If I asked you for a list of the first 5 apps that you install on a new or freshly cleared device, would it include a screen locking app? Judging by the vast quantities of apps that do exactly that, I’d bet on it.

I probably don’t have to remind you that many of these (now hefty) programs are activated on every soft reset and reside in your system’s memory in order to properly function. This is an issue for many users because the additional app eats valuable memory and takes a chunk out of your device’s battery life each day. Nonetheless, we’ve been somewhat happy to overlook these shortcomings for a solution that actually works. What if we could have the best of both worlds? Read on for details…

As you know, Windows Mobile actually comes preloaded with the ability to lock the screen. The problem with the feature is it doesn’t auto-lock your device, forcing you to manually trigger it before your screen shuts off. Well, thanks to XDA-developers, we now have a remedy that enhances the default lock to be more practical.

LockDevice finally allows us to use the small Windows Mobile lock utility to automatically lock our devices when our screens turn back on. Plus, it won’t take up memory and drain your battery. Users who still use the today screen for plug-ins will probably appreciate this fix because it will enable them to view their multiple plug-ins without having to unlock a specialized app first. For me, it’s definitely nice to be met by my home screen when I turn the display back on. Sometimes simplicity works best. Head over to XDA-developers for the download.

Update: new version just came out (1.2), adding ability to choose between lock on display off or on. Also setting to disable/enable app.