For the first time since the Windows Mobile operating system was introduced, Microsoft has provided a new software utility for syncing Windows Mobile Pocket PCs and Smartphones with Windows PCs: Windows Mobile Device Center.  Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) is a replacement for ActiveSync in Windows Vista, and while WMDC is similar to ActiveSync in many ways, there are a few differences you should be aware of before you begin using it.

In this article we'll discuss general Windows Media Device Center information, along with some requirements users must meet when making the move to the new sync utility.

How Do I Get WMDC?

Windows Vista is designed to work more seamlessly with Windows Mobile devices than did XP.  If you connect a compatible Windows Mobile device to your Vista-powered PC, WMDC will be added to the list of available downloads in Windows Update, and should download automatically if you've configured Windows Update to run in the background.

If you'd like to install WMDC manually, you can download in the installer here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/devicecenter.mspx

It's worth repeating that WMDC is compatible with Windows Vista PCs only, and will not run on Windows XP or other previous versions of Windows. Those running non-Vista versions of Windows must use ActiveSync.

Can I Use WMDC?

Although ActiveSync is compatible with all Windows Mobile devices, from those running the first Pocket PC 2000 operating system to those running the latest Windows Mobile 6, WMDC has more limitations, and is only compatible with devices running Windows Mobile 2003 or later.  If you're unclear which version of the Windows Mobile OS your device is running, click here. 

Some devices like the iPAQ 3975 were shipped running Pocket PC 2002, which is not compatible with WMDC, but can be upgraded to Windows Mobile 2003.  Check with your device manufacturer to see if such an update is available.  Devices running Pocket PC 2000, or devices running Pocket PC 2002 for which no WM2003 upgrade was released cannot be used with WMDC.

Which Versions of Outlook are Compatible with WMDC?

According to Microsoft, Windows Mobile Device Center will sync with the Outlook versions:

• Outlook 2000
• Outlook XP (2002)
• Outlook 2003
• Outlook 2007 

If you would like to upgrade Outlook to the latest version, you can find such upgrades here.

Setting Up Windows Mobile Device Center

After WMDC is installed, you'll be welcomed with a screen which allows you to configure your Windows Mobile device for profiled syncing or to connect without creating a profile:

If you set up a profile, you can choose which items you'd like to sync:

You can customize some of the sync items, but you'll need to do that later using the Choose Content Sync Settings tool.  For now, select the items you wish to sync with your Windows Mobile device and choose Next.  You'll next be prompted to enter a name for your device.  This can be whatever you'd like.

You've now created a profile and are ready to sync:

New Features in Windows Mobile Device Center

While most of the syncing features of WMDC are similar or identical to those of ActiveSync v4.x, there are some changes.

One noteworthy addition to WMDC is the Picture/Video Import wizard, which makes syncing photos and video captured by your Windows Mobile device with your Windows Vista PC much easier.  You can configure this tool in the Pictures, Music and Video submenu.  Choose the folder in which you would like new images and video stored on your PC, select the tag you'd like to use for the imported files, and more:

Once configured, Windows Mobile Device Center will alert you when new photos or videos you've taken with your device are ready to be imported:

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