If you could carry the knowledge of the world in your pocket would you do it? The connection we have everyday via the internet allows for this but what about those times that you don’t have a signal like on a plane, in the woods, or a zombie apocalypse? This is where WIkiPock comes in. There are several versions available and this review focuses on the Windows Mobile variant. Wikipedia offers downloads of their database so people can create localized versions but it can be a very involved process and nothing even comes close to being able to put it in your pocket except for WikiPock. Keep reading to find out more.

Wikipock is simple in concept but powerful in delivering. After registering you are sent a link to the install and downloads area. Yyou can go to the download area and choose the download you want. Right now there is a choice between two versions of Wikipedia that are there primarily because of size. This does not include history or talk pages from Wikipedia as that would take a lot more storage space than is feasible at this time. 4-5GB is a large download so let it run overnight. After downloading the file, it needs to be extracted and moved to your storage card.

From the Libraries menu you can choose from the different downloads you have installed. Of course if you have a large enough storage card you could have various copies listed here.

The main screen shows multiple results as you type.

WikiPock does support landscape mode for the Touch Pro2 and other landscape Windows Mobile phones.

The Main Menu has the other functions that are needed including History, Random Page, Update Library and WikiPock and more.

Above is an example of an entry. As you can see there aren’t images included in the wiki download. Having images included would be an result in an extremely large file size that wouldn’t be practical. On the other hand one thing that would be handy in WikiPock is the ability to download an image via internet connection for an entry.

Also available for download is the WikiQuotes file that contains thousands of pages of quotes.

You can also install Wiktionary with over 1 million entries in more 350 languages. For a Dictionary or Thesaurus that’s impressive for being able to carry it around in your pocket.

Requirements:

  • Windows Mobile Pro or Standard, Android, Blackberry or Symbian phone
  • Storage card with more than 4GB of free space (for Wikipedia)

Pricing and Availability:

  • Available for Windows Mobile Pro/Standard, Android, Blackberry, and Symbian phones
  • $9.99 for Basic Edition
  • $14.99 for Plus edition (includes updates)

Both editions include Wikipedia in 18 languages, Wiktionary and WikiQuotes

Pros:

  • Portable copies of Wikipedia, WikiQuotes and Wiktionary on your phone.
  • Offline access to Wikipedia, WikiQuotes and Wiktionary works wherever you go
  • Easy mobile interface with cleanly formatted pages

Cons:

  • No images
  • Larger file requires larger capacity storage card (not much of a problem nowadays as card capacity increases)
  • A bit slow on older devices

Conclusion

Wikipock is a valuable addition to anyone’s arsenal that frequently travels to, through and from areas with limited connectivity. With the knowledge of Wikipedia in your pocket you are free to travel about the world with information only a few taps away. The external links often found embedded in Wikipedia will work through your browser if you have a connection. Wikipock delivers on its promise to provide instant search on full content without an internet connection while displaying clean mobile formatted pages. For less than $10 you can have the answers you seek at your fingertips, anywhere and anytime. It is well worth it’s price. If you want more information WikiPock is available in our mobile phone Software Store for $9.99 for the Basic Edition and $14.99 for the Plus Edition (includes updates). I give it 4 out of 5 Shadows.

 

Note: If you are planning an overseas trip I would advise being prepared and taking WikiPock with you. If you have a Touch Pro2 you could also install GPS Tuner Atlas and predownload maps of the areas you are traveling to so you are always informed.

 

 

 




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