Hello, my name is Dale and I am an Opera Mobile addict. Okay, now that I have THAT out of the way, let me tell you, I LOVE OPERA. Nope, not the kind with the heavy weight, horn-helmeted singer, but the Opera that makes my mobile web viewing so nice. I have been using Opera Mobile for a couple of years now and I have to say that it is, by far, the best mobile web browser I have ever encountered. In my article on replacing a laptop with a mobile device, I talked about the fact that Opera Mobile was indispensable in my effort to use only my mobile device.

Time Management. In a busy world, we hear about time management quite often. We hear business people saying they need to do it better. We hear experts telling us they will teach it to us. We hear it from the boss, and we hear it from out employees. It's everywhere, yet so few really do it well. How can something so important to peoples heavy laden schedules, seem to be so elusive? Where can I get more time, and what do I do with it when I do get it? What the heck does time management mean?

MoDaCo recently reported on the European release of the MDA Vario IV (formerly the HTC Raphael) by T-Mobile. Hopefully we will see it on this side of the pond soon. What stands out with this device is the reportedly incredible specifications. Take a look:

I have never really considered myself a hardcore gamer, but I have to admit that I really enjoy the few games that I do have on my Smartphone right now. They are probably not the newest, shiniest or most intense games on the market, but they sure seem to entertain me well. Since we were asked to review our top three picks this month, I decided to share my own personal preferred "oldies but goodies."

Skyforce and Skyforce Reloaded

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I was unable to post any new blogs in May and June. I really missed out on some great topics, so I thought I might play as though I am being fashionably late and contribute anyway. Better late than never.

Although I try to keep my Pocket PCs or Smartphones “clean,” I sometimes find that I let old files and system junk build up. In the business world they say that around 85% of all paperwork is not needed. The same is true with our computer storage. Most of us tend to keep many files that no longer serve any purpose.

This month our focus is on Windows Mobile features that we would like to see added to the platform. While it is doubtful that any operating system is perfect, Windows Mobile has been taking it on the chin as of late. One of the main reasons is the recent hype surrounding the iPhone, and its simple, finger-touch enabled, OS. Many Windows Mobile fans are wondering why some of the iPhone’s features have never been included in any of the WM updates. I have never been secretive about my feelings for Windows Mobile. Again, it may not be perfect, but I do love what it can do for me. I feel there are too many limitations with the iPhone as it pertains to business usage, but perhaps Windows Mobile could take a few pages from the Apple playbook. With that said, I wanted to focus on improvements on the Windows Mobile user interface, and upgrades that might improve its standing with the general public, and not just business users.

Well, I have to say that when it comes to the Windows Mobile "Tweak" that has best served me, simple has been the best. What do I mean? Simply stated, my one most needed tweak was one of the simplest to be had. Clear-Type in lnadscape mode. Hardly earth shattering, but the simple ability to have Clear-Type capability in landscape mode on my AT&T 8525 has made a big difference in the way I am able to use my device.

In the upcoming issue of Smartphone and Pocket PC magazine, one of my articles explores the possibility of replacing a laptop with a Pocket PC. Although we may not quite be there at this point, I was surprised at the result.

My Best and Worst Mobile Device Experience

When we were recently asked to pen a blog entry on our best and worst mobile device experiences, I could not help but crack a smile. I quickly remembered what brought me over to the Windows Mobile world a few years ago. I was originally a Palm OS user, but it was the problems I had when using that system that caused me to look elsewhere for something better. Let me share the experience that first made me a Windows Mobile man.

My Favorite Commercial and Freeware Applications

The thing I have always loved about Windows Mobile is the sheer volume of available applications. Windows Mobile is a dream for anyone who enjoys looking for cool new things to do with their mobile device. I have to admit that I love trying out new applications, and I even keep an extra Pocket PC around for just that. That is not to say that I always keep every application I try. Some work well, but some don’t make the grade. Either way, I still enjoy seeing what I can do with my Windows Mobile device and the right software.

As much as I enjoy trying out new applications, I do have a few favorites that I find indispensable to any device I am using. I broke down the applications into two categories, freeware and commercial software. Since I like free stuff I thought I would start there.