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Most Windows Mobile devices offer a number of shortcuts, including keys and buttons, to make navigating through menus and applications easier. Below are a few tips to help you keep that stylus in check on a Pocket PC (Professional phone under Windows Mobile 6) and reduce frustration when using those Windows Mobile Smartphones ( Standard devices in Windows Moblile) without touch screens.

It's Okay to Use the Ok Key
As you work on mastering using the thumb keyboard on your Pocket PC device or Windows Smartphone device, utilizing the OK key as frequently as possible allows you to keep your fingers on the keyboard and leave your stylus stowed away in its little slot.

So when you see an OK button on the screen, pressing the OK key on your keyboard clicks it for you. And when you see an X (Close Window) icon in the upper right corner of the screen, pressing the OK key on your keyboard closes the window, for example.

Quickly Move Between Data Fields
Just as it does on your PC, the tab key on your Windows Mobile device allows you to quickly navigate Web pages. It can help you to jump from one data entry field or from one hyperlink to the next.

For example, if a Web page asks for your username and password, you can enter your name in the first field, then press the tab key to move to directly to the password field without having to take your fingers off the keyboard. You can also use the tab key to move from one hyperlink to the next. To follow a hyperlink, just press the enter key.

Quickly Launch Applications
Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger have their own dedicated application launch keys on most Windows Mobile devices. Your's might also have Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, and other applications with their own keys as well. Or, perhaps, you can associate a key with an application you use often.

If you use these keys you can launch those applications without taking the time to navigate through the Start menu. That's a real timesaver.

Take Advantage of Soft Keys
Soft keys are found on both Windows Mobile smartphones and Pocket PCs. They’re called “soft” because their function varies based on the software that you’re running.

In a camera application, for example, a soft key may snap a picture. In Internet Explorer, that same key may work as a back button.

The function of a soft key is listed on the screen next to or just above the button. On the Sprint Mogul by HTC, for example, the soft keys have one dot in the center of each. They are located just above the Talk and End keys (see above).