I’m still in the process of loading up my Desire Z with cool and useful apps.  Here’s the list of ones that have made the cut, and are worth a mention.

XiiaLive

Trés useful for streaming audio from home.  You can’t change the streaming settings in the “Lite” version, but even with an 8-second buffer it’s entirely tolerable.  And the audio quality over Bluetooth A2DP is very good, much better than it was on the Touch Pro (and this is without having to tweak anything – and that’s a Very Good Thing(tm))

k9mail

Built off the source code of the native Android Mail application, this app adds such useful features as being able to specify your Sent and Trash folders when using IMAP.  This is a boon for me, since I use IMAP extensively for my personal mail.  This program finally plays nice with my mail server after some initial struggles.

KeepScreen

I couldn’t understand why my Z would turn off when Google Maps was running.  The Touch Pro never did this.  It makes sense that if you’ve got Maps open, chances are you’re navigating somewhere and you want Maps to stay open.  [Personal note: see if Google Navigation keeps the screen on]  Keep Screen will keep the screen on when certain applications are running in the foreground.  Works a treat.

PaderSyncDAV

This program allows me to access the files on my home network.  I recently uncovered a bug where I seem unable to upload files from this app.  I’ve contacted the dev and I’m hoping for a (speedy) resolution. [Update Jan 21, 2011: Worked with the dev to get this problem fixed, so it’s all good!]

Tasker

Back in the WinMo days I used Mortscript and some custom C programs to perform event-driven tasks.  In the Android world, I’ve found that Tasker can do many things I did with Mortscript – and more.  So far I’m using it to unlock the orientation sensor when I’m in the car, and to start Google Navigation when I’m in the car and external power is connected.  These two tasks alone are worth the US$6.

Pure Calendar/GridCalendar/Messenger Widget

This trio of widgets fulfills my desire to see consolidated info at a glance on my homescreen(s).  Pure Messenger Widget, in particular, is quite useful as a means to get my incoming Twitter, Facebook, GMail and SMS updates all in one place, as a scrollable list no less.  Think of FriendStream for HTC Sense, only more customizable.