Siemens SIMpad SLC / SL4 - Windows CE 4.2 .net Update

In cruel irony, Siemens stopped issuing SIMpad range just before Microsoft finally managed to get Windows CE .net up to standard in the 4.2 release.
For SIMpad SLC users Windows CE 4.0 was their highest available ROM, while SL4 users faired a little better with an illusive 4.1 software update.
Unfortunately Siemens stopped updating the ROM images, and have recently removed all support references to the Gigaset SIMpad range from their various sites.

In the face of the numerous shortcomings of the 4.0 and 4.1 releases many users have migrated over to SIMpad Linux. However Linux does not suit everyone’s needs or technical level. With many users finding it over complicated to install, let alone use.
UK businessman Simon Mullenger is providing SIMpad SLx users with another option. Windows CE 4.2 .net...

Simon Mullenger, owner of mullenger.org specialises in the reflashing of the SIMpad range, providing it with a Platform core build of Windows CE 4.2.
Mullenger offers upgrades to any 32MB FlashROM member of the SIMpad line (SLC & SL4) irrespective of whether it is running HPC2000, CE 4.0, CE 4.1 or SIMpad Linux.
While 16MB SIMpad CL4 users are unable to have their devices upgraded to Windows CE 4.2 (due to the size constraints in the 16MB ROM chip) the vast majority of the Gigaset devices that shipped were of the SLx range.

Highlights of Mullenger.org's CE 4.2 distribution are:

• Windows CE 4.2 .net


• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (with PNG support)


• Jscript 5.5


• VBScript 5.5


• Microsoft Media Player 9.0


• Microsoft Messenger 4.0 (.net passport and SIP logins, VoIP and text chat)


• Remote Desktop 5.1


• IPv6 support


• Bluetooth support


• English/German Language support


• Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint file viewers


• Adobe PDF & Windows CE Image viewer


• Current with Microsoft QFE releases

There are some caveats in the distribution.
Software FlashROM images are not being made available, meaning you have to send your SIMpad in to be upgraded. With no backup ROM being made available.
Secondly. As this isn't an official Siemens build, many of the Siemens specific features such as the Start Centre will be lost from the release.

Users should also be aware that there are a number of bugs currently in the release with no stated terms on obtaining bug fixes and future incremental Microsoft QFE or Mullenger.org build updates.

The cost of the Windows CE 4.2 license, flashing precedure and shipping back to Europe or North America (one way shipping only) is £75 GBP ($142 USD, €107 EUD, ¥15,000 JPY est.).


Screenshots: English Interface | German Interface | Versions | eBay | Remote Desktop Logon | Remote Desktop
More Info: http://www.mullenger.org/

So, has anyone purchased this CE 4.2:
- Is it any good?
- Why can it only be done by a flash upgrade?
(I won't send my simpad to the UK!!)

thankx,
Leo

The reason is so that the ROM image doesn't wind up on a Warez site. The SimPAD community is used to freely available ROM images.

There is also a business model in that if you get jumpy and install simLinux you have to pay for it again.

Hi,

Just to let you know that the two major bugs have been fixed in the image, since Feb 2005, and we now have a SIMpad JTAG repair service available too.

Best regards
Simon

Im with leo on this one. is there no alternative to having my simpad shipped to the uk? plus simpads go for cheaper than the upgrade price, seems kinda like a rip-off (although 4.2 would be awesome to have)

are you serious about the price, simpad SL4 is surely more expensive than 140 $?! in any case, no other way is known for upgrading it to 4.2. if there were one, my friend would have already found it! nvm, 4.1 is still good with IE 5.5, etc.

simpads sl4's are going for $100-120 on ebay right now.

ok, i guess, i'll have to catch up with ebay
it's really worth 100$, get one asap!

just got one.


now i just have to wait for it to get here.

Congratulations

COOL

someone is selling them "buy it now" on ebay cheap. anyone have the 4.1 upgrade?

Yes, PM Me and I'll give you a download link on our servers.

I too just picked up a Siemens Simpad Sl4 on Ebay (cheap), Are you saying, that I can upgrade from HPC 2000 to Windows CE 4, or is it just 4.0 to 4.2.

C:Amie, If I can upgrade to 4.0 can you also send me the link.

Thanks.

you can upgrade even to 4.2 but that will cost you money. you can upgrade to 4.1 for free. don't fiddle with 4.0, either 4.1 or hpc2000 is better