WM5 and .NET compact Framework 2.0 questions

1.) When will the final of the .NET CF 2.0 be RTM ? At the same time as VS 2005 or earlier?

2.) Will I have to wait for the vendor of my Window Mobile 5 based smartphone to release a ROM patch to be able to install the framework or will there be a way I can get the Framework onto my phone myself ? (It is correct that the framework will reside in the ROM, right ?)

3.) Does Windows Mobile 5 have the direct3d mobile runtime installed by default?


Thanks for the info in advance

I can answer the first 2.

.NET 2.0 will be RTM at the same time as the full version.

The framework can be installed on a windows mobile device without any need for a rom. It can be distributed with your app or otherwise. I can't be sure if it will be the case with the RTM but with beta 2 of visual studio you could install 2.0 onto mobile 2003 devices.

No clue about the direct3d.

#2 CFv2 was initially supposed to be in ROM, but MS announced at MobileDevCon this year that it would not. CFv1 should be in ROM and then you can install CFv2

#3 Managed Direct3D Mobile is optional. the device might not have a software renderer or a software driver for a GPU (e.g. Dell x50v)

Your answer to #2 comes as a real disappointment to me. As microsoft did not rest to to point out how crucial the .NET 2.0 CF for WM5 development is. I remember them saying at a techtalk that it infact will be in the ROM. I guess they changed their minds (because of the hardware lobby? would love to know the reasons) 


EDIT:

 http://blogs.msdn.com/mikehall/archive/2005/05/03/414495.aspx

This podcats might explain, why they changed their minds. kc just pointed me to that url. I am watching it right now ....

Is there a fast way to check, whether the .NET CF v1 is in the ROM of my WM5 device ?