If you are searching for a Windows Mobile Emulator for your desktop or a remote control support tool there are several applications for you to consider.  We have used all three of the applications listed below with our Handheld Trakker software solution to do support and development.  So I thought it would beneficial to share a brief description of the applications and the pros and cons that we have seen while using each one.

Best Overall Solution:

LogMeIn Mobile + Remote www.logmein.com (We LOVE www.LogMeIn.com for all kinds of computer support needs and use it EVERY SINGLE DAY)
about $2000 per year

Pro’s:

• can be installed on the fly in the field (provided they have an internet connection)
• can be used to support handhelds, laptops and desktop computers
• can be connected to as many handhelds as you need, no software needs to be preinstalled, the user can connect via internet at www.logmein123.com from anywhere they have an internet connection
• Can remotely run unit, look at and copy files from desktop remote handheld, check memory, cpu usage…
• Can do screen captures and video
• You can connect to several devices at once

Con’s

• a bit pricey, $1956 per support staff workstation, but they can connect to as many devices in the field at a time as they need.

Best Desktop and Video Training Solution

Soti Pocket Controller www.soti.net
about $225 for 5 handhelds
Pro’s:

• Connect a handheld to your desktop and use your full keyboard to control it
• If you use a remote control tool to run your desktop remotely you can also run the handheld connected to it
• Can do screen captures and video
• buy it once and you own it
• Automatically starts up when HH starts up
• Very good desktop keyboard support

Con’s

• still a little pricey for a large number of handhelds
• Only connects to handheld at your desk, no remote connections supported
• You can only connect to 1 handheld at a time

Best Solution for windows mobile emulation on a limited Budget

To run a desktop connection of your handheld device on your desktop via activesync or even via wireless WAN/Internet connection, you can use Virtual CE by Bitbank Software.  You can download the desktop tool for $10 from
Bitbank Virtual CE www.bitbanksoftware.com/VirtualCE.html
about $10 for unlimited handhelds, but for only 1 desktop

Pro’s:

• Connect a handheld to your desktop and use your full keyboard to control it
• Connect a handheld that is on your wireless, and often through your phones internet (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon…) to your desktop and use your full keyboard to control it
• You can connect to several handhelds at once
• If you use a remote control tool to run your desktop remotely you can also run the handheld connected to it
• Can do screen captures
• buy it once and you own it

Con’s

• Does not automatically starts up when HH starts up
• Does not do video recording
• Can not copyfiles remotely like you can with LogMeIn
• The desktop keyboard support is not as strong as the others

These are 3 of the best solutions that we have found, recommend and use in different capacities on a regular basis.  As far as Windows Mobile Emulator we find these to all really be excellent choices based upon your day to day needs.  If you have any questions or comments please let us know.  And if we can help you make a decision on the solution that’s right for you, we’d be happy to do that as well.