KB goes Xpress with Nokia 5800

Recently bought Nokia 5800 Xpress aka the tube (India version)! I think there is enough already written about the phone, what works, what does not … In this post I am going to focus on the applications that I added to make this phone meet my messaging / communication needs.

Getting the latest firmware was the first thing that I did. Over the Air sync did not work, had to upgrade via NSU via on my PC. To get everything to work did a soft reset *#7370#. Keep following in mind:

• You lose all data – contacts, messages, configuration settings etc after the reset
• The 200 odd pre-loaded songs do not load anymore because the license files go missing – this is the sad part
• The upgrade is worth the effort – you can refer to this post to look at the additional features

Loading the applications! I intend to use my phone more for email / messaging, so time to get some useful stuff:

Apps that are part of the Nokia Download:
• Mail for exchange: I use mail2web for my contacts. I have been using Windows Mobile for a long time and all my contacts for the past 8 years have always been on some mail for exchange or the other. So this app was a must for me to get all my contacts
• WaveSecure: Neat app, enables the user to lock the phone remotely – pretty handy!
• QuickOffice: To open word, excel, ppt etc – a must
• Zip Manager: Most of the attachments in my email are zipped – must have!
• AccuWeather: No real utility – just adds to the “cool” factor … this turns out to be one of the most viewed apps when ppl like to get a “feel” of the phone
• Cricket Mobicast: very very critical! You can always tune in to 106.4FM for a live commentary – but this app is a must, live scores, stats etc – has it all

Other useful apps (you can check more here):
• Fring: recently launched a version for 5800, it works great – loaded all my skype, facebook and gtalk ids!
• Easy Reject: Block spam calls, messages. No more loan, credit card calls
• iSync: if you use a mac
• JoikuLight: Can convert your phone into a wifi hotspot. The free version is limited to http / https
• SymTorrent: how about downloading the torrent of the latest southpark episode in mp4 format and view it – all on your phone!
• Google Maps – The preloaded Nokia maps are good! … just so used to Google maps
• PhoneTorch – converts the flash into a torch. Delhi summer time … power cuts … you never know when you might need this
• The rotary dialer – nice interface for that nostalgic feeling … whoever has seen this app simply loved it … no real utility, since I typically use voice dialing to call people – works to show off the phone