My Top 1O Pocket PC Utility Applications

One of the greatest features of modern mobile computing devices is the ability to add third party software. The Pocket PC is no different. No search for Pocket PC software would be complete without coming across a whole batch of third party utility applications. Here are my current top ten favorite utility applications for the Pocket PC.

10. Ruksun Scotty FTP Client

Scotty FTP is a graphical FTP client for Windows CE. (An FTP server allows users to upload and download files.) It lets me take care of some routine FTP browsing while I'm on the go. The problem of having the local, remote and log information visible at all times as on a desktop machine is solved using tabs. Local in this case being the memory of the Pocket PC unit you are using. Scotty FTP can be programmed to automatically dial to connect to an FTP site. In addition, Scotty FTP includes support for firewalls, offering fields to enter any firewall settings that you may need to access the Internet. The advanced functions allow the port number to be set if so desired. Commonly accessed sites can be saved in the Server Profiles area. Now the biggest question for some is, "How practical is FTP on a Pocket PC?" Due to a limited screen, it is a challenge to be efficient, even with the tricks Scotty FTP has incorporated. For Web developers, it is really handy for making small edits and corrections to Web pages while on the move. For instance, you could download a Web page, make a quick change, and upload it back. Scotty FTP on your Pocket PC will let you accomplish such simple tasks with ease.

Scotty FTP is available for Pocket, Palm-size and Handheld PCs and is priced at $29.95. A free evaluation copy and more information are available on Ruksun's Web site (www.ruksun.com).

9. Paragon Software's CETuner

CETuner offeres a powerful way to change the fonts and colors used in the Pocket PC by altering the Windows Registry. The nice thing is that you don't need to "hack" the Registry to modify the way your Pocket PC looks and feels. CETuner presents the user a screen similar to the Display Properties "Appearance" tab, found in the Control Panel of desktop PC versions of Windows. The top half of the CETuner screen shows you how the different choices you make will affect the Pocket PC's screen. The bottom half of the screen lets you select and modify the desired component. Through this menu, the color of any particular area of the operating system (menus, dialog boxes, title bars, and even the scrollbar) can be changed. In addition, you can modify the font (size, typeface, boldness, italics, and color). Increasing the font size can be very handy if you want the menus to be bigger and easier to read.

It is even possible to set up schemes just like on its desktop PC counterpart, allowing you to save certain combinations of the pre-mentioned variables.

CETuner is available for Pocket and Handheld PC Pros and is priced at $20.95. A free evaluation copy and more information are available on Paragon Software's Web site (www.penreader.com).

8. DeveloperOne AccessPanel Platinum Edition