We all like a desktop solution to edit data on our Windows Mobile devices, it’s just easier, the ill fated Redfly from Celio, hit the market at an unfortunate time, coinciding with the introduction and utter proliferation of the netbook. Although the devices were similairly sized and priced, the disadvantage of the Redfly was that it doesn’t do anything but work off your Windows Mobile device, let’s face it Celio couldn’t even give the hardware away.

In what appears to be an astute marketing move, they have released a software Beta, that let’s you use an XP or Vista based PC, in the same way as the stand alone Redfly, whilst still running all of your normal Windows apps. Not having the chance to check out the Hardware, I had to try out the software, up till now, I’ve been using Soti Pocket Controller for the same purpose, but of late I’ve noticed some inconsistencies with screen capture, so another option like this, took my attention immediately. Aware that this is a beta, I thought I’d have a quick look and tell you what I think… [just a note, click on any of the images to see full size]

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Most of you are probably familiar with Celio Corp. by now.  They are the folks behind the Redfly Mobile Companion.  You remember that, right?  It looked like a laptop but had no operating system or apps inside.  Instead, it was essentially an extension for your Windows Mobile phone.  With it, you could project the contents of your phone onto the much larger (8 inch) screen, use the full QWERTY keyboard, and even charge the battery on your phone while you used it.  It was a pretty cool device, with terrible timing.  Right around the time Redfly started coming to the market as an ultra-portable laptop alternative, netbooks started making their big splash.  Given the fact that you can but a netbook with a 10 inch screen for under $500, the Redfly Mobile companion seemed to have been squeezed right out of its own niche.

Well, you know what they say about successful companies: when faced with adversity, adapt to meet changing conditions.  And that is exactly what Celio has done with their new Mobile Viewer.  Hit the jump for all the details, and to find out how you can sign up for the new public beta.

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You know, I’ve never really known what to think about the Celio Redfly, and I was offered one once but I’d already gotten the Eee and really didn’t see the need for another little notebook, and especially one that wasn’t a stand alone device. When I gather my thoughts though, and actually consider the idea, that a Redfly and a WinMo device could actually replace your laptop/netbook, and give you a truly mobile device solution, for a budget wise price.

Redfly, I mean Celio, have announced two new models of the Redfly, that may allow you to realise your dreams of true digital mobility, without a wallet deflating pin prick.

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We’ve all seen the Celio Redfly, Windows Mobile companion right, not a netbook, but a device you plug your Windows Mobile device into, and the device provides the OS to run the Redfly. Most Windows Mobile users would also be familiar with Soti’s Pocket Controller Pro, which allows you full access to your device from any PC, whilst connected through activesync. If you had an iPhone, would you like a similair solution? This concept from OLO Computers may be what you are waiting for!

Although this is a concept at the moment, it looks promising, even down to the detail, of an included dock that let’s the iPhone function as a touch pad when docked. Is this something you’d like to use? I can see the advantages for enterprise users with a device like this.

OLO Computer Previews a Netbook Companion for the iPhone, Via BrightHand

Most of us look for ways to remote control and better utilise our mobile devices. Let’s face it you have a powerful handheld computing solution, but it’s terribly hard to input large amounts of data, or text, without a great deal of trouble and sometimes detrimental consequences!

Well it looks like Clinton has found a viable solution, in what he quaintly dubs the “Colourful Insect”, A.K.A the Celio Redfly.

It is important to remember that the REDFLY will only work with Windows Mobile 5.0 or 6 Professional (PocketPC) and Standard (Smartphone) devices and currently only a small subset of the total number of devices available. For a complete list of what devices are supported visit http://www.celiocorp.com/smartphone. Having said that, I did test the REDFLY with a number of devices including several that were not on the Celio website.

ClintonFitchRedfly

It’s a great read, and even though I think the Redfly is a pricey edition to a mobile toolkit, I can see a combination of this device extension and your WinMo device allowing you to do away with a laptop in many cases.

Head on over to Clinton Fitch [dot] Com for the full review.