If you have ready access to the internet on your Pocket PC either through WIFI or GPRS/Edge connection, then let me introduce you to Microsoft Live Search for mobile.  Microsoft Live Search for mobile provides some great, relevant information while you are on the move.  Live Search for mobile is free, except for any text messaging and/or data charges you might incur through your wireless service provider. 

Live Search for mobile consists of three components:  SMS (Text Messaging), Mobile Browsing, and Mobile Downloads.

SMS (Text Messaging) allows you to use simple text messaging to find local addresses and phone numbers.  If you are using a cellphone, you can then call the local phone number.  You can search for residential and commercial listings as well as get instant answers to questions, and even follow the financial markets.

With SMS (Text Messaging) you send a simple text message to 95483 and a return text message immediately provides an answer.  To use SMS (Text Messaging), all you need to do is:

• Open the email application on your Pocket PC
• Select the Text Messaging account,
• Tap New > Enter 95483 in the "To:" field
• Then input your question in the message area, using a format something like this:

(You can see more examples on the SMS (Text Messaging) link provided above).  Be sure you do not use any kind of signature in your Text Messaging application or else the message will be rejected.  NOTE:  Text Messaging charges from your wireless service provider will be incurred.  
 
Mobile Browsing allows you to search the web just like you would on your computer.  You can find local businesses in your area, get maps and driving directions to your destinations, and catch the latest news.  You can use Mobile Browsing on your Pocket PC by entering http://mobile.live.com/search in your Pocket PC's browser.  NOTE:  You need to have an active WIFI or GPRS/EDGE internet connection to use this feature.

Mobile Downloads allows you to download the Live Search application to your Pocket PC.  The Live Search application allows you to find and view local information and maps on your Pocket PC so you can click your way to your destination without having to type in any text. For instance, you can find and map all the Italian restaurants near you; or get maps to your friends' homes, your office, your dentist, etc. You can also browse through local listings by various categories, such as "Activities", "Taxis", "Hotels," or "Health Clubs."  Your search results will include phone numbers, addresses, and an estimated distance from you, and, if you are using Live Search on a cellphone, you can then select a phone number to call for an immediate connection.  NOTE:  You need to have an active WIFI or GPRS/EDGE internet connection to use this feature.

You can download and install the Live Search software directly to your Pocket PC by entering http://wls.live.com in your Pocket PC's browser, then choose the download that pertains to your Pocket PC.  The download is in a .CAB file format, so once the file has been downloaded to your Pocket PC, you can tap the file to install the software directly to your Pocket PC.  Live Search can be installed on windows mobile 2002, 2003 or WM5.0 Pocket PCs.

After you've installed Live Search on your Pocket PC, you will find a "Live Search" entry on your Pocket PC's Start Menu.  The very first time you enter this application, you will be taken to a Service Agreement screen.  After you've accepted the terms of the Service Agreement, you will have full access to this wonderful service.

Live Search uses map information provided by NavTeq and traffic data provided by Traffic.  There is also a GPS option that can be set if your Pocket PC is GPS enabled.

I installed the Live Search application to both my rx1950 and my hw6925.  The application installed fine to both Pocket PCs, but when I attempted to use the application on the rx1950, it would not open up.  I attribute this to the constrained memory on the rx1950.  However, the application ran very well on my hw6925.

Enjoy!

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