Handheld PDA/Smartphone Support Services

There has been a growing, though non-standardized, base of handheld devices at Queens. Increasing numbers of users have inquired about purchasing new handheld devices with support expected from IT Services.  The large number of unique makes and models of handheld devices poses a significant support obstacle. Please be aware of the following when considering the purchase of a new handheld or Smartphone. 

Supported Handhelds and Smartphones
ITS will provide support for the Pocket PC platform running the Windows Mobile OS. IT Services has chosen the Pocket PC platform over the Palm OS platform due to its tighter integration and sync capability with the Windows Operating System. The preferred model for handhelds without phone capability will be the HP iPAQ.  The preferred Smartphone will be the Windows Mobile version of the Treo.   

Faculty and staff should check with IT Services to ensure the device they intend to purchase will be supported prior to making the purchase.  IT Services cannot guarantee support for devices not pre-approved.

IT Services will support the current installed base of handhelds running the Palm OS.  Voice/telephone functionality is not supported by ITS.  For Smartphones new purchases should be for Windows Mobile based devices.
There is no support for Blackberry and other types of devices not listed above.
Support for pre-approved Windows Mobile handheld devices will consist of:

• Install Microsoft ActiveSync software on desktop or laptop PCs.
• Connect cables and cradles to university-owned desktop or laptop PCs.
• Ensure that the Pocket PC can synchronize with Computer and MS Outlook for calendaring, contacts, email, notes, files via cradle. (* Palm email sync may require purchase of 3rd party software)
• Install Mobile Windows operating system updates (firmware), driver updates, patches as needed at a user’s request.
• Work with vendor technical support to resolve hardware repair and replacement of devices.

Wireless Sync Not Supported
At this time the ability to wirelessly sync Outlook to handheld devices is not available and no support exists for this functionality.  Supported sync operations are by cradle/cable only.  This should be understood when the purchase of any data plan for a device is considered.
Personal Handheld/PDA Devices