Section 6.10. Skype for the Pocket PC

6.10. Skype for the Pocket PC

By spring 2005, there were 1.3 million downloads of Skype software for Pocket PC (just over 1% of all downloads). Skype's network administrators can't differentiate between clients on the network, so they don't know how many Pocket PC users have been on the system.

Requirements include Pocket PC Version 1.0 or higher or any PDA using Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC. The Pocket PC must have at least a 400MHz processor. A headset is strongly recommended. You will still annoy people around you when talking, but at least you won't have to yell at the face of your PDA hoping the microphone picks up your voice.

The Pocket PC Phone Edition includes a data service (provided by the cell phone company) called GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or 1xRTT (Single Carrier Radio Transmission Technology, as used by Sprint and Verizon). These are fast enough to support Chat (IM) but not voice calls. You must have Wi-Fi support in order to have enough bandwidth to support telephone calls. (But if you obtain a Pocket PC Phone Edition with 1xEV-DO or EDGE, both part of the latest generation of cellular data, you may find it's fast enough to support Skypebut, check your service plan first to make sure you're not being billed by the kilobyte!)

You must be a registered Skype user before installing the Pocket PC software. Skype software installation for a Pocket PC requires three steps:

1. Download and install the PC portion of the software (SkypeForPocketPC.exe).

2. Verify ActiveSync is running on your PC.

3. Download and install the Pocket PC software (SkypeForPocketPC.cab) to your handheld device.

Once installed, your Pocket PC becomes a Skype client just like any other (for the most part). If you log into both a desktop and Pocket PC concurrently, both will ring when you get a call. Answer from your Pocket PC and carry on just like any other conversation. When you call out from your Pocket PC, you can use SkypeOut minutes.

There are a few caveats:

• You must recreate your contact list because no copy or transfer option exists.

• You can participate in conference calls, but you can not initiate them.

• Only English language support is available (as of Spring 2005).

Be aware the level of standardization taken for granted with PCs running Windows software does not yet extend to the Pocket PC world. Skype's Pocket PC forums are full of unlucky customers searching for the right Pocket PC operating system, Wi-Fi support, and Skype software version to get full functionality.

Bluetooth headsets introduce another level of complexity into the equation. While handy, and sometimes the only way to get a microphone input for some Pocket PC models, finding the right combination of headset, Pocket PC, and Skype version for that Pocket PC can be tough.

Manage your expectations with Skype for Pocket PC. The list of models with successful Skype support isn't long but is growing. Unfortunately, Skype does not list "approved" models but instead points customers back to the requirements list.

If you're planning to buy a Pocket PC for Skype use, go to the Skype Pocket PC forum (forum.skype.com/viewforum.php?f=13) prior to purchase. The same goes when you're shopping for a Bluetooth headset. Hearing a success story or two before buying will smooth the process because you know at least a few other people achieved their Skype and Pocket PC goal.