The third change for mobile users is Windows Mobile Device Center. This application, which can be launched from Control Panel and Sync Center, replaces the balky ActiveSync program in Windows XP, synchronizing files and Outlook data between the PC and Windows Mobile devices such as smart phones.

As with so much in Windows Vista, this center is based in an Explorer-like Window. This center is both simpler to use than ActiveSync and provides more options, such as the ability to select the computers and devices you want to sync with and to synchronize not just Outlook data but also digital media.

Networking and Sharing Center

Microsoft claims that a fourth area in which Windows Vista helps mobility is its Networking and Sharing Center, which is available both for desktop and laptop computers. As with Mobility Center and Sync Center, this is a centralized interface for managing, in this case, most aspects of networking.

While this interface is as useful for Ethernet users as Wi-Fi users, Amrofell said the Network and Sharing Center is particularly useful for laptops. That's because it helps manage connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, where security is an issue. In particular, the first time you connect to a specific Wi-Fi network, a set of wizards walks you through the connection process, including making security settings. In addition, you can use this part of the Vista interface for tasks such as adjusting firewall settings and setting up other security parameters. Incidentally, Windows Vista now supports WP2 for Wi-Fi.