My Pocket PC (Windows Mobile) Software

I really wouldn’t want to be without my Orange M3500 (a re-branded HTC TYTN) – it goes everywhere with me. Of course, it is the software that I have installed on it that makes it useful. As of today, I have the following software installed on my device:

Today Screen Add-ins

One of the biggest limitations of small devices is their limited screen real-estate. This is particularly true on the Today screen, so we Windows Mobile users have to be very choosy about what we have loaded here.

As you will see, I am a bit of a fan of SBSH software. It really is superb, and the customer support I have received is second to none.

On my today screen I have:

• pocketMax phoneAlarm (Commercial)

This great little plug-in gives me instant access to the phone features of my device.

• SBSH.net PocketBreeze (Commercial)

The main focus of this little application is to give me instant access to my main PIM data. Thankfully, it can also host other plug-ins as tabs.

• SBSH.net iLauncher (Commercial)

This is primarily intended as an application launcher. I must admit I still tend to use the start button quite a bit instead.

The function I use most is the close button replacement / task manager. It replaces most of the functionality SPB Pocket Plus that I used to use on my old PDA. The upgrade price of Pocket Plus was rather high, however, so I switched to iLauncher instead. I have no regrets.

• SBSH.net PocketWeather (Commercial)

A great weather application. The down sides to this one are (1) that I don’t understand most of what it is telling me, and (2) that the advanced features are just too far over my head. That said, I wouldn’t be without the basic information, and it is nice to know that the application will continue to be of value when (if) my understanding deepens.

• rotlaus Software rlToday (Freeware)

This is a free, customisable information panel for the today screen that features clock / calendar and general information. I loaded this application yesterday, and am still evaluating its usefulness to me.

Utilities

I admit it -I can’t resist nice little utilities that help me to manage my device more effectively. Here are the ones I choose to keep installed:

• C. Ghisler & Co. Total Commander (Freeware)

A much better file manager than the built-in application, and free, too. Highly recommended.

• SK Software SKTools (Commercial)

All kinds of tweaks and utilities, all in one package.

• Sunnysoft Backup Manager (Commercial)

I bought this as an upgrade from the previous version that I used extensively on my old device. It seems pretty good, although I must admit that with the M3500, I have not needed to restore from backup… yet.

• PHM Registry Editor (Freeware)

This is a great little registry editor, the best I have found. Actually, I really rate all the PHM tools. I used to use them a lot on my previous Pocket PC. Sadly, the author does not seen to be updating them any more.

• BadSchwii myExtensions (Freeware)

A little tool for editing file extension associations. Although SKTools can do the same thing, I found this tool somewhat more convenient on the odd occasion that I have used it.

• Xrgomics TenGO (Commercial)

TenGo is an amazing alternative to the standard input panel for Windows Mobile / Pocket PC. I use this virtually daily. It is undoubtedly the best input method I have seed for these small devices. My Orange M3100 has a keyboard, but I actually find TenGO more convenient most of the time.

• Device Lock (Freeware)

A tiny freeware tool to lock the phone at the press of a button.

Applications

Applications are what smartphones are really all about. At the moment, I have these installed:

• Ilium Software eWallet [Pocket PC] (Commercial)

This application was supplied with my old PDA. It is a simple database for keeping passwords, pin numbers, personal details and so on safe and secure. I don’t use it often, but when I do, it does what it does very well.

• Ilium Software ListPro [Pocket PC] (Commercial)

This one was also supplied with my previous PDA. It is a list organiser. Again, I don’t use it often, but it does work well when I need it.

• FVC&&PB Metro (Freeware)

Handy maps of various public transport networks. I have not used it yet, but I was impressed when I played with it. You never know when something like this might come in handy.

• Dmitry Osinovsky PocketPicture (Freeware)

A handy little drawing program with some nice features (think Microsoft Paint, but much better).

• Skype Software Skype for Pocket PC (Freeware)

An Internet telephony solution. I must admit, I am yet to use it.

• Microsoft Reader (Freeware)

This is Microsoft’s e-book reading software. There are plenty of free and commercial books available in Reader format.

• Adobe Reader for Pocket PC 2.0 (Freeware)

Adobe’s PDF reader for Windows Mobile. The “reflow” feature attempts to adjust documents intended for a larger screen so that they are readable on a PDA. It works well on some documents, poorly or not at all on others. Absolutely brilliant when it works, very frustrating when it does not.

• Pocket e-Sword (Freeware)

This is an absolutely superb, free Bible for the Pocket PC. It supports various translations of the Bible, as well as a host of reference material. What is more, there is a grown-up desktop version, too. This is an absolute must have for anyone with any interest in the Bible.

• WebIS Pocket Informant 2007 (Commercial)

A replacement for the built-in PIM, this has to be the most-used application on my PDA. It has so many features, I won’t even try to list them. Definitely worth the asking price – and then some.

• HappyJackRoad PocketRSS (Freeware)

An RSS reader. Previously commercial, now free. I can’t say I use it very often, but it does seem good.

• Nyxbull Software NyxClock (Freeware)

A nice looking clock. I often use my M3100 as a desk clock, and this is currently my clock of choice.

• Jonathan Sachs StopTime (Freeware)

According to the author, this program “combines the functions of a stopwatch with a lap timer, a set of 4 programmable timers, a clock with calendar display and up to 8 alarms, a convenient memo/voice reminder, and a flashlight”. It does a good job, too.

• Aroy CHM Reader (Commercial)

A little program for reading CHM help files. I bought it years ago for my old PDA, and used to use it a lot for reading e-books in CHM format. That just isn’t something I do these days, so I have not even tested it properly on my current device. When I did use it, I found that I actually preferred the simplicity of version 1 over the current version (2.0).

• RandyRants.com Pocket SharpMT 3.3 (Freeware)

A tool for posting Blog entries. Good enough for writing a quick draft while on the move, but only just. I do use it, but I am looking for something better.

• TCPMP The Core Pocket Media Player (Freeware)

A capable little media player. Now a commercial application, but the freeware version is still available if you look for it.

• SBSH.net ContactBreeze (Commercial)

Games

Finally, games are what portable computers are really really all about! I recommend the following:

• PocketNew DukWite (Freeware)
• Mike Miller’s SuperDoku (Freeware)
• Valentin Iliescu GemSwap (Freeware)
• Namco Pac-Man

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