Suggestions for a (sort of) new WM5 user (Cingular 8525)

[Pocky]

Hello!

I just switched from a Treo 650 to a Cingular 8525, and while I've used Windows CE/Windows Mobile products in the past (a Casiopeia and a Japanese e-Genio), it's been a long while since I last did.

While basic functionality is not a problem, I'm finding that there are so many new pieces of third-party software out there, I'm having a problem deciding what might be good for my needs. (I've tried searching on Google for reviews (and on this site as well), and in some cases, just examples of what might be available, but my Google Fu is weak.)

So, if anyone is willing, I would like to get some suggestions for the following types of software:

* A text message application that handles the messages more like a conversation (like on the Treo series, or like in AIM)

* A good alarm/timer/stopwatch program; if it can use mp3s as the alarm tones, that's a definite plus (the standard beeps usually don't get my attention)

* A good back-up-to card application, like Backup Buddy

* A way to turn off the clicks that you hear when you press on the Start button, or bring up any menu (they're driving me nuts, but I don't want to completely silence my 8525 just to get rid of the noise)

Thank you very much for any help!

[Mark Kenepp]

I don't use any Instant Messaging myself so I can't help you there nor do I use an alarm program.

Regarding Backup to Memory Card, My Old iPaq 2215 had came with an OEM version of Sprite Backup (http://www.spritesoftware.com/sprite-backup) and it certainly did the trick but on my Loox n560, I purchased Spb Backup (http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/backup/?en) and I think I like it better.

Regarding your sound issue, go to Settings>Personal>Sounds & Notifications and you should see what to do.

I would hope that others would jump in here to offer advice on Time and IM software but you could take a look at PocketPC Mag's 2006 Best Software Awards (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/awards/category_all_2006.asp) for a few ideas.

[Pocky]

Thanks for the suggestions, I really appreciate them. I'll give Spb Backup a shot.

And the phone is clickless now, thank you! ^_^

[Nurhisham Hussein]

* A text message application that handles the messages more like a conversation (like on the Treo series, or like in AIM)


There's a questionably illegal hack available for this that was taken from a Treo ROM, but there's also this (legal) app (http://www.pocketpcfreewares.com/en/index.php?soft=1627) that might do the trick. Let us know how you get on if you try it!


* A good alarm/timer/stopwatch program; if it can use mp3s as the alarm tones, that's a definite plus (the standard beeps usually don't get my attention)


I use SPB Time (http://software.pocketpcthoughts.com/product.asp?id=399), though Conduits' TimeKeeper (http://software.pocketpcthoughts.com/product.asp?id=3022) looks awfully good.

[Pocky]

Thank you for the suggestions. SPB Time is pretty cool (I've also downloaded some of their other trial programs, and I think I will be buying them soon).

And the SMS Threader is working out so far. It's a bit slow at times, and it doesn't integrate with the original built-in SMS program/function (which I kind of wish it did), but so far, so good.

I'm curious about the hack, though, because I do miss the Treo's SMS threading.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Have a look at the xda developers forum - and that's as far as I'm willing to go.