Microsoft offers two different forms of its Windows Mobile software for each version of its currently released systems (for example, Windows 5.0, Windows 6.0 and Windows 6.1). The type of Windows Mobile OS you use (Professional or Standard) is based specifically on the type of phone you are using. Choosing which type of navigation and control you want over your phone will largely help determine which type of Windows Mobile platform you would like to use.
Touchscreen Vs. Non-Touchscreen
The Windows Mobile Professional operating system is used on touchscreen devices. The Windows Mobile Standard option is made specifically for non-touchscreen devices.
Navigation
Windows Mobile Professional offers larger on-screen icons that can be pressed with the user's stylus or finger to navigate among menus and applications. The Professional version's menus also tend to sit in a grid format, much like what you find on the iPhone. Smartphones use standard menus that are easier to navigate with using the phone's keypad and other directional arrows. Typically, the standard setup involves applications and menus placed in a vertical order so they can be easily scrolled through. Standard menus are meant for quick one-handed navigation, while Professional menus are meant for stylus and finger pressing so they must be bigger to make them easy to tap.
Software
Windows Mobile Professional applications will not run on Windows Mobile Standard operating systems. This incompatibility is created because certain games and applications require screen tapping or scrolling based on how they are programmed. Some Windows Mobile Professional and Standard applications however are developed with different controls as to work with both types of systems. Professional versions also tend to be slightly bigger in memory size because of their added functionality.
Enhanced Uses of Windows Professional
Windows Mobile Professional has added options that include cut, copy and paste functions; toolbar and paragraph options; and the ability to insert, modify and delete charts. Only Windows Mobile Professional is capable of using the remote desktop function.
Windows Mobile OS Commonalities
Both operating systems offer their own versions of Microsoft Office for Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, Microsoft ActiveSync, Windows Mobile Update, Windows Mobile Marketplace and Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile. Both operating systems can also support the same amount of memory (RAM and ROM), although touchscreen devices tend to offer larger amounts based on needs. Both operating systems can also handle fast processors, Bluetooth, GPS and other standard hardware settings. Essentially outside of a few differences, including the big difference of a touchscreen, most of the operating system functions remain unchanged.
Tags: Windows Mobile, Mobile Professional, Windows Mobile Professional, operating systems, Both operating
