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
[…] Orange M3100 (HTC TYTN / Hermes) Mini Hardware Review I absolutely love my Smartphone. I must do. I spend so much time playing with it, reading about it and now, I’m writing about it again. […]