[8125, K-JAM, P4300, MDA Vario Software Upgrading] gogogubbins:
here is my list

My whole experience of PPC software revolves around freeware- preferably open source- so most of the aps I run are freeware. For the Commercial SW, I often get the trail version, run it for some time and then delete it. Here is a list of my top 10 freeware SW with one line reviews:

1. GetPDAScreen is a utility which allows you to capture your PDA screen on your desktop while connected with ActiveSyn. From Newmad (They have some other nifty SW for handout too) http://www.newmad.se/

2. vBar is the smallest of all versions which have been built from the freely wisbar code. Minimalist but useful. They just released a new version 2.2 http://www.vieka.com/

3. TodayPlus - v0.11.0- this super Today screen plug-in can display your owner info and your picture, the current weather conditions and multi-city forecast (cities in France and elsewhere), news from various sites, the time in different cities, your calendar (appointments, tasks, etc...), the battery level, the memory level, and even a launcher. BUT it is not for people who are starting out. Use it only if you know how to use a hex editor to alter files. Setting up is complicated but once you get it running, there is nothing like it. And the best part is that it is Free. It was originally a French SW but is available in English. The forum is in French only but there are some excellent tips in English on how to make it run here.

The program needs a modified dll file to run. You can make your own using a hexeditor. In case you don't want to mess with that, email me and I will send it over. http://www.pocketpcfreewares.com/en/index.php?download=843

4. The Core Pocket Media Player is an open-source media player for Palm OS-based and Windows CE / Windows Mobile-based devices. It supports a wide variety of file formats and you can find plug-ins for formats not supported by the official version. Find the latest release here. If you have need to stream media on your PPC I recommend the vlc player for Windows Mobile- (those who have used vlc on windows and Linux know how powerful it is) but for everyday use TCPMP is the best. http://tcpmp.corecodec.org/download

5. cLaunch is a great icon based program manager. Based on the original open tdLaunch code, it had all the functions of the original but improves on the looks. Get it here. http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~welic/claunch.html

6. Oxios CloseApps closes down other applications by sending "Close" messages and Oxios Hibernate attempts to release as much memory as possible without damaging the internal state of the Windows Mobile device (Pocket PC or Smartphone).Very good little apps for releasing memory on your PPC. http://www.oxios.com/memory/

7. Total Commander - v2.0 - This is a version of the Windows Commander for x86, made for the Pocket PC. Grown from the probably most famous Norton Commander, these file system explorers are a must-have if you want to perform more than just basic file operations. A new 2.5 beta is also on offer. http://www.ghisler.com/ce.htm

8. PocketPC Themes let you personalize appearance of pages Today and Start menu. Works with WM 5. Really Nifty. The website is in French but an English download version is available. It includes a complete set of help file. Now you can liven up your screens. http://www.codeppc.com/telechargements/themegence/themegence.htm

9. tAgenda is a plugin for the Today screen that displays your appointments and tasks in an integrated form. Really impressive set of parameters and customizations. Much better than windows standard outlook plug-in. Original site was in Japanese but some kind soul has translated it into English too. http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kohgo/index_en.html

10. ALL-location Syswatch 1.0 is a Today screen plug-in that displays, in the form of gauges, the state of your PocketPC's resources. These gauges are not directly customizable but you only have to click on one of them to change the display. This plugin is not configurable (via the Today screen options), but it displays (via the yellow icon in the top-right) an information page on the program and the memory cards installed on the PDA. PDA. Note that only Syswatch 1.0 is Freeware. http://www.all-locations.com/

For other PPC freeware applications you can also visit PocketPCFreeware http://www.pocketpcfreewares.com/en/index.php

Cheers