I've just recently bought my first PDA, a Dell Axim x51v. I'm very pleased with the machine itself, however very quickly realized that the main limitation was the software bundle.
I'm still a student, therefore I don't need a very powerfull PIM, the one provided does the work. However, the access to all the information is awfull. (for those not seeing my point, what I'm telling now is that pocketbreeze is really a must-have)
I've decided to download a bunch of applications and test them, so as to see if I need them or not. For some of them, I'm still hesitating, and that's where you come in :).
Here is my summary :
1) File explorer
The one provided with WM5 is correct, it does what it is ask to do, and that's all. (I would really appreciate a tree view, the navigation of "File explorer" is awfull. No properties window either, no "Open with...". Well coming to think of it, it's rather useless...
I've tested "Resco File Explorer 2005". It has the minimum requirements I've named above. It also has some nice features like the "Move to...", "Copy to...", small things that make your life easier. Encryption was a nice thing to have to. Finally, registry editor is provided with it, and some tweaks are always welcomed. (Oh btw Network support, ftp...I don't need it)
However though, all these things can be replaced by free solutions (Total Commander, an encryption software [don't have a name, but I'm sure there's one], I haven't found a registry editor yet).
2) PIM "extensions"
I've made my decision regarding this one, PocketBreeze will most certainly be in my basket soon enough. I only had one little criticism, the refresh is a bit slow, so everytime an app is closed and we come back to the today screen, it takes a second or two. I know, it's a VERY small detail, but it disturbs me a bit...
3) Theming and small tweaks
I tested Wisbar Advance. I wanted a real close button, ability to easily switch between tasks, a proper start menu and last but not least, nice skinning ;). The first 3 can be done with vbar, vbar again and SmallMenu respectively. As for the skinning, well I was thinking/hoping that windows would at least be good at one thing, so I'm asking you if it's possible to change the appeareance trough skins (I'm now testing an Aqua Wisbar skin which fits me well, is this possible by using windows themes ?)
4) VPN
As I said, I'm a student, in a wifi enabled campus and would like to use it. However, they're using a Cisco 3000 concentrator, therefore.......I need an application. AnthaVPN might work with WM5 and some registry tweaks I didn't find, any info on that one ? Bluefiresecurity, tested it, couldn't pass phase 1 (IKE). Since the company making this software thought wise enough not to provide any documentation whatsoever on trial testers, I didn't take time to investigate this by testing all options (if someone has some docs regarding bluefiresecurity, it would be welcomed). MovianVPN (predecessor of AnthaVPN) works for sure, a web page on the university website gives the configuration. Any info would be appreciated :).
Finally, and so as to finish a rather long post, I wanted to ask for your opinion on one last issue. I find rather disturbingly naive from a company such as Microsoft to sell an OS along with a software bundle with so little capabilities and features (not to propose a real close button ? no programs in the start menu ?)... Of course, it's much more interesting to let others do the job, and get money from that (by just giving a certificate, making them buy development tools, etc.). I have the impression that (as a consumer) I'm taken for an idiot.
For File Explorer:
Check out GSFinder Univseral. Free and it is my file explorer of choice. It doesn't edit the registry, but I like everything else about it.
For VPN:
Have you looked into using the Odyssey software that came with your x51v? I know that it's purpose is WiFi connections to secured networks, I just don't know if it will work with your particular situation. Might at least be worth a shot since you already own it.
Wow, thanks for that quick reply. I thought I had checked all the apps at pocketpcfreeware, but apparently not :). Seems very interesting, thanks for the link.
As for VPN, Odyssey Client is "pre-connection" software (I mean used for connection establishment, if I'm not mistaken). Therefore, no VPN support I think. Windows has VPN support built-in, but not for Cisco 3000 (for once, I find this absence normal, Cisco is the one to blame maybe here ;) ).
Thanks for your help, oh and btw, don't hesitate to state your opinion regarding the WM5 features lack (I'm really interested to see what you people think about it).
Just remembered that I forgot one of the most important ! A keyboard application... I chose Resco Keyboard Pro, because I need multilanguage support (only 2 possible, but that's enough).
Btw, this was also one of the main reasons I had a grundge against WM5, the lack of possibility to change the keyboard language !
I use iLauncher in a tab in Pocketbreeze, which gives me access to all my programs, plus keep the organization close at hand. iLauncher in a tab gives me access to my programs through icons, so I don't really miss a start menu. It also allows me to load some programs on the bottom task bar, that once loaded are always available.
It's not skins, but the PDA looks sharp and there are some nice icons and themes on the SBSH website.
Magicbutton (freeware) for closing aps and access to some programs on top bar.
PHM regedit (freeware) as registry editor
Total Commander (freeware) for file explorer
Yes iLauncher was on my list too. However, I thought that with a nice start menu replacement, I could add a folder with my "favourite" applications (I don't like the recently used "feature") without adding more things to my today screen.
As for MagicButton, it was the first freeware I tested, and for some reason I prefered the vBar solution. I think it's the fact it replaced the above bar (might be disabled with the options, I don't know, I'll have to give a try again).
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