linux. The Bible download site may have newly released a Linux compatible programme but the main page only says they were considering it, so I'm waiting for confirmation.

I know nothing about Linux, but it might be OK if it's similar to Windows in the way it works.

Thanks for the info - things are at least a bit clearer now.

PJ

[AnswerDude]

How did you try to install that program?

Your A10JQ is not a popular device. You may be able to get more help directly from them
http://maplinmid.hyperboards.com/index.php

All the device on this page should run that Bible program/
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ppc.htm

[Purple J]

How did you try to install that program?

Your A10JQ is not a popular device. You may be able to get more help directly from them
http://maplinmid.hyperboards.com/index.php

All the device on this page should run that Bible program/
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ppc.htm

Thanks, will give it a go.

Maplins was where I got the device from; here's the page: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=286831&source=1.

This is the relevant software page: http://www.onlinebible.org/html/eng/unlock-pocket-online-bible.html but as I said they confirm that their software doesn't work with Windows CE. They said they would have to post that specifically on their site, in case others make the same mistake.


PJ

[Purple J]

Forgot to say that the Bible software is installed through the programme already on the main PC. You just click on "Format pocket PC" on the main programme and it sends the info direct to the mobile device via ActiveSync.

It downloaded onto the SD card, but only the data files - there was no way to access the files for use. I was told by the store manager afterwards that downloading something isn't the same as installing it (thought it was - DUUUH! :confused:)

Ah well, you live and learn. I've asked a friend if her son, who knows far more about computers, can use the thing - it would be nice to see it go to a good home if it's no use to me.

[Kospda]

How did you try to install that program?

Your A10JQ is not a popular device. You may be able to get more help directly from them
http://maplinmid.hyperboards.com/index.php

All the device on this page should run that Bible program/
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ppc.htm

1. Can this device MDA A10JQ upgrade the Windows 5.0 CE to 6.0 or more.
2. Is there any free aplication that can be supported by this device?

[Purple J]

1. Can this device MDA A10JQ upgrade the Windows 5.0 CE to 6.0 or more.
2. Is there any free aplication that can be supported by this device?

Hi, it's been such a long time that I had forgotten about this. Thank you for your post.

It turned out that there was no way the device would support the programme I wanted; so a friend sold it on E-Bay for me a few months ago! It couldn't be upgraded and it seems there were only very limited kinds of extra applications that could be installed, none of which I wanted.

Maybe one day I shall be able to get/afford something suitable - have given up for now. The link posted by AnswerDude looks fairly promising. The main problem is that most mini laptops are too big or have the wrong OS, and phones with Windows Mobile are too small - the tablet size was just right. Pity it didn't do what I wanted!

Thanks everyone for trying to help :)

[AnswerDude]

1. Can this device MDA A10JQ upgrade the Windows 5.0 CE to 6.0 or more.
2. Is there any free aplication that can be supported by this device?

1. In term of hardware, it may be capable of upgrade, but the manufacturer does not provide upgrade (yet) and the device is not popular enough for user to create homemade ROM upgrade for it.
2. For the same reason that this is not a widely sold devices, it's hard to find anyone created freewares specifically for it. In theory, .NET application for Win CE OS may work, but you may have problem with screen resolution. This one may work though
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=136798