Ahhhhhh, I love .NET 2.0.  There is a bunch of new features that will allow us developers to make better applications.  Furthermore, there are a ton of improvements in the Compact Framework. Throw in Windows Mobile 5.0 and you have the application platform that I've wanted in Smart Devices for a while now.  (That takes off about a third of my .NETCF book.)

How can we learn and get some experience on all of these new features?  Good question.  This brings to mind going to the major conferences (like TechEd and PDC) where Microsoft provides the Hands-On Labs (HOL) experience.  They setup a large room of computers, each having a lab manual and test device attached.  I love checking these out.  You can always learn a nice tip.

And now, Microsoft is publishing a set of .NETCF labs, that we can perform from our office or home.  The first one that I've run across is Step by Step: Incorporating COM Objects into Your .NET Compact Framework 2.0 Application.  It's a level 300 lab and takes 90 minutes.  They provide a download for the lab startup and step-by-step instructions from start to end.  This even gives you a taste of building a COM object in ATL and using the new VS Remote Tools.  I highly recommend looking at this.