Essential free software for Windows Mobile 6

From a user point of view, Windows Mobile is a shameful, embarrassing interface.  Possibly because of its stylus-based roots, the touch interface for its native applications are especially awkward to navigate.  Fortunately the crappy base applications that come with WM 6 can be supplanted by these free ones:

• The Core Pocket Media Player (TCPMP) - replaces the dreadful native Windows Media Player.  Excellent touch screen interface and handles most media formats.  Discontinued but I've never had a problem with version 0.72RC1
• Total Commander - the native File Explorer is OK for single-handed use but Total Commander has much more functionality as a file system utility.  However, because of so many widgets on its interface, a stylus is recommended although touch use is acceptable
• S2V - I can't say enough bad things about the native Pictures & Video app:  it's slow, very stylus-oriented, and generally useless. On the other hand S2V is touch-savvy, slick (like an iPhone app, despite how much I dislike Apple's closed philosophy) and responsive. S2V also works well with the hardware navigation controls so single-handed use is great
• Google Maps is a no-brainer to have available on your phone
• Skyfire - mixed reviews on this web browser.  It requires you to be online even to see your bookmarks as Skyfire stores them on its server.  However it is otherwise full-featured, and gives you a PC web browsing experience on your WM phone.  Yes, you can watch YouTube videos with it.  Just remember to be connected online before you start up this app as it otherwise won't stop trying to get online with a cellular connection (persistent bugger).  Conversely, I find Pocket Internet Explorer suitable for most web browsing on the phone because it is mindful of the limited WM screen real estate.  So in this case, Skyfire is not a complete replacement for Pocket IE
• Pocketxpdf - is a 100% replacement for the OEM Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Again the OEM app is stylus-dependent, non-intuitive, doesn't take advantage of WM's "right click" functionality, and generally seems to be programmed by a junior developer who has never touched a mobile device.  While PocketXpdf takes a little bit longer to load a PDF, once loaded, it is relatively fast to zoom in and out, responsive when panning around with your finger, and generally the user's view is very customizable.  I am now able to truly browse my course/conference materials on my phone
• WM users should also evaluate Microsoft's My Phone for backing up their phone contents online.  "My Phone" could also be viewed as a replacement for a Windows PC to sync to, if one is using Ubuntu exclusively as their desktop operating system, e.g.  WM users, beware of this Microsoft travesty:  Lost contacts while trying to sync on laptop 

One more tip is to re-configure your Buttons to launch your frequently used applications with a press of a hardware button on your device.  My HTC has a myriad of buttons so I've got them launching S2V, Total Commander, etc. with just a click.