POCKET PC LIFE review

I like to use landscape mode on my Pocket PC at times and have been using Jimmy Software's Landscape X. I also use Periscope for giving demonstrations of my Pocket PC on a desktop computer, as well as using it to take screenshots of programs that won't allow me to with IA Screenshot. Aurorisoft Inc. recently released an application that allowed me to remove both of these programs while adding additional functionality. dotPocket is an amazing application that I have not seen discussed much online, but one that deserves recognition for its power and functionality.

The dotPocket application consists of two primary components: the first is a Pocket PC based display driver that provides high resolution video output, landscape mode support, and a large set of resolution modes and the second component is the remote control ability to send video output to a desktop monitor or control your Pocket PC from the desktop.

Main program display

The primary purpose I used the Pocket PC display driver for is landscape mode. I do a lot of reading on my Pocket PC and I enjoy the landscape mode of Pocket Internet Explorer and Microsoft Reader better than the portrait mode. Spreadsheets are also much better in landscape and I still can't believe Microsoft hasn't implemented this for Pocket Excel. As shown on the screenshots, there are 4 screen orientations to choose from and several preset resolutions up to 600x800. You can also setup a custom resolution if you want to try other combinations, although you may not see much in the Fit to Screen mode. Since the Pocket PC has a fairly small screen, the higher resolution settings are difficult to read in most cases after you change the resolution. You will notice a small blue square, called the Screen Navigator, on the display when you change resolution and tapping this will bring up a menu to zoom out to full screen, rotate, or flip, as well as access the Device Manager. The box did not show up in any screenshots I took, so you'll just have to see it in the trial version yourself. The Device Manager allows you to define the custom resolution of your Pocket PC, set a password to protect your work sessions, adjust your hardware button assignment while using dotPocket and register your copy of dotPocket.

Setting up landscape mode

Options accessed from onscreen square

Hardware button assignment

Changing the resolution and zooming occurs faster than when I was using Landscape X and actually makes for a decent user experience. You will have to scroll around in this mode, which may deter you from changing the resolution. When I took the screenshots using IA ScreenShot, the actual images that were taken were at the higher resolution which can be helpful for putting together application manuals and demonstrations.

IA ScreenShot application in 640x480 mode

Internet Explorer in landscape mode

The second component is the remote control/display functionality. The Pocket PC has to first be connected to the desktop via ActiveSync or TCP/IP using a wired or wireless connection. After a connection is made you will see your Pocket PC screen on the external monitor. You will notice a slight delay between your actions and the Pocket PC response and there are several options that you can change to try to reduce this delay. The options include changing the frame rate delay and the number of colors of the Pocket PC screen displayed on the monitor (less will increase the speed of response). You can do quite a bit with the remote control feature, including taking screenshots, entering data using your desktop/laptop keyboard, printing the Pocket PC screen information, transferring files to and from your device, controlling your device with your external mouse, and saving text to the clipboard. One other feature that is extremely helpful for creating tutorials is the ability to create AVI recordings of actions taken on your Pocket PC.

Main desktop display with File menu

Desktop connection settings

There is one aspect I would like to see to updated in the application. At first, I kept tapping the square in standard mode and nothing would happen. I then discovered that the Screen Navigator is only active when you are zoomed in and would like to see it available at all times.

I have now removed Landscape X and Periscope and use dotPocket all the time for taking screenshots of applications that won't allow me to take them directly on my Pocket PC, for giving demonstrations of my device on my desktop, and for recording tutorials. The ability to quickly switch resolutions and orientation on your device as well as take screenshots of every application and make AVI recordings is worth the $30. While the response on the desktop may be slow at times, thus knocking off half a star, dotPocket is a rock solid application and I highly recommend it.

Availability

You can purchase dotPocket indirectly through the Aurorisoft site. As always, I recommend that you download the free 30-day trial to see if the program is for you.