As I mentioned in my prior blog article, I've been occupied with new tech toys this past week.  One is a Windows Mobile Pocket PC phone.  While it came out of the box with many features, there are additional features that I wanted that can currently only be addressed by third-party vendors.

Here are some recommended add-on software to get the most out of your PDA phone running Windows Mobile 5.0.  [Note: Windows Mobile phone units are essentially either Pocket PC's (touchscreens) or Smartphones (not touchscreens) -- when looking for software, you will commonly see it listed under Pocket PC software, and then determine what version of Windows Mobile it runs on.]

1. Adobe (free) - Flash and Acrobat Players (all phones);  [Flash Player for Pocket PC]
 
2. RealPlayer - playback of media files whether streaming or download  
Note: I encountered a problem when installing via my regular PC -- it was indicating (incorrectly) that I had the wrong version of ActiveSync.  The workaround: when the error message window is displayed -- and before responding and clicking on the error window,  find the temporary folder where the installation files are located (type "CD %temp%" from a command prompt), then manually transfer via ActiveSync to your mobile device and install on the device.
  
3. MultiIE (about $20) - enhancement to built-in Windows Mobile version of Internet Explorer - provide multiple tabbed windows and a better mobile browsing experience in general.
 
4. CorePlayer ($25) - for video playback - allows access to video streams not directly supported via Windows Mobile.
 
5. PocketTV  (free for personal use) - watch mpeg video on your mobile handheld. [Click here to download directly to mobile device]
 
6. WIMR? (free) - "Where is my RAM? (WIMR?) is a question every Pocket PC user has asked him/herself at some point. Use WIMR? to get an overview of what it is that are taking up all the storage space on your device."   Very useful and easy to use little utility for Windows Mobile.
 
7. Gmail for mobile users (free) - access Google's GMail service via your mobile device - a web-based email service.  Can be used in addition to Outlook (will not interfere).
 
8. MSN Virtual Earth Mobile (free) - "displays maps and satellite photography, and locates businesses by name or category within a geographical area. The data is downloaded from the MSN Virtual Earth servers that power http://virtualearth.msn.com/. Unlike many other mapping programs, the map data is not preloaded onto the device; it is downloaded on demand. The disadvanatge to this is that an internet connection is required. The advantage is that you do not need to decide what maps to preload, and you need very little storage space. VEM will cache map data as you view it, which improves performance, and allows you to view cached maps when you do not have an internet connection."  Some limitations apply, see web site for details.
 
NOTE: Since most Windows Mobile devices come with limited internatl memory, you will need an memory expansion card (SD) to install any of the above software onto it.  Suggest at least 1GB or 2GB cards.  Note: 1GB cards are available for under $20 from places such as Amazon. 


Additional Mobile Resources:
Handango - purchase mobile and handheld device software (some free) for Windows Mobile and other systems.
Mobihand - mobile and handheld device software and hardware [mobizon.org - optimized for access by mobile/handheld devices]
Smartphone & PocketPC Magazine - for Windows Mobile users - keep up-to-date on latest news and technology.
Best Pocket PC Software - a starting point, compiled by a pocket pc forum user.


For those that have been using Windows Mobile for a while, I'm sure you've run across some great programs or web sites that enhance the mobile experience.  Please feel free to contribute to this list.

 
Next: I will take a look at mobile search options and web page design considerations.
  
 
 
Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
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