Must Have Applications and Programs For the HTC Touch Pro (and Any Windows Mobile Phone)

While the HTC Touch Pro comes with an array of applications loaded by default, there are a few good programs they left out, like Google Maps. After sorting through tons of applications for Windows Mobile, I've come up with a list of useful programs to load onto your virgin Touch Pro.

• Advanced Configuration Tool - This program allows you to tweak all sorts of settings
• CorePlayer - Media player. Plays almost all music/video formats and has better streaming capabilities than the stock Windows Media Player. TCPMP is not working on the Touch Pro (yet), so this is the next best thing.
• Diamond TF3D Config - Although the program was made for the Touch Diamond, it will work on the Touch Pro. If you're using TouchFlo3D, this program will allow you re-arrange the tabs as well as remove unwanted tabs.
• GMobileSync - If you use Google Calendar, this program will allow you to sync your Google Calendar to your phone. You may get an error after syncing, but don't worry, the calendar entries will sync.
• Google Maps - Suprisingly, this wasn't included in the list of stock programs. Google Maps is almost a no-brainer; it lets you search maps, get directions, show traffic, etc. Better yet, Google Maps even works with the Touch Pro's built-in GPS. Using GPS with Google Maps will let you create a route from your current location, but it does not automatically re-route in the event of a detour.
• Kevtris 2 - Tetris for your phone, 'nuff said.
• PdaNet - A must have program if you plan to tether (use your phone as an internet connection). You can connect via bluetooth or USB connection. Supposedly, the program disguises your data usage so it looks like you're browsing from the phone, not from your computer. Most carriers have a tethering fee in addition to the standard data charges. PdaNet basically lets you evade those tethering fees by disguising the traffic. I've used PdaNet on and off for over a year and have had no tethering charges or additional fees.
• PHM RegEdit - Registry editor for Windows Mobile. A must have if you plan on doing any advanced tweaks.
• Remote Desktop for Windows Mobile 6 - This is just what it sounds like, a remote desktop program for Windows Mobile which lets you access your remote desktop enabled PC while away from it. Why they did not include this in the stock ROM is beyond me. Remote Desktop comes in handy if you need to access a PC, but don't have a computer available.
• SPB Mobile Shell - An alternative to TouchFlo3D. Mobile Shell basically replaces your home screen with its own interface. I use SPB Mobile Shell because I find TouchFlo3D to be laggy at times and cause overall sluggish performance. Installing Mobile Shell helped performance overall and there's also a ton of customization that can be applied to suit your liking.
• SPB Insight - An alternative to the default newsreader "RSS Hub". RSS Hub is pretty good, lightweight, and fast, but it lacks a few things. One is the lack of images, the other is how RSS Hub only downloads part of an article, making you visit the site to read the rest of the article. SPB Insight not only downloads images, but it also (most of the time) downloads the entire article for offline viewing.
• SPB Pocket Plus - A very powerful today screen plug-in. Lets you add all sorts of plugins and shortcuts to your today screen with lots of other features. I use Pocket Plus as one of the tabs in SPB Mobile Shell.
• Sprite Backup - This program backs up your phone, contacts, programs, etc. Backups can be scheduled and only take about 5-6 minutes to run. It is always a good idea to have backups!
• TorchButton - Lets you use the camera's flash function as a flashlight. The application is lightweight; you just run the program to turn on the light and run the program again to turn it off. By default, the LED light will only stay on for 30 seconds to prevent burn out.
• Total Commander - A feature filled file explorer program with too many features to list. This is a definite must have program because you will never know when you'll need it.
• VNC Viewer - Exactly what you think it is. Will let you connect and control the desktop of any VNC server.
• vxUtil - Network utilities such as ping, traceroute, whois, etc. Network administrators may want to look into this program; it could come in handy and save you time.

Visit http://www.IsYouGeekedUp.com for more HTC Touch Pro tips and to see the full article with pictures of a modified today screen.