Essential Windows Mobile Applications

I've decided to keep a list of all applications that I use on my XDA Orbit (re-styled HTC Artemis). And where better to keep track of them than on my Blog!

I am currently running Windows Mobile 6 (as of 16th October 2007) and am loving the new smoother interface.

Most of the apps below are free and I've noted where they are not.

Productivity

These are apps that help you to be more organised and 'do more' (yes, yes, trademark).

• ADB Idea Library - a great idea for an app that doesn't force you to keep a folder for audio, a folder for video, a folder for text, but instead lets you create a series of notes, in a hierarchy and then 'attach' content to those notes, be it audio, video, a sketch or whatever! (It is very old though)

Multimedia

• GSPlayer - a very simple, very quick-loading audio player. Seems to work very nicely, although I've not used it much yet.

System

• Magic Button - everyone loves a task manager. None are as simple as this. It sits as a 'cross' icon at the top of the screen and lets you switch between and 'properly' close applications, saving your battery and operating memory.
• PHM RegEdit - to be used with extreme caution. Useful for performing registry hacks, like disabling GPRS and saving you from costly auto-connections. (Again, very old but it's a great free alternative to other registry editors).
• Total Commander - a very nice File Explorer as well as many other bells-and-whistles. And it's free, which is even better ;-) (Not updated in a while, but does work nicely)

Navigation & GPS

Take advantage of that in-built GPS receiver now - you know you want to!

• TomTom Navigator - the best GPS navigator on the market, and I include CoPilot which sometimes comes with this PDA. Actually not as hideously expensive as you'd think.

Networking

• WiFiFoFum - a good WiFi sniffer. The radar is crap, though.

Games

For when that game of Solitaire doesn't do it for you.

• S-Tris - this is a great version of Tetris with chunky graphics. You'll need to remap your keys to the soft buttons, but it's well worth it. Much better than KevTris which doesn't expect the Orbit/Artemis' configuration and touch screen.
• High Seas, Guns & Gold - this isn't free, but it's well worth it. It's a strategy and real-time combat game. Graphics are on the low-key side, but it's immensely entertaining. A bit like Elite, but pirates-based.