Windows Mobile 6.1 Softwares For Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Xperia has a 800×480 screen meaning a lot of programs do not work at this resolution. Not to mention a lot of softwares out there only work up to Win Mo 5. It is hard work sifting thru all these programs, seeing what works, what doesn’t, what is worth keeping and so on.

The good news is I’ve done most of the work. I’ve tried so many softwares and gotten down to the few that work great. So here are some that are great, others that might work for you and some you really need to stay away from.

FREE TOOLS AND UTILITIES

GMAIL Java App: The latest Gmail app does not work with Xperia but this one does. However, I prefer to use POP mail to download Gmail and that works better not to mention it is also more readable.

MSS Converter: This could have been designed better. But where it lacks in aesthetics it makes up in application. This thing can convert anything you can think of be it currency, weight, temperature, etc.

NeboPad: A very nice finger friendly notepad. It not only looks good but is simple and effective. However, since the built in notepad does the same work, this really isn’t that essential IMO.

PocketTwit: One of these days, this is going to be the best Twitter utility. As soon as all the bugs get ironed out i.e. Keep an eye on this one as the author is aware of and working on the bugs. It has one of the best interfaces I’ve seen on a software especially a free one. Actually it beats some paid ones, too. I am going to wait for this to be bug free. Hey it looks too good

PAID SOFTWARES

Resco Explorer: A replacement for the basic file explorer. Personally I am fine with the basic explorer but this has additional features like a registry editor, FTP explorer, ZIP compression, network browser, today plugin and a recycle bin. So if you looking for these, you might want to try this software. Be warned, though. It is not free.
Note: Paid software for $29.95, 7 day free trial

RESCO has some other great softwares as well that you might want to look into especially their value packs which have 40 to 50% off.

–

Sprite Backup Pack: Best value is to get Sprite Backup and Sprite Terminator as one pack. There is also a 20% off coupon at the site for Xmas 2008. And HTC device owners get the pack for 50% off. Wonder if it matters that HTC built the Xperia

Sprite Backup is a great software for backing up and restoring your phone settings, data, apps, contacts, etc. The backups are self extracting. And I’m a sucker for good looking apps anyway

The second software in this pack is Sprite Terminator. This is another must have utility to protect your phone and data in case it gets lost or stolen. You can locate your phone using GPS, get an SMS on a cell of your choice if SIM is changed, lock your phone and/or delete all data remotely.
Note: Paid version for $39.95, HTC version for $19.95, 10 day free trial

Another option for backing up software is SPB Backup. I didn’t find this to be very user friendly. It kept breaking up my backups into more than one file and was giving me problems restoring. I gave up on it.

SPB does however, have a really great collection of softwares you might want to check up on.

–

MagiCall: Life saver is what I call this software. Alright may be a bit dramatic but it has definitely saved me a lot of sleep. MagiCall filters out unwanted calls and SMS. It also offers a lot of options like ignore, reject, pick and hold, pick and cancel or answer for phone calls. No more crank calls disturbing me. Phew!
Note: Paid software for $24.95, 10 day free trial

I had tried SPB Phone Suite to filter calls but it let a bell ring and did not have the SMS option. It also did not have the kind of options Magicall does.

–

Mobile Security Combo: Unfortunately you do need an anti-virus and firewall for your phone. Air Scanner is a good option as it offers both an anti virus as well as a firewall. However, it is a bit costly.
Note: Paid software for $39.95 per year, 30 day free trial

PANELS

Facebook: Other than the SPB Mobile Shell Panel, this is the only other panel worth downloading IMO. It has its drawbacks but I’m hoping these will be solved. It is lacking some basic features:

1. There is no comment on status option
2. You cannot search for new friends nor view friends of friends
3. You can view status updates by friends but no recent activity list like on Facebook’s home page.

The panel will be perfect if they add these features.

INTERFACES

• SPB Mobile Shell Panel: Recommended
• Winterface Replaces your today screen. Costs $19.95. I haven’t tried it yet.
• Skybox: Basic icon interface was nice but do not like the title bar replacement. Stay away! Uninstall does not work.

So…

These are some softwares that I have checked out. I am going to add a list of games in my next post.