QteK s100 few questions - JAM, MDA Compact, S100 General

Hi there, I've got a few questions on the s100/JAM/Magician device ... can anyone shed a light on them, thanx
1. is it possible to upgrade the OS to Windows Mobile 2005, when it comes around?
2. is there any truth to the rumor stating a new JAM version coming up, with 128MB + WiFi? When, and at what estimate price (compared with current JAM)?
3. why there's no central support for this device, shouldn't HTC be providing that? Each "distributor", i-Mate, QteK, XDA, has their own private support (haven't found QteKs though!), with updates/patchs not fully compatible between brands! It's a major setback (for me anyway), not having one central place where to keep my device uptodate from!
4. the 7.6MB main memory to run applications, is enough to run any application there is (at least individualy)? How much is this type of memory in other PPC devices?
5. when the device is asleep, is there a screen saver mode with a clock, like in regular cellphones?
... I'm not yet a pride owner... maybe soon

Locking your screen and buttons and providing a clock is done by MortSaver, free download at www.sto-helit.de. Ideal for using your Jam as an MP3 player and providing a screensaver and clock as well.

Related

Perhaps a stupid question: why should I upgrade?!

Hi,
now this may sound really stupid to most of you since you are all very eager to have the newest ROM on your XDA's, but I don't really get it. My O2-XDA was always working fine, and when I read some topics here, I got the idea that I was missing something.
So I upgraded my device to radio 4.21 and ROM 3.17.03 but I don't notice any difference. Also, no programs have been added (except for the wireless modem application), and the ROM still comes with useless stuff like the Action Engine, which is useless since O2 Netherland is taken over by Telfort and it doesn't support it anymore. O2 England has a newer ROM version to offer, I might try that, but...
Why would I?
I have read countless topics on upgrading, also on upgrading the XDA to WM2003, but why? It's always "it works great!!!" or "I can't get it to work!!!" but the real difference (except the feeling of having the newest ROM in your device) is never explained.
So, someone, tell me what I'm missing here?
programs made for wm2003 dont always work on ppc2002
like voicecommand from ms
this is likely to become a bigger and bigger problem as time goes by
I agree with you on there is no BIG motive for upgrade. The only noticed differences are:
1. SMS better handling
2. GPRS "Always on" feature, but it's not that fancy except if you keep MSN messenger on (who does this ??!! :shock: ).
3. MIDI files for ring tones (never worked for me tho :evil: )
Rudegar said:
programs made for wm2003 dont always work on ppc2002
like voicecommand from ms
this is likely to become a bigger and bigger problem as time goes by
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, but if you don't need these s/w you shouldn't sacrifice the stability. However, will this amount of experience in this forum it's not that complex any more.
1. SMS better handling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain this to me?
Because my XDA already has GPRS always on (and you're right, who does that ).
Chances are I already have the better SMS handling, but didn't notice it? What is the exact difference?
Capt. PV.
I'd probably apply the 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' rule if I were you.
I upgraded my XDA (and recently did a full hardware upgrade to an i-Mate / XDA II) because there were features I wanted (such as wireless modem) for a particular purpose, but I doubt I'd have upgraded if that weren't so.
If you're comfortable with your baby as it is, (and aren't slave to a constant compulsion to pull things apart to figure out why they work) don't mess with it. :roll: .
SMS has character count. GPRS always on is very useful when you are actually trying to do something with it. If you want to continue using old software that's fine. Same reason not to upgrade from DOS 6.1. But personally I like getting software and installing it without worrying about whether my O/S is new enough. Some of us just like to experiment too.
We also live in the hope that bugs and nuances will be fixed with each O/S release and service release. If you believe the XDA is without nuances in its original form then you don't use it enough.
If you cannot think of any single reason to upgrade - then don't.
SMS better handling also includes the 4 buttons in the dialog upon recveiving the SMS so you can call/delete/reply immediately instead of opening the Inbox item. This is plus the character count and the auto-name-insert feature after the first 3 letters.
The GPRS always on feature saves the time to get attached, but if this time is less than 3 seconds and usually the s/w is connecting automatically then it's not that issue (at least for me) as I noticed that making/receiving phone calls is faster when GPRS is off (I might be wrong tho ).
I notice you are running the standard O2 setup with the latest rom and radio stack 4.21, if you go to the rom kitchen you can still cook the same rom but you can add a whole bunch of programs to the unused space in your rom area, if you dont mind losing the bloated O2 auto setup and use the developers setup you will have even more free space. These programs are instantly available, use no ram unless running and make the xda a much better pda/phone.
Captain Pervert said:
So, someone, tell me what I'm missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Pocket Quake II doesn't run on PPC2002 :twisted: "due to a bug in the Operating System" so other software may also not work. The second important thing is Media Player 9 installed (with codecs).
do people really play quake 1 and 2 and other fps on their pda's ?
or is it just to impress people ?
because i've messed around a bit with quake1 and feel like a handicap'd zombie trying to gain any kind of control over the game
compared to how i can do it on a normal pc
imho then the controls of pda's dont mix with fps that well
the whole aiming thing require one to use the pen and i just cant do that fast or precise enough for gaming

XDA IV? nah...

FYI, I recently received an e-mail from some guy at O2 Data Support.
Hi Andy,
Thank you for your email,
As regards your queries below -
The HTC Universal - we are branding the device as the 'O2 XDA Exec', and we will be launching at some point in the near future, unfortunately we don't have any confirmed date for this as yet. I have also attached a file with some FAQ's regarding the device which I hope will help quench some of your gadgetry needs! (I myself also love gadgets).
As regards the XDA 2s, we are aware of issues with the device at present, and advise customers to hard reset the device and go into Corporate mode (with a pin number of 0506). Within Corporate mode, the clock is present in the top right corner, and the O2 Active software does not install. We will be releasing a new ROM for the device, but again, we can't advise of any release date as we don't know any as yet, and also cannot confirm what software will be in the new release. I assume with new releases for the XDA 2s, that there 'should' be WMP10, but again, we can't confirm or deny that as yet.
As regards WM2005 for the other XDA series, this question is answered in the attached file.
If you have any further queries, do not hesitate to contact us again.
Regards,
Paul
O2 Data Support UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it also seems that a few people are confusing the spec. So this is the attached file he was talking about in his e-mail. It's an o2 XDA Exec FAQ:
Xda Exec & Windows Mobile 5.0 - FAQ's
Q. When will O2 launch devices running Windows Mobile 5.0?
A. The Xda Exec (HTC Universal) will be the first Windows Mobile 5.0 device although a launch date is yet to be confirmed.
Q. Will any of the current Xda range receive a ROM upgrade to Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system?
A. There is currently no planned upgrade for O2 Xda II, IIs, IIi devices to Windows Mobile 5.0 and it is highly unlikely this will happen.
Q. What is the spec of the Xda Exec?
A. The provisional spec (some of which is subject to change) is as follows;
Windows Mobile 5.0 (which includes 'persistent memory')
Intel XScale PXA272 520MHz processor
ROM 128MB (used as storage)
Ram 64MB (used for running apps only)
3.6” 640x480 65k transflective colour backlit LCD
up to 4/2/20/200 GSM Talk/3G Talk/PDA/Standby time
GSM Tri-band (900/1800/1900), UMTS Single-band (2100)
GPRS class 10, UMTS 64/384
Bluetooth 1.2, Infrared and mini-USB connector
Wireless LAN 802.11b
SD/MMC/SDIO slot
3.5mm Audio Connector
Stereo Speakers
Integrated camera (resolution 1280 x 960) with LED flash and 2nd CIF camera for 3G video calls
Integrated antenna
15 buttons (Answer, hangup, PTT, OK, Start, Camera, Power, VoiceRecord, 5-way nav
56-key QWERTY keyboard with light sensor to auto-adjust backlight
Removable battery (1620mah)
Weight: 285 grams
Minimum Activesync version required 4.0
PC operating systems supported Windows 2000/XP (no support for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT)
Supports Activesync synchronisation of video/audio files in conjunction with Windows Media Player 10
Screen: 10640 x 480 VGA resolution
Enhanced O2 Active interface
Power Save software
Three setup modes - Full O2 Active, Intermediate and Corporate
Dimensions are 81mm x 127.7mm x25mm
Q. Why does Xda II have more RAM memory than Xda Exec?
A. You shouldn't compare RAM across the different operating systems as they use RAM very differently. The difference is as follows;
Windows Mobile 5.0 devices use RAM for running programs only.
Windows Mobile 2002/2003 devices split RAM memory in half - between running programs and user data storage (emails, contacts, pictures, videos, Word documents etc.)
So Xda II and Xda Exec use roughly the same amount of RAM for running programs. However Xda Exec stores user data in the Flash ROM memory, as part of the "persistant storage" feature of Windows Mobile 5.0.
It should also be remembered that more RAM impacts battery consumption, so more RAM would require a larger battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope that's enlightened a few people.
Cheers,
Andy
I'm a bit worried about that screen size, it's going to be a problem getting it in your pocket!
lol yeah looks like he might a slight typo
unless they have a new technology that makes pixels super tiny
Andy
it is supposed to appear as:
Screen: 10" 640 x 480 VGA resolution
i guess...
ahmmmm...
let's say:
Screen: 10cm 640 x 480 VGA resolution
anyway, thanks for posting that o2 letter. that really enlightens at least me.
Nice, the first ever PPC with a WideWideWide scren
NICE NICE
the 64mb ram makes me think... IMO i find it little to use... any way to upgrade it ? to at least someth i can live with (128)
The more RAM you have, the less time the battery will last. Manufacturers are starting to use ROM going forwards to enable longer battery life.
but there are bigger batt avail...maybe in time to come for the universal.
rick83 said:
the 64mb ram makes me think... IMO i find it little to use... any way to upgrade it ? to at least someth i can live with (128)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact u can!!...there's room for 2 additional slots,so u can have ur 128MB REAL RAMS....read this http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=26375 ...
But the question is:do u need 128 MB RAM....remember that u don't have ext ROM nor storage memory anymore,wich used to share with u ur old RAMS...now u have 64MB...and they are pure RAMs.....
greetings...
RAGO :lol:
well since the ram is only for running applications and not storage
then it should not matter
if it's 64 over 128 with our devices now nobody use 128MB as application memory anyway since we use some for storage
and applications use the memory they were made to use
having more should not make them speed up
the only thing more pure application memory does it that applications people have closed as in minimized live for longer before they are terminated
as in faster multitasking of running programs
how do i upgrade the ram. Is it like those SD card type (just slot in) or do i need to soulder ?
how do i upgrade the ram. Is it like those SD card type (just slot in) or do i need to soulder ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as far as i can tell from the pictures then you need a soulder
and a smd soulder at that
not something for a person not exp'd with such things
maybe some company will offer the upgrade
not sure if it would require a special rom to address the extre memory though
but thats just application running ram you can still get a sd card for storage if you need more then the 128 mb storage it comes with
(that is unless the 128 is also for the rom itself)
I think that we should put together a "WISH LIST" for the XDA3.
I'll go first
4GIG Hard Disk - Like the Palm 1
5MP Camera - with a decent lens and Optical Zoom
Proper USB port allowing for a loud speaker like on the samsung phones
The Case shouldn't scratch so easily
Proper Head Phone Jack (blody annoying with the 2,5" rubbish)
Faster WIFI 54 (if not 108)
I can think of loads more - but I'll throw it open right now!
.
A tiny screen on the front cover to tell who is calling without needing to open the flip and if possible basic input buttons to dial and write short SMS without needing to open the flip
srmz said:
A tiny screen on the front cover to tell who is calling without needing to open the flip and if possible basic input buttons to dial and write short SMS without needing to open the flip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I've writtne in the wrong String My XDAIIi doesn't have a Flip of any Description

Video Calling / Rattles amongst other things

Hi there,
I recently obtained my XDA Exec (complete with loud rattle) from o2 as a sweetener prior to putting in a large corporate order but have been getting annoyed with the following problems:
1) UTMS Reception is poor and chops and changes between UTMS and GPRS regularly
2) On Video Calling a friend they recieve a loud high pitched whine from my handset. Whereas whenever they phone me everything goes swimmingly.
3) Pronounced rattle within the main body of the handset (at the camera end)
4) WMV audio / video playback is jerky
5) Not being able to properly terminate closed programs
6) Delay in opening programs / files
7) Cannot get a wifi connection with my Linksys router, works with other routers / access points.
8) Does not work with GoToMyPC PocketView (Citrix)
9) No way of viewing flash (swf) content.
All this and I'm running it in corporate mode.
ROM ver: 1.13.48 WWE
ROM date: 09/19/05
Radio ver: 1.04.02
Protocol ver: 42.37.P8
ExtROM ver: 1.13.139 WWE
Not chuffed in the slightest so any suggestions greatly recieved.
3rd Party Software:
SPB Pocket Plus 3.0.4, Build 4195 (Device Install)
SPB GPRS Monitor (Device Install)
Resco File Explorer 2005 v5.21 (Device Install)
ClearView PDF (SD Install)
TomTom Navigator 5.10 (SD & Device Install)
Pocket ScreenShot (SD Install)
vxUtil (SD Install)
OS GPS Convertor (SD Install)
CE Manager (GPS) (SD Install)
stickeresq said:
Hi there,
I recently obtained my XDA Exec (complete with loud rattle) from o2 as a sweetener prior to putting in a large corporate order but have been getting annoyed with the following problems:
1) UTMS Reception is poor and chops and changes between UTMS and GPRS regularly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think O2's 3G network has piss-poor coverage at the moment. This may not be the Exec's fault.
stickeresq said:
3) Pronounced rattle within the main body of the handset (at the camera end)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a problem with your handset. Mine is wonderfully solid and rattle-free. Feels much better than my XDA2 was.
stickeresq said:
4) WMV audio / video playback is jerky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WMP seems to be poor on WM5 so you may find the freeware media player TCPMP much more capable.
stickeresq said:
5) Not being able to properly terminate closed programs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a feature of Windows Mobile that seems to really annoy some people. WM is designed to minimise programs rather than close them, and it handles the memory management itself depending on system resources. If you can overcome the need to 'close' (terminate) programs yourself and just let the OS handle it then you may find that the machine works perfectly and is more responsive as a result. I don't think it's an accident that MS designed it this way. My machine runs just fine if I use it as MS intended, but I agree that it's preferable sometimes to know that you've freed up all the memory from a bloaty app after you've finished with it.
stickeresq said:
6) Delay in opening programs / files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See point 5
stickeresq said:
3rd Party Software:
SPB Pocket Plus 3.0.4, Build 4195 (Device Install)
SPB GPRS Monitor (Device Install)
Resco File Explorer 2005 v5.21 (Device Install)
ClearView PDF (SD Install)
TomTom Navigator 5.10 (SD & Device Install)
Pocket ScreenShot (SD Install)
vxUtil (SD Install)
OS GPS Convertor (SD Install)
CE Manager (GPS) (SD Install)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a lot of programs around at the moment that claim to be WM5-compatible, when in fact they are only tested to work on WM5; they haven't been designed for WM5. This, IMHO, is the factor that will have the biggest effect on the reliability and speed of your Exec. Try it without any 3rd-party software for a while and see how fast it is before you blame the Exec. For example, the latest version of PocketBreeze and PocketPlus claim to be WM5-compatible, but if I have them showing on my Today screen then I can be waiting up to 10 seconds for the password-entry screen to disappear and the Today screen to finish rendering after power-on of the Exec. If I remove these two plugins then my Exec is instantly usable when I turn it on.
I think the Universal gets a lot of criticism of its performance when in fact this is poorly-written 3rd-party software causing the problem (such as O2's InActive interface). If you can wait for fully-compatible (i.e. designed from the ground-up) software to be made available then you may find the machine works exactly as you'd expect.
Hope this helps.
Sounds like you were sent a refurbished handset.
They do it all the time as a matter of course - cuts costs.
And, no, they dont inform you of the fact prior and won't accept the fact post returning it and asking for another.
Depending on how numpty you get about it they will then either tell you they don't have anymore in stock ie. they have no NEW ones only REFURBISHED ones and will not give you an ETA on the replacement or assure you that they are shocked and concerned this is happening and send you another refurb. Just one thats less obviously knackered.
Oh, then they'll bill you for the one they sent originally and/or imply you have dropped or/broke it/damaged it and should pay for the replacement.
All of this will take several hours to conclude since you will be transferred, cut off, abused, hung up on and plain lied to by several different numpties at their call center. Then eventually, after faxing them half a dozen times and not being called back you will go to a competitor and if you're lucky, recieve marginally better service. Although this is currently somewhat unlikely.
Good eh?
Gubbs.
PS: If you can live without black reccommend the T-Mobile incarnation.
PPS: I am not bitter. Honest. :twisted:
A mixed response but cheers for the feedback! I would love to use it sans third party software but due to the requirements my career puts on my mobile devices / laptop I can't live without them. especially vxUtil and TomTom to get to the clients premises. I wonder what timescale Microsoft are toying with for pushing the SDK to software houses and hence getting a decent range of software out on the market.
I have to agree 100% with everything SiliconS said.
My 3G coverage is actually better than my 'normal' coverage on my T-Mobile simmed JasJar (which I assume is down to the number of users?)
Build quality is very good.
Can't say I use WMP, my entire audio/video library is on ogg and XVid, so TCPMP what I use, and it's perfect.
Using 'smart minimise' generally speeds things up, so there's no need to close everything all the time. It's how WM was designed, and I have no reason to assume I know any better than the designers.
The point about third-party software is the absolute number one cause of most people's problems around here. Developers SAY their software works on WM5, and that may indeed be true. But as far as I know, every single piece of software available on WM5 has actually been written for WM2003SE, and then modified to make it FUNCTION on WM5. None of it is really optimised for WM5 yet, and certainly none of it has been written specifically for WM5. Give it a bit of time, but for now, we're all running software which isn't really using the new OS properly...
The depressing thing is that the SDK for WM5 has been available for about 6 months, and it's only now that the first couple of devices are out, that the developers are bothering to update their software. It's like the X-Box 360 being released, but no-one's bothered to write software for it yet, so you have to use the old X-Box games on it while everyone catches up.....
stickeresq said:
A mixed response but cheers for the feedback! I would love to use it sans third party software but due to the requirements my career puts on my mobile devices / laptop I can't live without them. especially vxUtil and TomTom to get to the clients premises. I wonder what timescale Microsoft are toying with for pushing the SDK to software houses and hence getting a decent range of software out on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TomTom 5.1 is one of the apps I use and - although it works - it doesn't display crisply and effortlessly in the way I'd expect: you can actually see it processing the rendering of icons, screen overlays, new screens etc. etc. and sure enough, TomTom BV don't claim that it's compatible. It works but not by design. I'd like to think that this is evidence that TomTom is taking seriously its obligation to rewrite the codebase to make it fully compatible, and that those of us who've got 5.1 working have just been lucky. Other developers and software houses may be so keen to get their program out there for us to use that they're cutting corners and making do.
The makers of Pocket Informant claim that their newest version is compatible with WM5, when in fact it has several serious shortcomings that make me think it's probably anything but. (For example, how the hell do I dial a number from the contacts list without getting the stylus out?) In stark contrast, DeveloperOne - makers of my PIM of choice: Agenda Fusion - have yet to release a WM5-compatible version and I hope this means they're taking its porting seriously and that when they do eventually release it, we'll be able to rely on it to perform perfectly and not affect the Exec's performance at all. Unfortunately they must be losing customers in the meantime who are so desperate to replace the default Microsoft PIM that they'll try alternatives like Pocket Informant, despite PI's obvious weaknesses in comparison IMO.
I won't be buying PocketBreeze or PocketPlus until they work without slowing down my Exec. I'll never be buying PocketInformant. I'll wait patiently to buy AgendaFusion, even more sure that I made the right decision to choose the version I used on my XDA2.
Sorry - I'm getting on my soapbox a bit here and it's not really relevant to your post. :roll:
If you suspect that your apps aren't fully WM5 compatible then you could try using WM5's task manager to close them after you've used them so there's no risk of them slowing down your machine. Otherwise I'd really recommend letting WM5 handle its memory. If you're using any non-compatible Today plugins then I'd definitely recommend you find a way to live without them for a while since they'll kill your Exec's performance and ruin your enjoyment of the machine.
And I'd agree with gubbs' comments too: it's unforgivable of O2 to send out refurbished machines to new customers while charging full whack for them. At the worst they could send out refurb units as insurance/warranty replacements but absolutely not for new customers. Their customer service is pants and the 3G coverage is weak. The Exec, however, is a very, very good machine and future ROM upgrades and better third-party software will bring the software up to spec too.
At least, I hope so....
sub69 said:
The point about third-party software is the absolute number one cause of most people's problems around here. Developers SAY their software works on WM5, and that may indeed be true. But as far as I know, every single piece of software available on WM5 has actually been written for WM2003SE, and then modified to make it FUNCTION on WM5. None of it is really optimised for WM5 yet, and certainly none of it has been written specifically for WM5. Give it a bit of time, but for now, we're all running software which isn't really using the new OS properly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spot on.
Cheers fellas. If only other forums produced such informative and timely replies.
Keep up the good work as I remove half the cack from my exec.
Oh anyone sussed a registry hack to allow the macromedia flash active-x work yet ?
Just me being pernickety as ever.
SiliconS has made some very good comments...
I must admit I've previously been one of those people who insists on nothing I'm not currently using should still be running. I've always hated the idea of smart minimise, especially when looking at all the amount of memory shutting them down seems to free up. Though, SiliconS has made me think about that, and I'm going to give the smart minimise thing a try, see how it pans out. Of course there are some apps that don't actually HAVE an "Exit" or "Quit" option, and that's where the only genuinely useful bit of O2 kit - the Task Manager - comes in useful.
I'm otherwise very impressed with the Exec. Basic mode has all the things that I need in it, though I still mourn the loss of the memory slider function in WM2003 giving me nearly 70MB resources like the 2i gave me.
Ditto re 3rd party software. I don't use Pocket Plus now (despite buying it for the xda / xda2 / xda2i), and only have PocketZenPhone (essential), Total Remote, TCPMP and TomTom 5.1 installed. I find, for my needs, that the stock PIM and default programs are better in 05 than 03SE and will need to be persuaded otherwise before investing in more apps.
Ant
Anton.Valleyman said:
SiliconS has made some very good comments...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Mr Valleyman. I think that's a first!
Anton.Valleyman said:
I'm otherwise very impressed with the Exec. Basic mode has all the things that I need in it, though I still mourn the loss of the memory slider function in WM2003 giving me nearly 70MB resources like the 2i gave me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a function of the hardware, I think. There's no longer a single RAM whose allocation you can affect with the slider. On the plus side we now have persistent memory! Again, though, while it's reassuring to maximise the available system resources that the Exec reports and to see a nice big number like that, I've seen mine down as low as just 1MB program memory available and it's all still functioned perfectly. If WM5 needs more memory then it closes something in the background to get some.
Anton.Valleyman said:
Ditto re 3rd party software. I don't use Pocket Plus now (despite buying it for the xda / xda2 / xda2i), and only have PocketZenPhone (essential), Total Remote, TCPMP and TomTom 5.1 installed. I find, for my needs, that the stock PIM and default programs are better in 05 than 03SE and will need to be persuaded otherwise before investing in more apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have almost the same list of apps! Mad.
Yesterday I uninstalled PocketInformant in frustration at its clunky interface and so I'm back to using the default PIM. I'm reminded how basic and featureless it really is. I've just entered all the flights for a round-the-world holiday in February and on the week view all I see are a bunch of coloured blocks when there's so much potential to write some text in the blocks to show at a glance what they represent. Can't wait for AgendaFusion. I'd forgotten how much I depended on it.
Anyway, another thread hijack begins. :roll: Sorry stickeresq.

Windows Mobile 5 and Magician - Why

Since this has always been a "hot topic" on this forum, I have a simple question for all you Magician users.
What are the top 3 reasons you want it / don't want it for Magician.
Here's mine to start you off:
1. I don't want to be left behind
2. New Mobile 5 looks better
3. I want to be able to use charts in Pocket Excel
Let's avoid the WM5 upgrade saga again. We know we won't get an upgrade for Magician. Well, not until May at any rate. (!)
OK - Here's my why not:
1. WM2003SE is stable
2. It already does what I want
3. I can wait till I'm due for an upgrade from my network.
No WM5,
1. 2003 is stable
2. the screen is too small for specials
3. I can wait for a new provider offer (WM5 should be stable by then)
Why not WM5:
1. It's a lot slower, especially at starting programs
2. Not all software is yet WM5 compatible.
3. You have to buy the latest versions of many of your software to have it WM5 compatible. Most updates are not for free.
4. The Magician just doesn't have enough ROM to run WM5 properly
I can't think of any compelling reasons to switch to WM5 that are of a positive significance (btw, I can't count to 3):
-CF 2 works on both.
-Security signing is a pain in the bottom.
-It's slower.
-Ok it has some useful networking functions, but it loses wifi Activesyncing. WTF? Not to mention ActiveSync.
-WM5 interface, perhaps the most potentially useful idea with the softkeys, but inconsistent execution. And I have some ideas about bringing some of the benefits to Wm2003.
-I have the Magician and the Universal. I was just telling my better half about the Universal users' experience with dropping phone calls being able to answer. It's a beautiful device, but once again, what were they on?
Ok, too many others, I'm starting to http://www.ladyofthecake.com/mel/space/images/alien.jpg]sweat and convulse[/url]. Better stop for now.
V
With a device like the Magician where the size is more phone-ish than pda-ish, I'd be inclined to say that most people use it primarily is a mobile phone with the additional functionality of a PDA, MP3 player, etc.
I upgraded to the HTC Prophet just because I want to have the latest. But now that I had it for over 2 to 3 weeks I can say that I would never switch back to WM2003. Single-handed operation with WM5 is very easy, intuitive and practical to say the least.
And when the battery is really low, like less than 30%, I feel safer listenening to the last few MP3s, knowing that I will not lose anything when the battery goes flat.
With regards to performance, I find it suprising how people find loading prorams on Wm5 noticeably slower than WM2003. I was using my old magician yesterday and the performance is just about the same. Th onlt thing I found slower on WM5 is changing the SIP.
Plus, WM5 can do without 3rd party programs like Caller Id, Photo Contacts, etc. cause they are all integrated with the OS. For example, there were times when a picture that I assign to a contact won't show up during a call with the Magician. This never happened to me since I started using WM5. And since contact pictures are synchronised with Outlook I don't need to re-assign them again after a hard-reset.
Finally regarding stability, yes there is software that is not compatible with WM5 yet, but most of the best software is already compatible. I'm using the following software and never had to reset my PPC:
SPB Diary
Resco File Exporer 5
psShutXp
Hitchhiker
MDict
TKCreator
MS Voice Command
and a couple of games
Personally, I think it's quite a stable platform. The only thing that annoys me is that sometimes Wm5 (or the Prophet) loses the storage card after being on standby, and the media stored on it is not always immediately available. You'd have to wait those 3 sec sometimes. But this will hopefully be fixed in the next ROM update. If not, I'm still happy with the overall package
Just my 2cents!
Meh.
Hokay. Regarding WM5... I have never come across an OS that actually requires a file that YOU OWN signed by an EXTERNAL AUTHORITY instead of yourself, and that purposefully ignoring this warning to install said files doesn't necessarily mean it won't be blocked when you try to run it (goodbye backward compat). I thought this technology was strictly for web only.
Stick to WM2003, at least it has the decency to trust its own owner. -.-'
Re: Meh.
Ultimate Chicken said:
Hokay. Regarding WM5... I have never come across an OS that actually requires a file that YOU OWN signed by an EXTERNAL AUTHORITY instead of yourself, and that purposefully ignoring this warning to install said files doesn't necessarily mean it won't be blocked when you try to run it (goodbye backward compat). I thought this technology was strictly for web only. '
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont understand - what situation is this coming up?
Well, I have some games on my O2 Xda mini. I tried transferring them to my sister's new Atom.
Message I got from installing was the generic 'this program is not signed by a trusted source'. I ignored it and installed anyway.
But when I tried to run it, guess what? 'Program cannot be run because it is either not signed with a trusted certificate or some files are missing. Please reinstall...'. This was from an installer works perfectly on my Mini.
Did some research, Win Mobile 5.0 will also generate this error when you attempt to execute something with a DOS parameter at the back. It also blocks stuff that do not require installation; Scummvm 8.0 was halted with the same error message. I know the latest Windows OS's have File Execution Prevention but it was never as anal and obnoxious as to go 'I do not want to let it run. So there. Nyah.'
Seeking the Caller ID (Photo Contacts)
kta said:
Plus, WM5 can do without 3rd party programs like Caller Id, Photo Contacts, etc. cause they are all integrated with the OS. For example, there were times when a picture that I assign to a contact won't show up during a call with the Magician.
Just my 2cents!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was using the I-Mate Jam (Magician) I really liked the "Photo Contacts" program they had, which was actually "Caller ID 1.6" allegedly from IA Styles of late. But it cannot seem to be found anywhere. I have looked from freeware sites to pirate sites and cannot find it. I downloaded and used "Photo Contacts 4.1" for a pretty penny, but it did not allow for animated .gif contact images. I REALLY liked that. Does anyone know where this program can be found? Can any of you remove and distribute it from your phone or from a ROM?
papakeithjenkins said:
When I was using the I-Mate Jam (Magician) I really liked the "Photo Contacts" program they had, which was actually "Caller ID 1.6" allegedly from IA Styles of late. But it cannot seem to be found anywhere. I have looked from freeware sites to pirate sites and cannot find it. I downloaded and used "Photo Contacts 4.1" for a pretty penny, but it did not allow for animated .gif contact images. I REALLY liked that. Does anyone know where this program can be found? Can any of you remove and distribute it from your phone or from a ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you download it from the xdadevs FTP server? There are the ExtRoms for Magician with the cab files.
But be careful, you seem to run a WM5 device, it might not run (and force you to hard reset)
Actually WM6
In reality I have upgraded my system to WM6 Pro now and I will let you all know how loading this cab on my Hermes does with WM6. I loved this program when it was running on my Magician (which I gave away to my friend/biz partner) and have tried Photo Contacts Pro 4.yada.yada, and was not happy with THAT. Even got a refund.
Thanks a bunch Dude
Only took a minute
I found it right where you said I would and downloaded it and installed it and soft reset and . . . when I tried to asign a photo it got a headache and gave me a message about being unable to use the program for somereason.
I unistalled it from the system and did another soft reset and while I don't have menu access to assign photos, I can open the edit screen on a contact and assign a photo there.
Maybe I should reload the program again and try accessing it from the Edit screen too? We shall see.
Otherwise, I think I shall attempt installing it on my wife's Blue Angel.
littld said:
We know we won't get an upgrade for Magician. Well, not until May at any rate. (!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what makes you think we will get an upgrade then ???
sorry n00b magician owner here only had it for a week
any tips?
Greatest 'Photo Contacts' ever
I installed the photo contacts on my wifes Blue Angel - WM2003 - and it was excellent - I only wish someone could make the same program work on my Hermes with WM6. It has the unique ability to use animated .gif images and I LOVE THAT!!!
If anyone could pull this one off I would be overjoyed. I have attached the version with which I am familiar. And if you can't make it work for WM6 - or WM5 - it already works on WM2003 really well. I have loaded it on a couple of Wallabies, a Magician with a new ROM and a Blue Angel - all with great joy in its application.
TIA,
littld said:
Let's avoid the WM5 upgrade saga again. We know we won't get an upgrade for Magician. Well, not until May at any rate. (!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what's happening in may!!!!!
why dont we have it yet?
PharaohSam said:
what's happening in may!!!!!
why dont we have it yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As we can clearly see and hear from this video, there will be rain in may!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKKCmNVISwQ
"Rain in May, wipes your worries away"...

Call for developers for X-Button application for Pocket PC

Many users, including Kevin Rose from Digg.com, have dumped Windows Mobile phones for the sake of other platforms, because they had impression that these phones are slow, much too slow. This impression results from the fact that in Windows Mobile Pocket PC edition applications continue running in the background after user pressed (i.e. tapped with stylus) "X" button of the given program. This is counter-intuitive and makes people think that applications were closed. Big number of applications running in background, of which users are unaware, results in slow operation.
"HTC X-Button" application is included in latest Pocket PC phones manufactured by HTC and recently it even surfaced on the Internet in form of "HTC X-Button.CAB" file, that can be installed:
... and can run in any Pocket PC device (no just HTC-manufactured):
Unfortunately due to legal reasons we cannot publish "HTC X-Button.CAB" application, but we hereby ask developers to develop similar (or the same) program! HTC has proven that not only it is possible but also, that such program works in non-HTC manufactured Pocket PC phones (we tested it). It is not for us to judge how difficult it is to develop such application, but certainly for sure it is possible as HTC shows.
By the way: it is worth noticing that HTC really cares about customer satisfaction because it includes this HTC X-Button application with their latest Pocket PC phones. Such (at first glance) small things really make a difference...
from msmobiles.com
who can get it ?
digifan said:
Many users, including Kevin Rose from Digg.com, have dumped Windows Mobile phones for the sake of other platforms, because they had impression that these phones are slow, much too slow. This impression results from the fact that in Windows Mobile Pocket PC edition applications continue running in the background after user pressed (i.e. tapped with stylus) "X" button of the given program. This is counter-intuitive and makes people think that applications were closed. Big number of applications running in background, of which users are unaware, results in slow operation.
"HTC X-Button" application is included in latest Pocket PC phones manufactured by HTC and recently it even surfaced on the Internet in form of "HTC X-Button.CAB" file, that can be installed:
... and can run in any Pocket PC device (no just HTC-manufactured):
Unfortunately due to legal reasons we cannot publish "HTC X-Button.CAB" application, but we hereby ask developers to develop similar (or the same) program! HTC has proven that not only it is possible but also, that such program works in non-HTC manufactured Pocket PC phones (we tested it). It is not for us to judge how difficult it is to develop such application, but certainly for sure it is possible as HTC shows.
By the way: it is worth noticing that HTC really cares about customer satisfaction because it includes this HTC X-Button application with their latest Pocket PC phones. Such (at first glance) small things really make a difference...
from msmobiles.com
who can get it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have it runnig in my wizard .i have extrated from another device rom.nice
but is integrated in the rom.as soon i got time i will make a cab.
i also got htc backup but is not runnig yet.
Which device did you get it from? Herald?
doedoe said:
Which device did you get it from? Herald?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
funny enough it was from a prophet rom.
Which ROM? I would also like to extract this application.
This HTC app is nothing new. There are plenty other legal free and commercial task managers out there.
Here is an excellent example: MagicButton.
It lets you close apps by clicking the X as well as switch between apps like Alt + TAB on PC.
There is also WizBar and SPB TodayPlus etc.
There is no need to extract anything from ROM or to re-invent the wheel (unless you wont to hone your programming skills).
Also I am quite curios as to how MS will respond to this move. According to a blog of one of their developers (don't remember the link now) they care about this "smart-minimize" crap so much, at first they didn't let manufacturers add any app in to ROM that had as much as an EXIT option in the menu. According to them "user should not manage memory".
levenum said:
This HTC app is nothing new. There are plenty other legal free and commercial task managers out there.
Here is an excellent example: MagicButton.
It lets you close apps by clicking the X as well as switch between apps like Alt + TAB on PC.
There is also WizBar and SPB TodayPlus etc.
There is no need to extract anything from ROM or to re-invent the wheel (unless you wont to hone your programming skills).
Also I am quite curios as to how MS will respond to this move. According to a blog of one of their developers (don't remember the link now) they care about this "smart-minimize" crap so much, at first they didn't let manufacturers add any app in to ROM that had as much as an EXIT option in the menu. According to them "user should not manage memory".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is about choice and prefences.as how they will react? how do they do react to the stuff we been doing to roms for years in this site?
im suprised tey havent shut down this site yet! or maybe they are learning from it!!!!!!
Well there is a big difference between this site and a company like HTC.
After all this is an unofficial gathering of enthusiasts and MS probably doesn't want to come down to hard on potential consumers even when they tweak ROMs here and there.
HTC on the other hand is one of the largest mobile OEMs in the world that works closely with MS (according to an article I recently read) so it comes across as sort of betrayal, don't you think?
It is 110% right move for us users though.
I find closing applications to be slower than smart minimising them. A Microsoft blog I read when WM5 was launched specifically stated that devices work faster when minimising, providing you have suffecient program memory (not lacking on the Prophet). This is because understandebly Windows takes much longer to open an application than maximising it.
Once in while I just end all programs and give the phone a restart (power off and power on rather than soft reset).
Yes that is the theory, but note the providing you have sufficient program memory bit.
Media player alone when active can eat 5-7 MB (which is why I never use it).
Unfortunately program memory is still short since maximum devices have is "64 MB" which if you are very careful can leave you with 30MB free on the Prophet after reset.
Yes, maximizing apps is faster than loading, but MS forgot a critical point:
There is no easy way to switch between minimized apps built in to WM which only makes things worth. Once you minimize something not only does it keep taking memory, but you also need to go all the way through Settings->System->Memory->Running apps to reactivate or get rid of it.
Sorry to drag this thread towards an argument, but there is no question in my mind that this is one of those cases where MS made a huge mistake and instead of fixing it now trying to sell it as a "feature".
When WM OS runs out of memory, it automatically closes the unused (minimized) apps. It just sees no need to close them if there are unused RAM available anyway, so apps are "cached" in case they will be used again.
You can easely switch between "current set" of apps - just reduce the number of "fixed" icons in the start menu. I leave only Help there and entire Windows Start menu becomes a large MRU list, like on smartphones - and I easely use it to switch between active apps.
The problem of "running slow" lies with badly designed apps. Actually, application should never consume significant CPU resources when lieing in background, but some bad developers forget about this fact.
All built-in applications behave nice. I have a process CPU utilization viewer, and can easely see that these apps when minimized dont even use 1% of processor time.

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