Well, it's out! The long awaited update to the old ROM code with quite a few new goodies like Push Email, a better Comm Manager and what not. It also updates the Radio version as well. Having just installed it, here are a couple pointers. BTW, the link to get it is: http://www.t-mobileapps.com/downloadcenter/software_detail.cfm?id=80

The link may have been updated to http://www.t-mobile.com/wmupgrade/ Try that if the one above or the links from the T-Mobile website do not work.

INSTALL SCENARIO
Download the file to your PC to a place you'll be able to find it (like the Desktop or a folder you use to stash all your other downloads. I keep mine in \zips\pocketpc\MDA_files but whatever works for you. You need the USB cable (natch) and to be safe, a fully charged battery (although the MDA does get juice from the USB port but what the heck). Active sync must be installed and in good working order. After the download, just run the file. It will prompt you through the process. I've done it a couple times with the old and new code - no sweat. Before continuing, please look over the NOTES and CAUTIONS I've detailed below:

** FIRST **
BACK UP YOUR DATA!!! Use the Explore feature in Active Sync and you'll see the file in the root directory with the appropriate name 'pim'. If you have a mini-SD card, you can copy/paste it there. Also suggest you have a good sync before launching this project!!

** SECOND **
The procedure assumes you have ActiveSync (4.1 or 4.2) installed AND WORKING, or at least have a good connection from the MDA to your PC. If you can explore the MDA via your PC's 'My Computer' (shows up as a Windows Mobile Device) then you should be good-to-go.

** POTENTIAL DRIVER SNAG **
* If you already have installed ActiveSync v4.2, watch the status of the drivers in device manager. Check for any 'Yellow Exclamation Marks' in the USB device area in the Device Manager tree. The existing driver might have gotten damaged during the 4.2 install; haven't gotten a handle on that yet (strange that ActiveSync 4.2 was working great, even with this driver error). Simply right-clicking on it and using the 'Update Driver' option (with the original T-Mobile CD in the drive) saves the bacon on this little snag. When I tried to do the v2.26 upgrade, it kept giving me "ERROR [262] : UPDATE ERROR" (very helpful, huh?). The MDA was on the 'Tri-Color Screen' and just hung there until I fixed the driver, then I just re-ran the install. I didn't have to do anything with the MDA; I just continued from the 'Tri-Color Screen' and it installed smooth as silk.

* The download site has the complete instructions available. You can also snag a copy of the updated USER MANUAL there as well. It's in PDF format so you can just save it to your HDD, print it, etc.

* If you have continuous problems trying to get the new code to install, you can HARD RESET the MDA, then retry. That can help in some cases.

Other Notes:
Active Sync may take off and start doing it's thing right after the upgrade. If so, STOP IT. You won't want to do any syncing until everything else is completed (see below).

After the ROM upgrade, the device will restart and go thru the same procedure that you'd expect on a HARD RESET. Don't let that worry you.

If you are one of those 'ultra cautious' types (like me) and have a good backup/restore util (like SPB Backup), caution when restoring! DO NOT RESTORE THE SYSTEM FILES!!! You now have a new opsys version and the stuff you previously backed up will not work correctly; can actually cause all kindsa weirdness!! Just restore the email, contacts, etc.

FINALLY (well, at least for now):
Be prepared to reinstall any cool aps you HAD running previously as they WONT BE THERE ANYMORE. As an example, I had MemoryMaid, PocketPlayer, SPB Time, HandySwitcher (cool task switcher-manager) all loaded but after the upgrade...all gone. One good piece of news (for me anyway) I've been using 'PhotoContacts/Pro' and when I got it reinstalled, all my pics were still sync'd with my contacts! That's because I have all my pics (and as much other stuff as possible) on my mini-SD Card!).

All-4-now, gang. More updates as they are available. Stay tuned.....film at 11:00.