That's where the WMA file format comes in. With this file format, you get the exact same sound quality as an MP3 while using half the storage space. You can convert MP3 files to WMA files using the Windows Media Manager for Pocket PC that comes with every Pocket PC sold. With the WMA file being half the size of an MP3, that means only one thing--twice the amount of songs on your device. You can still play MP3s on your device, but why would you want to?

If storage is becoming a problem because your music files outnumber your contacts, you should pick up a CF (Compact Flash) card. These cards come in a range of sizes, from 4MB up to 340MB, depending on whether your device supports Type I or Type II CF cards.

Windows Media Manager
You keep hearing me talk about this Windows Media Manager, so I'd better fill you in. This program helps you transfer music files to your device. Now you're probably asking yourself, why don't I just connect my device to my desktop computer and do the old drag and drop to transfer the MP3 files? Well, you could do that, but the files wouldn't be converted to the space saving WMA format. The Windows Media Manager screen is pictured in Figure B.

FIGURE B


Windows Media Manager can convert MP3 files to the WMA format. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Windows Media Manager is very easy to use. To move files from Windows Media Manager to your Pocket PC, first, within the My Computer section in Windows Media Player, open the folder where you've stored music files. Then select the file you'd like to copy to your Pocket PC. Then, in the Pocket PC section, select the folder you'd like to transfer music files to. When you click the arrow button on the right, it will start the transfer.

Features
Windows Media Player is easy to use too. All the buttons on the screen are big enough to use your finger to select, except for the slide bars that control the volume and the current position in the song. The player even allows you to create play lists and loop or shuffle songs.

Another cool feature is the ability to download different skins to change the physical look of the Windows Media Player, depending on your personal tastes. Figure C shows some examples of other skins available.

FIGURE C


A wide range of alternative skins are available to add flair to your Windows Media Player. Roll over picture for a larger image.

You're also able to run other applications on your Pocket PC while your songs are playing, which means you can enjoy your favorite music while playing solitaire, writing documents, or checking email, etc. Overall, Windows Media Player is a very good program; it helps you add a little fun to a long business day or trip.

Recommendations
Here are my recommendations for you if you wish to use this program:

• buy a car adapter;
• buy a cigarette lighter power adapter to save battery power when you're in your car;
• buy a CF card to save storage space on your device;
• buy a good set of headphones so you can listen to your music privately whenever you want.

What is an MP3 anyway?
Some of you might have gotten through this whole article and are saying to yourselves, "This Windows Media Player looks great and all, but what the heck is an MP3?"