The Digital Life: Top 5 FREE Pocket PC Software

So, you got a Pocket PC did you? But you say you spent all your cheese on that there smartphone? It’s all good, there’s plenty of free software out there. Actually, there’s too much free software out there – and not all are good. It’s a good thing you found this list of the Top 5 Free applications. You’re gonna need at least Windows Mobile Pocket PC 2003 – but, if you’re not running Windows Mobile 5.0 by now, maybe you should be.

1. Google Maps
   By far the best mobile mapping and business search program around. Look up an address, get directions, find the nearest business – this thing can do it all! You’ll never be lost again, and with Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Maps’ integrated traffic data, your commute will be as fast as possible.
2. Spybot – Search & Destroy for Pocket PCs
   Mother always said, “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” And when it comes to malware, mother knows best. Solid threats to the Windows Mobile platform haven’t really materialized yet, but do you wanna be the first one to get a nasty virus? I thought not, now go get some protection!
3. pBar
   If you ever wondered why Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) decided that the ‘X’ button should minimize programs instead of actually closing them, you’re not alone. pBar modifies the ‘X’ button to act as a task manager – and so much more. Close current program, close all programs, close inactive programs, rotate screen, shutdown – just to name a few functions. And this little bugger packs a punch in a super light-weight package.
   InClose Mobile
   If your the form-is-better-than-function types, then InClose Mobile is a good alternative. It’s got a much bigger footprint – at 1.1MB, it’s BigFoot – but it’s prettier and has comparable features.
4. NewsCopier
   Jonesin’ for some RSS? Get your fix anywhere, anytime. Newscopier pulls down your favorite RSS feeds for easy reading on its elegant interface. Add an XML feed, import your own OPML file, or choose from a list of known channels. I like the RSS icons, they tell you if a feed is current or in the middle of updating. And the feed list also tells you how how many unread and total feeds you have.
5. TCPMP – The Core Player Media Player
   If you have tried to stream audio, live or otherwise, from the web, you probably already noticed that the included Pocket Windows Media Player is not up to the task. But TCPMP is a light-weight media player that supports audio streaming in addition to the list of Pocket WMP’s supported audio formats. The player is no longer officially called TCPMP or freeware, but you can still get this great player here.