That’s because you’re in the US where, despite the nefarious nature of the assorted telcos, you guys have perfectly sensible data rates – even taking into account that in most cases the definition of “unlimited” is purely subjective. Here in Ontario, we have Rogers, Fido (which is Rogers anyway), Solo (a nondescript MVNO catering to the younger crowd), or Bell. Bell is CDMA, and I don’t like CDMA so that’s out of the question. That leaves Rogers and Fido (one and the same) or Solo (who, as a GSM MVNO, lease everything from Rogers anyway).
Here are Rogers’ data plans. Note the conspicuous lack of the word “unlimited.” Note the stratospheric cost for the highest plan, which only gives you half a gig. Also note the overage fees per megabyte. That’s their “Windows Mobile” data plan. This is functionally distinguished from their “regular” mobile internet plan by the fact that the Windows Mobile plan lets you feel like you have an enormous E-penis.
Anyway. End of unintentionally long rant.
Well, this is purely subjective based on what I think is cool, but here are some items I find either really cool or absolutely indispensable:
True Connect lets you use your own computer’s mouse and keyboard right on your Windows Mobile device. Once activated, simply pick an edge of the screen you want to use to activate True Connect and slide your mouse “into” your device and use it like a regular Windows computer. I can leave my PDA cradled and use my mouse and keyboard from where it sits. Very cool and indispensable if you want to work on your smartphone/PDA at home without having to hold it.
SBSH PocketWeather is a Today Screen plugin that gives you the forecast at a glance (complete with configurable icons, text, etc.) as well as METAR, 7-day detail, and several other views. It can keep tabbed forecasts for multiple cities if you travel a lot. Extremely handy.
Wisbar Advance is an absolutely essential launcher and skinner for Windows Mobile. Aside from tons of cool skins that are available for it, it also provides a ton of very useful features, including Windows desktop-like cascading start menu (no more opening separate windows for every folder on your start menu) and a ton of configuration options to make your Windows Mobile look and feel just the way you want it. The optional Wisbar Advance Desktop runs on top of Wisbar Advance and allows you to work in a fully-configurable, skinnable desktop-style environment.
TCPMP is a video player with various format plugins. Although newer versions exist under the name “Core Player,” this is the last free version available that includes the availability of the AC3 plugin which was pulled from future versions of Core Player (also available on the linked page). It doesn’t have the prettiest interface, but it plays more formats than Windows Media Player and has better performance.
Chronos is the alarm clock that I use, and is the most reliable one that I’ve found. It’s skinnable, configurable for each day of the weekn and you can set it to play your favourite MP3s.
Resco Explorer is probably the best alternative file manager for Windows Mobile. Provides a Windows Explorer style interface to let you manage and work with files on your device.
Line Rider for Windows Mobile - c’mon, who doesn’t like Line Rider? Now available for Windows Mobile!
Wolfenstein 3D and Spear of Destiny for Windows Mobile. The seminal pre-Doom shooters in your pocket! Needs the original games if you want to play anything more than the Shareware episodes.
There’s a ton more I could come up with, but these should be good for a start. 