Upgrading the OS to PPC 2003

CatchClaw · #1 (**permalink**) 05-18-2004, 06:12 PM

I have whatever came on the Axim X5 - I think. I can't find out how to tell what OS is on my unit, although I believe I saw it somewhere. I'll keep clicking around. sigh

Is it easy to upgrade? Anyone know what it costs? I like the idea of being able to switch to landscape mode, and I'd consider upgrading if it's possible.

How do you tell what OS you have on it, btw?

Thanks

woochman · #2 (**permalink**) 05-18-2004, 07:24 PM

I have seen the upgrade CD for the WM 2003 X5, however, I have not applied the upgrade as I have an X3i.

I will say this, I don't believe it is difficult, but I reccomend reading the documentation thoroughly before upgrading. They mention making a backup of your Axim's ROM as a fallback precaution, along with other backup procedures. Once you've followed the procedures in the docs, I believe you launch an executable from the CD and follow the instructions. I would also reccomend contacting Dell before purchasing the upgrade, which brings me to another issue, I thought I heard something a while back that there was a cutoff date for the WM 2003 upgrade, meaning Dell may not be selling it any longer.

woochman · #3 (**permalink**) 05-18-2004, 07:28 PM

Part II

The landscape mode feature you're referring was added to Windows Mobile 2003 SE, and dell has yet to offer an upgrade to this OS. You can buy a 3rd party application that will allow give you landscape mode.

To discover the version you're running, start - settings - system and tap the about icon.

I believe Windows Mobile 2003 is 4.xx and above. If you have ver. 3 or lower, you have the 2002 version of Windows Mobile.

CatchClaw · #4 (**permalink**) 05-19-2004, 11:09 AM

I looked, and it is version 4.xxx so I have the 2003 version. Do they offer somewhere an upgrade to the web browser? I tried running windows update but the browser is too old.

So the new OS that is in the news on the front page of this forum that will support landscape is 2003 SE, still an upgrade for us, right?

Right now, I'm looking at expod as an alternative. It's more of an overlay than an os. It worked slick on my Casio BE300. They've come out with a ppc version and it's $10. www.ppx3k.com nowadays. I'll post back after I download the trial. I didn't see anything about landscape tho. I see they have a free navigator - reduced version for ppc.

You mentioned 3rd party apps. Suggestions? I know mobipocket reader will do landscape. Where I'd really find landscape useful would be ms reader and the browser, um, and excel and word and probably everything.

woochman · #5 (**permalink**) 05-20-2004, 10:12 AM

There is not update for PIE, but as you mentioned, there are overlays. I use PIE Plus and find it very useful. Yes, WM 2003 SE, which is now being shipped with the new Axim X30 series, will support Landscape mode. It has not been made availible as an upgrade for owners of earlier Axim models (X5, X3). I can't remember the name of the app provides landscape mode, a google search should provide the answer.

More information on PIE PLus can be found @ www.reensoft.com.

Chris

CatchClaw · #6 (**permalink**) 05-20-2004, 11:46 AM

Thanks for the info. I'll think about the PIE - it was a question I had - how to get multiple web pages, etc. It's not even all that expensive at handango.

But, dang! Isn't there ONE solution to all this? Every single function has to have a separate app that costs any where from $10-$50! Maddening! Java $20, Functional Browser $15, neverending....

That kind of stuff is free to normal windows operating system users, and should be made available to handhelds also. grrrrr...

PIE only affectst the browser, right? So my other apps will be in portrait mode - ie. word and excel.

Thanks,

woochman · #7 (**permalink**) 05-20-2004, 02:36 PM

Whoops, better clarify this. PIE is Pocket Internet Explorer. This is the internet browser that is integeared into the Windows Mobile OS. Just like IE 6 is integrated into Windows XP.

PIE Plus is a 3rd party application adds enhancements Pocket Internet Explorer. Anyhow, I like it thus far. Additionally, PIE Plus does not give you the ability to view in landscape mode, only full screen and multiple windows for PIE.

PIE Plus also gives you the ability to trick websites into thinking you're running IE 5.5 or IE6. This can be helpful if you're trying to visit a site that requires a certain version of a browser.

Many of the different software companies specialize in different areas of the PPC. THus, there isn't one app that supplies all the features we want. It definitely does add up . . .