"Sometimes you see a larger box to the left of the signal strength
icon.  This one usually says G, E, 1X, or Ev for GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, or
EvDO.  This icon says that the device can see that sort of network, but
doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s connected.  It’s more of a, "This
network is available," notification than anything else."

Ever wanted to know a little more about those signal strength icons in the top status bar of a Windows Mobile phone device?  And the odd little ‘G’ and ‘E’ symbols next to them?

 
There’s a good post up at the Windows Mobile Team blog site that gives a quick rundown of what is really being indicated by the signal strength and other icons / symbols along that top status bar. It also provides a little further detail on how persistent connections affect charges and battery life.

The Windows Mobile Team blog is a very good resource generally, and this short article is worth a look if you never really understand what exactly all those status icons are trying to tell you.  Find it at:

What Are These Arrows (and why are they still here)?