Tariq's Top 7 Applications

So if you have not already read, all the bloggers this week will be sharing with you their favorite applications. We had some really great entries from Nate Adcock, Ben Stanley, Mike Riley and even the founder, Hal Goldstein himself. So when I got down to listing my list of favorite Windows Mobile application, it was really a tough list. After much deliberation, here’s mine.

Favorite Map Software: Google Maps

I got the Eten Glofiish X500 mainly for its built-in GPS chip (among other reasons) and it’s because I like to navigate. And the reason I chose Google Maps is because it’s clean, constantly updated, has a lot of information of businesses that I search for and traffic.

I didn’t really like the fact that its cache is located on the Main Memory but considering that I live in Philadelphia and we have free Wireless Philadelphia WiFi that allows you to access Google services for free, this is the clear winner for me.

Favorite Personal Information Manager: Pocket Informant

This has got to be the best PIM out there. I know there will be those who disagree with me but I’ve tried many others and nothing can beat Pocket Informant. Sure the new PI8 is a bit on the buggy side but I am sure Alex Kac and his WebIS team are on it to fix it as we speak (or by the time you read it, it could already be fixed).

Favorite Internet Browser: Opera Mini 4

Definitely the best browser by far and it seems that I am not alone when it comes to saying that. Opera Mini 4 is great and it’s not just because it’s free. I love the fact that each website is loaded in full and you can select which portion you want to navigate to. This is really useful and has made my browsing experience a lot better. If you’ve not given Opera Mini 4 a go, you should do so now.

Favorite Note-Taking: PhatNotes

Taking notes on the go has become a habit for me and I resorted to using Word Mobile for this task. Until I reviewed PhatNotes on my blog and was immediately converted. This note-taking software is like Word Mobile on steroids and it’s organization features really make sorting and finding your notes really easy.

Favorite Instant Messenger: MunduIM

Communicating on the move is something that I resort to when I am away from the computer and because I have a number of friends located all over the world, calling them is really out of the question. Instead I rely on MunduIM to keep in touch with them through the various instant messengers. It works with GoogleTalk, AIM, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Talk, services which I use and it does it all within a nice and clean interface.

Favorite Calculator: CalcPad

There have been numerous times when I had to use the calculator on my Pocket PC and I found the generic one lacking in features. When I tried CalcPad, I didn’t look back. It’s really useful for converting currencies because you can choose how many decimal places to display. You can even have several calculations on the same sheets (great for comparisons) and when you are done, you can save the workspace and come back to it later. How awesome is that?

Favorite Finance Manager: Cash Organizer

There was a time when I had a hard time deciding between Cash Organizer and Spb Finance but considering that Finance had not been updated for over a year now, I have been with Organizer for quite a while now. It supports sync-ing with Quicken 2007 (something Finance does not do) which is something I needed. But it does not just stop there. For those on the go data entry, Cash Organizer has an ‘Express’ application which makes it a breeze. And it’s reports are really informative and easy to understand.

I am sure there are many other great applications out there but based on my use of the Pocket PC, these are my favorite ones. If you have a different favorite application that serves the same function (say PIM or Internet Browser), let me know about it.