Milford, CT, August 27, 2008 – DataViz®, Inc., leading provider of Office compatibility solutions in its 25th year in business, today announced the availability of its flagship mobile office suite Documents To Go®  Premium Edition 3.0 for devices running Microsoft® Windows Mobile 6.x Professional and 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition.  Already available for Windows Mobile Standard, BlackBerry, Symbian and Palm OS, Documents To Go, will now allow users of Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices to view, edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel® and PowerPoint® files (Windows: Office 97 – 2007, Mac: Office 98-2008) as well as view PDF files on their devices and in their native formats.

DataViz has also enhanced the PDF viewer included with their mobile office suite with this release of Documents To Go for Pocket PC.  The improvements provide a clear and crisp viewing experience of all Adobe ® PDF file elements (rendering stays true to desktop file) and makes dramatic speed improvements when opening files so users can be more productive.

Other features include support for password protected Word and Excel files, InTact™ Technology for retaining 100% file formatting when editing files on the device, the ability to view, edit and create Excel charts and decompress, zip and send e-mail attachments.  Documents To Go is available for a wide variety of Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices such as the AT&T Tilt, Palm Treo 750 and Palm Treo 800w to name a few. An optimized version to support high resolution screen devices such the HTC Touch Pro and HTC Touch Diamond will be available in the next several weeks.

"We are pleased to see DataViz bring its highly regarded mobile Office suite, Documents To Go, to the Windows Mobile Pocket PC platform," said David Schoenbach, Vice President – Business Development, MobiHand, Inc. "As a leading distributor of mobile smartphone content, our customers can now enjoy the benefits of this powerful wireless office solution, enhancing their productivity and work quality when out of the office.”

“We are excited to expand our product line to include Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices,” said Danny Tu, Product Manager, DataViz, Inc.
“Our latest release is an answer to our many customer requests to develop for this platform.”

Pricing & Availability
Pricing starts at $29.99 USD per license with volume licenses available for five or more users.  Documents To Go Premium Edition 3.0 for Windows Mobile 6.x Professional and 5.0 Pocket PC for Phone Edition is available for purchase direct from DataViz (www.dataviz.com), as well as from Handango (www.handango.com), MobiHand  (www.mobihand.com) and the network of DataViz resellers and distributors worldwide.  A complete list of resellers and distributors is available online at www.dataviz.com/wheretobuy. For more information and to download a free evaluation copy, visit www.dataviz.com/dtgpocketpc.

Scattered data is new at PDA Thoughts and tackles a subject that is probably familiar to many of us- "One of the main reasons why I bought my first Palm PDA was because it offered a high level of organization on the go. No more fussing around with diaries, notepads and scraps of papers which I didn’t bring with me all the time. Not to forget the fact that I could edit existing data without messing up everything, plus the benefit of not having to read my own, horrible handwriting! As nice as this all sounds, it never solved my organization problems completely. None of my devices has solved that problem.

Why? Because my data has always been scattered across the various built-in PIM applications. Appointments, to-do’s, notes and even documents. Carrying aroound a large amount of data requires different places to store it, based on the type of data. Otherwise, the whole thing would be cluttered with stuff of course. But way too often I forgot something, simply because I didn’t looked it up. I would even forget it when I set a reminder for it. It’s just so frustrating having to look at multiple applications for my daily dose of information..."

Firstly Apple got told not to air a misleading advert concerning the iPhone. The reasons are a bit strained, but just about hold up. More on that here.

Now, this next iPhone issue is unbelievable. From Gizmodo- "There's a huge security problem in the latest iPhone 2.0.2: if you have your JesusPhone password protected, using a very simple trick gives anyone full access to your cellphone private information in Mail, SMS, Contacts, and even Safari. The two-step trick is even simpler to the one used in the past to gain access to the phone to install unlocking cards or jailbreak. Fortunately, there's a way to avoid this obvious security breach until Apple fixes it.

First, password protect your phone and lock it. Then slide to unlock and do this:

1. Tap emergency call.
2. Double tap the home button.

Done. You are now in your favorites. This seems like a feature, because you may want to have emergency number in your favorites for quick dial. The security problem here is double. The first: anyone picking up your phone can make a call to anyone in your favorites. On top of that, this also opens access to your full Address Book, the dial keypad, and your voice mail.

If that wasn't bad enough, the second one is even worse: if you tap on the blue arrows next to the names, it will give you full access to the private information in a favorite entry. And it goes downhill from there..."

Worldwide sales of mobile phones reached close to 305 million units in the second quarter of 2008, a 11.8 percent increase over the second quarter of 2007, according to Gartner. Sales of mobile phones in the mature markets of Western Europe and North America slightly recovered after a difficult start. Western Europe reached close to 42 million units while North America surpassed 44 million units in the second quarter of 2008.

“The economic environment continued to negatively impact mobile phones sales in both mature and emerging markets,” said Carolina Milanesi, research director for mobile devices at Gartner. “Consumers in mature markets continued to favour mid-tier devices over high-end devices, while new subscribers continued to join mobile networks in emerging markets during the quarter. However, replacement sales remained weak, as consumers faced higher prices for fuel and food in addition to higher levels of inflation. Despite this, we remain positive that mobile phone sales in 2008 will reach 1.28 billion units.”

In terms of overall sales, Japanese vendors such as Sharp, Panasonic and Kyocera have historically been the closest to the top five vendors in the worldwide rankings. However, in the past couple of years the Japanese market has become more saturated and Japanese vendors' attempts to break into other markets have failed. This has weakened their role in the worldwide market. Players such as Research In Motion, Tianyu Technology and Gionee Communication of China have subsequently been filling the void.

Nokia sold 120.4 million mobile phones in the second quarter of 2008 and widened its lead to control 39.5 percent of the global mobile phones market. Sales in the ultra low-cost segment remained strong thanks to Nokia's distribution strategy, economies of scale and brand power. However, competition is increasing in this segment and at the high end. In July, Nokia applied strategic price cuts in its mid-tier portfolio, which put pressure on competitors such as Sony Ericsson and LG. Gartner expects Nokia to increase its market share in the second half of 2008 thanks to its wide portfolio, but also its long-awaited touch-screen device will be a high-mid-tier one, rather than the expected high-tier, device. This will help drive sales, assuming it has the right look, specification and usability.

Samsung’s mobile phones sales into the channel reached 45.7 million units. Good inventory management, however pushed sales up and helped Samsung reach a market share of 15.2 percent in the second quarter of 2008. Samsung’s strong performance this quarter helped widen its lead over third-placed Motorola. “We expect Samsung's sales to remain strong in the second half of 2008 as new products such as the Omnia pick up momentum,” said Ms Milanesi. More at cellular-news.

Well, here's a shock. Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine is turning to the iPhone for it's future content.

I have sad news. After 11 years, we will be publishing a final 2008 issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine and then suspend publication! We are working hard to make it the best Windows Mobile issue ever, a keeper, a reference guide. In 2009 we will publish Smartphone magazine’s iPhone Life. Below, I’ve attempted to answer questions that have been asked of me:

Why are you “suspending” Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine at a time when Windows Mobile has never been stronger?

It is with great regret I make this announcement. We are a very small, self-funded magazine publishing company. We did not make this decision lightly, especially after 11 years of issues.

It has become harder and harder to grow our circulation over the past three years since Windows Mobile changed from being PDAs to being phones.  Pocket PC manufacturers like HP used to work with us to offer their customers a free issue of our magazine in their packaging. The phone companies have not shown similar interest in working with us.

The other business challenge has been the lack of advertising sponsorship from Microsoft, phone companies, and OEMs, despite our coverage of their products. In order for us to sell subscriptions at current low consumer magazine-type prices, we must have a stronger and growing circulation, and we much attract the large advertisers who benefit the most from our existence.

Of course, the irony is that almost 20 million Windows Mobile units were sold this past Microsoft fiscal year. We think there is a great opportunity to continue the magazine in this high growth smartphone market  for a more sophisticated publishing company or a funded entrepreneur.

What does “suspending” mean?

Suspension means that we have no plans to publish future Windows Mobile issues. However, we have left the door open, particularly if a sponsor or buyer steps forward. Our focus in 2009 will be the four scheduled iPhone Life issues, which we will publish under the umbrella title of Smartphone Magazine under the same newsstand distribution as Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine. That title and our 4 iPhone issue 2009 schedule leaves us space to produce more Windows Mobile issues, a Google Android issue, a RIM Blackberry edition, or a generic Smartphone issue depending on where the opportunities lies.

 What will be in the last Windows Mobile issue, and how can I get it?

We are working to make it a super reference guide, the best Windows Mobile issue we've ever done. It will include winners of the 2008 Best Software Awards, reviews of the hottest new Windows Mobile Smartphones, a special Entertainment section, the latest in GPS software, a mini How-to Guide with new tips and how-to’s, a guide to the best Internet resources, best accessories, best free stuff,  our device comparison chart, plus other surprises. All current subscribers will receive this issue. It will be on newsstands in November. The Knowledge Bundle also includes the issue.

What are you doing about subscribers?

We appreciate subscriber support, and would not have been able to last as long as we have without you. We also appreciate subscriber understanding of our situation.  This week we are mailing the premier issue of iPhone Life to all subscribers, which an explanatory note. In early November we mail the final Smartphone & Pocket PC issue. For those subscribers still with issues due them, we will fulfill those subscribers with Smartphone Magazine’s iPhone Life. Naturally, if we do publish Windows Mobile or other platform issues as Smartphone Magazine, we will send those issues.

For new subscribers that prefer, we will send our new Knowledge Bundle. Alternatively, we can put together a special renewal bundle, which includes all the 2000-2007 issues in MS Reader format. Contact Marge at info@smartphonemag.com and if you are a new subscriber, she will send you a knowledge bundle , or work out something that works for you.

What is the “Knowledge Bundle?”

This bundle is designed for Windows Mobile users who haven’t been receiving our magazine. It includes the final Resource Guide issue, How-to Guide, 20 Special downloadable Reports, 15% off Handango software through December 31, 2008, at least 3 2008 back issues, our How-to Guide, and the premier iPhone Life. It is $19.95 plus shipping.

 How can I buy “iPhone life?”

You can purchase a subscription at a special $25 price for all issues through 2010 – at minimum four each year plus premier issue while supplies last. iPhone Life subscriptions include a web-based Zinio digital subscription, which can be read on a desktop or iPhone. You can check out Table or Contents and purchase it.

What about the future of this Web site?

We feel proud about our great content here, and there is no reason not to continue to support and grow it. We have these great blogs and our support forum. We also have 11 years of magazine archives, a huge tip and how-to library, our 5000 product Encyclopedia of Software and Accessories, Best Software Awards winners, Device Comparison chart, and free weekly newsletters.

What about Best Software Awards?

We are towards the end of judging the 2008 awards. We have not decided whether to have awards in 2009. In part it will depend on whether Microsoft or some other company wants to sponsor it. We hope to have awards for the iPhone.

Where can I voice my opinion?

Please feel free to comment here. I appreciate your feedback about the decision and the magazine, good or bad. If you wish to contact me privately, you are welcome to do so at hal@thaddeus.com.

The Aspire One has certainly given off a positive first impression, and in part two I will further explore what makes it such a versatile unit and one which seemingly provides excellent value for money. Besides the excellent screen and keyboard there is a wide variety of expansion and connectivity options. You get an SD expansion slot plus a further multi-slot which accepts SD, microSD and MS Pro cards, three USB slots, an external monitor port, wired internet connection jack plus headphone and microphone jacks. Finally, there is a security lock port and a WLAN switch for power saving. It is quite a complete set up and should allow for a variety of perifials to be attached and some good options for internet connectivity on the go. I am going to attempt to use my 3G Nokia E71 with this device, and if it works that could make this a truly portable unit for high speed internet anywhere.

The trackpad is unusual in that the buttons are either side of the touch sensitive part, presumably to save vertical space, but it does work quite well and in all instances I have found it to be very responsive and quick to sense finger movement. With the Eee I often experienced a lag when navigating, but here it seems to perform as well as a standard laptop.

The main interface is decidedly unweidly and not something that I personally like. It holds a mere twelve shortcut icons on the main screen plus the settings button. There are arrows next to each section to open further shortcuts, but I can't see the point in using such large icons so sparsely if the device does not have a touch screen. It does work quite well, but I suspect it is designed to stop the user adding too much to the Aspire so as to cut down on support calls. I am no expert on Linux, far from it, but I would like the immediate option to display the advanced Linux desktop if so desired.

There is a lot of software installed on the Aspire by default and most of it is useful, however, it is not exactly wide ranging enough to stop the average user wanting more. Some immediate needs that spring to mind are an ftp client, modem capability out of the box and a 'much' better email client although MS Exchange support is included, albeit via a web portal.

There is an awful lot to like about the Aspire One and it has proved to be near perfect for my needs, which involves lots of freelance writing when away from home, and the media side is also surprisingly good. The expansion options allow for an extra 16GB of memory for not a lot of money and the tiny USB hard drives hitting the market (i.e. 120GB for £45 and credit card sized) make expansion and carrying lots of media wherever you like perfectly possible.

The Aspire One has little wrong with it and is worthy value at £249 with the main competition coming from Acer themselves with further Aspire models on the horizon. It is quick, easy to use and most importantly has the hardware set up just right, with a great screen and efficient keyboard perfect for anyone who needs to work and surf on the move. At last, an ultra portable actually feels like a step up from the Psion series 7 and I would recommend it very highly indeed.

Clove has some new Aspire One's coming soon with much better specifications than this one, but at the same price.