Programs you should not be without

[dbatton]

With all the new people to Treo's, especially with the new Centro, I thought this might be a good time to discuss this topic.

I am always looking for new ways to utilize my Centro to its fullest potential.

So here is my question to ponder and answer......

What are the top 3-5 programs that you could not live without?
Also, maybe explain if you use your treo/centro for business or pleasure. If it is for business, maybe describe briefly the field in which you work and why you could not be without the particular program.

I feel this could be a great way for users to share their personall experience and be able to share ideas with fellow users in a more specific manner.

I look forward to hearing everyone's response!

[stuartrayner]

Well, after writing a long winded response, I lost my whole response. I'll try this again. I think every Treo owner must have three apps (a backup app, a file manager, and the new app coming out this week - SafeGuard from GoTreo). Fortunately, there is a decent freeware alternative for the first two (NVBackup and Filez). However, there are certainly other third party apps that do much more then these freeware alternatives: File Manager: I believe Resco Explorer is the best. Backup: There are many choices: BackupMan, BackupBuddy, Teal Backup; and the one I use Resco Backup Pro. They not only allow you to schedule backups, keep multiple sets, etc., but also allow you to back up to a FTP server.

Some almost necessary apps (certainly nice to have) are:

Phone: Phone Switch (free); Rngr Switch (free); Phone Disconnect; Phone Technician, Lightwav, Call Block or Buzz Off, and a phone utility (Takephone or Ultimate Phone).

Ringtone Makers: Minitones or MusicTones (both free) or a Ringtone Manager: Lightwav, RingCare, mRing, Ringo, etc.

Robust PIM (Personal Information Manager) Programs such as Agendus or Dtbk6 that integrate all PIM info and add much more options and functionality.

A contact manager (there are three free good ones: 2Cool4U, Touchbook, and Treobble).

Calendar enhancements: TMP, 2Day

Email Enhancements: ChatterEmail (the best, most stable email app IMHO)

IM options: Toccer (free for AIM only), Mundu IM; IM+

Third Party Launchers: Initiate, Launcher X, ZLauncher, or Treo Launcher.

Good Utility Programs: Power Hero, Reset Doctor, Butler; AutoOff (free); AutoOff Extender (free), DBFixit, Teal Scan, TryDA (free), KeyCaps (free); Profiles (free); Applications Panel, Palm Internals (free), and Palm Info (free).

Kinoma for streaming video.

Softick Audio Gateway for the only means of listening to stereo music via bluetooth.

A password protecting program: YAPS (free), IDGuard, SplashID, and many more.

Card Reader or Softick Card Export II for having your SD card read like a USB device from your computer

Other great freeware: Noah Pro (dictionary), Thesaurus, 1st Aid, Auto Buddy, Handy Shopper; GetSportz; LJP for playing video games; MiniBar; Psmemo, Snap (for screen shots), Sharklinks, Watchmaker (alarms), and Teapot (cute little timer alarms).

Have I exceeded my two or three apps yet? Sorry, got on a roll.

Stu

[cartogary]

This is a really good idea. The Centro forum has been very active, half the new posts seem to be Centro related, and these new users can really get functionally quickly with feedback from the forum's faithful. That said, it's a little difficult to limit the "must have" apps, but I'll list my most used that keep my 680 reliable and stable.

In no particular order:

Treo Guard - this is my set and forget it utility for turning on and off my Phone, conserves my battery, and other tweaks. I've had this since my 600 days and there other apps, Phone Tech, Power Hero.. that have this feature now, so try outs are recommended.

Butler - this is a truly awesome app which can tasked to customize an array of features.

Network Down - disconnects Blazer, Kinoma, Google Maps, whatever app uses a data connection and put the Treo/Centro off line.

Pocket Quicken - living with a debit card would be impossible without this app on my Treo - syncs seamlessly with Quicken

SplashID - this app saves me and my feeble memory daily. So many usernames, logons, passwords, account numbers .... it never ends.

That's just a few of some 50+ apps on my 680's RAM or SD card. Sure some get more attention than others, ie. SnapperMail, but the Treo's at the ready. I'm a self-employed consultant who cares around databases, spreadsheets, pdf docs, running Time Reporter to bill my hours, tracking my mileage and expenses. My clients are amazed the information I retrieve from my 680 on a daily basis and I correct them immediately when they ask "is that a Blackberry?" Not a chance a crackberry could do the job of my Treo.

[windfrenzy]

Apart from the built-in apps:

PowerHero
-- to increase battery life. Just found this, still need to register.

DateBk5 including dbicon+
-- for a useful calendar. I use icons so the month view is meaningful to me

RPN
--good old RPN

[stuartrayner]

Welcome to Treonauts, WindFrenzy!

[Ohappydaye]

Originally Posted by windfrenzy

Apart from the built-in apps:

PowerHero
-- to increase battery life. Just found this, still need to register.

DateBk5 including dbicon+
-- for a useful calendar. I use icons so the month view is meaningful to me

RPN
--good old RPN

If you love Datebk5, you should check out Datebk6! Welcome to Treonauts!

[Optimus Centro]

Originally Posted by Ohappydaye

If you love Datebk5, you should check out Datebk6! Welcome to Treonauts!

Here here!!

I purchased it Friday.

Optimus Centro out.

[auburnfan99]

my top programs are
as follows
google maps
pocket express
beyond pod(for catching and listening to podcasts)
magic button

[jstant]

Power Hero, NVBackup, Reset Doctor, NVBackup, Splash ID, NVBackup..
Did I mention NVBackup?

[pukfan]

Zlauncher - I also have resco explorer but Zlauncher also includes nice plugins that show todos and appointments. Plus also allows customizable tabs for app organizing and IMO just the best all-around launcher although some programs do certain things (that I rarely use) better.
Ultrasoft Money (for those who use MS Money, plus the only program that includes a budget progress bar in the actual transaction screen versus having to go into a budget screen)
Splash ID (Saves my backside often, plus nice desktop companion when centro crashes)
ChatterEmail (stable, gmail push)
HiLauncher (one-button access to critical apps)
BackupMan (simple, effective)
WatchMaker (free, effective alarm clock)
SmartListToGo (easy to use and effective database that I use to track travel expenses, medical expenses, state quarters collection, you name it)
TealAuto - best auto expense tracking sw around
Datebk6 - icons, lists, etc. It does it all but has a steep learning curve