101 Killer Apps for Your Pocket PC [Paperback]

Rick Broida (Author), Dave Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0072254327 | ISBN-13: 978-0072254327 | Edition: 1

Your Pocket PC is more than an electronic address book, calendar, and word processor so why not learn the many tasks you can use it for. Discover 101 fun and practical programs in a wide variety of categories including business, travel, lifestyle, and security. The authors explain both the features and the benefits of each program. Also provided is a CD-ROM with most of the programs discussed, providing a unique opportunity to try the software immediately. All included information is applicable to all Pocket PC handheld models and brands.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dave Johnson (Colorado Springs, CO) is a mobile computing editor for CMP Media, and Rick Broida (Commerce Township, MI) is the founder and former editor of Handheld Computing, the first and only print magazine designed expressly for Palm OS users. They are the best-selling authors of How to Do Everything with Your Palm and How to Do Everything with Your Visor

Dave Johnson (Colorado Springs, CO) has written many books since 1990 including Digital Photography Answers, and is a frequent contributor for PC Computing, Home Office computing, and Family PC. He is currently a mobile computing editor at Planet IT, an online magazine published by CMP Media.

Product Details

• Paperback: 217 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (April 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072254327
• ISBN-13: 978-0072254327
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,506,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice intro to the world of Pocket PC applications..., August 21, 2004

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 101 Killer Apps for Your Pocket PC (Paperback)

Since I recently got an HP iPaq, I decided it was about time to dig in and see what sort of software was available for this new toy. Part of that search led me to the book 101 Killer Apps For Your Pocket PC by Rick Broida and Dave Johnson (McGraw-Hill/Osborne). While you could probably find these software titles on your own by using the internet, this book is an entertaining way to get a nice overview of the wide range of software you should think about adding to your Pocket PC.

The book covers, you guessed it, 101 applications in the following chapters: On The Job; Bon Voyage!; Gone Fishin'; Fun and Games; A Handier Pocket PC; Learn Something; Connected Tricks; A Penny Saved; And Finally, Our Favorites

The two authors have a unique writing style where they freely take digs at each other while describing how the other uses their Pocket PC device. This makes for at the minimum an entertaining read. But beyond that, they are free with their advice on the strengths and deficiencies of the applications that come pre-installed on most Pocket PC devices, and how there are inexpensive alternatives that are much more feature-rich and robust for the serious user. The book also comes with a CD that contains nearly all the software mentioned in the book. In most all cases, these are trial versions that have some time or feature limitation that will go away once you purchase the software. While you can head out to the 'net and find the latest version, the CD makes it a bit quicker.

I would have liked to see more emphasis on freeware programs, as most of the programs need to be purchased. Even so, the costs are very reasonable, so using the trial versions is a great way to see if you want to spend the money to get the full version. Couple this book with your own research on Google or your favorite search engine, and you should be set.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very fun to read!, May 20, 2004

By 

ueberhund "ueberhund" (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 101 Killer Apps for Your Pocket PC (Paperback)

If you have a Pocket PC, you're probably always looking for cool new programs to run on it. If you're that kind of person, then you'll really enjoy this book. The authors have compiled a list (along with descriptions, prices, and screenshots) of various Pocket PC applications that are really cool. Included in the book is a CD-ROM containing trial versions of many of the programs they discuss.

These programs are divided up into nine sections: programs for work, travel, multimedia, games, utilities, learning, web, money management, and the authors' favorites. All in all, they've found some really interesting programs. Plus with most of them available on the included CD, you can try them out before buying them.

I think my favorite program discussed in this book is Mapopolis, which is one of the great Pocket PC mapping programs available (think MapQuest in a Pocket PC). Other great programs include Pocket Stars (obviously for astronomy), eXPerience (a Windows XP-like skin for your Pocket PC), and Total Remote (which allows you to control your TV from your Pocket PC).

This book is a lot of fun to read, and highly enjoyable by any Pocket PC enthusiast. I'd recommend picking it up and seeing what your Pocket PC can do!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dissapointing, August 20, 2005

By 

C. Bradshaw "gorda31" (Woodinville, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 101 Killer Apps for Your Pocket PC (Paperback)

I bought this book thinking it would help me choose which specific software would meet my needs best but it was way too generic and does not mention for what version of WIN Mobile these apps where designed for, which was frustrating since the book was published in 2004 and most of the apps are not designed for Mobile 2003, and some of the utilities are no longer needed with the upgrades in the latest version.I did get something out of it, I learned that a converter would be better suited to my needs than a calculator and other couple of things I had no idea there was an app for. Will give you ideas to what kinds of software is out there but it doesn't give enough information to let you know if that specific software will meet your needs. Yes, you can download free trials and test them but who has the time to test the habilities and limitations of the app, specially ones which require a learning curve like databases? It reads more like advertisement than recommendations and reviews. It does not mention what size the software is, a big omission since space is critical in these little wonders. My book has a different cover but the same ISBN and publication date.