Best of Everything 2007 Software Package

By Al Harrington, Submitted Monday, June 11, 2007

Topics:

Touch screen devices

The Best of Everything software package from Smartphone and Pocket PC (S&PPC) Magazine is a collection of products that were part of the 2006 Best Software Awards. The package is sold at a significant discount if you were to purchase the titles individually. The Best of Everything package sells for $297 (Pocket PC version). If you are like me you might be wondering if it is really worth the price.

For those new to the Pocket PC world this is a great deal. I've been using mobile devices for many years and already own more software than I can use - so is there really that much on this CD that would make it worthwhile? The folks at S&PPC Magazine have provided a handy Excel spreadsheet to help you calculate how much you would save. When I went through the spreadsheet and selected the applications that were in the "definitely use" category for me I was surprised when the total approached $400. When I went back through and selected the "would like to use" applications the total went over $800. Of course there are many more titles I'd try because they are included so this is definitely a value for me.

How it works

The system setup for the Best of Everything CD is very easy to use. When you log into the web site you are given a menu of the application categories:

Each product is listed with a description, screenshot, button to register as well as link to download the demo version. The registration process is different depending on the application. For some applications you get an immediate registration code or link to download the full version, while other applications require a code to be sent (via email) from the vendor. There is a "My History" area that will list all the applications you've registered. If it was an "instant register" application you'll see the code and/or link to the full download here as well.

Over the next several weeks (or months :) ) I'll be reviewing various applications that are included on the Best of Everything CD. I'm happy to say that I've already found a few surprising gems!

Submitted by halguest on June 12, 2007 - 5:18am.

Thanks, Al. One thing that I would like to clarify. Al and all our Smartphone & Pocket PC bloggers are all volunteer Windows Mobile experts. That is, none are employed by our magazine. Al asked to review our Best of Everything Software Package focusing on individual pieces of software in the package. We said, great.

Submitted by Al Harrington on June 12, 2007 - 8:26am.

Thanks for pointing that out Hal. I should have mentioned that at the beginning. We have a great group of bloggers here at S&PPC Mag, but we all do this for the love of the hobby and not for money.