Palm has included some of the essential 3rd party software in the Treo 700p. PTunes and DocsToGo are a great addition. But there are still a few programs that I know can benefit new users immediately.

Many of these functions have a variety of software available. For my purposes it’s the simplicity of use that’s key. All of the these programs are free to try.

Initiate - This launcher starts out simply, making it easy to navigate your Treo to programs, contacts, music, Internet bookmarks, etc.. It can grow with the user, easily personalized and configured, including voice launching.

Directory Assistant - This program uses the Internet to find phone numbers and addresses for businesses and residences that can be copied to Contacts with the push of a button. Maps and driving directions are also provided.

LightWav - Without additional software, Treos can’t use MP3s or WAVs as individual ringtones. LightWav is so easy to use that once all individual ringtones are assigned with it, it’s a natural progression to add more sounds for hanging up, individual text messages, and other system sounds.

PowerRun - Treo 700p has much more memory than previous versions for users to add software, pictures, etc.. But with all the amazing software available, it’s just never enough. Not all software needs to live in the Treo’s RAM. PowerRun lets users easily access software that lives on an SD card until needed.

Personal Audio Recorder PRO (PAR PRO) - Although it’s not the recorder I use, I recommend PAR PRO (Personal Audio Recorder) for people who are just starting out with their Treos due to its ease of use. It will record phone conversations, even through headphones.

The Core Pockect Media Player (TCPMP) - This program allows users to view movies on their Treos. It takes a seperate program or two to copy and shrink DVDs to a size that can be played on a Treo from an SD card. TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) is just a player for AVI and other common video formats.

Games - Games are a matter of personal taste. (My daughter loves the VillageSims and I can’t stand them.)

For the beginning user I’m going to recommend a few based on ease of use. Some games are a bit harder to control until you’ve been around the 5-way direction pad for a while.

Many games can be downloaded and tried for a while before purchasing them.

A few my family have tried and liked are:
Video Jigsaw
Crazy Daisy
Bejeweled
Sudoku
Book Worm
Mahjongg
SolFree

Lastly, I recommend keeping an eye on MTDN’s Treo Gems for software that makes your Treo more productive or entertaining all the time.

Filed under: Editorials