CrunchGear

If you’ve heard about a Windows-based smartphone in the past year or two, it’s most likely running Windows Mobile 5.0. Actually a subset of what Microsoft calls Windows CE, Windows Mobile 5.0 (WM5) runs with a portion of Windows CE 5.0’s total features. Various subsets of Windows CE is used for OSes like the Windows Mobile Pocket PC Edition, Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition, and Portable Media Center. Confused yet?

Well, all you need to know is that there are currently two different types of WM5 devices that you can purchase. One of these versions is WM5 Pocket PC Edition (WM5-PPC), which runs on larger phones that often have a touch-screen (almost all) or keyboard (about half). The other version is WM5 Smartphone Edition (WM5-S), which usually comes in a candybar, flip-phone or flat-clam shape (like the Motorola Q). Which one’s the right one for you? Read on to find out.

WM or Small and Pretty: You Decide

So why would you buy a WM5 phone instead of say, a Motorola RAZR or something smaller and prettier? Functionality, functionality, functionality! Being able to have a lightweight device with laptop-like functionality you can just whip in and out of your pocket is worth the added bulk in your pants. Web browsing, email, instant messaging, media playback, RSS reading, Skype VoIP calling, emulation gaming, organizing, and scheduling are just a few things you can do.

Couple all this functionality with an unlimited data plan and you get BlackBerry-like emailing and become reachable wherever you are — much to the detriment of your free time. If you’ve got a GPS-receiver with Bluetooth or even a WM5 device that has a GPS built in, you can also use your phone as portable navigation. And if your provider allows it, you can tether your smartphone to your laptop and use it as a portable modem to get internet access anywhere.

Why WM

Motorola Q, the slightly thicker Palm Treo 700w, the RAZR-esque Cingular 3125 flip-phone, and the slide-out keyboard of the upcoming Cingular 8125. There are various models to suit your needs while still being small enough to carry. Depending on your current provider, you may have more choices than your buddies.

What, Where, When?

the same as the Treo 700w, with minor modifications like more memory. The more expensive ($599 after 2-year service contract) Samsung IP-830W gives you both CDMA and GSM (overseas) access, as well as a 520MHz Processor. There’s also an integrated QWERTY keyboard, making it just as usable as the other two.

Cingular 3125, which is a WM5-S package that fits into a Motorola RAZR-like body. You give up keyboard features, but you gain the bulgeless pants look that’s so popular with the ladies nowadays. If you’re looking for a candybar, there’s the Cingular 2125, which also runs the WM5-S OS. It’s even smaller than the 3125.

There is an upcoming Cingular 8525, which is like the 8125 but with a 400MHz processor and 3G capabilities. This should be available by Christmas, but we don’t have a solid launch date yet.

: There are a few different IM apps for WM5, but Agile Mobile seems to be the best. All of them could use some work, but Agile lets you connect to AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, Jabber (XMPP), and Google all from your data plan instead of your SMS plan.