While the iPhone 3G may be garnering the most press, Windows Mobile 6.1 goes beyond a flashy campaign and offers true overall functionality. Functions that fully supports a wide range of commercial and business applications for users of every background.
The iPhone is a great device, there really is little debating that fact, although the iPhone 3G had lost some support in the past due to issues with calls dropping randomly. Of course Windows Mobile devices have not always been perfect either. That's why today i'm going to discuss the main differences between the iPhone 3G Operating System and the newly minted Windows Mobile 6.1 OS.
The Need for Speed
Given the name of the new iPhone the first important aspect to look at is the speed. Under Apple leadership the unit can download up to 3.6Mbps via HSDPA data speeds.
In this respect Windows Mobile 6.1 wins, offering up to 7.2Mbps depending on the device in question and its own limitations. Sure Microsoft depends on the technology of the manufacturers, but it also means the company has created an OS that is easily expandable to a bevy of handsets.
Video Calling
The Windows Mobile 6.1 interface also allows itself to 3G Video calling, its the reason devices such as the HTC TyTN II have provided an additional VGA camera on the front of such devices. The iPhone on the other hand lacks the secondary camera and the faster download speeds necessary for fulfilling such a task.
Unlocked vs Locked
Then there's the issue of Unlocked versus Locked devices. Sure you can hack your iPhone, but many Windows Mobile devices come factory unlocked, meaning more worldwide usability. Not to mention a variety of carriers worldwide carry the Windows Mobile 6.1 offering, only select carriers with the "priviledge" of carrying the iPhone 3G are available.
Multi-Touch
On the other hand the iPhone 3G allows for multi-touch which comes standard on the device. This is one option on the iPhone I really like, it makes zooming in and out on pictures and files easy, and it offers more touch functionality to the unit, something that is sorely missing on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional devices.
Email
Email is a big consideration on most devices these days, especially for business purposes. In this case, both units offer Microsoft Exchange support, however Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional offers Server 2007 support, full out of office support directly from your device, and syncing capabilities that really can't be reviled by the iPhone.
Windows Mobile 6.1 devices then fully support editing office documents while also keeping their original format. Sure the iPhone can download your documents easily, but they can't match the prowess Microsoft offers for document viewing and editing.
Third Party Applications
Next there's the issue of 3rd Party Applications. iPhone offers the Apple Apps Store, a great addition that offers programs from $.99 and up. Sure it's a great feature and all of the programs are approved by Apple before they go live, helping to ensure spyware isn't part of the equation.
However, Windows Mobile offers literally thousands of third party freeware applications, along with the largest catalogue of non-freeware software from companies such as Handango and MobiHand online. If you are looking to diversify your application portfolio Windows Mobile is really the only way to go. But that doesn't mean the iPhone....
Continue to Page 2 for more on third party applications, GPS and browser comparisons.