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(Look out! Tons of freewares coming through!)

Few days ago my device dropped dead, so I decided to hard reset it and start all over again!

Here’s a summary of all the applications I’ve installed after performing the hard reset – one software, many freewares!

SPB Mobile Shell

Best Shell application ever created for Windows Mobile. Without a doubt – my favorite application – and also the only one in this post which is not free (but it’s worth it, believe me)

Completely changes the way I work on my mobile device, I love it.

The first thing I do after installing this beauty is to re-configure some of the default settings; removing the useless today screen, configuring the shortcuts menu, and changing the scheme colors… let’s pick something special this time… Blue.

There it is.

To download – visit: http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/mobileshell/?en

Most applications will not work without it – if your device is not new – you probably don’t have it by default – so use the following links to download and install it.

.Net Compact Framework 2

Newer application now use CF3.5 – so here’s a link to that as well:

.Net compact Framework 3.5

This is a genius application. Not sure everyone needs it – but for me it’s one of the first things I install whenever I start using a WinMo. Why using the stylus when you can use your PC mouse?

Luckily this app knows how to install itself automatically on every new device which means once you have it on your PC – it will be passed to the phone automatically.

If you don’t have it yet – get it, it gives you a full control on your device from your PC, it has the capability to get screenshots and even videos. Fantastic app. Perfect for demos.

Download MyMobiler

Old version: Advanced configuration Tool for Windows Mobile

New version: Advanced Configuration Tool – All the WinMo Tweaks in one freeware (this one has more options but requires compact framework 3.5)

The reason I like this freeware is that it gives an easy way to disable the annoying security warnings every time I install a freeware. I mean, heck, being the master of my phone is the reason why I love WinMo so much, right? right! If I wanted to become a security prisoner I would buy an iPhone, right? right!

Great.

So now I have a beautiful UI, powerful platform and a smell of fresh start.

Windows Mobile in its’ best – just as I like it!

In case your device does not run Windows Mobile 6.1 – this is a must.

It’s a free upgrade to all the office applications.

Download Office Mobile 6.1

OK, it’s true that I developed this one, but it’s in my recommendations list because I really love it. it’s simple, the UI is finger friendly and it fits my needs and hey, it has been downloaded by almost 100,000 people so far!)

Download SpoonAlarm

This great freeware tweaks your winMo lists to become scrollable by finger – just like the iPhone does, just like the diamond has.

Download FTouchFlo

Another free app that will improve your WinMo phone. Some devices may not need it due to built-in plug-ins but if you are looking for a good contacts application – this is the one.

Download iContact

Another tool I built mainly due to my personal need.

Finger friendly tasks application that group your tasks in folders.

I am using it a lot, and up to know I haven’t found a proper replacement for that in the iPhone. Mainly because most of the tasks applications make it too complicated to add a new task.

Read more

Download SpoonDo!

Flash for Windows Mobile. You never know when you may need it.

Download Macromedia Flash Player 7

Without a doubt, for me Opera is a leading Internet browser application.

If you don’t have Opera Mobile – there’s a nice free alternative: Opera mini.

Download Opera Mini

The Core Player is probably the best media player for Windows Mobile.
If you are interested in seeing movies on your WM device—this is the perfect solution.

I think it’s no longer a freeware – but here’s a link to the older version which works fine for me (every flight…).

Download TCPMP

Great way to combine all of your messengers in one app.

I like the user interface of this one, even though I normally don’t use it that often.

Download Fring

The best free image viewer I know. iPhone like user interface, powerful zoom (the best I tried so far) – a very good app.

Download PocketCM Image viewer

All the important Google apps in one freeware. Nice one.

Download Google2Go

There’s a lot of nice free games for Windows Mobile but those two are the best ones! If you have a partner to compete against – those are great games – and a freewares too.

(which reminds me – my wife just broke my ZNax record few days ago… I must finish this post and spare some time for a comeback)

Download ZNax

Download Shift

If you like tweaking your device back and forth – this one is for you.

A great editor – very old but still working – similar to the registry editor of Windows XP etc.

Has some bugs every now and then but not things that ruin the device completely (I encountered some saving problems few times but nothing serious)

Download Registry Editor

BTW, the first thing I do after downloading PHM Registry Editor is to change the popup menu font to make my device more finger friendly.

I usually change the font size from 800 to 1000 (in points) which seems like turning it from size 8 to size 9 or 10.

If you wish to learn more how to do it – click here.

We still have to improve our WinMo RSS capabilities, YouTube, and other online tools – but let’s leave something for next week.

(Oh, and don’t forget to backup your device once you have all your favorite apps in place… )

P.S.

If you have additional ‘must have’ applications for Windows Mobile – you are invited to share them!

Enjoy!

Gil Bouhnick (58 Posts) - Website | Twitter | Facebook

Gil Bouhnick is a guest writer at MobilitySite and the owner of The Mobile Spoon. He is a Director of Mobile Solutions at ClickSoftware, running ClickSoftware's MobileFever, and constantly trying to examine new mobile trends and technologies.