Probably the most useful panel on the XPERIA X1 (review) is the one for Spb Mobile Shell. It gives you quick and easy access to your programs, messaging, and system indicators. It’s a free download for X1 owners, and considering the program normally costs around $30, it’s a pretty good proposition.

Up until recently, there was just one skin option for the Mobile Shell panel. Now, we have a new choice, shown below. It fits perfectly to the WVGA screen, and works well in landscape. Plus it looks pretty sleek.

To get it, download the file (via the Xperiancer blog) and drop all of the files into the Program FilesSpb Mobile Shell directory of your X1. Then hit the Settings icon, click Customize Menu, and enable “My Menu.” Then restart Spb Mobile Shell.

Thanks for the tip, msalmank (from our Sony Ericsson forum).