Windows Mobile 6.1: Waiting for abundance

Article by DebCook (34 pts ) , published Nov 2, 2008

Searching for a new cell phone has become as complex as finding the right new car. They all get you where you are going, but I'd prefer to enjoy the ride as much as possible. You may have to wait for the cell phone features to catch up with your wishes. Windows Mobile 6.1 comes close.

I decided to look into purchasing a new cell phone. With such an extraordinarily number of phones being released by multiple carriers, it is a daunting task. So I followed links until I reached the official Microsoft Windows Mobile web site.

The Windows Mobile web site contains a form for selecting your cell phone preferences, which searches for the phone that best meets you selection. I complete the form and receive ZERO results! No matches for me with too many choices? You probably wonder what I want that is so illusive.

  • AT&T as the carrier
  • Windows Mobile 6.1
  • Wi-Fi
  • Integrated GPS
  • 3G
  • Touchscreen
  • QWERTY keyboard

To improve the search results, I deselect GPS and still, no match. Then I remove the Wi-Fi requirement and again, no match. Finally, I remove the Touchscreen and Wi-Fi features and add back in the GPS and finally there is one match – the AT&T MOTO Q Global.

Since I have limited choices (imagine that!), I try searching for all of my original requirements except I switched Windows Mobile 6.1 to 6.0. Some phones are eligible for the Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade so I thought I could just get the 6.0 and then upgrade it to 6.1. One phone appears – the AT&T Tilt – which can be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.1 so I find the winning phone that manages to contain everything I need.

  • Threaded text Messaging.
  • Easier email setup.
  • Complete (large) email download on the first try - no message saying "attachments/full email - will be downloaded the next time you check your email.
  • Improved Web page viewing with zoom capability.
  • Music and photos can be viewed and controlled from the home screen.
  • Improved Bluetooth connection – no pairing code and car kit access to phone book.