In Senior Editor James Booth’s recent review of Proporta’s Freedom mini-GPS keychain, he introduced you to a variety of GPS applications, both free and retail. This follow-up piece showcases those applications individually, taking a closer look at each one. Which are worth your time, and which aren’t.

Read this Computing Unplugged article.

iambic’s Propel for the Palm OS, brings ease of use, instant retrievals and launches of applications, music, pictures, contacts, and more to any Palm OS based smartphone or handheld. By replacing the native Palm OS launcher, Propel allows users to truly enjoy their mobile companion by making tedious operations a snap.

Version 2.01 implements full support for the Palm Centro smartphone, and additionally contains a number of usability improvements and stability refinements reflecting the feedback received through our user community.

According to users on AT&T’s official support forums, Samsung Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 are the subject of a quiet recall due to an antenna issue. Apparently certain internal components are wearing oddly over time and causing the antenna to loosen and disengage, causing dropped calls and poor signal strength. A service advisory has apparently gone out to warranty centers, so if your Blackjack is acting a little flaky, now’s the time to get on the horn.

Palm has introduced the Treo 755p smartphone on the Iusacell network in Mexico. The Palm OS based CDMA Treo 755p offers built-in Microsoft Direct Push Technology email support and integrated Google Maps for mobile.

The Treo 755p brings Iusacell customers quick, wireless access to Web, email, business, multimedia applications and instant messaging (standard text charges apply where applicable). The Treo 755p runs on the Iusacell 3G Mobile Network, the only third-generation network in Mexico managing data-transmission speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps, which provides users with advanced data applications.

The elves at Proporta would like to remind you that if you order before the end of 2007, you will be given the chance to win a brand new Apple iPod–or failing that, you may get a fab Christmas prize from them instead. All you have to do is order from Proporta between now and the end of 2007 and a golden ticket may be keeping your order company, along with a prize from Proporta or even a brand new iPod.

If you want to order in time for Christmas, all UK and Channel Island customers must order before 14th December, with the next day delivery service available up until 20th December. For the rest of the world, you have until 7th December to get your goodies in time.

NetOp Tech has launched NetOp Mobile and Embedded Guest in the United States, remote control software allowing technical IT support from mobile devices such as handheld PC or cell phones. The new software provides a high degree of flexibility and mobility by allowing company helpdesks to not only provide support to field workers with mobile devices, but to provide that support from another mobile device.

NetOp Mobile and Embedded Guest is an extension of Danware’s NetOp Remote Control software and allows corporate IT and helpdesk management to remotely control and support the mobile devices being used by personnel from the field. It can be used for securely transferring files, updating software, messaging and technical support. Before, remote technical support remote had to take place from an administrator’s PC or workstation, with NetOp Mobile and Embedded Guest technical assistance can take place from mobile devices anywhere a network connection is available.

Spb Software House has launched its fourth annual Spb Windows Mobile Survey. This year, the Spb Survey will not only address Pocket PC, but also Smartphone users. The Survey covers a range of usability topics, attempts to capture the general WM device user profiles, and aims to establish the “perfect software” recipe.

Spb Software House will make the Spb Survey findings public on December 18th. This year, three random respondents will receive just in time for Christmas “thank you” gifts from Spb. The company is giving away a high-end Windows Mobile device, accessories from JustMobile, as well as $100-worth of Spb software. Be sure to fill out the survey, this is your chance to talk directly to the software developers.

Brian Keener has made his “Getting Things Done with Your PDA” site available in e-book format so you can take it with you. It is available for free in MobiPocket Reader, iSilo, PDF and Microsoft Reader format. The downloads are all around 600KB to 1.1MB depending on the format.

ZoomBoard is a high-tech onscreen keyboard for quick and accurate finger typing on Windows Mobile Pocket PC. The popping up magnifying glass provides an instant zoom-in on the keyboard area under your finger. Sliding technology allows for accurate and quick text input.

Resco, provider of advanced developer controls and tools for mobile devices, announced the availability of Resco MobileCalendar (SQLCE), the Enterprise Sample optimized for Microsoft Visual Studio and .NET Compact Framework.

Resco MobileCalendar (SQLCE) Enterprise Sample is provided with the C# .NET Source Code, which provides the developers an easy customization and integration to existing software solutions. The product can be used by developers of mobile solutions such as Sales Force Automation, Field Service, Healthcare, etc.