Database Users

EXEC SUMMARY: TIPS n TRICKS to make your JasJar run well

There are way too many posts on this board from ppl who r saying "Piece of crap, I'm gonna take it back and stick it up my provider's...". This post is for you!
I'm no expert (just a disciple of ppl like buzz, vj, etc), BUT I am not afraid of a hard reset or 30, and as a result I've tested everything below, and most of the stuff throughout this forum. I've also followed everything on every forum since being the 10th person in my country to get a JasJar. I welcome critisism, corrections and additions. Please post replies by refering to the step you would change, or insert after. Let's try to stick to proven alternatives and additions though, so that this thread can become somewhat of a 1-stop point for new users (and existing users who do not have the time to learn this alone - and let's face it anyone who has a Universal already, is probably pretty hard working, and already spending an awful amount of time justifying their acquisition in front of their BlackBerry collegues...)
This is written with a single thought in mind; what the hell would my wife do if she got one of these. No-one could blame her for tossing it inside of a week, but with a few changes it's perfectly functional - in fact with a few more changes (also listed below) it's quite desirable.
By the end of this process, your Universal should have a reasonable suite of apps, perfect functionality around all issues solved to date (I've not covered networking tho), a screen flip speed of 0.5s or less, and free program memory of over 20Mb
So here goes, a step-by-step process to get your Universal 100% functional, proven and tested on the HTC Universal iMate JasJar, but should all work on any MDA:
ROM Upgrade: First thing's first. Upgrade to the September-30 ROM (JASJAR_WWE_11353_137_10301.zip). It's available somewhere on xda-developers, or on clubimate for imate users. This is a no-brainer - no posts on this board or any others indicate it's a waste of time. Many posts cover O2 users flashing to this ROM, with great benefits. There are ways to re-install the O2 graphics and apps - if you want ;-) If you have ANY issues with your Universal, bite the bullet and do this; you'll see that the following setup process is not as brutal as you'd expect (I can run thro it in about half an hour - but I've done it many times and have all the apps lined up and ready).
Optional soft reset: Some pppl like to soft reset BEFORE the device installs the default apps. On this ROM, there's no performance improvement, no memory imporvement that can't be covered later (backgammon etc), and potentially some important losses that I didn't hang around long enough to discover.
Sync: Now sync with your PC to get your contacts, calendar and tasks. This is only here to get you up and running asap.
Pocket Mechanic: Download (www.antontomov.com) and install this essential app. You have a few days on trial, and it's necessary for the next steps
Notification Queue: This can be done later, but it's nice to get familiar with this process whilst your queue is small. Using PM, open the notification queue. You may already (yes!) find some duplicate (yellow icon) sddeamon entries. These seem to replicate during an activesync. You can/must delete all duplicates from time to time. You will also, in future, find some "\.\\Notification.....SCRIPT..." entries. Keep an eye out for these. Most mature within minutes of you finding them, so let them expire. Many are future-dated and tightly back-to-back. These can nearly always (I've never had a regret) be deleted without repercussions. If you don't manage these, they tend to breed, and anyone with XDA experience knows what happens when your queue fills up (failed alarms etc). I'm unclear as to where these come from - undoutedly an app that is not behaving elegantly (regular registration checks etc), and if you follow the steps on this post you should NOT find any - ie the apps here do not seem to be culprits. But, keep an eye open...
Registry cleanup: Again, this can be done later, however you'll soon see the beenfit of doing it now. Using PM, run registry cleaner. You'll get around 6 entries, all of which can safely be deleted. If you did not follow step 1, you may have to examine eahc entry to see if the O2 ROM is messier. The beauty of this step is that from now on, you can safely clean everything that PM finds in the knowledge that it's a leave-behind from an app you installed, and now you can install, de-install, and provided you clean up the directories (easy) you KNOW for sure that you've completely gotten rid of the failed app. Winner!
Task closer: Now it's time for your task manager. There's a lot of coverage on this, and any of the following seem to do the trick, ranked in order of simplicity thro to possibly problematic:[list:333ba237cf]
Magic Button (free, includes battery line on top of screen)
GSPocketMagic++ (free, includes cascading menu. Some MDA Exec users claim that it closes something awful that O2 installs, and solves a 7 second flip issue. SEVEN SECONDS!!! If you implemented step 1, you should not have this problem to solve anyway)
spbPocketPlus (not free, and do not allow it to show any storage meters. There are some bad posts on spb, but I've found it just as good as the above, altho it takes up slightly more memory)
WisbarAdvance2 (not free, HUGE footprint, definite performance issues BUT it skins your Universal SO beautifully, that I've gone with this and WAD - desktop plugin)
[*]Basic apps: Now there are a few no-brainer apps to install, that no-one disputes and that are all free. NO BRAINERS:
Total commander (free, replacement for file explorer - way way better)
TCPMP (free, replaces media player, more formats, full screen, way way better)
Batti (free, battry bar on top of screen like spbPocketPlus, small footprint, but if u r using MagicButton you already get this)
TRE (free, registry editor, necessary to run .reg files covered later)
IIWPO (free, AWESOME concept; If your owner info is changed, it SMS's the number you've set with new SIM number and new 'owner' details. Great if someone steals your Universal. Don't bother if u r not happy with a little installation effort)
BT icon (free, on this board somewhere, gives u an icon on your today tray that shows BT status and allows u to jumps to settings>connections>BT)
BT switch (free, on this board somewhere, several apps that turn BT on, off, or toggle)
Battery Uptime (Optional: free, today plugin that tells u the battery status BUT it's way more useful: you get to see actual running time vs uptime, and remaining running time. This gives u a good feel for your battery consumption rate under different scenarios and helps overcome a LOT of concerns around thinking you are draining faster when actually you are just using the device more)
apReminderPlus (free, AWESOME repeating alarms. Beauty of this is that is seems to be independent of WM5, in that it keeps an eye open for any alarms, and pops up to do its thing if it sees one. WAY beter than built in repeat system, and makes me feel good that I have alarms covered off in case the old wm2003 bugs start to appear again)
VJSMS (free, on this board, gives u 1-click to send an SMS. Note that .lnk file should read as follows INCLUDING inverted commas:
\Storage Card\Program Files\VJApps\vjsms.exe" "123
Change path and number of course. Number can also be a name.
Sad to report that VJDailer doesn't work on the universal. This would be awesome
[*]Settings: Time to do your basic settings:
speed dials
power and backlight
voice dials
Owner info
ringtones and notifications
DO NOT set regional settings if u r using PI (below)
[*]PIM: OK, time to replace the CRAP calendar built into WM5. CRAP CRAP CRAP! Disgracefully, embarassingly CRAP. Hell, symbian ship better default apps with the OLD Psion S3 and S5 than this! Now, I use PocketInformant. Latest release works well on JJ with 2 livable issues: Landscape flip screws up Monday/Tuesday in week view, and you MUST NOT set any regional settings what-so-ever, else you get the blank calendar view bug. AgendaFusion is due for a WM5 release any day now. Other than that, I don't think there is much that works on the Universal - correct?? :?:
[*]Reg fixes: Now there are a few no-brainer registry hacks that you should run. You can find these as cab files on this board, as registry keys under the wiki page, else as .reg files on one of my earlier posts (fastest method):
Buzz's BT headset (prevents BT from turning off over night - no brainer! Thanks buzz!!)
"Always on GPRS" (search this board - keeps GPRS/UMTS turned on - awesome!)
Date & time in title bar (why not)
Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 (it's cosmetic, but on our nice VGA screens, it seems daft to have a look n feel that's SO QVGA)
PIE homepage (prevent 'e' button from going to clubimate page)
Terminal services cache (increased cache uses memory during terminal services, but it's WELL worth it to eliminate black blocking issues)
Turn IR off (unless you have a good reason for keeping it on)
[*]Extra apps: There are several very useful apps, that work reliably and do not have an adverse impact on your Universal.
eWallet (not free, desktop sync does not work, but rest is very useful)
Pocket sudoku (not free, but it's SO much fun!)
Mobipocket reader (skinny version is free, for mobipocket ebooks - ebooks fully being 25% of your devices functionality along with PIM, phone and internet access. Google beta 5 version with full VGA support)
uBook (more eBook formats. Not free but usable. VGA support)
1-calc (cos built in calculator is SO crap)
GPRS traffic monitor: We need a GPRS/3G monitor. spbGPRS monitor does NOT track the usage of yoru device as a 3G modem - which is where u chew up traffic costs. IP Dashboard has similar issues.
[*]Memory:Now, I'm the first to say that I don;t fully get this yet. There are a few things that the posts suggest should reduce program or storage memory - but don't really seem to do so. Try them and let me know results with more scientific before and after checking please:
Remove backgammon & skype, and re-install to SD card
Remove the 1Mb .tsk themes from the \Windows directory. You cannot delete them, you have to create new files that are smaller and copy them into \Windows and overrwite the larger files. Search this board for some sample small files provided. I didn't find that I got any memory back...???
Ditto for .cab files in \Windows
Do not use these big theme files - by using smaller themes you should get more program memory.
A couple of dudes have started threads on getting more memory and clearing out \windows files - but there are no good responses yet...
[/list:333ba237cf]
Right, that's it! As I said above, I welcome input and feedback - but let's keep it hi quality so that this post perhaps gets stickied and we can get less of the "Buy my JasJar before I post it on eBay posts". Of course there are a load more apps you can add, but most give issues (eg TomTom) and posts on this board cover working around them for ppl who have to have these apps. This was a good, strong, basic config.
Hope this is helpful to some.

Some well-thought out words there, craigiecraigie4. However, I'm a firm believer that it's a bad move to install anything that I REALLY don't need. So far, my MDA Pro has a default installation. None of these "essential apps" are necessary. Indeed, half of them seem to only exist so that you can add other "essential apps" :wink:
If/when a better browser comes along, I'll investigate. Other than that, I find the messaging client perfect (works nicely against Exchange server); Terminal Services could be better - just giving me true full-screen support would be enough. And I'd like better Wifi support - I want, for example, to be able to name my SSID. IMHO, with desktop PCs as much as with PDAs, every time you install a piece of software, it ultimately makes the system *worse*. ie the result is a damned site less than the sum of the parts.
so, taking each point with my (possibly unique, certainly cynical) POV
1. ROM Upgrade
Didn't bother. It adds nothing that I'd use apart from MSN and that would just suck up time that should be spent on worthwhile things :lol:
2. Optional soft reset
Yeah, I may do this but, TBH, T Mobile install very little stuff and it seems to work, so I ain't fixin' it.
3. N/A
4. Pocket Mechanic
I can't see that I need this.
5. Not quite sure what the problem here is. I've been using XDAs since day 1 and never encountered the problem. YMMV
6. Registry cleanup
Never assume that some badly-written software doesn't depend on some default or illogical registry setting. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
7. Task closer
OK, not a "two-click" operation, but in Settings/Memory, I can close running applications. No new software needed.
8. Basic apps
Total commander - erm, yeah, it's nice and everything and does a better job than the standard affair. However, 99.99% of the time, error: +/- 0.01%, I find I don't actually need any of that extra fluff.
TCPMP - granted, I only use MP to listen to WMAs I record off the radio to listen to later.
Batti - On my Today screen, there's a little icon I tap and it shows me my battery state. I can also see this using Settings/Power (or whatever it is)
TRE - See previous warning about effing about with your registry
IIWPO - nice idea :lol: but no substitute for insurance or taking care
BT icon, BT switch - I've never used Bluetooth in my life. YMMV
Battery Uptime - See prior comment about battery state indicator
etc
I'm sure that more people will find your advice usefull than mine, but just like to point out that, out of the box, these devices (at least MDA Pro) seem not to be too wide of the mark. For me, at least.

This is very helpful...thanx!
You mentioned that the soft reset before installation of imate stuff may lead to some problems in the long run. As I have opted for this strategy and have only installed two cab files (btpatch and a file that brings up the smart dialing), I would appreciate it if you could tell us what kind of problems we might confront. Also, is it too late to add these cab files after the fact (that is given we have synched contacts and added other programs)?
Cheers, apap

craigiecraigie4 - very useful advice, I think for everyone with a PPC. I don't have a universal, but good tips either way.
I didn't realise VJDialer doesn't work on WM5. I'll look into updating it when I get a new version of Visual Studio (or a WM5 device!).
Good work man!
V

Hi VJ - yeah, I'm afraid that there are a couple of posts on your primary thread about the "no command line specified" - no matter what combinations we try in the .lnk file. Saw your comment that another crowd charges for such an app. I'd happily contribute for the benefit of quick-dials - would be awesome along with WAD. You might want to mention your app on the WAD (lakeridgesoftware) forums - many 2003 users there who would LOVE this. With WAD u can have popup boxes on your skin, so with vjdialer one can popup and view of quickdials. awesome.

craigiecraigie4 said:
[*]Buzz's BT headset (prevents BT from turning off over night - no brainer! Thanks buzz!!)
[*]Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 (it's cosmetic, but on our nice VGA screens, it seems daft to have a look n feel that's SO QVGA{)
/quote]
where can i get the 2 things above...looked but cant find
thanks
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vijay555 said:
craigiecraigie4 - very useful advice, I think for everyone with a PPC. I don't have a universal, but good tips either way.
I didn't realise VJDialer doesn't work on WM5. I'll look into updating it when I get a new version of Visual Studio (or a WM5 device!).
Good work man!
V
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Click to collapse
hi vijay!
I'm running on wm5 on my xda2....and am using vjdialer and vjsms extensively!
I dont think there are any problems with VJDialer's compatibility with wm5....
S

spbPocketPlus (not free, and do not allow it to show any storage meters. There are some bad posts on spb, but I've found it just as good as the above, altho it takes up slightly more memory)
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I have this running on my Exec and have storage indicators for memory and SD card on today screen, or are you talking about something else?
Btw, I found that my Exec runs faster with pocket plus than it did with magic button and pocketmagic++
Cheers
J

craigiecraigie4
Thank you VERY much for your extensive effort - this really does helps a lot :!:

That's an awesome post craigiecraigie4, some hard work went into that one dude.
Now my post below is not intended to be better than the original, merely another option. craigiecraigie4's use of the device is obviously a lot different to mine, as I work in an office, and am out of connectivity for maybe 3 hours of travel a day max, and never at weekends unless I go out. I'm on a scooter or a tube train so no connectivity is possible during travel for me.
What we are describing is our comfortable loadsets or configurations of our little systems, and that's what the stuff down here is, the Bongo configuration if you will. :lol:
I have made my comments against craigiecraigie4's original titles, and added a few apps of my own that I have.
[*]Weirdness for Hallowe'en :shock: After a hard reset, then sometimes the crosshair pointer setup would be real slow, and others it would be fast. Just in case, I did it until I had a fast one and proceeded from there. Don't know what/if any difference it makes, but that's what I do.
[*]ROM Upgrade: As there aren't any upgrade ROM's out there execept for the iMate one, I wouldn't until the new carrier ROM's are posted. I agree with CraigieCraigie though. Sooo, why not then? Warranty is the answer. Although I think in reality they wouldn't wash their hands of you just because you dared to use someone else's ROM, the carrier techies are generally not allowed to instruct you in the art of repairing your device with anyone else's ROM except their own, and so you would need to wait until your carrier released an upgrade and they could tell you how to do it.
[*]Optional soft reset: Definitely. And be selective about the manual .cab installs (installing total commander or the like first to see the Ext ROM). There's generally something in there that forces the device to behave in a way you don't like. An example is the internet button taking me to the t-mobile home page all the time. I hate that so I didn't install the relevant .cab.
[*]Sync: Now sync with your PC to get your contacts, calendar and tasks. This is only here to get you up and running asap. <-yeah man
[*]Pocket Mechanic: Download (www.antontomov.com) I bought this. It's good meaty tools you would get in a full Windows OS that M$ didn't put in WM5 yet.
[*]Notification Queue: Did it once, didn't do it after my last hard reset and TBH, haven't felt a need. I probably would do if I installed it and saw a gazillion notifications spamming my inners up. :lol:
[*]Registry cleanup: Haven't done it, but a careful look and selective delete may be of some use. Can't be arsed is the honest answer
[*]Task closer: Haven't bothered this time to minimise my number of concurrently running programs (absurd logic eh :wink: ). I only use a certain few apps, and as they're few don't notice a big slowdown from having them minimised if they don't close fully
[*]Basic apps: Here are Craigie's apps with my comment, and my loadset apps
Total commander - yeah man, schmokin
TCPMP - I only use mp3's so no point for me. Perhaps if I need to watch videos I will reinstall it.
Batti - I use Spb GPRS Monitor, v2.3.0, b525, and it has a battery icon, and I have the icon on my today screen, and I can guess it most of the time.
TRE - I use BitsInside Regedit. Also free and I like the Win 98 feel to it.
IIWPO - Great idea, I didn't know it worked on Universals. I will do this cos you never know if it might lead you to a thief. They'd have to be non-savvy theives of course else they'd hard reset it before using the new SIM
BT icon - I use the FN + -> combination to get there or the connectivity icon on the status bar.
BT switch - as above
Battery Uptime - If you want to learn then great
apReminderPlus - I don't use the alarm function
VJSMS - Inbuilt in WM5 is fine so far for my needs
Agile messenger - very thrifty use of bandwidth, like <10% of MSN (really) and free at the moment, but will pay for itself in bandwidth charges very quickly for most people. Suck it and see
GPS Viewer - because I have a Holux GPS and want to verify connectivity sometimes
Pocket Hack Master - because I like to crank it up to delightfully unstable 624MHz sometimes, but haven't need to with my installation as described here oddly enough. It's fast enough for me so far.
Pocket MSN because I want the Hotmail to appear in my messages application. I use Agile to IM people as above
TomTom Navigator 5.1 because it's awesome
[*]Settings: Time to do your basic settings:
speed dials
power and backlight
voice dials
Owner info
ringtones and notifications
DO NOT set regional settings if u r using PI (below)
[*]PIM: OK, time to replace the CRAP calendar built into WM5 - I agree it's crap, but I don't need a decent one. I am a simple soul.
[*]Reg fixes: - If you want to
Buzz's BT headset - haven't noticed this issue yet, bet I will tomorrow morning now though
"Always on GPRS" No good for me - 40megs/month tariff limit
Date & time in title bar (why not) - cos I know the date and time.
Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 - haven't done it yet. I like the size
PIE homepage - is done for me through my selective Ext ROM install
Terminal services cache - I don't use it yet
Turn IR off - yeah agreed waste of space most of the time.
[*]Extra apps:
eWallet - I don't keep details like that on my phones.
Pocket sudoku - I read books, so insert MS Reader for me there
Mobipocket reader - doesn't support .lit (MS format), and I read .lits and .docs so far. Wait until I run out of books though... :lol:
uBook - haven't needed it ....yet
1-calc - but the inbuilt calc does +, -, * and / so it's cool for me. I'm not a physicist
GPRS traffic monitor - spb is fine for me as I don't use it as a modem due to bandwidth limitations and being surrounded by connectivity in London.
[*]Memory:Haven't done these, but they look sensible if you can be arsed
Remove backgammon & skype, and re-install to SD card - I don't have them or use them anyway. How do you play backgammon? I went to a comprehensive school
Remove the 1Mb .tsk themes from the \Windows directory. I only have 3 default ones and use the standard blue theme. Functionality and not form is my motto :wink:
Do not use these big theme files - Good advice bro' (or sis)
Hope this is helpful to some other people :lol:

hi
Does ROM update invalidates the manufacture warranty?
Jatt

Menu and popup fonts
can anyone explain how to change the Menu and popup fonts from 700 to 900. Is it a registry hack?

jatt said:
hi
Does ROM update invalidates the manufacture warranty?
Jatt
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Click to collapse
You would need to ring them up and enquire. With t-mobile, the tech dude just said they wouldn't be able to help me if I bricked my MDA until t-mobile released a ROM that I could download and use to revive the MDA. So, not invalidated for me, just much reduced support. Until a new ROM si out, all they can do with misbehaving devices is offer a replacement at the moment.
Illwil - the font size is a registry hack - search as it's here on this site somewhere.

joebongo: nice perspective. now users can see 2 extremes; O2 with much office usage, vs HTC with much out-n-about usage. Thanx 4 the effort.
illwil : search for my post on reg tweaks and run the .ren file 2 got 700->900 or rather 900->700
codiac: agree. I fiund spbPP 2 b perfectly well behaved, but there is so much bad press on it in this forum. perhas it's an O2 rom issue - pretty sad 4 them actually
xiasma: there truly do see 2 b an awful lot of ppl who think their universal is junk. this is intended 2 help them get up n running. some ppl got lucky (htc rom or just happy with functionality that actually works well) and they probably should not fix what aint broke. But one day they may want 2 push the envelope a little...

craigiecraigie4 said:
codiac: agree. I fiund spbPP 2 b perfectly well behaved, but there is so much bad press on it in this forum. perhas it's an O2 rom issue - pretty sad 4 them actually
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PocketPlus is working OK for me on my O2 Exec...

Hello Everyone.
I proudly received my Exec this morning, only to find that it ran like a bag of S**t.
I removed the connections.exe, and the active files from my windows/start up folder and things improved dramatically.
However I am having a problem with the activesync.
I have set up the partnership with my laptop running activesync 4 and when it communcates it does it without any problems, however as soon as I connect my usb cable between my Exec and my laptop it takes a few minutes for the charging LED to come on on my Exec, and a while longer before Activsync on my pc recoginses it.
Does anyone else suffer from this problem?
Cheers

You removed connections.exe and now u have a connection problem...
Try removing things 1 at a time.
I definitely don't have this problem.
FYI, on my HTC all I have under startup is:
sddeamon.lnk
batti (i installed)
apreminderplus (me)
iiwpo (me)
O2 is definitely adding stuff that does not seem 2 b required by htc.

The only shortcut I have in my Windows\Startup folder is 'Services' and I have no problem with ActiveSync, voice dialling (with the built-in dialler) or anything else. I have no idea what the sddaemon one does but mine runs fine without it.
fatspark, your problem might lie with your laptop rather than the Exec? As a test though, are you able to try ActiveSyncing over Bluetooth? See if it's any quicker. If so then maybe it's a USB problem. Dunno.

IIWPO
Can someone explain how to install the IIWPO in the extended ROM on the JASJAR ?
I think it is different than the EXEC, where can I find instructions ? I am willing to handle the hassle

Cheers SiliconS
The problem is a driver issue on one of my laptops, I installed activsync 4 onto another one and all is ok.
Cheers.
Fatzzz

General Exec questions

Hi all,
I currently own a SPV C500 which is coming to the end of it's life due to the fact the my contract ends v.soon.
Basically how does the Exec fair compared to the SPV, i know it's ALOT more powerful but is it as stable.
After reading alot of threads on here i noticed there seems to be quite a negative vibe around this phone, due to it's unstablity. Is it really that bad? and when i get it (some time next week) will i have to upgrade anything or will it be fine out the box?
edit> oh and can the O2 users get a pdf file reader on it, as i have read somewhere it doesn't have it while the M5000 does :?
thanks all! regards,

The exec compared to the c500, well you will love or hate it
What can I say,
1-Size is big and bulky in contast.
2-Screen is gorgeous
3-Takes a while for screen to flip or rotate.
4-I have had no real dramas with mine
5- If youw nat the pfr reader I can send you that.
6-o2 users get a task manager
7-battery life is nota sgood as your smartphone
8-Takes better pictures
9-Faster
10-Great keyboard
11-How much will you use it?
What are your uses?
I use mine as a basic phone, pim and email device and mp3 pakyer does job great out of the box. I did buy a belt case though.

Re: The exec compared to the c500, well you will love or hat
apple_power said:
What can I say,
11-How much will you use it?
What are your uses?
I use mine as a basic phone, pim and email device and mp3 pakyer does job great out of the box. I did buy a belt case though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how much will i use it? roughly 4 hours a day, inc phone calls, music etc.
What uses? Phone (obvioulsy) MP3 player (inc videos) check mail sometimes, recording my lectures for that week (using calendar) plus meetings, use tasks for various stuff. Use word and Excel. Camera when I'm out, games! (I'm still 20 lol)
I'm sure other things which i will find out when i get it.

Must say that I love mine, just be careful what you install (some apps not good for WM5.0 and slow it down). I have had no dramas with mine either although some people have so its not been a universally (scuse pun) good experience for all.
You should also get a BT headset for phone use and install MS voice command + the registry hacks that make it useable from the headset with MSVC.
Beyond that, very nice, very tasteful, love all that............

There's a bit of a negative vibe from certain disgruntled users who've been having problems (caused by 3rd-party software?) but there's a thread in this forum in which people are giving their Universal marks out of ten. The vast majority give it 8/10 or better.
It's a great machine but you have to treat it with care when choosing 3rd-party software to install. Not all developers have released truly compatible versions yet, despite what some of them are claiming...

SiliconS said:
T..
It's a great machine but you have to treat it with care when choosing 3rd-party software to install. Not all developers have released truly compatible versions yet, despite what some of them are claiming...
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Sorry friend, not really true. There are people who have found call problems, BT reception problems, missed calls and some M$ does not always work on the Universal. My experience is that the more features you use the more difficulties you find. I don't regard the problems I have had with the "suspend" feature a problem with third-party s/w.

jah said:
SiliconS said:
T..
It's a great machine but you have to treat it with care when choosing 3rd-party software to install. Not all developers have released truly compatible versions yet, despite what some of them are claiming...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry friend, not really true. There are people who have found call problems, BT reception problems, missed calls and some M$ does not always work on the Universal. My experience is that the more features you use the more difficulties you find. I don't regard the problems I have had with the "suspend" feature a problem with third-party s/w.
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Click to collapse
I'll say it again...
SiliconS said:
There's a bit of a negative vibe from certain disgruntled users who've been having problems (caused by 3rd-party software?) but there's a thread in this forum in which people are giving their Universal marks out of ten. The vast majority give it 8/10 or better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still seems to me that many people have problems because of the software they've installed on their machines. The out-of-the-box Exec is a great, stable machine once the O2 Active stuff is removed. Incompatible 3rd-party software slows the whole machine down, leading to missed calls, slow answering, slow orientation changes, unreliable alarms etc etc. I had these same problems too, at the beginning after I'd installed the trial versions of all the 3rd-party software I wanted. So I removed all the third-party software again (PocketBreeze, PocketPlus, PocketWeather, PocketInformant etc.) and now my Exec is fantastic. I can't remember the last time I did a soft reset and I NEVER force-close any applications. It just works.
I obviously don't know your situation, jah, or which software you're running on your various Universals, but the fact that most people rate their Universal 8/10 or better says more to me than the loudly-shouted problems of unlucky people who have machines like yours.

I would personally say go for it. I initially thought mine was huge, but once you start to use it you soon forget the size. I have had no issues except for my sheer stupidity. I was born with that so used to that now
No honestly from what ytou say, you can quite well get away using the exec as it is out of the box. My brother uses the 02 stuff with his and has not noted ant slow down, mine is now a generic version. I love the screen so hard to go back and use my wizard after using my exec.

SiliconS,
if I use "suspend" I miss calls and I have not changed my third-party app installation. And you need third-party apps especially as the PIM in WM5 is very poor. MS Reader - a M$ WM5 app does not work properly with the SD card stored eBooks if you use "suspend". I am not shouting about problems I am being realistic ( I have used Palm OS and Symbian and I also report my issues with those devices). People report problems and in many cases they have removed third-party apps to eliminate the source of problems. Many users have their Execs freeze when SMS arrives (and these users have no third-party apps running) and I my Exec freeze when downloading emails over GPRS/UMTS (as my JJ did). What I have noticed, even though it seems odd, is that my Exec is less stable after I installed the latest ROM from the O2 site. The ROM that came with my Exec seemed more stable.

Few more question ppl (thanks for the previous replies)
Well i finally bought it yesterday! chuffed to bits....(so far)
few niggles though:
1) How do you set profiles? and does it have an "automatic"profile, which changes from "normal" to "discreet" when a meeting is taking place on your calendar?
2) On the "home" screen can you change the font colour from white to black or any other colour?
3) How do you change your bluetooth name?
4) How do check the "call history" when the O2 install type is on "basic"
5) To which folder do you place mp3s or WAVs so that they can be played back as notifications?
6) How do you change skins on WMP? I've downloaded the skins, but which folder do you put it in to enable it?
cheers,

bump... can anyone help? ^^
thanks

jah said:
SiliconS,
What I have noticed, even though it seems odd, is that my Exec is less stable after I installed the latest ROM from the O2 site. The ROM that came with my Exec seemed more stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm puzzled by this statement - the ROM on the O2 site is the original ROM that all units are shipped with. There is no update yet, although they're working on one.

budo*85 said:
1) How do you set profiles? and does it have an "automatic"profile, which changes from "normal" to "discreet" when a meeting is taking place on your calendar?
2) On the "home" screen can you change the font colour from white to black or any other colour?
3) How do you change your bluetooth name?
4) How do check the "call history" when the O2 install type is on "basic"
5) To which folder do you place mp3s or WAVs so that they can be played back as notifications?
6) How do you change skins on WMP? I've downloaded the skins, but which folder do you put it in to enable it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I know:
1. There is a program PocketZenPhone with this functionality - search the forums. There are also some other sollutions but I don't remember the names
2. You can change the "Theme" of today screen and whole machine, including font colour. Search for Today Themes on the forum
3. This is connected to DeviceID name that you can set in About applet in Settings/System.
4. Can't help you here - don't have O2 branded machine, but in general you have a Call History Button on main Phone Application screen
5. I haven't tried on WM5 machine, but on WM2003 machines you coud not use MP3 by default (there is a hack though). Anyhow you put the files in the Windows\Rings folder.
6. Sorry never did this - but if you do a google search I'm sure there are some instructions out there

New XDA Mini S - Too slow to use ...even in 'Corporate Mode'

Hello
I have just purchased a new XDA Mini S - to replace my dying XDA II (which was giving me electrical shocks and starting to lose data).
Ash (an extremely knowledgeable and helpful O2 shop assistant in Uxbridge) directed me to this site so I could get the details required to to set-up and run my new PDA in Corporate mode.
After set-up was completed, I synchronised the Mini with my work computer (via Activesynch 4.1) - allowing me to download my calender, task and contact items.
And that's it so far!! ...no other memory-intensive applications installed, ...no massive ringtone files, ...nothing!!
However, the unit is running very slow in comparison to my old XDA II. When I am working in the Calender application and go forward several weeks, followed by selecting the 'return to today' icon, it takes about 10 seconds to react. Similar behaviour exists in 'Tasks', when returning to the 'Today screen', and when using the menus - so, basically, all of the time. My previous unit reacted instantly - and that was fully loaded with software.
What can I do? I love the new Mini and the upgraded spec it offers - but is is unworkable - as described above.
If I invested in a mini-SD card could I utilise the additional space as program memory rather than storage?
Hopefully somebody can help. I am reasonably I.T. savvy - but only as a user and not much experience at progrommer / developer level - so basic intructions my be needed!!
Thanks in advance
Gary

I think my previous message was too long...
Basically, how can i speed up my XDA Mini S which is already running in Corporate Mode?
Thanks
Gary

Soft-reset once a day? My Vario runs acceptably quickly after a soft-reset, but slows down over time.

Hi Zathras
Thanks for the tip...
...but I have been 'soft-resetting' several times per day - and it doesn't seem to help.
I do have several years of appointments in my diary. Would reducing this to only 2 weeks of history help?
Thanks
Gary

Hi Gary,
I had a Magician before and also feel the 02 mini s (Wizard) is way slower.
I have read elsewhere that the Wizard has a silly anti-virus program that always runs in memory and will chew up memory.
The boards indicate that to use a different extended rom. The only problem is I cannot get a view on which portions of the o2 Rom should be deleted and which should be kept.
Let me know if you find a way.
Thanks
Adrian

I have noticed a few times after running active snc on my mini s it slows right down till i soft reset.
could it be the same problem?

Hi Adrian
Thanks for your help...
I'm not a programmer / developer - so wouldn't know where to start with ROM edits, etc...
Knowing my luck I would probably do something unrecoverable!!
Is there an easy way to do this? Is it done in the Wizard directly - or via the PC?
...and is it a file that's viewable in explorer?
Excuse my basic approach to all of this. Maybe there is a tutorial somewhere on the boards...
Thanks
Gary

does it slow down after active sync has run ?

Goto to settings memory and make sure all your programs are shut down especially activesync as this seems to slow it down more than anything. Also download check notifications and remove any entries in red that have probably appeared especially if you have been soft resetting several times per day.
You really should see a speed increase if you complete the above. Activesync really does slow your wizard down and more than a few duplicate entries found and removed with check notifications will really help.
See if that helps.

It seems to be the same before and after activesynch!!!
I closed down all running programs and the Calendar is still dead slow...
How do you 'download check notications'?
Thanks again
Gary

http://www.scarybearsoftware.com/ppc_cn_overview.html

Thanks for your help
Do I need to install both 'Check Notifications' and 'Notification Clearfix'.
I am correct in presuming that 'Notification Clearfix' prevents future duplications whereas 'Check Notifications' lets you see all events, whether or not thet are offending?
Gary

try tweaks 2k2 there are some reg hack that help with peformance

I've installed the one that runs at startup, but it only helps clean up the list at startup - not after startup; so if you add alarms/etc., the list can get mucky again. So I've also got it under an icon to run from time to time Need to find a nice scheduling application that can run other applications - just have it run every 8 hours or so

Try some other apps apart from your calendar, it could be that there is just too much info in there. You may just find its not as speedy as your last device, but thats just the way it is. Its a trade off and maybe if the speed is a big issue the wizard isnt for you.
I heard a lot of people saying the wizard is slow before I bought one, but I found its speed fine for what I expect from the device. I find my uni much quicker, but again its that trade off, my uni is much bigger.
The wizard needs to be loved for what it is not for what you want it to be. :lol:

I'm trying to love it - believe me !!!
...it is only the speed of the calendar searches that really annoys me - I can cope with the sluggish moments.
And I have just discovered something... when you cross one month to the next, the calendar freezes
If someone can do the following for me - it will verify whether it is specifically my unit that is at fault.
Open Calendar, switch to 'Agenda View', and then, using the directional keypad, arrow right until you cross over one month - say January to February. Does the calendar stop working?
When it rcovers, hit the 'go to today' icon. What happens?
I think there is a bug!!
Gary

Got the mini s ab out a month ago from O2 shop. I just did a hard reset and didn't install any of the O2 crap. Is running quite fast and everything just seems fine. I have tried what you said on the calendar. I don't have any problem. The calendar program just keep running without stopping or anything. After I close the calendar, I pressed on the 'Today' button and everything seems fine.

Thanks for trying for me - I appreciate it...
I just need to find a solution that works for me.
I already have the most basic install possible - corporate mode - so wonder if there are any more avenues to go down...
Cheers for now
Gary

Garrington said:
And I have just discovered something... when you cross one month to the next, the calendar freezes....I think there is a bug!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried this on my Charmer in case it was a WM5 bug and I can't replicate it - all works fine.

Try doing a hard reset, and then just when the little box comes up saying something like 'customising in 3 seconds' quickly press the soft-reset button.
Voila! - basic WM5 with no more o2 crap installed! You'll have to set up the gprs and mms yourself, but if you phone cust. sevices then they can e-mail you the instructions...
It should run faster than before.

O2 XDA Exec - One Very Simple Owner. A Few queries...

Morning All
Have just discovered this website, and frankly it terrifies me.
I have been wallowing in shame since purchasing the Exec because I have no idea what I can do to improve it. I have been trying to read as many posts as possible, but even though some posts are written so "my wife could understand it...", it is still a little complex for me.
A few things I would like to do:
Get rid of the delay on flipping from Landscape to Portrait.
Get rid of the awful buttons down the left hand side and the gap at the bottom of the Landscape screen so I can actually utilise the full screen.
Get SBP Diary working propoerly when the screen flips (never seems to fit)
Make WMP 10 to swow my movies in full screen rather than postage stamp size.
I am a man of very simple tastes. I want to watch a movie or play Tiger Woods on the train on the way to work.
I want to run WeatherPanel (Marsware) without it crashing and requiring a soft reset every so often. I would also ike it to operate full screen.
I want to keep a note of my battery performance and some international time zones.
On my XDA 2 I used to run:
Battery Pack
Journal Bar
Neither seem to work on the Exec without sucking all the memory out of it.
I run Town Compass Bartender Drinks and Pocket Stars. I run A-Z viewer and Pocket Streets. All of these are from my memory Card (1GB)
I rarely use the internet, but like to check a few scores, especially when abroad - can this be sped up?
From all the above, you will see that I am quite a simpleton - amongst other things - but am I beyond saving?
I was sent the latest ROM upgrade by O2. Should I do it? Will it help, or is there another upgrade that will stop my moaning?
Oh, lastly, I understand very little jargon and need everything spelled out as if to a 3 year old (with little PPC experience)
Please , please help. If for no other reason than it is Friday and that makes you happy.
Kindest regards
Rich

Use pocket dvd studio or virtual dub to resize your video to 640x480 to get fullscreen

Use pocket dvd studio or virtual dub to resize your video to 640x480 to get fullscreen

I found the best 2 suggestions for my XDA picked up here were:
Hard-reset and select the corporate install and leave out some of the slow O2 customisation.
Make sure no today plugin is calculating & displaying the space on the SD card - this can cause significant delays the switch between portrait/landscape .
I did upgrade the rom (same as a hard-reset but can be a bit more nerve wracking for some). I think some had problems as the document mentions turning the phone back on but did not say turn it off first. I turned phone/bluetooth/wireless off before upgrading an it went smoothly.
When I upgraded I noted all the actions in Notepad, with serial numbers and registry edits etc. Found this usefull when the OZvga stuff screwed up and I had to hard-reset again!
Steve

Brilliant - Now have internet probs though - any idea why??
Thanks Stevie
Have managed to do this whilst at work and even though I have had limited time to play with it, it has improved a thousand fold.
Beggars the question why they bother to fill the system with all that rubbish in the first place.
Only problem is now I seem unable to connect to the internet. Admittedly this may have something to do with my work PC, but it is saying that GPRS 3G wont connect either.
Do you have any suggestions??
Whiggy - will get this and am sure to be overflowing with gratitude over the weekend
Have a grear weekend all.
Rich

I think the settings for o2 are in the customised stuff but check back through the threads as the question has been asked a few times on the correct settings - one of the other members guided me through the MMS settings. I think there may be a cab file as well with just the o2 connection settings on it.
Search for 02 connection setting or something like that.
Steve

I too had the same problem with Internet Explorer when i installed my Exec in Corporate Mode. I found this cab file somewhere on the Forum, can't remember or find where so have re-attached it.
With this cab file installed (it does not install any of the O2 rubbish that you don't want, only the connection settings to allow you to use GPRS & UMTS)
When prompted you need to select personal mode, to ensure that the file installs properly.
Hope this helps :lol:

On SPB Diary screen not fitting...find out the size that works for you for each screen orientation, then edit registry:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Spb Software House/Spb Diary/TotalHeight - for Portrait mode,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Spb Software House/Spb Diary/TotalHeightL - for Landscape mode
Sorted!

if you are having problems with the connection to internet and phone connections, let us know your provider and am sure we can post the cab file so that you can just install that feature.
otherwise, install total commander for a file explorer
path it to \extended_rom\ and find the file for your communication provider and run just that one cab file.

mms connections cab file here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=205766#205766

For a few other comments to your initial question as i am bored and sitting here debating going to bed.... I Know, read item 2/3 of the initial post, but I am going to break the rule and type in upper case to seperate my comments from the original, I AM NOT SHOUTING.....
Get rid of the delay on flipping from Landscape to Portrait.
FIXING SOME OF THESE OTHER ITEMS WILL LEAD TO THIS, BUT CORPORATE INSTALL FOR 02 AS I READ IT IS YOUR ONLY CHOICE, HARD RESET, START AGAIN.
Get rid of the awful buttons down the left hand side and the gap at the bottom of the Landscape screen so I can actually utilise the full screen.
I THINK THIS IS THE RETAIL CONSUMER CRAP THAT COMES WITH O2 AS I DONT HAVE IT ON THE IMATE. REFER ABOVE POINT.
Get SBP Diary working propoerly when the screen flips (never seems to fit)
MINE WORKS PERFECTLY, LOOK AT YOUR FONTS. SEND A SCREEN SHOT SO THAT I CAN SEE WHAT YOU MEAN BY DOESNT FIT.
Make WMP 10 to swow my movies in full screen rather than postage stamp size.
KNOWN BUG, ANTICIPATING A FIX. USING TCPMP AVAILABLE FREE ON THE WEB SHOULD PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE APP FOR WATCHING VIDEOS IN FULL SCREEN.
I want to run WeatherPanel (Marsware) without it crashing and requiring a soft reset every so often. I would also ike it to operate full screen.
NEVER HEARD OF IT, I USE SPB WEATHER PERFECTLY.
I want to keep a note of my battery performance and some international time zones.
USE THE CLOCK FOR ONE TIME ZONE, BUT IF MORE THAN THAT YOU CAN USE MOBIMATE PROFESSIONAL I THINK IT IS.
On my XDA 2 I used to run:
Battery Pack
Journal Bar
GET RID OF BOTH IN MY VIEW, BOTH ARE CRAP. JOURNAL BAR WILL KILL YOUR SPEED. I DOWNLOADED THEM TRIED THEM, USED THEM, WENT BACK TO SPB AND USE RSS FEEDERS OR SYNC'D PAGES TO KEEP UP. ALSO, I DONT THINK JOURNAL BAR IS ACTUALLY WM5 COMPATIBLE, NOT MY CALL ON THAT ONE.
Neither seem to work on the Exec without sucking all the memory out of it.
AS MENTIONED, GET RID OF THEM THEY ARE SUCKING THE CRAP OUT OF IT.
I run Town Compass Bartender Drinks and Pocket Stars. I run A-Z viewer and Pocket Streets. All of these are from my memory Card (1GB)
NEVER HEARD OF THEM. JUST CAUSE THEY ARE ON THE MEMORY CARD DOESNT MEAN THAT WHEN YOU HAVE USED THEM, THEY CORRECTLY GIVE ALL THE MEMORY THEY WERE USING BACK. SOME DO, MOST DONT, AND SOME JUST HOG IT AND GIVE ONLY A FEW KB'S BACK. MEASURE THERE PERFORMANCE WHEN YOU USE THEM PREFERABLY AFTER SOFT RESETS.
THERE IS A COUPLE OF LITTLE TINY APPS AVAILABLE THAT ARE SLIGHTLY SUCCESSFUL IN FORCING APPLICATIONS TO RELEASE MEMORY AND GIVE IT BACK, BUT AGAIN, ONLY SLIGHTLY SUCCESSFUL.
I rarely use the internet, but like to check a few scores, especially when abroad - can this be sped up?
FIND A WEBSITE THAT PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION, PLACE IT INTO YOUR MOBILE FAVOURITES ON YOUR COMPUTER, SET IT UP TO AUTOMATICALLY SYNC TO YOUR PC MACHINE, THEN SYNC THAT DATA TO YOUR PDA. DISABLE ALL PHONE COMMUNICATIONS WHEN REVIEWING TO STOP IT GOING TO THE WEB TO GET THE DATA AND FORCE IT TO LOOK ON YOUR MACHINE FOR THE INFORMATION.

I'll offer my thoughts on the questions you ask with which I've had some experience...
Richie Blue said:
Get rid of the delay on flipping from Landscape to Portrait.
Get rid of the awful buttons down the left hand side and the gap at the bottom of the Landscape screen so I can actually utilise the full screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The default O2 software will slow your machine down spectacularly. Do a hard reset and choose 'Basic' mode (not corporate). Basic mode doesn't install all the O2 crap, but DOES install the connection settings for you, so you can access the internet and stuff. Later, when you're an expert like all of us (NOT! ) you can/should choose Corporate mode and then install your chosen CAB files yourself.
Another thing to do to speed up your Exec is to turn off Error Reporting and Incoming Beams. You'll find these items in the Settings pages.
Richie Blue said:
Make WMP 10 to swow my movies in full screen rather than postage stamp size.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd ignore Whiggy's suggestion of resizing all your movies :roll: , and I'd do what Simon_Darley suggested: install TCPMP which is a free media player that works perfectly in full screen. (Google for 'TCPMP'.) The full-screen problem is a known bug in WMP which they'll hopefully fix in due course. Resizing all your movies to 640x480 seems like a lot of hassle and a waste of disk space when TCPMP plays them just fine.
Richie Blue said:
I want to keep a note of my battery performance and some international time zones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a fantastic free battery meter that someone posted in another thread on this forum and which I'm using with no problems. If I can find it I'll add it to the bottom of this post. SPB Pocket Plus has a battery meter, but PP slows the Exec down so much that I uninstalled it.
If I want to know a world time I use the built-in clock application, which works for me.
Richie Blue said:
On my XDA 2 I used to run:
Battery Pack
Journal Bar
Neither seem to work on the Exec without sucking all the memory out of it.
I run Town Compass Bartender Drinks and Pocket Stars. I run A-Z viewer and Pocket Streets. All of these are from my memory Card (1GB)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of programs available that claim to be WM5 compatible, but they're not. They'll do more to slow your Exec down and make it unstable than anything else you can do. Choose your programs carefully, and test your machine after each installation to check whether it's slowed the thing down.
After doing this I decided that I can live with almost all the default MS apps, but add extras that I use occasionally, like TomTom, ListPro and TCPMP. Anything running all the time (like a Today plugin) or anything that replaces the PIM (contacts & calendar) could cause you big problems.
I personally disagree fully with the theory that people in these forums often quote, of using a task switcher to force the closure of running programs (instead of allowing Windows to minimise them). MS designed the OS to handle memory itself, and my machine works perfectly when I allow this to happen.
Richie Blue said:
I rarely use the internet, but like to check a few scores, especially when abroad - can this be sped up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A word of caution in case you haven't tried this yet: GPRS usage abroad costs a bloody fortune (as a friend found out after a week in New York in which he checked his emails from time to time, leaving himself with an £80 bill when he got home...)
Richie Blue said:
From all the above, you will see that I am quite a simpleton - amongst other things - but am I beyond saving?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:lol: Not a simpleton; just a newbie. We all were once at the beginning. Soon you'll be hacking and tweaking like the rest of us and you'll be helping the newcomers too.
Good luck!

Found the simple battery meter:
http://www.pocketpcfreeware.com/en/index.php?soft=1382
It works perfectly, doesn't slow the machine down and is free!

BUG LIST

Hi all,
I've noticed talk of several bugs in the OEM release of the TD2. Thought it would be useful to list them here along with any relavent data. Hopefully, HTC might notice and give us fixes in a new ROM Can you prefix them with a number so we can track/comment on them more easily. (Can we sticky this thread???).
So far I have found....
1 - Green charge light sometimes never happens.
I've noticed this only when using the wall charger (PC USB charge is never a problem) that despite being on charge for hours the light remains orange and the battery level never completes the last block. If I soft reset the deivce and check again it now shows all blocks as green and charged. Before a hard-reset has resolve this but it has come back again.
2 - Alarms do not sound.
On several occasions, depsite the alarm being correctly set and a valid sound file selected no notification has occured (no screen message, vibrate, alarm sound or light flash). These seem sporadic and appear to be fixable by resetting the alarm tone.
3 - Hotmail/MSN uses GPRS/3G even when connected via wifi.
Annoying as wifi is often faster and free
4 - Constant Vibrate (or no sound) when receiving SMS message.
About 1 in 50 messages, the phone starts vibrating continuously but nothing else happens. If you turn the screen on you get the SMS sound notification and then the vibration stops. If you set SMS not to vibrate you have no way of telling you have an SMS until you next turn the phone on.
Rich

- The phone sometimes doesn't respond to turn on the screen from sleep when pressing power button
- Phone doesn't vibrate on messages when Vibrate profile is active and phone is in sleep mode

These may not be bugs but...
7. Cut/Paste is a pain... worst is cant cut and paste between different apps.
8. Dubious Keys:
- Softkey Phone and Hard key Phone
- Softkey Start and Hard key Home. Home key displays the "All Programs" similar to TF3D1. I'd prefer Start key to display "All Programs" and the Home key be link to some other user defined apps.
9. In general the UI is worst than TF3D1
Hopefully HTC can correct and improve the UI. What a shame...
TQ

Hi folks,
I don't know either if this is a bug, but it's a little annoying.
There is often a delay, after pushing the windows-button or start-button on the screen to open the Start-Menu.
Especially in the beginning it happened to me, that I pushed it again (as I thought I haven't pushed it correctly) and then it came up and shut down again.
Regards,
JTGBDR

Hi,
I doubt that WMV lag problem is also a bug in its implementation for WMV decoding.
Following is my finding:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518963

jtgbdr said:
Hi folks,
I don't know either if this is a bug, but it's a little annoying.
There is often a delay, after pushing the windows-button or start-button on the screen to open the Start-Menu.
Especially in the beginning it happened to me, that I pushed it again (as I thought I haven't pushed it correctly) and then it came up and shut down again.
Regards,
JTGBDR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly the sort of unresponsiveness that's going to make me get an iphone if WM6.5 doesn't impress me.

If GPS looses fix whilst in use (by moving underground or indoors), its never able to recover even when there is clear line of sight to the sky.
Only resolution (and very messy one at that) is a reboot, upon which GPS fix is attained immediately.
most annoying.

- Delivery notification for text messages in HTC text editor
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518306
- Sentences won't start with a Capital in HTC Text editor
In the standard Windows text editor, The first character in a sentence is converted the capital equivalent.
- Alarm at 6:00 isn't deactivated (quite annoying in weekends !)
When I change my alarm time or deactive my alarms .. one alarm will still go off.
- No cut/paste in most TouchFlo apps
Really a pain in the ass sometimes.
-TomTom voicecutting
Easy solution: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513621
New features that I would like:
- Weekly view for the calendar !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (can't stress this enough ).
- Being able to link an unknown email address (from within an email) to an existing contact (and not only to a new one).
- Some others ut can't remember them right now

kly said:
- Delivery notification for text messages in HTC text editor
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518306
- Sentences won't start with a Capital in HTC Text editor
In the standard Windows text editor, The first character in a sentence is converted the capital equivalent.
- Alarm at 6:00 isn't deactivated (quite annoying in weekends !)
When I change my alarm time or deactive my alarms .. one alarm will still go off.
- No cut/paste in most TouchFlo apps
Really a pain in the ass sometimes.
-TomTom voicecutting
Easy solution: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513621
New features that I would like:
- Weekly view for the calendar !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (can't stress this enough ).
- Being able to link an unknown email address (from within an email) to an existing contact (and not only to a new one).
- Some others ut can't remember them right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost all of these problems are solved by switching off TF3D2. I've done so and pretty much all of my problems have gone away. I've got more free memory, the phone runs a lot faster and all those little niggles like yours have vanished. It might not be as pretty, but if pretty is your thing then get an iphone ;O)
WM6.5 will pretty much make TF3D2 redundant anyway...

New features that I would like on TD2 TF3D are the capability to sort the contacts by company on and the capability to show on home screen the tasks for the present day...

the_one_and_only said:
New features that I would like on TD2 TF3D are the capability to sort the contacts by company on and the capability to show on home screen the tasks for the present day...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just turn off TF3D and your wishes are granted.
Incidentally, another TF3D bug: When sending a text, if it fails to send, TF3D gives you no way top resend it. You have to go to the standard WM6.1 SMS application and do it from there, unless you want to retype the whole thing.
Oh and another one (more of an annoyance than a bug) - TF3D won't allow you to change the "File as" when creating a contact, you have to (again) go into the standard Contacts screen to do this. Really annoying when you're adding the contact for a company and want him filed under the company name.
I've found TF3D to be more of a hindrance than a help.

- network key gets lost when switching between networks (and then can't paste it back in with TF3D interface, need to use WM native app)
- text messages recevied without a number (for example train company alerts, bank, phone company) are not viewable when clicked on !. They show on the home screen but then don't show in the contact centric view - and you can't add them as a contact because there's no number
- sending emails via wi-fi works intermittently. I can receive Ok but sometimes need to open a phone data connection to send

West12 said:
...and then can't paste it back in with TF3D interface, need to use WM native app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a huge problem throughout the TF3D interface - I don't understand how, while attempting to add some gloss to the WinMo experience, HTC managed to remove so much basic functionality.
I've been running without TF3D for a couple of days now and I'm finding the experience to be quite liberating, if a little graphically dull. Everything works as it should and is nice and snappy. I'd recommend giving it a go for maybe a week, see how you get on. To my mind, the big problem with TF3D is it's only any good if you want to do anything really basic. The moment you need to do anything slightly different, TF3D gets in the way as you have to dig through the gloss to get back to the original WM6.1 applications, which, after all, do have all the functionality. Better, to my mind, to drop the gloss and get all that nice functionality right from the start.
Heck, without TF3D I actually now get automatic capitalization at the start of every sentence when texting and emailing!

in File Explorer you cannot select multiple files because TF3D scrolls the list instead of selecting a range, and there's no way to tell it to select when i drag instead of scroll like opera does. Extremely annoying when having to move photos from internal ram to storage card, speaking of which...
If you plug in a USB host and select "Mass storage device" with the camera application open, then close Camera, it saves its setting to save photos in internal memory. So next time you open it without USB mass storage device enabled you end up with everything in internal memory - which you cant access through the USB mass storage mode... again extremely annoying and fiddly to sort out the mess it makes (see above) -

That's exactly what I mean. TF3D causes far more problems than it solves. To my mind, it's a marketing gimmick to help sell more phones - functionality-wise it's rubbish.
In the normal WinMo6.1 today screen, for instance, the Calendar widget shows me my next appointment, even if it's several days away. TF3D? Unless the appointment is today or tomorrow, you can forget it. Wanna know how many tasks you've got outstanding? Not in TF3D.
How about using a lock password that only activates if I haven't used my phone for 15 minutes? Impossible in TF3D.
TF3D has gloss. That's just about it.

I like it, just needs a few improvements - it's not going to remain buggy forever - so we shouldn't write it off straight away.
Yes your right they did it to sell more phones, but so did apple with the iPhone, because consumers like swishy smooth sliding things, not clunky window ce interfaces..
I used to go through hell every morning trying to drive windows ce just to shut my alarm up, or alter the alarm time, now i can do it my sleep.
I've heard MS have commisioned HTC to work on standard interfaces for windows mobile, so I'm sure they'll be watching this thread.
Get your bugs in and help change a good step into the right direction to a massive leap forward that you can't live without...
be +ive!

I expect WM6.5 will be out before a new version of TF3D.

I hear you talking about TF3D2 like it's crap.
It has its bugs and flaws, but there are some things you forgot to mention:
1. I replaced my standard Touch (yes, the first one) for the TD2
Why ?
I had to use my stylus for every single thing ... not really convenient right ?
With the TD2 I almost never have to use it, except for playing Bubble Breaker
There are some exceptions, but they are very rare.
And that's one of the biggest advantages of TF3D2.
Ofcourse, with WM6.5 on the way, it's possible I'll have to agree with you and shut down TF3D2 ... I'm pretty sure HTC will release a new version of TF3D2 when it's out though !
We'll see who's right in a few months ... but for now, TF3D2 is the way to go !
2. Why give up on such a great modification of HTC ?
It combines the usability of WM with a touch (literally) of gloss ... AND functionality.
The new people centric way of working is just awesome for example .. and it's not the only thing.
But nevertheless .. I have to agree ... it takes away some standard functionality of (compared to other mobile OS's) strong WM.
On the other hand, it adds lots of it ... meaning with a small number of bugfixes, it CAN be awesome (which WM standard is NOT).
Greets

I'm perfectly capable of using the standard WM6.1 without a stylus 90% of the time. I understand people with big hands might not though. The "People-centric" thing in TF3D isn't something I use to be honest, I've never needed to see all the different means I've used of communicating with a specific person. *shrug*.
Compare to this: Without TF3D, my today screen now gives me the following info, all WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE PHONE except to turn it on...
Current playing music: artist, album, track, track number
All upcoming appointments
How many unread messages I have in each email account and in SMS/MMS
How many unread RSS headlines
The date and day of the week and time
A list of my outstanding todos
What scheduled direct debits and standing orders are due o my bank accounts
My current status in Windows Messenger
A Live Search bar
A Tomtom button
And that's just for starters, I could add tons more just by downloading plugins.
That is a shedload more functionality than TF3D.
BUT - I'm not saying everyone should ditch TF3D - some people value gloss over functionality, and that's why the iPhone is selling so well.
Some people might value this people-centric thing over knowing what todos they have or what music they're listening to. That's fine!

You got me on one point though ... Windows' customizability.
That's something you'll have to lose when using TF3D2.
-I don't use my mobile as a music player for now (will do that when I receive the USB to audio jack to connect it to my car's audio).
-I never use RSS
-I can see the amount of mails / SMS's I received.
-Upcoming appointments ... I can understand people complaining when they're only able to view the ones from the current and the next day.
On the otherhand, that list would be larger than one complete screen, so no biggy here for me.
A list of appointments is inconvenient and not structured enough.
That is why I liked the week view of WM ... and that's a great miss in TF3D2 in my case !
- I include a reminder for my todo's (tasks) ... otherwise I will still forget things ... I'm not the kind of person who checks the task list enough ... the reminders work for me.
- Don't use Messenger on my mobile ... it would drive me nuts ... I spend enough time reading my mails
- I rather prefer the Opera toolbar if I want to search for information, so no live search for me.
- Tomtom button ... could be handy indeed !
I just like the 'tabs' working way.
It gets you information you want in a structured manner.
If I list the weather, the number of missed calls, the time, my appointments, mails, todo's, ... all on one screen .. I'll get lost ... just too many TEXT on one screen !
That's why I like the tabs.
But to completely compare ... I should try to use it without TF3D for one week.
Maybe I'll write my plugins for the home screen one day ... to adapt them to my personal needs ..
But indeed ... I'm also waiting for the WM 6.5 release ... one of the reasons why I bought this phone.
Greets