'Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine' finally announced their 'Fifth Annual Best Software Awards' winners earlier this month.


If you use a Pocket PC and you have never heard of these all-important decorations, behold! These prestigious awards are the

Academy Awards (aka Oscars) of the Pocket PC Software World.

80 elected members of a Board of Experts (all influential people in the Windows Mobile Community!) judged with much difficulty, Window Mobile products in more than 130 Pocket PC, Smartphone, and Developer categories. You can be sure that any software that had been so meticulously selected to be Nominees, Finalists and Winners are all breathtaking products that are considered to be the top of their class by experts.

It is no secret that Windows Mobile developers will literally kill to gain this tremendous recognition, including the rights to hoist bravura award banners prominently at their websites.

To cater to the masses, PPCSG will attempt to bring you some insights to just the Pocket PC section; that alone has 9 major categories and 85 sub-categories. Hopefully, these can help our members to learn about the types of software options available out there and also eventually aid them in selecting good software for their devices. Keep reading, people!

MAJOR 'BEST POCKET PC SOFTWARE' CATEGORIES:
Communication (2 sub-categories): Page #1
Games (20 sub-categories): Page #1 Page #2
GPS (4 sub-categories): Page #1
Information Managers (11 sub-categories): Page #1 Page #2
Internet (5 sub-categories): Page #1
Multimedia (8 sub-categories): Page #1
Text and Reference (8 sub-categories): Page #1
Travel (4 sub-categories): Page #1
Utilities (23 sub-categories): Page #1 Page #2 Page #3

COMMUNICATIONS CATEGORY:


COMMUNICATION – PHONE AND FAX WINNER 2005 goes to:
Skype by Skype: (freeware)
- Main Features: allows users to place free local/international calls via Internet telephony.
- Cost: freeware @ US$0.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: This doesn't really need any introductions, because its Windows version is so famous! Unbelievably clear voice conversations. Can save you a lot of money if you have relations overseas. Moreover, the software is free!

Other Finalists:
- connect2internet PRO by 2K development Handels GmbH.
- phoneAlarm by pocketMax.


COMMUNICATION – SYNCHRONIZATION WINNER 2005 goes to:
Intellisync by Intellisync Corporation: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Synchronisation application that allows powerful synchronisation of contacts, calendar and task information via Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Schedule, Microsoft Exchange, ACT!, Lotus Organizer, Lotus Notes and Novell GroupWise.
- Cost: US$69.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested, but all I've heard are nothing but good things with this powerful software.

Other Finalists:
- PocketMac by Information Appliance Associates.
- PocketMirror Professional for Windows Mobile by Chapura, Inc.

GAMES CATEGORY (PART I):


GAMES - ACTION GAMES 2005 goes to:
Acky's XP Breakout by Isotope244 Graphics: ($hareware)
- Main Features: The ultimate Arkanoid game with more than 150 levels and free expansion packs, 80 different brick types and 26 unique power items.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: With stunning game graphics and a vast array of power-ups, this one has got to be the King of Arkanoids! Must-have if you are an Arkanoid fan.

Other Finalists:
- Curse of the Pharaohs by Just Mobile Games.
- Galaga by Namco America.
- G-Prime Xtreme by Brain Drain.
- Zuma by Astraware Ltd.


GAMES - ADVENTURE GAMES 2005 goes to:
Gilbert Goodmate PDA by Z-Logics Development: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Rich 2-D adventure story with more than 1,000 lines of dialogue and over 6,000 frames of animation.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Interactive quest game with fantastic storylines and super Walt Disney-like graphics makes sure that this game is in a class of its own.

Other Finalists:
- Atlantis Redux by French Technology Press Office.
- Fade by Fade Team.
- Myst For Pocket PC by Mean Hamster Software.


GAMES - BOARD GAMES 2005 goes to:
Monopoly by Handmark, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Exact replica of the world's most popular property trading game at your fingertips!
- Cost: US$19.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: No doubt that this is a lot better than the real version, chiefly because you do not have to do that chore of physically counting out money for each transaction. A great way to pass time!

Other Finalists:
- Backgammon by ZingMagic Limited.
- Scrabble by Handmark, Inc.


GAMES - CARD GAMES 2005 goes to:
Majong Paradise by Aidem Systems Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Exact Replica of Asian Mahjong game at your fingertips!
- Cost: US$14.95
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Mahjong games for the Pocket PC platform are pretty rare, lest to say a good one like this. Definitely for those who need to brush up their mahjong skills!

Other Finalists:
- Championship Spades Pro by DreamQuest Software.


GAMES - CASINO GAMES 2005 goes to:
Full Hand Casino by JAMDAT Mobile: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Casino games pack of Blackjack, Roulette, Video Poker and Slot Machine. Comes with audio.
- Cost: US$14.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Nice casino pack with good audio. Allows you to play easily and quickly; some casino games are really slow. Good training for gambling stints at upcoming local casinos.

Other Finalists:
- All Mobile Casino 2 - 13 Casino Games by Binaryfish.
- Black Jack Pro by G3 Studios.


GAMES - CHESS GAMES 2005 goes to:
PocketGrandmaster by Clevergames: ($hareware)
- Main Features: An extremely strong chess engine with an opening book of 200,000 moves and a fully-configurable board.
- Cost: US$25.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Personally, I prefer last year's winner, 'Kasparov Chessmate by JAMDAT Mobile', because it has better graphics/interface. Honestly, that's only because 'PocketGrandmaster by Clevergames' is much harder to beat!

Other Finalists:
- Championship Chess Pro by DreamQuest Software.
- IntelliChess 2.6 by Intorine.
- Kasparov Chessmate by JAMDAT Mobile.


GAMES - EMULATORS 2005 goes to:
MorphGear by Spicy Pixel, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Allows you to play GameBoy, NES, Sega Master System, Sega, GameGear, and NEC TurboGrafx-16/PC-Engine games.
- Cost: US$20.00 per module.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; shame on me for not having tried this well-known emulator. It won the very same award in 2004, 2003 and 2002 too.

Other Finalists:
- Pocket Commodore 64 by Clickgamer Technologies Ltd.
- PocketVCS by Stuart Russell.


GAMES - GAMES PACK 2005 goes to:
GameBox Classics by PDAmill: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Excellent package of 6 games namely, Blocks, Blocks+, Snake, Jewel Master, Cannons and Fireball.
- Cost: US$14.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Bright and colourful graphics. Games have all been given interesting storylines. Definitely not a bad thing to have on your Pocket PC.

Other Finalists:
- ChromaGames by Astraware Ltd.
- GameBox Gems by PDAmill.


GAMES - KIDS' GAMES 2005 goes to:
Pixel Dinosaurs Lite by Pixel Studios: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Simple illustrated encyclopedia about Dinosaurs.
- Cost: US$14.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; sorry folks, I think I might be overage for this! Still, judging from its pretty screenshots, this might be useful to keep a noisy/pesky child preoccupied.

Other Finalists:
- Time Tracker by Pocket Tutor.


GAMES - POKER GAMES 2005 goes to:
Multiplayer Championship Poker - Texas Hold'em by Realdice.com: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Texas Hold’em Poker Game packed with features like Internet multiplayer, character customisation, and even comes with strategy guides.
- Cost: US$14.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Did I mention that its graphics are spectacular? Along with its numerous features, its no wonder why this one is the best Hold 'Em poker out there.

Other Finalists:
- Aces Texas Hold'em - No Limit by Concrete Software, Inc.
- All-In Hold 'Em by Birdsoft.

GAMES CATEGORY (PART II):


GAMES - PUZZLE GAMES 2005 goes to:
Bejeweled 2 by Astraware Ltd: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Sequel to one of the most popular puzzle games ever to hit the gaming market. Now comes with new Power Gems and Hyper Cubes.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Possibly the most addictive puzzle game out there. Boyfriends and husbands be warned: DO NOT show this game to your girlfriend or wife!

Other Finalists:
- Cubis by Astraware Ltd.
- Mastersoft SuDoku by Mastersoft Mobile Solutions.
- Ms. PAC-MAN by Namco America.
- Shape Shifter by Astraware Ltd.


GAMES - RACING GAMES 2005 goes to:
Street Duel: Underground Racing by Pixelogic Ltd: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Realistic 3-D street racing game with 32 races and challenges.
- Cost: US$19.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Crazy quests are aplenty, like rescuing girlfriends from gangsters,
picking up your gang members, dodging cars being hurled from the rooftops by rival gangs, etc. Controls are smooth and responsive. What else can you ask for?

Other Finalists:
- Flux Challenge by PDAmill.
- GTS Racing Challenge by Astraware Ltd.
- Stuntcar Extreme by Fathammer Ltd.


GAMES - ROLE PLAYING GAMES 2005 goes to:
Arvale: Journey of Illusion by PDAmill: ($hareware)
- Main Features: RPG game with 6 immense continents and 280 maps to explore, 200 different monsters to fight against and over 100 different items, weapons and magic spells to use.
- Cost: US$19.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: I greatly blame this evil game for having zapped up over 50 hours of my time and what's even more evil is that it has already a newer sequel, 'Arvale 2: Oceans of Time'.

Other Finalists:
- Everquest: Attack On Qeynos by Sony Online Entertainment, Inc.


GAMES - SHOOTING GAMES 2005 goes to:
Atomic Cannon Pocket by Isotope244 Graphics: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Tank artillery duel with 85 weapons of mass destruction.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: This isn't really a fighter pilot game, but more of a fun strategy shooting game. Still, its amazing 85 weapons with apposite sound effects and 25 landscapes make this a no-brainer winner.

Other Finalists:
- Galaxian by Namco America.
- SkyForce by Infinite Dreams.


GAMES - SIMULATIONS 2005 goes to:
Lemonade Tycoon by JAMDAT Mobile: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Business simulation game where you have to sell lemonade.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: This fun and creative game is ideal for entrepreneur-wannabes. Very hard to put down once your lemonade business picks up! Lemonade, anyone?

Other Finalists:
- SimCity 2000 by ZIO Interactive, Inc.
- Virtual Pool Mobile by Celeris, Inc.

GAMES - SOLITAIRE GAMES 2005 goes to:
GameBox Solitaire II by PDAmill: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Solitaire game pack containing Blind Alleys, Canfield, Chinese, East Haven, Fourteen Out, Freecell, Golf, Klondike, Pyramid and Pyramid golf.
- Cost: US$14.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: The fact that both GameBox Solitaire I and GameBox Solitaire II were both in the running for this category tells you how good this series by PDAmill is. Smooth animations and high-quality graphics easily make this the best Solitaire software to have. Own this and you can then laugh at friends who are still using the Windows variant.

Other Finalists:
- GameBox Solitaire by PDAmill.
- King Sol Solitaire 2004 by Rapture Technologies, Inc.
- One for all Solitaires Collection by Paragon Software GmbH.


GAMES - SPACE GAMES 2005 goes to:
Anthelion by PDAmill: ($hareware)
- Main Features: 3-D space combat games with cool sound effects.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Another quality game from PDAmill. Smooth gameplay even in a 3-D environment is amazing. Easily one of the best, if not the best 3-D game for Pocket PCs.

Other Finalists:
- RocketElite by Digital Concepts.


GAMES - SPORTS GAMES 2005 goes to:
Madden NFL 06 from EA SPORTS by : ($hareware)
- Main Features: Simulation of the American Football sports game.
- Cost: US$29.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Not a fan of American football, but this is spectacular game play. Looks close enough to be ESPN.

Other Finalists:
- Baseball Addict by JAMDAT Mobile.
- Links by JAMDAT Mobile.
- Pocket Mini Golf 2 by Momentum Games.
- Tennis Addict by JAMDAT Mobile.



GAMES - STRATEGY GAMES 2005 goes to:
Age of Empires by ZIO Interactive, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Pocket PC variant of the popular PC strategy game, where you take charge and advance an entire civilisation through the ages.
- Cost: US$29.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Really cute to be able to play it on a small-scale Pocket PC device. Equally cute to show off to friends.

Other Finalists:
- Snails by PDAmill.
- Warfare Incorporated by Handmark, Inc.


GAMES - TRIVIA GAMES 2005 goes to:
Trivial Pursuit Handheld Edition by Handmark, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: One of the world's most popular trivia game with over 1,600 multiple choice and true/false questions.
- Cost: US$19.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Interesting game, but it is one that I don't have that much wits for. Didn't do too well for most questions in its Sports and Leisure, Arts and Entertainment, History, Science and Nature, People and Places categories.

Other Finalists:
- Trivia Deluxe by Cosmi Corporation.
- Urban Myth by Island Labs.

GPS CATEGORY:


GPS – GPS GEOCACHING 2005 goes to:
GPS Tuner by Megalith - Gabor Tarnok: ($hareware)
- Main Features: All-in-one GPS software that does high precision measurement, mapping and geocaching.
- Cost: US$35.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Well, GPS software for the Pocket PC is not just limited for drivers only. This is one cool GPS software proving that fact; was especially impressed with its digital compass.

Other Finalists:
- GPSdash2 by Stefan Plattner.
- VITO Navigator II by VITO Technology.


GPS – GPS MOVING MAPS 2005 goes to:
Pocket Streets 2005 by Microsoft Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Map application that contains thousands of maps with GPS functionality, depicting North American and Western European cities.
- Cost: US$24.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Latest versions untested; basically contains maps only for USA and much of Western Europe. Remember being waiting patiently for an Asian version back in the late 90s when they just churned this cool software out. Still waiting for it now in 2005.

Other Finalists:
- Memory-Map Navigator USA 250 by Memory-Map, Inc.
- OziExplorerCE by Des & Lorraine Newman.


GPS – GPS UTILITIES 2005 goes to:
Franson GpsGate by Franson: ($hareware)
- Main Features: GPS application that allows one GPS receiver to be shared among several GPS applications.
- Cost: US$9.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; I am a fan of VITO AstroNavigator (really interesting to be able to see a real-time sky map using GPS), but I guess this "GPS Multiple Sockets" is even more fantastic conception, by allowing users to share a GPS receiver with more than one application!

Other Finalists:
- GPS PAD by PPCsoftFACTORY.
- VITO AstroNavigator by VITO Technology.


GPS – GPS WITH VOICE GUIDANCE 2005 goes to:
TomTom Mobile 5 by TomTom: ($hareware)
- Main Features: 3-D/2-D GPS navigation software for the mobile phone. Comes with its own wireless BlueTooth receiver and other accessories.
- Cost: US$349.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; not quite sure what a mobile phone version is doing here, but there are Pocket PC variants that have mainly maps only for USA/UK/Europe. Makes me wonder where in the world are the KingMap, MapKing and Agis people?

Other Finalists:
- Destinator by Destinator Technologies Inc.
- iGuidance by iNav Corporation.
- OnCourse Navigator 5 by Easy PocketNAV.com LLC.

INFORMATION MANAGERS CATEGORY (PART I):


INFORMATION MANAGERS - CONTACTS MANAGEMENT 2005 goes to:
.mobile Contacts BY Sygic: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Contacts application that allows use of fingers to access its many functions. Can assign pictures and reminders to contacts.
- Cost: US$29.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Assigned pictures are fun, but seems a little too "cartoon-ish". Hmm, where is Photo Contacts Pro by PocketX Software Inc?

Other Finalists:
- Essential Contax Pro by PocketX Software Inc.
- Pocket Sales Manager by SoftwareOnSailboats.
- VITO QuickContact by VITO Technology.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - DATABASE 2005 goes to:
Visual CE Professional by SYWARE, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Database application that allows users to easily build customised databases of any kind.
- Cost: US$129.00
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; haven't tried this interesting and powerful application, but it is said to be pretty idiot-proof in that no programming of any kind is needed; only need to drag-and-drop to design your personalised database interfaces.

Other Finalists:
- HanDBase for Pocket PC Professional by DDH Software, Inc.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - DINING 2005 goes to:
Wine Enthusiast Guide 2005 by LandWare, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Reference application that allows wine connoisseurs to browse, evaluate and manage wine data of over 12,600 wine varieties worldwide.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Was pleasantly surprised when its unique wine selector to allowed me to define the type of wine that is to my liking at a restaurant. Was even more surprised when the cheapo one I eventually ordered came up on its rather comprehensive database.

Other Finalists:
- PDA Sommelier by Alambicor, Inc.
- Pocket Cook by Electronic Frontier.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - FINANCE 2005 goes to:
Spb Finance by Spb Software House: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Accounting application that allows users to track expenses and to manage finances. Able to synchronise with Microsoft Money and Intuit Quicken.
- Cost: US$24.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Really nice and user-friendly interface, which is missing on most other finance applications. Generated reports unfortunately revealed that I was spending too much on both Pocket PC hardware and software.

Other Finalists:
- Cash Organizer '05 Premium BY Inesoft.
- Pocket Quicken by LandWare, Inc.
- PocketMoney by Handmark, Inc.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - GENEALOGY 2005 goes to:
Pocket Genealogist by Northern Hills Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Allows users to draw their family trees (ancestors and descendants) with abilities to add events, addresses, notes, etc.
- Cost: US$20.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; still, it could prove useful to me as I have quite a fair share of "unidentified" relatives.

Other Finalists:
- CE My Family by on eMan software.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - HEALTH AND FITNESS 2005 goes to:
MySportTraining by Exposé Corp: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Fitness program to track and log your cardio and strength workouts.
- Cost: US$29.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Pretty detailed stuff; even has muscle charts for the gym rat to know which muscle group he has been working on. Won an equivalent award for last year's Sporting category too.

Other Finalists:
- MyPersonalDiet by Exposé Corp.
- Personal Health & Diet Manager by Two Peaks Software.
- Pocket Workout by Electric Dreams Inc.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - LIST MANAGERS 2005 goes to:
ListPro 4.0 by Ilium Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: List application that allows users to create and manage lists, notes, data, etc.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: This is definitely one unparalleled application. Imagine a list program combined with a little Microsoft Access. Imagine this lethal combination winning 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 awards.

Other Finalists:
- cyAct by cyWren Systems, Inc.
- TreNotes by Fann Software.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - PIMs 2005 goes to:
Pocket Informant by WebIS, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: PIM application that provides a lot more customisation over the default one.
- Cost: US$29.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Pocket Informant and Agenda Fusion are obviously the king and queen of PIMs applications, with Pocket Informant gaining the upper hand by sweeping most of the PIMs awards over the years (except for 2002, when Agenda Fusion took home the award). Sorry, Agenda Fusion fans, looks like AF is still the queen this year.

Other Finalists:
- Agenda Fusion 7 by Developer One, Inc.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - SECURE INFORMATION MANAGERS 2005 goes to:
eWallet 4.0 Professional by Ilium Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Data application that allows users to store and encrypt confidential data like credit cards numbers, PIN numbers, passwords, etc.
- Cost: US$29.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: This one is another flagship application of the Ilium people; swept awards from 2003 to 2005. Must-have if you always forget passwords to like 20 email accounts, 40 bank accounts and 60 girlfriends' telephone numbers.

Other Finalists:
- CodeWallet Pro 2005 by Developer One, Inc.


INFORMATION MANAGERS - SPORTING 2005 goes to:
IntelliGolf Eagle edition by Karrier Communications: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Golfing application that even comes with GPS to track your tee shots.
- Cost: US$49.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; however, even my golf-crazed brother is eyeing this one. Having known him for more 1/4 of a century, any application that is able to capture his attention has to be of extraordinary quality.

Other Finalists:
- GolfPS Software by GolfPS, LLC.
- StarCaddy by LinksPoint, Inc.

INFORMATION MANAGERS CATEGORY (PART II):


INFORMATION MANAGERS - STUDENT PLANNERS 2005 goes to:
The Dog Ate It by Birdsoft: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Student planner application that has features like Outlook compatibility, class scheduling, assignment tracking, etc.
- Cost: US$14.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Simple interface makes it really easy to use. Even allows you to input information about lecturers and classes. Too bad my status as a student has already expired.

Other Finalists:
- HandEchart Student Edition for Pocket PC by DDH Software, Inc.

INTERNET CATEGORY:


INTERNET - BROWSERS AND Web UTILITIES 2005 goes to:
NetFront with JV-Lite2 by ACCESS Co., Ltd: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Do-it-all internet browser that supports Java, Flash, etc, etc, while loading a lot faster than the default Pocket IE.
- Cost: US$29.80.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Widely considered to be the best browser in the Pocket PC market. Tabbed browsing like Firefox on a desktop is now a possibilty. One thing is for sure about this wondrous application, it is bound to increase your internet bills.

Other Finalists:
- MultiIE by Southway Corporation Ltd.
- Skweezer by Greenlight Wireless Corporation.
- ThunderHawk 2.0 Pocket PC Edition by Bitstream Inc.


INTERNET - CHAT AND MESSAGING 2005 goes to:
IM+ Mobile Instant Messenger by SHAPE Services Ltd: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Instant Messaging application that supports AOL, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo!, Jabber and Google Talk.
- Cost: US$29.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; largely because I only do MSN. Regardless, IM+ also won the same award last year.

Other Finalists:
- Agile Messenger by Agilemobile.com Limited.


INTERNET - E-MAIL 2005 goes to:
WebIS Mail 2.0 by WebIS, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Email application with superior interface (supports VGA) and email options (supports GMail, SSL, POP3, IMAP, etc).
- Cost: US$24.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Another repeat award winner. Nice interface a refreshing change from the default one. Noted significant speed increase when downloading emails.

Other Finalists:
- Pocket SpamFilter by PocketPCSoft.


INTERNET - BROWSERS AND Web UTILITIES 2005 goes to:
NewsBreak by Ilium Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: RSS application that can feed weather, sports, business, and entertainment news, etc, wirelessly to your device.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Plenty of options to download news from a database of over 300,000 channels; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS or just ActiveSync's Internet Passthrough. Can even set alerts on preset keywords so that matching headlines will be brought to your attention quickly.

Other Finalists:
- Egress by GarishKernels.
- PocketRSS by HJR Solutions, LLC.
- Qusnetsoft NewsReader by Qusnetsoft Developer's Roof.


INTERNET - TERMINALS 2005 goes to:
PockeTTY by DejaVu Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Terminal emulator that can be used to remotely administer Unix and Linux boxes, check email, test hardware, etc.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; but this one is another sweeper. Took home awards from 2003 to 2005.

Other Finalists:
- Mocha Pocket TN5250 and Mocha CE TELNET by MochaSoft Aps.
- mToken by Choung Networks.

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY:


MULTIMEDIA - AUDIO 2005 goes to:
PocketMusic by Pocket Mind Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Audio application that supports .MP3, .OGG, .MP1, .MP2, .WMA, .WAV formats.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Won this award over main rival Pocker Player by Conduits last year. Comes with 10-band Equalizer, Extra Bass, Crossfading, Gapless features too. Alarms option completes the impressive set. Who would still splurge on a MP3 player after testing this out?

Other Finalists:
- Pocket Player by Conduits Technologies, Inc.
- Resco Audio Recorder by Resco, Ltd.
- VITO SoundExplorer 2005 by VITO Technology.


MULTIMEDIA - DVD COPIERS 2005 goes to:
PocketDVD 2.0 by PocketDVD: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Desktop application to compress DVDs as well as .MOV, .MP4, .M4V, .WMV to .DIVX/.XVID formats.
- Cost: US$17.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Has recently been renamed to 'DVD Catalyst'. Essentially does the same good job of compressing DVD formats, regardless of DVD region.

Other Finalists:
- Pocket DVD Wizard by The Coding Workshop Limited.
- Pocket-DVD Studio by pqdvd.com.


MULTIMEDIA - GRAPHIC DESIGN/DRAWING 2005 goes to:
Photogenics by Idruna Software Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Image/Photo editor that allows users to color, clone, filter, paint, and manipulate images.
- Cost: US$49.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Highly advanced and powerful image editor; think a Adobe Photoshop on your device. Extremely useful if you intend to edit or touch up digital photos on the go.

Other Finalists:
- Pocket Artist by Conduits Technologies, Inc.


MULTIMEDIA - IMAGE MANAGEMENT 2005 goes to:
Resco Photo Viewer 5.31 by Resco, Ltd: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Image viewer application that reads .JPG, .PNG, .BMP and even animated .GIF.
- Cost: US$24.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Photo Viewer is undoubtedly the best image viewer on the Pocket PC. It allows you to see your digital photos in various interfaces and on slideshows. Even comes with an Album Generator that allows you to optimise pictures and create albums. New version of 5.32 now available.

Other Finalists:
- Spb Imageer by Spb Software House.


MULTIMEDIA - MUSIC COMPOSITION 2005 goes to:
Syntrax by Klaar: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Synthesizer and sequencer application that allows users to create their own music.
- Cost: US$20.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested with apologies; this author has no musical talent whatsoever to compose anything anyway.

Other Finalists:
- Griff Pocket Music Studio by Planet Griff.
- VITO SoundEditor by VITO Technology.


MULTIMEDIA - POWER POINT AND PRESENTATION 2005 goes to:
Pocket Slides by Conduits Technologies, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: PowerPoint application that allows users to create/view/edit/presenting PowerPoint presentations.
- Cost: US$39.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: If memory serves me right, Pocket Slides is ONLY PowerPoint application that permits creating/editing of presentations slides on the Pocket PC. That is one big competitive advantage, which probably accounted for it winning the 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002 awards.

Other Finalists:
- ClearVue Presentation by Westtek.
- Pocket SlideShow by CNetX srl.


MULTIMEDIA - REMOTE MEDIA CONTROL 2005 goes to:
Rudeo Control for Windows Media Player by Rudeo Consulting: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Wireless networking application that allows users to remotely control Windows Media Player on your main computer from Pocket PC.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Pretty cool to control your WMP, browse and play media files from its library.

Other Finalists:
- NetRemote PRO by Promixis.
- Niveus Pocket Remote by Niveus Media, Inc.


MULTIMEDIA - VIDEO 2005 goes to:
The Core Pocket Media Player by Gabor Kovacs: (freeware)
- Main Features: Video application that supports .AVI .MKV, .MKA .MP4, .M4A, .OGG, .OGM, .ASF, etc.
- Cost: US$0.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Formerly known as BetaPlayer. Supports a whole bunch of other audio and video codecs as well. Coupled with the fact that its completely free, it is no wonder that TCPMP is the most popular video application for most Pocket PC users.

Other Finalists:
- PictPocket Cinema by DigiSoft, LLC.
- PocketMVP by Marc Dukette.
- PocketTV Classic by MpegTV LLC.

TEXT AND REFERENCE CATEGORY:


TEXT AND REFERENCE - ASTRONOMY 2005 goes to:
Pocket Stars by Nomad Electronics: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Astronomy application that has high accuracy ephemeris, star finder and celestial navigation tools.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Cool application to show off to friends, even if you don't know any of the constellations at all, like me.

Other Finalists:
- Pocket Deepsky by Steven S Tuma.


TEXT AND REFERENCE - DICTIONARIES 2005 goes to:
Lexisgoo English Dictionary by PPCLINK: ($hareware)
- Main Features: English dictionary with audio pronunciation.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Fairly new application, but is already a 2-time winner. Has comprehensive database of 182,000 entries, 1.4 million links, 3.18 million words and 4,140 Idioms.

Other Finalists:
- Lextionary by Revolutionary Software Front.
- WordBook - Speaking English Dictionary and Thesaurus by TranCreative.


TEXT AND REFERENCE - DOCUMENT VIEWERS 2005 goes to:
PocketMusic by Pocket Mind Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Word processing application that has more powerful features than the default one.
- Cost: US$49.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Another repeat winner. Most important attribute is that it allows users to retain most of the original formats and tables in a Word document, which could otherwise be lost after ActiveSync conversion.

Other Finalists:
- ClearVue Suite by Westtek.
- PlanMaker by SoftMaker Software GmbH.


TEXT AND REFERENCE - E-BOOK READERS 2005 goes to:
eReader Pro by Palm Digital Media: ($hareware)
- Main Features: e-Book reader application that allows users to read encrypted e-books from ereader.com and also doc files like .PDB or .PRC.
- Cost: US$9.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: There is a free non-pro version, but that does not come with the Pro version's 'Rapid Serial Visual Presentation' (RSVP). The latter is kind of like a speed reader that highlights the text sequentially so that users can theoretically read faster.

Other Finalists:
- Mobipocket Reader by Mobipocket.
- uBook by GowerPoint.com.


TEXT AND REFERENCE - EDUCATIONAL 2005 goes to:
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia 2005 Handheld Edition by Town Compass: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Encyclopedic application that contains 25,000 entries and 2,400 images.
- Cost: US$29.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Comprehensive topics ranging from Arts, Business, Geography, History, Literature, Medicine, Philosophy, Politics, Science, Sports, etc. Supplementary images compliment the encyclopedia very well.

Other Finalists:
- 2005 World Almanac - Handheld Edition by Town Compass.
- Concise Columbia Encyclopedia by Revolutionary Software Front.


TEXT AND REFERENCE - MULTILINGUAL DICTIONARIES 2005 goes to:
LingvoSoft Bilingual Talking Dictionaries by LingvoSoft: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Bilingual Talking Dictionaries with plenty of features.
- Cost: US$49.95 each (5 available).
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Mostly English-European language dictionaries. Tested only the French one, which surprised me with its loud pronunciation of some French words. Overall, really easy to use and should be useful for those travelling to the major European countries.

Other Finalists:
- MobiLearn Talking Phrasebooks, Multilanguage by MobiLearn, Inc.
- SlovoEd Multilingual Dictionary by Paragon Software GmbH.


TEXT AND REFERENCE - RELIGIOUS 2005 goes to:
PocketBible by Laridian: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Bible software application the complete text of the popular New International Version (NIV) Bible.
- Cost: US$34.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Easy searching and adding of hyperlinks to certain passages. No prizes for guessing correctly which religious software also won this same honour in 2004 and 2003.

Other Finalists:
- BibleReader by Olive Tree Bible Software.
- Pocket e-Sword by Rick Meyers.


TEXT AND REFERENCE - THESAURUSES 2005 goes to:
BDicty English Thesaurus by Beiks LLC: ($hareware)
- Main Features: English thesaurus application with 55,000 entries.
- Cost: US$10.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Interesting and useful thing about this program is that it allows users to create their own thesaurus entries.

Other Finalists:
- TrueTerm Thesaurus by TrueTerm.

TRAVEL CATEGORY:


TRAVEL - GUIDES 2005 goes to:
Vindigo by Vindigo, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Comprehensive major USA metropolitan areas and London guide, which includes restaurant, movie listings, shopping and nightlife content, full-color maps, etc.
- Cost: Subscription-based @ US$24.95 per year or US$3.50 per month.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; no further comment, except it sounds really useful for the foreign tourist in America.
Other Finalists:
- Rough Guide Maps by Visual IT.
- Zagat To Go by Zagat Survey, LLC.


TRAVEL - INFO MANAGERS 2005 goes to:
Fizz Traveller by Fizz Software Ltd: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Travel organiser software that includes over 58,000 world locations, world times, world alarms, itinerary trip help, currency conversions, general conversions, etc.
- Cost: US$19.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: With its striking graphics and ease of use, it's relatively easy to see why Fizz Traveller has won this award for the second year running.

Other Finalists:
- WorldMate 2005 Professional Edition by MobiMate.


TRAVEL - TIME 2005 goes to:
CityTime by CodeCity: ($hareware)
- Main Features: World time application that is loaded with functions useful for the frequent traveller.
- Cost: US$14.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: CityTime possibly has the best Today Plug-in for time, where you can view 4 countries' time all at once on your Today screen. Tools like ability to create flight appointments, currency converts, listing of airport codes/area codes/country codes, makes this a worthy investment.

Other Finalists:
- Spb Time by Spb Software House.
- Weather Today by Vintage Slots of Colorado, Inc.


TRAVEL - TRANSLATORS 2005 goes to:
SlovoEd multilingual dictionaries by Paragon Software GmbH: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Huge collection of language translation dictionaries, with optional add-on sound modules for pronunciation.
- Cost: Prices range from US$14.95 to US$39.95 each.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Includes innovative tools for language learners. Can also use wildcards to search for words.

Other Finalists:
- Speereo Voice Translator by Speereo Software.

UTILITIES CATEGORY (PART I):


UTILITIES - CALCULATOR 2005 goes to:
1-Calc by Omega One Software LLC: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Multi-function calculator application that comes with useful currency and unit converters.
- Cost: US$19.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Extremely happy to see that 1-Calc has finally been recognised as a winner. With its large buttons, highly-manageable and attractive interface, this award is long overdue.

Other Finalists:
- CoolCalc by Applian Technologies.
- RapidCalc by Developer One, Inc.


UTILITIES - FILE MANAGEMENT 2005 goes to:
Resco Explorer 2005 by Resco, Ltd: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Advanced file explorer application that can ZIP and encrypt files, view and edit registry, etc.
- Cost: US$24.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: A most deserving winner and surely the top file explorer program around for the Pocket PC. Its reliability encompassed within its many functions simply makes this a must-have application. Needless to ask, Resco Explorer is now a 5-time winner for this annual honour and counting.

Other Finalists:
- PE Explorer Suite by Vieka Technology Inc.
- Total Commander by Total Commander.


UTILITIES - HANDWRITTING 2005 goes to:
CalliGrapher by PhatWare Corporation: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Handwriting recognition software that supports all handwriting styles, be it cursive, print, etc, among other tools.
- Cost: US$39.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: The fact that Calligrapher also chowed down this award in 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 speaks of its dominance. Latest 8.x versions have SIPs Write Anywhere and Write Pad, both new features to reinforce an already strong handwriting recognition engine.

Other Finalists:
- MyScript by Vision Objects.
- PenReader by Paragon Software GmbH.


UTILITIES - MAINTENANCE 2005 goes to:
Sprite Backup Premium Edition by Sprite: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Backup utility to safeguard Pocket PC data.
- Cost: US$29.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Its backup speed is remarkably faster when compared to its peers. Reliable for the most part, except for SMS, but overall is still the number #1 backup software for the Pocket PC. Already integrated within some brands, but many say that Sprite Backup should be made mandatory for all Pocket PCs.

Other Finalists:
- MemMaid by DinarSoft.
- Pocket Mechanic by Anton Tomov.
- SKTools by SK Software.


UTILITIES - MINDMAPPING 2005 goes to:
Pocket Mindmap by JKRB Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Planning/Brainstorming application that uses Mindmapping to create and organise complex ideas/concepts.
- Cost: US$42.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Though it is already difficult to churn out mind maps on paper, but this application somewhat eases that tedious process a bit. Was quite difficult to view the end-result on my small Pocket PC screen though.

Other Finalists:
- Inspiration for Pocket PC by Inspiration Software, Inc.
- MindManager X5 Mobile by Mindjet LLC.


UTILITIES - MISCELLANEOUS UTILITIES 2005 goes to:
Leonard Maltin's 2005 Movie Guide by LandWare, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Movie guide application containing up-to-date facts, ratings, etc, for 21,000 movies and filmographies for over 37,000 actors, actresses and directors.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Especially useful for couch potatoes; even includes a nifty database to document your personal DVD/VCD/videotapes collection.

Other Finalists:
- ADB Idea Library by HJR Solutions, LLC.
- Euro Coins Pocket Collector QVGA by Albegor Entertainment.


UTILITIES - NETWORKING 2005 goes to:
vxUTIL by Cambridge Computer Corp: (freeware)
- Main Features: Pack of network/internet utilities like Finger, Get HTML, Info, IP Subnet Calculator, Lookup, Password Generator, Port Scanner, etc.
- Cost: US$0.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; still, it is a rare award-winning software that is free.

Other Finalists:
- Wi-Fi Companion by Socket Communications Inc.


UTILITIES - NOTES 2005 goes to:
PhatNotes by PhatWare Corporation: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Notes Organiser that allows users to create notes and structure them by type, subject, creation and modification date.
- Cost: US$39.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Ok, this one won the same award for 5 straight years. It comes with powerful text search, document security, and email capabilities. If you deal with plenty of short notes on your Pocket PC, PhatNotes is the one for you.

Other Finalists:
- PhatPad 2.0 by PhatWare Corporation.
- Resco Stickies by Resco, Ltd.


UTILITIES - PRINTING 2005 goes to:
PrintPocketCE by FieldSoftware: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Printing application that adds the capability to print out Pocket Word , Pocket Excel and Pocket Inbox e-mails, etc, to a wide variety of printers using Infrared, Bluetooth or 802.11b wireless network.
- Cost: US$39.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Bagged the 2004 and 2003 trophies as well. Found it pretty easy to send some Word documents to a printer via infra-red to print. Allows you to choose printing sizes of documents too.

Other Finalists:
- HP Mobile Printing by Hewlett Packard.


UTILITIES - REMOTE HOST CONTROL 2005 goes to:
Pocket Controller-Professional by SOTI Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Remote host control application that allows users to operate their Pocket PCs from their desktop computers to perform actions like capturing/printing screenshots, exploring file systems, etc.
- Cost: US$30.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Pocket Controller is pretty impressive in what it is able to bring to the table. If you dislike inputting data into your Pocket PC because you feel you cannot input comfortably or quickly enough, behold! By using this, you can enter data directly into your device using your desktop's/notebook's keyboard.

Other Finalists:
- Laplink Everywhere 4 (LLE4) by LapLink, Inc.

UTILITIES CATEGORY (PART II):


UTILITIES - SCREEN CAPTURE 2005 goes to:
Pocket ScreenSnap by Developer One, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Screen capture utility.
- Cost: US$9.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: What's the big deal with this one? Pocket ScreenSnap allows you to organise and browse through your screen captures, unlike most of the similiar freeware applications out there. Definitely useful if you do plenty of software reviews.

Other Finalists:
- Pocket Screen Capture by cetoolbox.com.
- ScreenShotCE by BeniSoft.


UTILITIES - SCREEN DISPLAY 2005 goes to:
Nyditot Virtual Display by Nyditot: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Screen display application that enables your Pocket PC to run at predefined resolutions or orientations.
- Cost: US$19.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Very powerful stuff indeed, which basically allows users to tweak any display settings.

Other Finalists:
- DockWare Pro by Ilium Software.
- Innobec SideWindow 1.01 by Innobec Technologies.


UTILITIES - SECURITY 2005 goes to:
Airscanner Mobile Security Suite by Airscanner Corp: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Pack of Airscanner Mobile Antivirus Pro, Airscanner Mobile Encrypter and Airscanner Mobile Firewall, which gives users anti-virus protection, data encryption and firewall protection.
- Cost: US$58.48.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: This bundle saves you US$31.49 if you were to get them separately instead at US$29.99 a piece. The Antivirus alone is worth the bundled price.

Other Finalists:
- 1-Pass by Omega One Software LLC.
- F-Secure FileCrypto Personal Edition by F-Secure Corporation.
- visKey PPC by sfr GmbH.


UTILITIES - SOFT KEYBOARDS 2005 goes to:
Fitaly by Textware Solutions: ($hareware)
- Main Features: SIP application that has its keyboard keys positioned in an unique pattern for optimisation.
- Cost: US$25.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: The Pocket PC record for Fitaly's fastest input speed was clocked at 77.44 words per minute, which is astonishing. I only managed like 10 words per minute, which is weak.

Other Finalists:
- Resco Keyboard Pro by Resco, Ltd.
- Spb Full Screen Keyboard by Spb Software House.
- TenGO by Xrgomics, Inc.


UTILITIES - SPEECH 2005 goes to:
Microsoft Voice Command by Microsoft Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Speech application that allows users to use their voice to look up contacts and place phone calls, get calendar information, play and control your music, and get key device status and information.
- Cost: US$39.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Winner last year too. Its speech recognition engine is spectacular. Currently there are 4 versions, namely USA, UK, France and Germany.

Other Finalists:
- Fonix VoiceCentral by Fonix.


UTILITIES - SYSTEM AND REGISTRY 2005 goes to:
Tweaks2K2 .NET by Tweaks2k2: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Registry tweaks application that allows users to edit/hack their registry with ease.
- Cost: US$15.50.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Largest collection of registry tweaks in a Pocket PC application. Extremely useful to own one of these, especially if you tweak your device's registry often.

Other Finalists:
- PHM Registry Editor by Philippe Majerus.
- Pocket Hack Master by Anton Tomov.


UTILITIES - TASK MANAGEMENT 2005 goes to:
Spb Pocket Plus by Spb Software House: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Task manager application that includes plenty of powerful features like Today Plug-In with tabs, Close button, Safe Mode. ZIP support, etc.
- Cost: US$24.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Winner in 2004 and 2003 as well. Easily the best-selling Pocket PC application out there, SPB Pocket Plus isn't really just a task management software, it does so much more. I believe that it could have won in any relevant utility category if it was placed in them.

Other Finalists:
- WisBar Advance 2 by Lakeridge Software.


UTILITIES - THEME CREATION/MANAGEMENT 2005 goes to:
ThemeMaker (2003, SE, SP, Pro Plus SE) by Kamware: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Desktop theme generator that allows users to create themes for use in the Pocket PC (other variants available too).
- Cost: US$12.00.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Won last year too. ThemeMaker is a lot more powerful than the freeware theme generator that Microsoft provides. It can create even VGA themes.

Other Finalists:
- CETuner 2005 by Paragon Software GmbH.
- Spb Extended Theme Generator by Spb Software House.

UTILITIES CATEGORY (PART III):


UTILITIES - TIME AND EXPENSES 2005 goes to:
TimeTTracker MX by R&F Consulting, Inc: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Time and expense application that allows users to track their resources.
- Cost: US$49.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Another sweeper; bagged the 2004, 2003, 2002 awards and it isn't difficult to understand why. TimeTTracker can literally track anything and all in great details too. Can even analyse data input to tell where you have been placing your time and money on.

Other Finalists:
- TimeBiller by Fann Software.


UTILITIES - TIME UTILITIES 2005 goes to:
mTimeSync (Pocket PC) by SlipstreamSolutions.co.uk: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Time synchronisation application that allows users to sync with atomic NTP time servers on the Internet.
- Cost: US$9.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: 4 international time servers that are installed by default ensure that all synchronised timings are dead accurate.

Other Finalists:
- Timekeeper by Conduits Technologies, Inc.


UTILITIES - TODAY-SCREEN PLUG-IN 2005 goes to:
Battery Pack Pro by Omega One Software LLC: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Today Plug-in application with plenty of features and enhancements.
- Cost: US$29.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: "Three-peat" winner; won in 2004 and 2003 too. Very robust application with many functions. However, I still think that Battery Pack Pro zaps up a lot of memory in order to run. Other than that, its features are breathtaking.

Other Finalists:
- Journal Bar by Omega One Software LLC.
- PocketBreeze by SBSH Mobile Software.
- Spb Diary by Spb Software House.
- Spb Weather by Spb Software House.
- WeatherPanel by MarsWare Technologies.


UTILITIES - TV AND STEREO REMOTE 2005 goes to:
Total Remote by Griffin Mobile: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Master remote control application to use on infra-red remote-controlled electronic equipment.
- Cost: US$19.99.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: Untested; been using NoviiRemote by NoviiMedia instead.

Other Finalists:
- NoviiRemote by NoviiMedia.
- TV remote controller by PDAwin.

UTILITIES - UNIT CONVERSION 2005 goes to:
ConverterCE Pro by Fann Software: ($hareware)
- Main Features: Unit conversion application that allows users to convert most units.
- Cost: US$9.95.
- LINK: CLICK ME

- Aficionado's Last Take: This category was previously dominated by Conversions In Hand by Burr Oak Software. However, ConverterCE Pro isn't too bad either. Other than the usual units conversion, it has references for clothing sizes, international dialling codes, country codes, etc.

Other Finalists:
- Conversions In Hand by Burr Oak Software.

Hi Bro Aficionado

I believed this is what most users or newbie are looking especially for users like me :) such as software description and personal experience after trial out some of the above software
(thanks for spending so much time writting that report for all of us)

Haris

u know why there're so few repies so far? its because all of us see also STUN alreadi....jaws drop to the floor how to reply...

AMAZING!!! u tried out everythign!!!! *salutez*to Aficionado

OMG how long did u take to input all these here?!...

Thanks!.. its great info!!

Bro ashura,

Thanks; hope its useful .


Bro trgsp2,

Thanks. And I was kind of worried when there were no replies even after over a 1,000 views .

Not everything; there were a good number that I hadnt tried. For those, I put up an 'UNTESTED' sign at my comments (i.e. Aficionado's Last Take).


Bro kolslorr,

Thanks; took me 2 nights and I almost gave up halfway .

u shud make this a pinned/sticky and update further as the softwares listed come out with upgrade versions or as u go try more of them...it can be a pinned till next year..when the next round of best softwares award come around...hehe...

good job man! i feel your dedication!

OMG!! Fantastic Job here!! 5 Stars!!

Too much to read, bookmarking it now for future reading...when I get my Universal!

Well done!
I agree that it should be put up as a "Sticky".

Definitely the first place I would look when I need to get software.
In my personal experience, I tried about 8 different types of database software before finally hooking up with ListPro. (Its there in your list!) Would have saved me endless hours.
Don't know how to link it with Access yet, but using .CSV files, its definitely the "one"!

Thanks again

amazing.

Great work.

Olympian

Bro trgsp2,

Thanks, your suggestion will be carefully considered .

Dear all,

Thanks, people.

Thank you Bro Aficionado,

This is truly a great piece of work. Many hours had gone into it and many will appreciate such comprehensive cut and paste, weblink and comments. I know there are many programs out there for the PPC but really find it very tedious to hunt all over the net. With your work it help a great deal in narrowing the hunt to meet our individual needs.

Well done.

Thank you for the time and effort to update this great list!!
;)

Wow.

I've been lurking around PPCSG for quite some time, but I can't believe i just saw this thread now. Great job, not just for posting everything, but for taking the time to put in your 'Last Take' - it's always helpful to compare published reviews and actual user comments. Looking forward to the 2006 awards.

I second the motion - this should be a sticky!

Cheers, E.

excellent job. Thanks for the effort

The 2006 List is out!

Bro Bean,

Yes, it is; was out somewhere in Oct. Check out the winners and finalists:
- http://www.pocketpcmag.com/awards/nominees_wandf_2006.asp