Software recommended for purchase? - JASJAR, XDA Exec, MDA Pro General

Does anyone have any software which they've purchased for their Universal that they'd recommend? If so, why?

Pocket informant. Its the only PIM worth having, and it turns the useless PIM functionality built into PPCs into something that runs my life. Wouldn't be without it

If had had to narrow it down to one app, it'd have to be PocketBreeze by SBSH.net
Integrates with the aforementioned PocketInformant, but even if you haven't got PI, then PocketBreeze transforms your today screen into a far more usable beast. It's about a million times better than SPB's rip-off clone, and has far more functionality and configuration options. Plus it's regularly updated for bug-fixes and extra functions - and that is something that a lot of other software houses could learn from.
Oh, and the SBSH support forums are outstanding.

For me it's Resco File Explorer, SPB Pocket Plus and SPB Weather tweaked to pick information from BBC and not weather.com

If you use Lotus Notes, CommonTime's mNotes is pretty cool =) But then I would say that, since I work for CommonTime.

Pocketbreeze everytime.

Iliumsoft Listpro. By FAR the most handy app for personal management of lists.
http://www.iliumsoft.com/site/lp/listpro.htm
Very customisable

Microsoft Voice Command
Pocket Informant
SPB Pocket Plus
SPB Diary
SK Tools
Soti Pocket Controller
Sprite Backup
Aol Messenger
PpcWebCam
Some freeware/Shareware
Cambridge VxUtils
Total Commander
PH Registry Editor
TCPMP Media Player
GSPlayer Media Player
Insignia Solutions Jeode Runtime
Agile Messenger (need better wm5 support tho)

Rick GM said:
For me it's Resco File Explorer, SPB Pocket Plus and SPB Weather tweaked to pick information from BBC and not weather.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you explain that tweak better please ?
link, pros of the bbc service, etc :wink:

Killer App
I agree with many of the recomendations above and mention was made of SKTools (eagle 1), which I have yet to try, but the killer application for me is SKscheMa which can automate all sorts of daily tasks including turning on and off WiFi, BT and GSM at specific or regular times.
It has a powerful scripting language which has allowed me to create a macro to insert my meeting text, title, place, date and time, who attended etc. It can simulate taps and tap and hold as well. Support is very fast and efficient.
I have even used it to turn on the Bluetooth at regular intervals until we get a fix for that bug.
Strongly advise you check this one out.
www.s-k-tools.com (link corrected)
Don't be put off by the simple web site - this product "rocks".

This product os brilliant - sync email calendar with your pc wirelessly (GPRS/3G/WIFI) push email too so you don't have to sync manually...
http://www.intellisync.com/pages/Products/Express/Benefits/
Free trial - only snag is your pc (or at least a pc theat you can access your mail from) needs to be always on. WOrks with outlook/lotus notes etc
And I don't work for them!
Common time is also good for Notes but I couldn't work out how to sync wirelessly.

cdally said:
Common time is also good for Notes but I couldn't work out how to sync wirelessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know you get free support with your 30 day free trial, right? ;-) Give them a call and they can get it all up & running for you. Something to do with locations and preferred order, if memory serves. But then it should run when cradled, when in WiFi range (if you have WiFi) and over GPRS if you have your firewall opened properly. Of course GPRS may be an issue if you're on a corporate network - there was talk about a solution to get round that about 18 months ago, but I think the company's sales focus has shifted towards corporates (Notes is used a LOT by corporates in the US) so features for individual users are on the back burner for now.

I did try to get in touch with them but they didn't seem very interested - I did actually buy it as it was the best option for cradle based syncing - Do you know of anyone specific I can talk to?

Pocketzenphone for me is the most important. Easily change between phone profiles e.g. Loud / meeting /flight etc.
Can be set to do this at specific times e.g. Go to silent at 23:30 and back to normal at 8:00. Also integrates with outlook - e.g can put it into meeting mode when your calender shows meetings or for me puts the device into flight mode when I have flights marked in the calender.
cheers

Haven't purchased yet, but will do so shortly: a backup app. My choice is SPB Backup, but Sprite or Sunnysoft's should do just fine. The reason for buying one should be fairly obvious

cdally said:
I did try to get in touch with them but they didn't seem very interested - I did actually buy it as it was the best option for cradle based syncing - Do you know of anyone specific I can talk to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is probably to pick up the phone when you're at your PC/PDA. I think the support number is on the site under Information/Contact details. Scroll down to after the list of links at the top.
If you called them before and can remember the name of who you spoke to, I'll go upstairs & give them a clip round the earhole In general we get a good response about our support!

Ravenmaster
The default weather source is weather.com which I have found to be pretty useless. However, if you go to here;
www.pdagold.com/themes/details.asp?t=12007
you can pick up forecasts for Spb Weather from the BBC. Follow the Readme.txt and it's pretty straight forward. The forecast is so much more accurate than weather.com (in my opinion)

Rick GM said:
Ravenmaster
The default weather source is weather.com which I have found to be pretty useless. However, if you go to here;
www.pdagold.com/themes/details.asp?t=12007
you can pick up forecasts for Spb Weather from the BBC. Follow the Readme.txt and it's pretty straight forward. The forecast is so much more accurate than weather.com (in my opinion)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does SPB Weather also shows NOWs weather? I installed it and didn't see that option, and not that many other options at all.
I purchased and used Weather Panel on my previous PDA2K and that program proved to be super accurate.. actually it showed the weather condition in my city relevant to the minute... e.g. Changed to 'FOG' icon and FOG began.. Changed to Raining now.. and rain just started an hour before..
I didn't see these features in SPB weather.. maybe i missed them though...

Sounds like you've found a way to CONTROL the weather - [/quote]Changed to 'FOG' icon and FOG began..
!!
Anyway - all SPB does is pick up a forecast from wherever you tell it to. In my case I just use the BBC's site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I've bought Voice Command and photo contacts pro, both I really like.
Freeware that surpasses all others to me is:
Qmail3, ugly as sin but so much better than the built in email client.
Will Check over an activesync connection, very useful at work, and one button handles multiple account checking. Glorious!
Does RSS and NNTP as well.
http://www.pocketpcfreewares.com/en/index.php?soft=1344
Lots of info on it here.
http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38956
Will buy Opera when that goes commercial.

Related

Best PPC software

I am moving from Plam os to ppc.
I like to know what would be your must have software.
Now i have
Pocket informant
memmaid
expenseplus
Trying
spb diary
spb pocket plus
Missing from my palm a software compare to
handyshopper (list management)
Big Clock (Alarm, time, world time)
Any more suggestion will be appriciate
Like good dictionaries, traduction (french, english, spanish, portuguese(brezilian)
Map, i do travel a lot in america (North to south)
and Europe
Don't have GPS yet but might add that to my qtek.
wm5newmenu by saman
vjokbutton by vijay555
lvm time today plugin
pocketmax phone alarm
treo 700w speedial today plugin
resco file explorer
phmtools
tcmp
Where can i get the "treo 700w speedial today plugin " from?
tjohnso1 said:
Where can i get the "treo 700w speedial today plugin " from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you are got it from here:
http://www.smart-mobile.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=923090&sid=351df8e9913f5d55c12a81f9ccc37111
:wink:
Hey thanks.
ak123456 said:
I am moving from Plam os to ppc.
I like to know what would be your must have software.
Now i have
Pocket informant
memmaid
expenseplus
Trying
spb diary
spb pocket plus
Missing from my palm a software compare to
handyshopper (list management)
Big Clock (Alarm, time, world time)
Any more suggestion will be appriciate
Like good dictionaries, traduction (french, english, spanish, portuguese(brezilian)
Map, i do travel a lot in america (North to south)
and Europe
Don't have GPS yet but might add that to my qtek.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using handyshopper on my Jamin (Prophet) --- also moved from Palm
phoneAlarm (a must with auto-profile changing and notification managment, billing etc.)
interWrite (international keyboard support - only one that works with hardware keyboard Think outside bluetooth)
AEButton Plus (just indespensible with up to 4 actions per button, that's 56 actions at the tips of your fingers; a small problem is remembering them all
Wisbar Advance
Wisbar Advance Desktop (just adds so much to how your ppc is organized and how it looks)
Omapclock (enough said!)
TCMPC (much better than WMP in every possible way)
I also use a bunch of progs I wouldn't call musts, but they are useful-
Resco World Cup 2006
Resco Explorer and Registry add-in
PocketLan
Z2Remote2PC
Photo Contacts
etc.
For lists, I think List Pro is the best thing out there... syncs with amazon for library inventory descriptions, and with desktop lists
krale said:
For lists, I think List Pro is the best thing out there... syncs with amazon for library inventory descriptions, and with desktop lists
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, where can I get this thing? More info? Sounds interesting...
My top 10 PPC apps :
MemMaid
Agenda Fusion
xBar
Spb PocketPlus pack (Backup, weather, Today plugin, etc)
Resco Explorer 2005
XNView Pocket
OmapClock
FlexMail 2006 (WebIS)
Pocket WakeUp (French application to wake you up ^^)
Resco Diamonds
ingenious said:
krale said:
For lists, I think List Pro is the best thing out there... syncs with amazon for library inventory descriptions, and with desktop lists
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, where can I get this thing? More info? Sounds interesting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the description
Catalog your collection quickly and easily,
then carry it with you on your Pocket PC or Palm
Collectorz.com and Ilium Software have teamed up to bring you the perfect solution for cataloging your collection and viewing it on your Pocket PC or Palm device. The Collectorz.com programs for Windows let you enter your collection with ease, then Ilium's ListPro software lets you view your collection data while on the road, in the store or at a fair. Never buy duplicates again, you will always know what you own.
About ListPro by Ilium Software
ListPro is a multifeatured list manager for use on your Palm or Pocket PC device. Great for everything from simple to-do lists to a database for your favorite collection. Features include multiple column types, linked fields, alarms, import, export, unlimited note fields and much more. For more info: visit the ListPro website.
Use the Collectorz.com templates for ListPro to view your Collectorz.com data on your mobile device.
The two products are available from collectorz.com and iliumsoft.com/site/lp/listpro.htm
I've tested it out, and it works very well. If you have access to a barcode scanner, you only need to scan your book's barcode, and then you get all the info about the book from websites and inputed in the fields of the program. Amazing time-saving stuff. You can catalogue hundreds of books in less than an hour.
Hi ak123456, here is link to some of the mentioned above programs with discount for forum readers.
Without a doubt, the best app I've found for the Pocket PC is SBSH's PocketBreeze (details here).
It is a Today screen plug-in that makes the default Calendar, Tasks, Contacts and Messaging apps sing by providing an intuitive interface and quick access to features. It can also work with Pocket Informant which I notice you already have. Spb Diary is a copy of PocketBreeze and lacks a lot of the customisation features.
Aside from that, I've tried Spb Pocket Plus and while I found it quite good, it slowed down my device and had more features than I needed. I replaced it with SBSH's iLauncher (details here) which I embed in the PocketBreeze muti-tab interface and find it much leaner and snappier.
Other apps I use are:
- Dinarsoft MemMaid
- Dinarsoft Handyswitcher
- SBSH's PocketWeather
- Resco Explorer.
agree on PocketBreeze but nothing on Notes
PocketBreeze is by far the best application (after 10 years of Palm, HP, Toshiba, Axim, SPV C500 and now Qtek S200)
Since Notes were uncategorized on PPC, I search for a nice application to organize them. Phatnotes is great but not on my S200. Support says it has to do with security and certificates. After installing it ActiveSync produces an error on synchronization, uninstall and everything is fine again on the best pda I have had so far.

Killer Apps, get help making a list?

I just found Microsoft's Windows Live Search app for Mobile 5.0 and was blown away.
http://wls.live.com
It works like Google Maps but it doesn't suck like the Java based Google Maps I found online; it features optional Bluetooth GPS support, street and sat maps, it's free, it shows Traffic, helps locate local items like Resturants and helps with directions.
Is this the killer app? What are your favorites? Maybe we can make a list for other people to find programs they'll love as much as I love this one.
Rob
Summary so far...
Kevin Baker - My killer apps have to be Resco Explorer and Microsoft VoiceCommand.
Brian McGuire - Must install: Newsbreak 1.2
Lucid - Reperion GPS app
Ellistyle - 1-Calc is a great unit/currency converter (oh--and calculater) & Pocket Informant is a must
SINC - INESOFT Address Book, one handed contact lookup
Dandie's list...
PocketBreeze - best today plugin for a good overview of your appointments, notes, tasks, birthdays etc.
SPB PocketPlus - Still the most complete collection of must have extensions for Windows Mobile (TastManager, Today launcher and much more)
GPRS Monitor - A must if you have to count your GPRS/UMTS traffic
PocketZenPhone - The one and only phone profile switcher. Feature monster!
SpaceTime - More than a calculator. This is almost a math software. Competes with the most advanced scientific calculators on the market (like TI-89)
Pebbles - Very nice and free tool to remote control your pc. Can work like a touchpad
TCPMP - The one and only video player
MortPlayer - The one and only music player
SKTools - Very good collection of system tools
SpriteBackup - The classic backup tool
BGjr - Another *BIG* vote for mortplayer here. It's the only player that I can I get to work completely
Mviana - Felxmail 2007
lajson - I would higly recomend GSPlayer for mp3 and acc audio and internet radio station lissening with a tons of settings and equalizer
srmz - Another set of great applications from Softmaker which is Textmaker (Word Processor) and Planmaker (Spreadsheet).
music man - GoodLink - exchange server sync
wwwes - mapopolis GPS app, pocket stars - very nice star chart software
armedmetallica - Jetware Hands-free Extension provides additional functionality to the built-in Windows Mobile support for the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile
hotnan - Cash Organizer
dny238 - Windows Live Messenger Beta this app fixes all my problems syncing with Hotmail
I've stopped maintaining the above list...
Look here instead. Keep adding to this post, or add your stuff to the Wiki instead. I like the Forum's email alert feature.
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Must_have_tools
i cant wait to give this a better shot tomorrow, this thing looks freaking awesome!!! i wish iguidance would give real time traffic updates like this
It's also very fast and works so much better than Virtual Earth Mobile, particularly when searching for something.
i wonder who made this program.. its to good of quality for a MS product but then again i havent given it a full trial yet...
Quality...
shogunmark said:
i wonder who made this program.. its to good of quality for a MS product but then again i havent given it a full trial yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only issues I have had with it are related to the GPS connectivity and occasional lockups.
If I leave it running while I go into a store, frequently when i return to the car I can't get it to start communicating with the GPS again without quitting the entire application and starting it back up. Seems like simply unchecking GPS and rechecking from the Menu should do the job.
No other killer apps out there?
Rob
My killer apps have to be Resco Explorer and Microsoft VoiceCommand.
Resco Explorer... easy viewing of available memory, quick access to a (much better than the built in) file explorer, and a nice registry editor.
Microsoft Voice Command... fantastic! Never before have I used voice recognition that works so well, and doesn't require training!!
Follow my software reviews here at the Generic forum; there're a lot of killer apps I've reviewed.
Just tried WLS and you are correct - it is absolutely brilliant! What an amazing piece of software. Kudos for finding it.
Which Browser
So -- which browser do folks use? I have been playing around with Opera Mini -- which looks good. Can't figure out how to reprogram my upper right button to select it though (since, as a midlet, it does not show up separately in the program list)
I am not sure if this would qualify as a "killer app", but its a must install for me.
- Newsbreak 1.2
FREE Tracking and BLogging GPS realtime google earth
A FREE GPS location tracking solution for WM2003/2005/SPV
HTTP://www.reperion.com
Shows your tracks in realtime in google earth , virtual earth, mappoint, let's you geoblog audio,video,text and pictures, let's you send and receive 1024 Chars i-SMS, and also gives you history, statistics etc... etc...
http://www.reperion.com/faq_html/faqII_files/image019.jpg
http://www.reperion.com/faq_html/faqII_files/image003.jpg
Killer Apps
1-Calc is a great unit/currency converter (oh--and calculater)
Pocket Informant is a must
RE: Windows Live Search Mobile
How the heck do I enter specific addresses for directions? It only lets me get directions from city to city, no directions to specific streets.
edit: I'm not using a GPS and I was testing on Wifi btw. I guess I'll try it out using Edge tomorrow at work, I get a weak GPRS connection at home and can barely connect.
Also, some searches seem to work, other searches don't. Maybe it'll work better over cellular data
I am a big fan of "INESOFT Address Book". Its fantastic to be able to look up contacts with one hand, and be able to choose to SMS them or call them with one hand and have big picture displays with clear big buttons when you get phone calls from people. Integrates perfectly and is by far the best thing i've installed on my Pocket PC.
I can now call, look up, and get around most of my communicating hickups i was experiencing before with 1 hand. My pocket pc is starting to feel like a mobile phone again. YAY!
i assume this only works for the usa - just downloaded it and it looks very good however im in the UK and then GPS couldnt download the data to support this - is there a UK version?
Agreed, it seems to be fantastic, but I can't seem to be able to do searches for files anymore, has that happened to any of you?
edit: i should rephrase that...now that the original search program has been replaced with live search, how does one search for local files?
I can recommend:
PocketBreeze - best today plugin for a good overview of your appointments, notes, tasks, birthdays etc.
SPB PocketPlus - Still the most complete collection of must have extensions for Windows Mobile (TastManager, Today launcher and much more)
GPRS Monitor - A must if you have to count your GPRS/UMTS traffic
PocketZenPhone - The one and only phone profile switcher. Feature monster!
SpaceTime - More than a calculator. This is almost a math software. Competes with the most advanced scientific calculators on the market (like TI-89)
Pebbles - Very nice and free tool to remote control your pc. Can work like a touchpad
TCPMP - The one and only video player
MortPlayer - The one and only music player
SKTools - Very good collection of system tools
SpriteBackup - The classic backup tool
Dandie said:
I can recommend:
PocketBreeze - best today plugin for a good overview of your appointments, notes, tasks, birthdays etc.
SPB PocketPlus - Still the most complete collection of must have extensions for Windows Mobile (TastManager, Today launcher and much more)
GPRS Monitor - A must if you have to count your GPRS/UMTS traffic
PocketZenPhone - The one and only phone profile switcher. Feature monster!
SpaceTime - More than a calculator. This is almost a math software. Competes with the most advanced scientific calculators on the market (like TI-89)
Pebbles - Very nice and free tool to remote control your pc. Can work like a touchpad
TCPMP - The one and only video player
MortPlayer - The one and only music player
SKTools - Very good collection of system tools
SpriteBackup - The classic backup tool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another *BIG* vote for mortplayer here. It's the only player that I can I get to work completely with my iTech R35 clip (full A2DP and AVRCP) on the SPV M3100 (TyTN). Combine it with a large memory card and the QVista skin and you have an unbeatable combination.
Unfortunately Mort's website forum database appears to have died a death right now, so I can't post links. However the version I'm using is 3.31RC6, and it works a treat.
That GPRS Monitor software looks interesting - is it free and where can I find it?
BGJr said:
That GPRS Monitor software looks interesting - is it free and where can I find it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not free. You can get it from SPB. It was also included with the Magicians software.
it is on the tmobile cd with the vario 2

Better Calendar Display

I love being able to access my calendar on my phone. However, it seems like I just get small chunks at a time with the built in calendar app. When I zoom out to see my whole week for example, I only see blue lines. I don't see exactly what the appointment is.
I know that is in no small way due to the limited size of the screen but I am looking for a more effective way to display my calendar.
I am currently trying pocket informant and it gets me closer to what I want. However, it has a couple screwy issues such as the bottom arrow of the scroll bar not being displayed etc.
So, what do you guys use? Or, are you happy with the built in calendar app?
Is there another forum that would be better for me to post this question? It's not directly related to the 8525 after all.
I'm using Pocket Breeze and very satisfied with it.
i use today agenda, its a killer app with many different customizations.. Dr. P got me hooked on this app!
http://tiews.info/index.php?show=software/todayagenda
I use SPB Diary, perfect today plugin that completely replaces the agenda. It's also the only today plugin I use or need.
I use SBSH.net PocketBreeze. I beta tested SPB Diary 2.0 and even tried the final version but wanted more control over customizing so I stuck by PocketBreeze. Still SPB Diary is also a fine product. You can't go wrong with either IMO. If you want to see your appointments in Calendar though I think you have to use one of those Power PIM apps [Agenda Fusion, etc etc] personally I find them overkill for my needs I stay with the default PIM and PocketBreeze.
I like pocketbreeze for the today screen display of the calendar. It's just when I go into the calendar app itself that I'm thinking there should be something better.
I'll check out your ideas. Anyone else?
I like the FREE Calendar+
http://www.mohairsofa.com/Default.aspx/document/10
Not a replacement for the MS Calendar, but rather a Today plugin.
I think it looks very similar to "View as Agenda" on blackberry.
also try out pocket informant alot of PB users also use that app.
Another vote for TodayAgenda. Excellent app. Free, small and highly configurable.
I've been using Pocket Breeze and Pocket Informant together since I had my old Orange M2000 and it works very well for me.

spb software group?

Is there any problem using spb pocket plus, weather, time, diary and etc.?
Does it affect the performance of the Wizard?
Thanks!
amar963 said:
Is there any problem using spb pocket plus, weather, time, diary and etc.?
Does it affect the performance of the Wizard?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have them all and use some of them. I have kept Plus and Diary on my MDA and use it daily.
Weather is not accurate. Get SPB Traveler instead of Weather and Time.
I would not buy SPB Finance if you use Quicken 2007 or 2008. It is not compatible with SPB.
SPB Backup is good.
Tried SPB Wallet and it was not an app that I found to be something that I couldn't do with phone contacts or Excel.
Hope this helps.
If you want a Weather app, I would suggest Pocket Weather.
Dear asctony,
Thanks for your reply
I just want to know if these applications cause any conflict in general.
As you mentioned, Weather is not accurate but at lease it's much better than HTC Touch Flo weather plug-in
I have SPB Weather and find it's reasonably accurate in the UK. (Not perfect 2+ days ahead, but to be fair nor are most online weather sites I find.)
I'm also evaluating SPB Phone Suite at the moment, which is useful for adding photo dialling icons to the today screen. It also adds a lot of other phone-related 'fixes', which I must admit I haven't really noticed/used. I will almost certainly buy this, although for $19.95 it's pretty expensive.
amar963 said:
Dear asctony,
Thanks for your reply
I just want to know if these applications cause any conflict in general.
As you mentioned, Weather is not accurate but at lease it's much better than HTC Touch Flo weather plug-in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not incurred any conflicts and I have a lot of apps on my MDA and have had it for 14 months.
If I were to buy SPB Apps today, based on what is available, I would buy:
1. Backup
2. Diary
3. Pocket Plus
4.Traveler (Weather, Time, Conversion, etc., all in one)
SPB Apps are buggy at times and don't seem to be consistant in how they perform. So, again, I have tried them all, and only use Backup, Diary and Pocket Plus.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Here is the site to obtain more info.
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/downloads.html?en
I think the most popular are:- \ My experiences with them:-
SPB backup \ very good and simple, can have problems finding a file to backup, which causes it to fail the automatic soft reset after it backs up (this can be solved with a reg edit)
Weather \ I have used this every day since I bought it, it's the best if you can't use freeware and you can add custom data sources. I currently have data updating issues, maybe due to wm6. (Traveler is possibly better, but a much bigger program, which includes currency rates, clothing sizes, more cities by default and a small clock, but NOT the same functions as spb time)
Time \ It used to be a must have for me except for two reasons, 1 the alarm doesn't work correctly for wm6 and, 2 alarms don't support wma (only mp3)
Diary \ faultless. not the most customizable available (sbsh) or the simplest (today agenda (freeware)) but the best I think
Pocket Plus \ Simply put - not required. It looks nice but I can't think of anything it can do that freeware can't (wm5NewMenu is very good) can't do, so I gave up using it (SBSH's ilauncher is possibly better)
They're a good company for ease of use products, they all look nice and are uncomplicated in general. But, their support can be lacking, and their releases are slow and infrequent, compared to sbsh who often release updates weekly compared to twice a year from spb, and they are not as customizable as even some similar freeware apps.
I have Spb Mobile Shell and works great
bbobeckyj said:
I think the most popular are:- \ My experiences with them:-
SPB backup \ very good and simple, can have problems finding a file to backup, which causes it to fail the automatic soft reset after it backs up (this can be solved with a reg edit)
Weather \ I have used this every day since I bought it, it's the best if you can't use freeware and you can add custom data sources. I currently have data updating issues, maybe due to wm6. (Traveler is possibly better, but a much bigger program, which includes currency rates, clothing sizes, more cities by default and a small clock, but NOT the same functions as spb time)
Time \ It used to be a must have for me except for two reasons, 1 the alarm doesn't work correctly for wm6 and, 2 alarms don't support wma (only mp3)
Diary \ faultless. not the most customizable available (sbsh) or the simplest (today agenda (freeware)) but the best I think
Pocket Plus \ Simply put - not required. It looks nice but I can't think of anything it can do that freeware can't (wm5NewMenu is very good) can't do, so I gave up using it (SBSH's ilauncher is possibly better)
They're a good company for ease of use products, they all look nice and are uncomplicated in general. But, their support can be lacking, and their releases are slow and infrequent, compared to sbsh who often release updates weekly compared to twice a year from spb, and they are not as customizable as even some similar freeware apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right!
I've been using Time since 20 days and it was great with WM5, but after I flashed WM6 to my phone I noticed some problems.
I was thinking that maybe other ROM version will work fine with the application but failed with different ROMs.
Which software you recommend as best and guaranteed alarm? web address please?
Thanks to all
amar963 said:
Dear asctony,
Thanks for your reply
I just want to know if these applications cause any conflict in general.
As you mentioned, Weather is not accurate but at lease it's much better than HTC Touch Flo weather plug-in
Click to expand...
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You may want to read some of the postings on SPB's Forums before you decide to buy any of their products.
Here is the link for their forums:
http://www.spbclub.com/forum/index.php
asctony said:
You may want to read some of the postings on SPB's Forums before you decide to buy any of their products.
Here is the link for their forums:
http://www.spbclub.com/forum/index.php
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Many thanks!
The web site you recommended is great
Spb backup is great.
I also use Insight every day to keep up on things.
I didn't like the weather app, I use Marsware WeatherPanel....It is very accurate and fast.
Spb Diary -- Could not get through a work-day without it. Rock-solid, no-nonsense app that gets the job done better than a lot of flashier programs.
Spb Pocket Plus -- Essential to the way I work and navigate in WM 5. It adds a few small but but critical tweaks. You may not need it though.
Spb Insight -- If you do a lot of reading on the internet, this is an indispensable app! It will change the way you use the web. Best 20 bucks I've ever dropped on any hardware or software.
kidlockatong said:
Spb Diary -- Could not get through a work-day without it. Rock-solid, no-nonsense app that gets the job done better than a lot of flashier programs.
Spb Pocket Plus -- Essential to the way I work and navigate in WM 5. It adds a few small but but critical tweaks. You may not need it though.
Spb Insight -- If you do a lot of reading on the internet, this is an indispensable app! It will change the way you use the web. Best 20 bucks I've ever dropped on any hardware or software.
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Agree with most of the comments. However, I don't use Insight anymore. I use NewsCopier - Free Edition V 1.1. I found it much faster and more selections. Here is the link for it:
http://www.freeware-palm.com/download-newscopier-v1-1.html
asctony said:
I use NewsCopier - Free Edition V 1.1. I found it much faster and more selections. Here is the link for it:
http://www.freeware-palm.com/download-newscopier-v1-1.html
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I hear ya.
I'll bet there are several better headline/summary/link news readers than Insight, but that's not why I use it. What I like about it is -- I can update complete articles for 20 feeds in a snap on a wireless broadband at home every morning, and read them all day without having to connect to the internet or any cellular service at all.
And they don't need to be RSS/Atom/etc. feeds, either. Half the stuff I download comes from sites that don't even use feeds. Or if they do, I pull stuff that they don't feed.
But not everyone may want or need that.
I use Spb Mobile Shell (top of my Avatar photo) It's weather tab is fairly accurate and tracks with the local forecasts. The photo speed dial tab is nice as is the battery / most recent applications tab. The clock is there, but I don't access the multi time zones much.
As far as performance, I have only run it on the Uni and the Athena, without conflicts or hang-ups. Can't testify to using it first hand on the Wizard.
kidlockatong said:
I hear ya.
I'll bet there are several better headline/summary/link news readers than Insight, but that's not why I use it. What I like about it is -- I can update complete articles for 20 feeds in a snap on a wireless broadband at home every morning, and read them all day without having to connect to the Internet or any cellular service at all.
And they don't need to be RSS/Atom/etc. feeds, either. Half the stuff I download comes from sites that don't even use feeds. Or if they do, I pull stuff that they don't feed.
But not everyone may want or need that.
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I download from 20 different feeds daily also. I just counted them to see how much I was downloading from. I also read them during the day without being connect to the Internet or any cellular service using NewsCopier. So, there are commonalities among both apps. The good thing about this thread is that you now can try both of them and even more and make your own decision. Not every app is suited for everyone or anyone user.
asctony -- Thanks! The page didn't seem to mention that. Will definitely follow up on it. Is that version usable on a wizard?
Got it. Thanks again.
I've used them all. The only one I use now and is rock solid is Diary. Phone Suit is VERY buggy. Most of the features only work intermittently. Weather is not nearly as good as WeatherPanel. I could not get Finance to work with MS Money Plus (2007). SPB Shell, Plus, Time, Traveler, and all the rest are too heavy on the PDA resources compared with what they do. The cost benefit analysis leans too far toward cost to justify using them.
kidlockatong said:
asctony -- Thanks! The page didn't seem to mention that. Will definitely follow up on it. Is that version usable on a wizard?
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I have a T-Mobile MDA. Model: WIZA200 Pocket PC
I run with:
IPL 2.26
SPL 2.26
GSM Radio 2.25.11
OS WxtRom 2.26.10.2
I have been using that version on my MDA for over 8 months. No problems and I do use it daily.
Let me know if you need anything else.

What is the best free software everybody uses?

I was just wondering, with so much software on the internet, what is the best free software people use? I have been doing so much customizing and tweaking I just wonder what more is out there.
I use:
amAze GPS
Google Maps
HTC Home Customizer
Live Search
My Mobilier
Skyfire
youtubeplay
GPS Today
Pocket SNES
Unfortunately some of the best ones are not free:
TomTom7
PocketInformant
GeoScout
SBP Mobile Shell
Sprite Backup
Sprite Terminator
Code Wallet Pro
Free ones that I have are:
Google Maps
Microsoft Live search
HHC Home customizer
Opera Mini Browser
PHM RegEdit
Resco File Explorer
TCPMP
Palringo
Cool, it seems most people use the same programs but your right some of the better ones are not free...
Flashlight is pretty useful at times
KeePassPPC for managing passwords. There are also versions for Windows, Mac and Linux, which is handy.
Free:
Calendar+
Htc Plus!
S2U2
S2V
S2P
Opera Mini
Nilisco Flashlight
iContac Burt Edition
Messenger
My Mobiler
PHM Regedit
sinPocketStopWatch
Kevtris 2
Pocket UNO
not free:
SPB Bubbles
Astraware Bejeweled 2
Bluezard
Garmin Mobile XT
SK Tools
ThumbCal
and some ohters that I don't have installed right now...
* Sorry this is so long... but recently I sent an email with apps & links to some of my friends who also have HTC phones, so I figure it's just easier to simply paste the text heree. *
Hello HTC friends!
I'm sending this email to some of you who I know have HTC PDAs, or may be getting one at some point. Over the few months that I've had my phone, I've received a few tips on good applications from some people, and have discovered several myself. So I thought it might be a good thing to send out an email to my friends that summarizes some my favorites, in the interest of sharing knowledge & experience for those who might find something you're looking for (or didn't even know you were looking for!).
First of all, it should be noted that I've found several of these tools / applications / customizations at a website called xda-developers.com. It's a site dedicated so HTC -branded phones *specifically*. I mostly use it by searching their forums for answers to questions, and looking for applications or basic tweaks:
http://www.xda-developers.com
Another good site for Windows Mobile devices is ppcgeeks.com:
http://www.ppcgeeks.com
I recently upgraded my phone to Windows Mobile 6.1 with the latest ROM update from HTC & Sprint, so a lot of these are still fresh in my head. It is also worth noting that all of the apps listed here are free; that is usually a criteria of mine when searching for new software especially for my phone.
nueLED: Turn on / turn off / redirect LED lights on your phone
This was one of the first little apps I installed. After I got my phone I noticed that it was always blinking to let me know it was "alive," and since I have bluetooth turned on all the time that light was blinking incessantly as well. I installed nueLED, configured it to disable the service LED and bluetooth LED, and now if my phone is blinking at me I know it's because it's *actually* trying to tell me something (missed call, voice mail, etc.).
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=189618#post189618
Opera Mini web browser
It couldn't have been more than 2 days of using Pocket Internet Explorer before I got fed up with it and started looking for a new browser. Maybe I was spoiled by playing with my friend's iPhone, because the web browser absolutely blows away any browser I've seen for Windows Mobile. But Opera Mini is at least a step in the right direction, until someone develops something closer to the iPhone's Safari browser. I have high hopes for Firefox's version of a mobile browser, but that won't be out for a while. And although Opera Mini runs as a Java app,let I've found out how to create a shortcut for it (as well as Gmail's Java applet) so that you don't have to go through the annoying Java menus.
http://www.operamini.com/
* There's also "Opera Mobile," although I haven't tried it yet. They have a beta (currently v9.51) that is free, although I think their non-beta releases (currently v8.65) are only free for a 30-day trial. If anyone has had any experience with these, please share the knowledge!
http://www.opera.com/press/reviews/mobile/
Google Maps
This has got to be one of the coolest apps for mobile devices; a must-have. Good interface, relatively fast, great searching, and it's easy to check traffic at a glance. It also has the ability to interact with the GPS receiver if your device has one, and can give you driving directions. But it's not the best for turn-by-turn directions as you navigate if you're trying to use it with the GPS. And also be aware that any software which accesses your GPS will suck on the battery pretty good when it's turned on, which is why I only turn on the "Use GPS" feature of Google Maps sparingly.
http://www.google.com/mobile/winmo/maps/
Microsoft Live Search
Google Maps pretty much has the upper hand in most aspects: Map GUI, usability, searching, etc. However, one area Live Search seems to have Google Maps beat is turn-by-turn directions. While it doesn't include audio guidance (I haven't found a free app that does), it integrates pretty well with the GPS and will even prompt you if you go off course. Not bad for freeware. The same caveat applies for battery usage if you turn on the GPS locator.
http://mobile.search.live.com/client/download_manual.aspx
iContact: A more "finger-friendly" contacts manager
A better UI for interacting with the contacts in your address book. Originally started a while back by someone named "larna", and version 0.6 (April 2008) was good. Then after that developer didn't have any more time to devote to it, "supbro" took over and made it way better (July 2008). Now "burt" has made his "Burt Edition 6.2" (August 2008) and made some additional improvements, and now I think it's a great app. I would have recommended it even with larna's versions, but definitely now with supbro and burt's new features. It's light weight, responsive, and highly customizable. I can tell you how to set it as the default Contacts viewer, too.
http://burt.vndv.com/index.php?ind=downloads&op=entry_view&iden=1
OggSync: Over-the-air sync with Google Calendar
This is a nice little app which synchronizes the Pocket Outlook calendar built into your device with your Google Calendar, via the internet connection on you phone. I looked at a few other solutions, and went this one because it is free, accurate, and doesn't use a 3rd-party server as a go-between. The free version is good. They also have a paid version (yearly subscription) which includes a few additional features including scheduled syncs and multiple Google calendars. The scheduled sync would be nice, and multiple calendars maybe (maps each Google Calendar to a category) -- but not enough for me to pay for it. If you don't use Google Calendar then OggSunc is probably useless; but if you do, this app is a big winner.
http://oggsync.com/
Total Commander: A more feature-rich file explorer
Although the interface looks a little bit "old school", I use this app more than I thought I would. More options when browsing & interacting with files (geez, you can even see the actual file extension for once!), plus you get a registry editor and the ability to interact with LAN file shares (if you're connected to a network via WiFi) without having to jump through a bunch of hoops.
http://www.ghisler.com/pocketpc.htm
PPC PIM Backup: Backup personal data
This is an easy way to back up contacts, call logs, calendar entries, tasks, messages, and other files, etc. to your storage card. It's pretty light weight -- in fact there's no installation process, you just run the .exe and you're off and running. There is an optional scheduling mechanism for automatic backups; but I prefer to just use the manual backup periodically. It came in handy after flashing the latest ROM update last week.
http://www.dotfred.net/default.htm
TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player)
This is a nice alternative to Windows Media player, that actually plays formats beyond WMV. Fullscreen works great, and it is pretty customizable. Link to WM 6.1-compatible version below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=380387
There are also a codecs to play WMV files:
http://www.4winmobile.com/forums/local_links.php?linkid=61
and other audio formats including AC3, FLAC, Vorbis, etc.
http://picard.exceed.hu/tcpmp/test/
Flash Video Bundle: A way to play YouTube (and other) Flash videos
My friend Scott told me about this one. It is a cab installation that includes FLV codecs for TCPMP as well as a plugin for Pocket IE that allows you to save Flash videos from the youtube.com website (the non-mobile version).
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=FlashVideoBundle
YouTubePlay: Another way to save and play YouTube videos
My friend Mike showed me this other alternative. Not only will it play Flash videos like the TCPMP plugin, but it serves as a front-end for searching & saving YouTube videos. The player is good (fullscreen works nicely like TCPMP), and it seems to be a better alternative for finding YouTube videos than using a web browser.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=385227
SPB Full Screen Keyboard
I haven't tried this because the device I use (HTC Titan / Sprint Mogul) has a slide-out keyboard. But for devices that don't have a hardware keyboard, I've seen other software keyboards that are supposedly better than the ones that come standard on the ROM. One that is mentioned often is SPB Full Screen Keyboard. They have a free download, although I don't know if it's a limited functionality version or a limited time trial of the one for purchase.
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/fsk/?en
Change # of vertical lines on new SMS reply screen
Windows Mobile v6.1 comes with a new "threaded" view for text messages, but the default space for replying to messages on my phone was only 2 lines. You can increase this if you want by simply editing the the thread_sms.htm file:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=366347
Continued in next post....
SenseiMP said:
Continued in next post....
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The next few applications are clones/extracts/repackaged versions of some of the software that comes standard on the HTC Touch and similar devices. So for the Touch, Diamond, etc., I think these are already baked in. But for others, here they are:
FTouchFlo version 1.4.1
Software that mimic's the HTC "TouchFlo" functionality, which allows scrolling with your thumb or finger rather than having to use scroll bars. It also allows for some nice customizations, including the ability to launch different programs via directional finger swipes.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=338143
SCLPC++: Cloned version of the HTC Cube
There are a few cubes out there, and this is the one I found to be the most useful & responsive. It's also a 4-sided cube, with the last face being an additional program launcher. In truth, I don't use it as much as I thought I would now that I have it all set up and configured, but it's still pretty cool.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=358102
Configuration tool:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=374939
HTC Home Plugin / HTC Home Customizer
Large digital clock, favorite contacts, program launcher, weather, etc., on your Today screen. This can be used to configure, customize, and backup settings for the stock HTC Home as well as the custom one. Install "HTC Home Customizer v1.0 Final," and upon first use it will prompt you to install the HTC Home Plugin if you don't already have one.
http://www.pocketemu.com/download4.html
If your interested, there are also several other HTC applications and skins extracted from the Touch ROMs:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=344533
I also have the .cab file installers for all of these programs if you need them. If anyone has other applications that they enjoy, please share! In particular, I am looking for a more "finger friendly" alternative to the default UI for the Calendar. I very rarely use my stylus, as I find it more convenient to just use my finger or thumb nail. That's a bit more difficult with the default Calendar interface, and there are other things I don't like about it as well. If you've seen the Calendar interface on the iPhone, it's pretty good. Don't get me wrong, I'd still rather have a Windows Mobile device than an iPhone, especially since you can get more "under the hood" and customize it, etc., and there's a huge community of developers making apps for WM. But there are some things that are much better on the iPhone, including web browsing and overall touchscreen responsiveness. But hey, at least we're moving in the right direction. Maybe Windows Mobile 7 and beyond!?
By the way, I recently found this site:
http://www.touch-innovation.com/
It contains links to several different kinds of "finger friendly" Windows Mobile apps, including some of the ones I've listed above. There's a link to an older (free) version of "ThumbCal" on there, and I may give that a try at some point. But it looks like the more recent versions of it are no longer free.
EDIT: I also use S2U2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=412418
and nueLight:
http://www.nuerom.com/BlogEngine/page/nueLight.aspx
SenseiMP said:
nueLight:
http://www.nuerom.com/BlogEngine/page/nueLight.aspx
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Click to collapse
I tried out nueLight, and although the high beam and morse code functions are fancy and cool, I will still use Nilisco flashlight as my default flashlight. The reason is that I can easily bind it to a button (comm manager) and flick it on and off. The nueLight will only turn on with the button, but will not turn off.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1381521&postcount=2
There were people saying they had a NES emulator for the Mogul, but I don;t think it actually exists, I never saw it posted. Would be sweet.
emkorial said:
There were people saying they had a NES emulator for the Mogul, but I don;t think it actually exists, I never saw it posted. Would be sweet.
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Click to collapse
I use Smartgear. It emulates NES, GameBoy Color, and Genesis. It has a free trial version, but it is WELL worth the $10 it costs to register.
Find it here:
http://www.bitbanksoftware.com/SmartGear.html
My favourite freeware:
1. Today Agenda: A rather simple Today screen plug-in that allows very flexible customization of information from your calendar and tasks to your Today screen. multiple-day agendas in collapsible line items on your Today Screen. Useful for precisely deciding how much real estate you want to give up for it. I love this program.
2. Amaze: Free voice navigation. Works pretty darned well.
3. S2u2: Slide to unlock program that allows you to dump your unlock line on your Today Screen, provides a bunch of useful info on your lock screen, allows calls, and is highly customizable.
4. Skyfire Beta: I really like Skyfire Beta. It works with most websites and provides full web experience, including streaming sound and video (you can play Youtube right on the browser).
5. Youtubeplayer: A nice means of searching, playing, and downloading you tube videos.
6. Pocket Music Lite: Free music player. No fancy coverflow interface, but a nice skinnable finger friendly interface. Only plays MP3s, but you can just get a converter program for your desktop.
7. Vade Mecum: Nice little ebook ready that reads plucker format. I read downloads from www.projectguternberg.org all the time. Has bookmark, search features.
8. VS Painter Lite: A nice draw and paint program that is free. Useful to annote pictures, draw maps or dungeons, etc.
9. Total Commander: One of the best file explorers out there.
10. Set Volume: Full screen volume controller. Skinnable and nice to hard key so you don't ever have to fart around with some tiny onscreen volume control.
11. Pocket Screen: Just a screen capture program, but very nice at that. Useful for showing off your stuff on forums.
12. Beyond Pod: A nice podcast player and RSS feed reader.
13. Google Maps and Live Search: Indispensible. Must haves.
14. Icontact (Burt's version): Very nice finger friendly contacts manager.
15. PCM Keyboard: Very customizable, essentially gives you the iphone keyboard experience on your ppc. Disable the annoying dictionary and word complete functions however.
Those are my favourite non-game freeware apps.
A shout out to shareware SPB Pocket Plus for having a very stable and nicely customizable Today Screen and Launcer experience. I tried Ulitmate Launcher and had all sorts of errors and problems and have read nightmares about HTC Home and HHC.
Devin
Fav app
My Favorite is GC Java Pack
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=402980
I have Meboy gameboy color emulator that runs as a java app. I love i play pokemon on it all the time
http://java-phones.com/tools/meboy

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