A Windows Mobile device is a computer and the operating system provides functionality that allows you to perform most of the common tasks of full fledge PC. In the past we have had Bluetooth keyboards and mice to help us maximize the use of our Windows Mobile devices; however the screen size still hampered us from making full use of the devices. Now with the Celio REDFLY Mobile Companion we can unlock the full power of our Windows Mobile devices. Although the REDFLY has issues with video resolution (blotchy image, which they’re working on) and you must use the Windows Mobile device’s microphone and speaker, it shines at rendering spreadsheet and web sites. For all off my maligning of Pocket Internet Explorer’s (PIE) rendering abilities on a small screen, REDFLY shows off PIE’s true capabilities on the 8″ screen. Writing lengthy emails or documents on my Windows Mobile device is no longer a chore.

All of this comes at a pretty the steep price of $499. That is much more than the subsidized price of the Windows Mobile device. Celio is currently targeting corporations where the total cost of ownership may make the REDFLY a winner by replacing the need of providing a laptop to their mobile workforce.

In the end this is a very compelling device for business, however given the price and lack of proper video functionality I don’t believe it is ready for the consumer market.

Next week I will use Adam’s usability criteria and post the results of my test with the REDFLY.

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Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

Video Unboxing

Detailed specifications of the REDFLY