Handheld & Mobile Devices Books - Page 5

How to Do Everything with Your BlackBerry, Second Edition (How to Do Everything)

Curt Simmons

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Severely needs updating 2 out of 5 stars.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.

As someone who teaches Blackberry usage, I found this book useful for some really, really, basic info, but it just doesn't go far enough. For instance, the author tells you how useful the PIN feature is, but not how to use it. And there are simple features (such as 'encryption' and 'antialiasing') that a user will find by exploring her blackberry that are not mentioned in this book.

Also, the author says you can not view any attachments on your BB. So not true. A "viewer" is always available on the 7200 & later models.

Editorial Review:

Discover how you can capitalize on the BlackBerry’s many uses beyond e-mail. The BlackBerry seamlessly helps you manage all your business information while you’re on the go, using revolutionary wireless technology. Handle all your business tasks and projects using this portable lightweight device—make phone calls, create task lists, manage your calendar and address book, write memos, and surf the web, whether you’re outside the country or just away from your desk. Get keyboard shortcut tips and tricks, plus advice on more advanced uses like downloading programs to customize your BlackBerry.

Seize the Work Day: Using the Tablet PC to Take Total Control of Your Work and Meeting Day

Michael Linenberger

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good Reminder for Professionals 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

As I read the book it reminded me of all the things I should be doing to keep my work organized. The tablet PC is a great tool which I encorporated into my daily routine prior to reading. This book gave me helpful hints on how to do things effectively and efficently on my tablet. The book is written using the beta and initial version of the tablet PC tools. If you purchase you must download the updates of Chapters 3 & 4. This update gives a better understanding of the current tools of the tablet PC. It is worth the money in time saved.

Tablet PC book not for learning the Tablet 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book is not for someone learning to really use the Tablet PC. It is about his system of organization and how to use the Tablet PC as a key device in organizing your life, as the title indicates. I was disappointed in the book overall as I was looking for a book that would educate the physicians I support in better use of the Tablet itself.

Editorial Review:

Seize the Work Day describes using the Tablet PC to help the average office work-manager get control of his/her work day and become more productive. It paints a compelling picture of the Tablet PC as a very practical business tool, and assists the user in succeeding with the Tablet PC in such a setting.

Now You Know Palm Centro (One-Off)

Patrick Ames

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $11.70

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The brand new Centro is a full-featured Palm Smartphone designed to target the consumer and youth digital lifestyle market. Palm Centro gives the user voice, text, IM, email and web, in one, small, convenient package. The Centro has a color touchscreen and a full keyboard, so users can say goodbye to those tricky keys on their cell phone. Look up maps and directions on Google Maps, shoot photos and video, meet up with friends on MySpace, check out photos on Flickr, this new smartphone can do almost anything, and this unique, full-color book documents it all with at-aglance tips, tutorials, and techniques. This pocket-sized and portable guide comes jam-packed with new things you can do on your Centro that are not disclosed in the PDF manuals. Master one topic quickly and easily and then move on to the next because everything is a one-to-five minute tip or technique. Now You Know Centro is meant to be fast and simple, allowing you to practice on your handheld while you read. You'll learn about the wireless capabilities, e-mail, media and streaming media, accessories, productivity, and more. In minutes, you can watch your skills improve and use what you learn immediately. Now You Know Centro is designed for immediate gratification, not for hour-long reads, the exact way you use your smartphone. 

How to Do Everything with Windows Mobile (How to Do Everything)

Frank McPherson

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Mobile & Handheld Computing

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

I regret not having bought it sooner! 5 out of 5 stars.
25 of 27 people found this review helpful.

If you have a mobile computer (for example, a PocketPC) that runs on a Windows platform, you probably found the instruction manual grossly inadequate. I know I did. I also found some basic, expected functionality missing from my PocketPC and immediately set about finding third-party applications to resolve those deficiencies. Along the way, I found out just how frustrating it is to set up or even use a mobile computer without something other than just the manual to serve as an information source.

What a jewel I found in this book on Windows Mobile! Most computer-related books are either way too simple to be of any use, or they are written for people who don't need a manual in the first place. This one is targeted squarely at the typical user.

I have a real problem with "newbie" books that assume you can't read a display menu. This book doesn't start at that point. It starts with the assumption you don't live under a rock and aren't too lazy to click a few things to see what they do. It also doesn't assume you have an advanced degree in computer programming. My first reaction when reading this was, "Pinch me--I must be dreaming!" Definitely a great value for every penny spent and definitely worth the time spent reading it.

The book is arranged logically, with five major parts. Part One focuses on the "get started" issues. It starts off by explaining the Windows Mobile platform. It then provides some basics about the devices that run on Windows Mobile, so you're not lost in later sections. After this, it explains various settings--what they mean and what you can do with them. It ends by addressing specifics with Smartphones.

Part II helps you master using your laptop or desktop PC with your Windows Mobile device. I found this extraordinarily helpful, because the manual for my device left me to bumble and stumble in needless pain and misery. But now, I am very comfortable using my laptop to manage my Pocket PC. If you are wondering what the heck "manage" means in this context, you need to read this book!

One operation I don't do is synchronization--I find that far too scary. What if it wipes out the files on the computer? The first time I tried this process, it created all kinds of problems and I had to restore my computer's calendar and e-mail from a backup. To prevent a disaster, I now use my laptop rather than my desktop to do things on my Pocket PC.

A weakness in the book is it doesn't explain how to selectively synchronize. It gives a hint, though--setting up a special mail profile for this may solve the problem of unwanted "updates." But it doesn't address this problem directly. The synchronization function needs to be fixed, so that a person can use it without the risk of losing data. A well-explained workaround would have been nice.

Part III addresses many issues I don't care about and that don't affect people who have broadband service with their Pocket PC. If you have to use a dialup, though, this information is indispensable.

Part IV talks mostly about various applications that strike me as laptop or desktop stuff. For example, running spreadsheets and databases on your Pocket PC. Maybe my view is just too narrow. To me, the small screen and tiny keyboard mean you pretty much stick to calling, e-mailing, and doing minor text work. In an age where 21-inch CRTs and 17-inch LCDs dominate desktops, it seems ridiculous to try to cram those same applications into a screen that is 1.75 x 2.75 inches. If you can't have a laptop with you, then maybe the actual work can wait. It may seem unbelievable, but there was a time when people weren't expected to respond to a call 24 hrs a day and were expected to go back to the office to update a file.

Throughout the book, there are resource recommendations with accurate URLs provided. I followed up on many of these and found some excellent applications at reasonable prices.

If you are looking at any kind of computer/phone combo, get this book first. Yes, that applies to thinking about a Blackberry or PalmPilot, too. I was originally going to buy a Blackberry, but my product research led me to select a PocketPC instead. I have never regretted that choice. I bought this book several months after buying my device (I didn't know there was such a book, until then). My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner.

Editorial Review:

Get the most out of your Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone, or Smartphone using the latest Windows Mobile software and this easy-to-follow guide. Learn fast and simple ways to manage all types of information-from everyday essentials such as scheduling appointments and storing addresses to balancing your checkbook and reading email-no matter where you go. Written in a step-by-step format, How to Do Everything with Windows Mobile shows you how to share data with other wireless devices, play music, watch videos, send messages, write letters, and much more. Whether your needs are business or pleasure, this handy guide will have you fully utilizing all of the expanded features and capabilities of your Windows Mobile device.

iPAQ for Dummies

Brian Underdahl

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A great way to get going with your iPAQ 5 out of 5 stars.
39 of 40 people found this review helpful.

OK... I'm secure enough in technology to admit that I enjoy Dummies titles. The latest Dummies title I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing is iPAQ for Dummies by Brian Underdahl. This is a nice book if you are looking for an enjoyable read that will walk you through all the features of your new mobile device.

Chapter breakout: Getting to Know the iPAQ; Choosing Your iPAQ; Understanding the iPAQ Basics; Entering Information into Your iPAQ; Keeping It in Sync; Keeping Your Address Book; Taking Some Notes; Keeping Your Mobile Calendar; Working With Pocket Word; Managing Your Calculations; Tracking Your Money; Connecting Your iPAQ; Surfing The Internet; Keeping Track of Your Email; Using Your iPAQ for Music; More Multimedia; Playing Around with Your iPAQ; Finding iPAQ Applications; Traveling with Your iPAQ; Ten Great iPAQ Accessories; Ten Great iPAQ Business Programs; Ten Great Ways To Have Fun with Your iPAQ; Ten Great iPAQ Utilities; Index

When I got my iPAQ a couple of weeks ago, I was looking for a title that was more oriented towards a user of the device (as opposed to a title that showed you how to hack the device). Underdahl delivers well on that need. He covers both the hardware of the iPAQ (and all the different models) as well as each of the software packages that comes as part of the standard iPAQ configuration. In addition to explaining the base software, he also recommends additional software and/or hardware that either adds functionality that isn't there or is better than what the iPAQ ships with. And of course, all this is done in the lighter, humorous fashion that you normally find in a Dummies book.

My favorite section was the portions on using the Internet with the Wi-Fi connectivity. I downloaded an additional package based on his recommendation, and now I'm set to easily find and surf hotspots when I'm away from the house. I also tried an alternative web browser, but I'm not yet sure if I like it or not. Either way, without this book it would have taken longer to find those gems.

You can probably find all this information online or figure it out yourself. But why take the time to do so if you can have it all delivered in an enjoyable book?

Editorial Review:

* Covers the latest hardware and technology developments, including the new Windows Mobile 2003 operating system, for Hewlett-Packard's popular Pocket PC PDA
* Helps Pocket PC newcomers get up to speed and guides veterans through the iPAQ interface
* iPAQ's Windows Mobile 2003 operating system offers improved security and network support, Web browsing, and synchronization for e-mail, calendar, and contacts
* Covers navigating the iPAQ; using the address book; scheduling appointments; creating to-do lists; taking notes; syncing your iPAQ with a home or office computer; using Pocket PC versions of Word, Excel, and Money; connecting to the Internet; accessing e-mail, e-books, music, and much more

Kicking Butt with MIDP and MSA: Creating Great Mobile Applications (Java Series)

Jonathan Knudsen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The release of MIDP 2.0 and the introduction of the new Mobile Service Architecture (MSA) are generating momentum for the Java ME platform. As more and more Java-enabled mobile devices become available and more service providers become open to third-party development, the demand for customized applications will grow dramatically. Now, there's a practical, realistic guide to building MIDP 2.0/MSA applications that are robust, responsive, maintainable, and fun.

Long-time Java ME author Jonathan Knudsen offers real solutions for the complex challenges of coding efficiency, application design, and usability in constrained mobile environments. Experienced Java developers will master MIDP 2.0 and MSA programming through clear, carefully designed examples. Downloadable code is available for both NetBeans Mobility Pack and the Sun Java Wireless Toolkit. Kicking Butt with MIDP and MSA's wide-ranging content covers:

• Pushing MIDP's limits, and exploiting MSA's full power
• Using MIDlets, Forms, commands, core classes, and invocation
• Building effective mobile user interfaces
• Designing graphics with the Canvas, the Game API, SVG, and 3D
• Providing storage and resources: record stores, FileConnection, and PDA PIM
• Internationalizing mobile applications
• Networking via WMA, Bluetooth, Web services, and SIP
• Parsing XML documents
• Implementing audio and advanced multimedia
• Securing mobile applications with SATSA and the Payment API
• Building advanced location-based applications
• Designing applications for multiple devices
• Creating end-to-end mobile application architectures

Blackjacking: Security Threats to BlackBerry Devices, PDAs, and Cell Phones in the Enterprise

Daniel V. Hoffman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great book on BlackBerry and Mobile Device Security 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Blackjacking takes on the task of educating both administrators and management about the threats of mobile devices to their enterprise. I believe this book succeeds in its task and serves as a great reference not only for the blackberry enterprise server (BES) administrators out there but also for the network administrators, help desk personnel, security personnel as well as a book that can aid in the education of the end users. It is written in a tone and dialog that can be useful to the technical reader and non-technical reader and does well digging into the relatively new field of mobile device (especially BlackBerry) security.

The book starts out with a very good overview of the threats to mobile devices (Malware, Direct Attack, Data Communication Interception, Spoofing and Sniffing, and Physical Compromise). It then moves into an excellent overview of the devices that will be covered in the book (BlackBerrys, Pocket PCs, Palm Handhelds, and Cell Phones).
From there each device is covered in depth with "Exploiting the Device", "Hacking the Supporting Device Infrastructure", and "Protecting your PC and LAN from the Device."

The BlackBerry section (which is probably why you are thinking about purchasing the book) does a great job covering the current and future attacks given the fairly limited publicly available research, tools, and code and gives solid advice on setting up your network infrastructure to deal with the growing threat with mobile devices. The vignettes discussing plausible attacks for each attack scenario serve as good feasible examples to think about for your enterprise and users and how to protect your network.

Likes: Discussion of how BlackBerry communications work with your cell phone provider and within a BlackBerry Enterprise Server environment, all the background material on the BlackBerry device, multiple examples (for further research on what is best for your environment) for AV and firewall solutions for each type of device, and seeing attacks on most of the threats in the lab using available tools.

Dislikes: while not in the scope of the book more code examples would be nice (of course it would take away from the usability of the book to "non-technical" people) and the book didn't list links for the tools and malware discussed (yes I know Google exists).

Overall an excellent book. I purchased the book for my BlackBerry admin (but I read it first) and I think he will find it useful since he is not a "security" guy. It really ties together networking best practices and technologies and while not a "BlackBerry (or mobile device) or network lockdown guide" blackjacking serves as a good reference for further research into AV, firewalls, and VPNs for mobile devices as well as safe methods for allowing those devices entry and access into your network.

Editorial Review:

Today, it is almost impossible to do business without a cell phone and a BlackBerry or PDA. These devices are the lifeline for companies large and small—and nobody knows this better than a hacker. Traditionally, security for mobile devices has held a low priority. Now, a certified ethical hacker explains in this book why this must change and how to change it. Packed with sobering examples of actual attacks, this unique resource shows you how to mount your counterattack.

Taking Your iPhone to the Max (Technology in Action)

Erica Sadun

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Unleash your iPhone and take it to the limit using secret tips and techniques from gadget hacker Erica Sadun. Fast and fun to read, Taking Your iPhone to the Max will show you how get the most out of Apple’s iPhone. You’ll find all the best, and undocumented, tricks as well as the most efficient and enjoyable introduction to the iPhone you’ll ever find.

Starting with a guide to iPhone basics, you’ll quickly move on to discover the iPhone’s hidden potential, like how to connect to a TV, get contract-free VOIP, and hack OS X so it will run apps on your iPhone. From e-mail and surfing the Web, to using iTunes, iBooks, games, photos, ripping DVDs and getting free VOIP with Skype or Jajah, you’ll find it here. You’ll even find tips on where to get the best and cheapest iPhone accessories. Get ready to take iPhone to the max!

What you’ll learn

• iPhone basics
• E-mail, voicemail, and using iCal
• Surfing the Web with iPhone using Safari
• Expanding the main menu using third-party software
• Using iTunes, games, and iBooks
• Connecting to the TV and ripping DVDs
• Hacking OS X to run apps on the iPhone
• Getting contract-free VOIP
• Saving on accessories and what you really need

Who is this book for?

Anyone who has an iPhone and wants to get more out of it, learn how to connect to other devices, or tinker with it

BlackBerry Hacks: Tips & Tools for Your Mobile Office (Hacks)

Dave Mabe

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: O'Reilly Media, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 42 new & used starting at $2.26

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The BlackBerry has become an invaluable tool for those of us who need to stay connected and in the loop. But most people take advantage of only a few features that this marvelous communications device offers. What if you could do much more with your BlackBerry than just web surfing and email?

BlackBerry Hacks will enhance your mobile computing with great tips and tricks. You'll learn that the BlackBerry is capable of things you never thought possible, and you'll learn how to make it an even better email and web workhorse:

• Get the most out of the built-in applications
• Take control of email with filters, searches, and more
• Rev up your mobile gaming--whether you're an arcade addict or poker pro
• Browse the web, chat over IM, and keep up with news and weblogs
• Work with office documents, spell check your messages, and send faxes
• Become more secure, lock down your BlackBerry and stash secure information somewhere safe
• Manage and monitor the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and Mobile Data System (MDS)
• Create web sites that look great on a BlackBerry
• Develop and deploy BlackBerry applications

Whether you need to schedule a meeting from a trade show floor, confirm your child's next play date at the park, or just find the show times and secure movie tickets while at dinner, this book helps you use the remarkable BlackBerry to stay in touch and in-the-know--no matter where you are or where you go.

How to Do Everything with Your iPAQ Pocket PC, Third Edition (How to Do Everything)

Derek Ball

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $1.05

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Only if you suffer from severe tech phobia 1 out of 5 stars.
41 of 42 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book based on highly favorable reviews here. I found this book to be a total waste of time and money. This book may be useful if you are a complete newbie, don't have access to an IT guy/gal and haven't a clue how to do a web search for info/tips.

Otherwise, don't bother. There is little info on the newer IPAQ's and none on the 2003 OS. This is hardly surprising given the 2002 copyright. Some 30% of the pages are dedicated to promotions of peripherals and games (pages 247 to 352 out of 352 pages, not including appendices). Most of the peripherals are now obsolete. More importantly, all this info can be found at any PDA site, for free.

This is a VERY basic text, yet it doesn't cover important items such as data backup and recovery. If it does, it certainly isn't listed in the index. Need to find out how to reset your IPAQ? Forget it. Not in the index and nowhere to be found in the text. However, you will find "Marble Madness" and "bags, carrying."

The text discusses various brands of storage cards, but fails to inform you on how to transfer data onto those cards. Two solid pages are dedicated to specs for an IBM hard drive - info which is available, for free, on the web. Nevermind the question of why someone who needs a hard drive for his PDA would be using this "IPAQ for the severely tech challenged" book?

Compare this to the three pages which the writer begrudgingly alots to troubleshooting and you get a sense of where the priorities are with this book. And by the way, those troubleshooting tips are either available on the web at the IPAQ webpage (guess what? for free) or for issues which have been resolved.

Do a Google search. It'll save you time, frustration and money.

Editorial Review:

Maximize all the powerful capabilities of your iPAQ Pocket PC with help from this easy-to-use guide. You'll learn to use the email, Internet, phone, and camera features, and enjoy all the entertainment options like movies and music. You'll also find out how to be more productive on-the-go using the mobile office software--work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, all in the palm of your hand. With coverage of all models, How to Do Everything with Your iPAQ Pocket PC, Third Edition is your one-stop guide for getting the most out of this versatile handheld device.