My (Current) Essential Mobile Apps
Posted on January 28, 2008
3 Comments
I flashed my Windows Mobile 6 based phone recently, so I had the opportunity to reload it with applications that I use — versus those that [at one point] looked neat, but I hardly ever touched. Turns out there were a lot fewer of the former and quite a few of the latter.
Before I started the flash process, I first had to back up some key data. I don’t run Outlook on my PC, so I can’t rely on the sync process keeping my critical contact information. Fortunately, I found PIM Backup and it does the job quite nicely. It quickly backed up my contacts, call history, calendar stuff, etc. I keep a copy on the mini-SD card at all times and generate a new backup whenever the whim strikes. (I just noticed the built-in schedule option. I’ll be setting that up to run twice weekly)
The flash only took about 5 minutes. I then spent about an hour reloading the stuff I use frequently enough to keep around. Here are the apps that made the cut:
- eWallet — I just switched over to this one, but it’s looking like a keeper for my password management chores. I expect to open up my wallet and pay for it soon.
[previous mention] - OggSync - keeps my Google Apps calendar in sync with my phone. I’m using the free flavor.
[previous mentions] - The cleverly named “Finster869 WM6_RDP” client (aka Remote Desktop). It doesn’t come built-in with my phone’s version of WinMo6… Just remember to manually start a VPN connection before trying to connect to a machine.
- µBook - my favorite e-book reader. I even paid to register it.
[previous mention] - Remote Display Control — One of the old WinCE powertoys, but it still works fine. Handy for screen shots off the phone and/or data entry when a real keyboard is desired.
[previous mention] - Google Maps — Damned handy to have with me, just wish the “My Location” stuff would work with my phone. Rumor has it the next flash for my phone will unlock the built-in GPS unit…
[previous mention] - LogMeIn Hamachi Mobile client (preview edition) — I like to have multiple options to connect to my machines at work. I’ve had mixed results with this one, but not ready to throw in the towel yet. Sometimes it works great, other times I can’t connect to anything with it. Now that my phone is flashed, I hope to better understand how it works.
[previous mention] - Speaking of LogMeIn, I also have their ActiveX control installed in my browser. Their LogMeIn Free product is one of the best ways I have to take over a “command center” machine at the office.
[previous mention] - GSPlayer — My preferred MP3 and podcast player. Not much to look at, but it remembers where you left off — something I can’t seem to get the mobile version of WMP to manage. The streaming stuff is easy to use as well. And hey, when the screen shots feature Dream Theater, you just know the software must be good!
[previous mentions] - Resco Explorer — A beefed up (and more useful) file manager that also includes a very handy registry editor, FTP client and nifty today screen plugin. I paid for this one too.
[previous mention]
I also use the built-in Internet Explorer a lot but I didn’t have to actually install that one. Future post coming about my mobile site bookmarks.
Only thing I’m missing is a solid VNC client. I’ve found a few, but none that I loved. Still kissing frogs on that front.
Other stuff to look into? I hope to have a look at PocketPuTTY (SSH client) soon. I don’t need it all that often, but it would sure be nice to have around to be able to do quick updates to my sites. I recently heard about Pointui and I might try their take on how a mobile UI should work.
Last and not least, the WMWifiRouter project is very intriguing to me. I’ve messed around with it a bit, but haven’t quite got it all squared away to my liking. In particular, I want to make sure I can get WPA going.
WMWifiRouter is a tool for your Windows Mobile based device to turn it a Wifi router. This allows you to connect multiple other devices to your Windows Mobile device through an Ad-Hoc network and providing them with internet through your cellular data connection.
Cool concept though!
Tags: backup, HTC-Mogul, utility, windows-mobile
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3 Responses to “My (Current) Essential Mobile Apps”
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my list (if you please):
Total Commander is nice and free, though it doesn’t do network browse like Resco’s File Explorer.
I used GSPlayer for a while, but I switched to Pocket Player (Conduits) - it’s very nice.
I also like Card Export II because it let’s me ditch ActiveSync - for the most part.
others: Resco Audio Recorder, Goosync(free Google cal sync), WisBar Advance, Pocket Artist, Pencil Box Deluxe VGA.
cheers!
Good stuff, Jay! I used to use Total Commander a few years ago. Somehow I totally forgot it existed…
My biggest beef with GSPlayer is that it isn’t very finger friendly. I pretty much have to grab the stylus. How do you think Pocket Player is in that respect?
I think Pocket player is finger friendlier than GSPlayer. http://www.conduits.com/products/player/
You’ll see the Play/Shuttle(?) buttons are bigger (all that matters right?). Playlist font is scalable but becomes unreadable for long names at larger fonts.