When you properly shut down Windows on a laptop or desktop, you're prompted with the question of whether to restart, turn off the computer or simply put it to sleep. Resuming a session from sleep avoids the start-up process. When your machine boots up after being completely shut down, you know it—Windows gets launched anew and your computer cranks through a plethora of actions before finally letting you log in and get to work. In short, you know whether it was really off or simply snoozing.

On the Verizon Smartphone XV6800, for example, simply turning the device off would seem to shut it down. But, if you take out the battery or leave it "off" for a long time, when you turn it back on you feel a vibration and watch a Verizon start-up screen go by. This was our first hint that turning off the device might not always turn it off. Plus, a light next to the Internet button would still sometimes flash. Now, why would that be?

Sure, pressing the power button will stop calls and diminish battery consumption. But as the speed with which it brings up new e-mail when you turn it on should have hinted to us, the device is not truly shut down. How do you actually shut down Windows Mobile and the overall device?

It took a firm finger on the button to figure this out, but hold in that on/off button and—viola!—you'll be prompted with a box informing you that your device is about to shut down and you should cancel this if you are concerned about losing work. Click yes to continue and the device shuts down and turns off. Only now will all the lights go dark and will your battery truly be at rest. When you turn it back on, be prepared for the Verizon logo animation and the extra few seconds it takes to boot up Windows Mobile.

What's the incentive to bother with a shutdown?

If you're charging every night from an AC outlet, probably nothing more than reducing your carbon footprint. But if you're away from electricity and/or relying on your USB connection for battery charging (which takes longer), you may appreciate the battery conservation. Some new installations or upgrades may also require the complete shut-down and re-start to function properly, though to our knowledge we haven't run into such an application yet.