Database Users

**UPDATED - 2**: JasJar: Thoughts & issues after a week'

I've used my JJ for a week [+] now, and after being a pretty strong user on my Himalaya, I'm not convinced that the JJ has a lot to offer. Here's a summary of my experiences, and some questions ppl may b able to help with:
What it truly offers vs XDA
Look, it works. But is it worth the money. Here's what you truly get, make your own decision. I have loot, so I went for it. But if I was stretched, there's no way...
Pretty kewl internet surfing: Speed good in 3G areas, and screen size along with small fonts (hi res) makes page width manageable. I find many sites where the combo boxes do not populate, but it definitely works on many sites that my XDA did not. Can't wait for Opera, tho many others anxiously await NetFront.
Useable email writing due to good keyboard. But, even with WebIS Mail, there is no HTML mail - just plain text. U can receive HTML as text of course.
Battery life not much different to XDA: a well set up XDA that is. I'm only now trying with 3G turned off to see if that helps further [Actually, I think it's quite a bit better than the XDA afetr all]
Pretty: Yep, VGA is very pretty. [After some use, I'm finding it very nice for calendars, surfing, emails, and anythng else where screen estate was apremium]
Terminal Services client: (aka remote desktop) - STUNNING given hi res. I can now get into my remote eMule server and see how things are going in crystal clarity. Love it!
Issues I have not solved - any thoughts?
Not enough hardware buttons in good locations: I drove my XDA with ButtonMax and the easily located hardware buttons. The JJ has fewer, and rather discrete, buttons. This means that you can't always hit that "close app" button easily, and paging in MobiPocket is limited. I HAVE gotten buttonMax to work - but a workaround is required. [VIto ButtonMapper also works]
No 'New' button: This sux BIG time! I had my XDA customised to "New SMS" vs "New eMail", and now I have to go into mail (WebIS mail beta is sloooow), choose account (SMS vs eMail), then hit new. Sounds like I'm whining, but I churn out a lot of messages in a day... [Using pocketPlus, I;ve gotten a "new message" command mapped to a hard key. Works great: hit the button and I get a list of account options. So it goes button-click accounnt-type message]
No Pocket Informant: Oh this is BAD BAD BAD!! The internal calendar app is SO crap one cannot believe that devices actually sell with it! I wouldn't have ever changed to PPC if I hadn't known about PI in advance. ANyway, PI fails on the JJ, even with October-1 ROM, due to 'POOM' issues. They are workin on it, but I'll be watching Agenda Fusion's progress equally closely. The first across the finish line...
[UPDATE: I've got it working - read their forum covering v3 this beta release for more. It's AWESOME in VGA!]
Nope - it fails after a day, and PI dev/ceo dude says he thinks it's a JJ ROM issue and it not working on solving it. SO start watching for Agenda Fusion to solve this for us...
Titlebar date/time: the OBOpt hack works, but the damned date only shows in the today screen. Go into any app or programme folders, and it gets knocked off the title bar. I WANT the time visible at all times - not like a today plugin damit!! Any suggestions? [UPDATE: Answer below - I didn't know of this WM5 feature]
Speed dial and recent call access: Up/Down on joypad no longer take me to speed dial and recent calls list when in phone mode. Now I have to touch the screen to dial whilst driving. Voice dialing will help - bit I've not tried this yet. Will see if ButtonMax can solve l8r tonight. [No, there's no "recent calls" command to map BM to - will have to work on a reg hack at some stage for this]
If ur buying for the keyboard, be careful; it's not that accessible. I still use the SIP for a lot of input, and only unrevolve the whole things when I'm settling in to surf or message [But its a GREAT keyboard!]
No BT icon. Bit daft. [Will test out BT switch apps this w.end]Buss updated his BT icon app for the JJ - look elsewhere under my posts. It's great - but it showed me that the BT issue is actually a deeper problem covered elsewhere - BT disconnects and is unreliable at best!
[*]Duplicates: I can't f'ing believe that I STILL get duplicates in the notifications queue!!! M$ have absolutely no excuse for not sorting this widely known issue out once and for all. Havn't yet found a proggie that does nightly cleanup - any tested suggestions? [REMOVED: this must have been a rogue app cos after a hard reset and re-insatll, I no longer have dups. I'll try to figure out what caused it over the next few days]Npote - they are BACK! sddeamon dups, and despite several hard resents I have not managed to figure out if there's a specific app causing them. I do know that there's no software to automatically clean up every night that works for the JJ on this particular dup[/list:e4db347fb1]
Things that work well for me
I've got quite a few of my critical apps up and working. Here's what I rely on:
Uptime Meter: gr8 4 battery life watching
Phone Dashboard: to track monthly 'free' minutes. Charts and dialog boxes don't do well in VGA, but it works [No it doesn't - no minutes are tracked - sorry!]
PocketPlus: Now, some forums say this does NOT work - latest 3.0.0b3888 does (with October-1 ROM). Repeating alarms do not work tho so...[UPDATE: I have recently hard reset and am installing 1x1 over a few days to see what the bugger is - PocketPlus is a contender at this stage...]
apReminderPlus: ESSENTIAL repeating alarms (who the hell hears that wank "cheep" in the morning!?). Not the best app but it's free and works. WIll try others over time. Reason I'm not happy is that altho it repeats and ascends, it does not pause for 5 mins then repeat the process over until u finally get back to your phone and realise how many meetings you've missed. It tries - wants to auto-snooze, but this feature does not work in WM5
Terminal Services client is great
ButtonMax: Now ESSENTIAL given the lack of external buttons on JJ. Map the few buttons u have to click, double-click, click-n-hold. I can't record Macros yet despite remapping "button 4" and readin all the help. They just don't record. [Also de-installed for now]
Pocket Sudoku: Yeehaa!
Mobipocket reader: Works - but fonts are not great to read for long [Get beta 5 from their dev site - Google it - STUNNING in VGA res!]
1-Calc, total commander, and eWallet all work fine.
Bluetooth headset support: Does a damn good job of reconnecting with my headset when I'm in rangeNOPE - it's a load of sh*t. Read my posts elsewhere on this!
Voicel dialing: Works VERY well - 1 click of BT headset and I'm ready to go
Extra section: Why I had to hard reset
Things went tits-up when I tried to install an app, then half way thro the cab transfer from PC-PPC I cancelled the process. DOn't see why it's an issue....but thereafter:
Add/remove list was blank
Could not install any new apps
Registry restore via sunnysoft did nothing to help (sunnysoft say "not for WM5" in their email to me - so don't expect too much from this...!)
Pocket Informant had failed (blank calendar issue) on me earlier so I was happy to re-build and give it a second chance anyway
At one stage my BT device went spastic - would not work, and when I deleted it I could not re-pair it
What's important is that there doesn't seem to be a way to get back to a saved state. Sunnysoft is NOT reliable according to THEM, and a simple memory copy cannot be restored.

I've been trying the beta for Mobipocket Reader 5. It works (though a bit buggy sometimes) and looks better in VGA but you cannot access the ID of the device from within Mobipocket. So, you cannot read secured books. I take it you used the old 4.x version and you could see the device's Mobipocket ID?

Re: JasJar: Thoughts & issues after a week's use
Titlebar date/time: the OBOpt hack works, but the damned date only shows in the today screen. Go into any app or programme folders, and it gets knocked off the title bar. I WANT the time visible at all times - not like a today plugin damit!! Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try tapping the Date/Time display on the Today screen. On the "More" tab there's an option "Display the clock on the title bar in all programs".

Re: JasJar: Thoughts & issues after a week's use
no1 said:
Try tapping the Date/Time display on the Today screen. On the "More" tab there's an option "Display the clock on the title bar in all programs".
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Click to collapse
Awesome no1! You just made my whole lengthy post worthwhile. Thanks a stack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

DaleReeck said:
I've been trying the beta for Mobipocket Reader 5. It works (though a bit buggy sometimes) and looks better in VGA but you cannot access the ID of the device from within Mobipocket. So, you cannot read secured books. I take it you used the old 4.x version and you could see the device's Mobipocket ID?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice 1 Dale! Found it and I'm MUCH happier with fonts - it's so crisp n clean Happy to live with bugs (not that I've seen any yet).
For others, the beta is here:
http://www.mobipocket.com/dev/beta/windowsmobile.asp?ID=1

For those interested, I emailed the makers of pocket informant saying that I have a wm2005 device and they replied with a link to the latest beta that works very well on the JJ. I suggest any1 interested do the same.

bukwit said:
For those interested, I emailed the makers of pocket informant saying that I have a wm2005 device and they replied with a link to the latest beta that works very well on the JJ. I suggest any1 interested do the same.
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Click to collapse
Hiya bukwit, can U confirm for me: Was the link like this: http://download.pocketinformant.com/FTF/PI_Public_Build/
If not, please post it here. If so, this is the beta3 build that I (and several others) tried. It worked gr8 for a day, then during the midnight cleanup run I hit the blank calendar POOM issue. Let us know if you get past tonight without hitting the same wall...

yes this is the correct link for the beta...the current version I have is Rev 3 build 434. Been running it since saturday with no issues so far...

date hack on the today screen
Hello
As in the title- could you guys please provide the link to the date hack on the today screen? I am really missing the date on the JasJar top bar

New Soft
One more thing -
There is nice new pocket plus 3.0.1 which for my taste takes less memory, For me PI beta3 works ok.

Lucasz: Thanx for 3.01 - got it. Date hack is here: http://www.phm.lu/PocketPC/RegTweaks/
ANyone know how to change format of date shown - I know I had it as dd-mmm in my XDA but I've no idea where I found the regkey
Bukwit: darn! what r u doing right that it works...? Think I'll do a full sunnysoft backup, then try PI alone and build up until I find whatever knocks it out. Will be worth it...

I little anoyance I have noted with the Jasjar that you'd may like to confirm:
The volume slider is not functional when the Jasjar clam is shut, screen towards the keyboard. It is OK with screen facing up! I discovered this playing mp3s as I do of a morning with device in protective pouch. I often like to bump volume up and down for various tunes. I found to have control, I have to slip the Jasjar in its case screen facing up - not good. :evil:

@fonxnolds,
Thats the reason they gave a wired headset which has a volumer slider on it

universaldoc said:
@fonxnolds,
Thats the reason they gave a wired headset which has a volume slider on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never opened them! I use Etymotic Research ER-4P earphones / earplugs, exclusively for listening to music. Retail approx US$330 a pair. >30db Noise reduction passively, brilliant Bass... :wink:
Anything that comes with a device is suitable for phone dialog only, not Music in my opinion. Sound leaks, annoying other people etc.
I may consider snipping the earplugs off the supplied cable and wiring up a 3.5mm Stereo socket for my ER-4Ps if that is the only solution. Better still check out the accessory market and grab a spare that I can alter with petty cash.

$330?!?! Amzing! I guess you really do like your music!

I'll update this post reguarly using colour to distinguish between edits. So, If u post fixes, be assured that they'll get into the main post, but please don't be offended if that don't pass credit - readers will see who suggested it further down.
The second update is shown in RED

bukwit said:
yes this is the correct link for the beta...the current version I have is Rev 3 build 434. Been running it since saturday with no issues so far...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build 444 has been uploaded. It works fine

I still get loads of duplicates in the notification queue as well - all from sddaemon.exe? What's more this is a 'wakeup' event and so the duplicates were making my jasjar take foorreeevveerr to turn on from suspend. I removed them with scareybear check notification and it's much quicker to resume from suspend (like half a second as opposed to three to four seconds).
Does anyone know what sddaemon.exe is?

tintoy said:
I still get loads of duplicates in the notification queue as well - all from sddaemon.exe? What's more this is a 'wakeup' event and so the duplicates were making my jasjar take foorreeevveerr to turn on from suspend. I removed them with scareybear check notification and it's much quicker to resume from suspend (like half a second as opposed to three to four seconds).
Does anyone know what sddaemon.exe is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found that after removing PI completely, these notification dups stopped. I had exactly the same issue before. Not saying it is definitely PI, but that's the ONLY thing I changed and I've been OK for a whole 8hrs now.
PS: Scareybear did not remove dups for me - just ID's then then I had to remove manually! Anton Amov's Pocket mechanic removed them - any idea of a utility that does it every midnight like we had in 2003SE?

Updated again in blue

Diary of an O2 Exec

For background to this post read http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=175027#175027.
This is an experiment to see just how usable this device actually is. There seem to be differing opinions and experiences and all hold water. So I'm going reset my device and start from scratch. Each time I encounter a shortfall on the device, I'll post what I think is wrong and wait for responses/advice on what to do. On group concensus, I'll then make a change/install 3rd party software/change my way of doing things etc and post the results.
This, of course, may go absolutely nowhere.
The rules:
It's an academic experiment, I have no agenda here.

Ok, All gone! Also, did a soft reset at the point that the device started "Customizing for O2". It's come back all clean and new.
ROM version: 1.13.48 WWE
ROM date: 09/19/05
Radio version: 1.04.02
Protocol version: 42.37.P8
Ext rom verion: (nothing because I reset it I guess).
Off the cuff free program memory is 31.33, Storage is 40.12
Fiddled with a couple of standard settings (cleartext is on, fonts are smallest, O2 gprs settings set up etc, etc).
Is this a safe basis to start with, or do I need the ext rom for something?
What I really need right up front is:
1. A GPRS monitor (SPB Gprs monitor is supplied on the accompanying O2 CD)
2. Tomtom navigator
Any alternatives, warnings before I install these?

Installed a couple of applications:
- SPB Gprs monitor
- Clearview PDF viewer (provided by O2 along with the unit)
- Microsoft Voice command. This most definitely has a bug in that you're unable to see the contact you're about to call. It is still useful however.
So far things still looking fine.
Still, was reminded yesterday evening in a random conversation about the fact that windows 95 used to run (slowly but usably) on a 486 with 16 MB Ram. My Exec runs slowly but usably on a lot more.

daveb1976 said:
2. Tomtom navigator
Any alternatives, warnings before I install these?
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Click to collapse
YOU'RE D :roll: :roll: M E D
I decided to keep my old XDA (Wallaby) and continue to use TomTom on that. Better safe than sorry

daveb1976 said:
Installed a couple of applications:
-
Still, was reminded yesterday evening in a random conversation about the fact that windows 95 used to run (slowly but usably) on a 486 with 16 MB Ram. My Exec runs slowly but usably on a lot more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually had a 200Mhz (Gateway) computer with 64MB of RAM and 4MB graphics card and 5GB HDD. My monitor had a higher res then the JJ/Exec. This worked really well on Win95 and Office. It was also used with Win98SE later on.
What the hell has M$ with WM5? It has a 520Mhz processor on-tap and about 50MB of RAM. It really does not feel as snappy as my old (10 years old) Gateway!

TomTom 5.1 works Ok on the Exec - the only problem is what to do with the Exec in the car. The Exec doesn't have a holder. It just slightly too big for my cheap Halford holder that suited my XDAII and IIs. Blue Tac wouldn't last too long on the dashboard Exec - it'll proably dry out too quickly. Velcro might work....

JJ Tweaks
Would suggest the following quick n easy adjustments:
1. Turn off error reporting
2. Turn off aut accept beams
3. remove pocket skype if you dont use it, big n cumbersome, or at least move it to storage card
4. Did you remove the startup file to your original voice dialer sddaemon?
5. have you done any other registry tweaks for MSVC from bluetooth?
6. Consider setting your theme to simply, some of them are big.
7. I prefer to use SPB to close the application properly, but if you do not add monitors to anything other than RAM.
What speed do you get on screen rotation?

Day 2
Day 2 I guess (only the first full day of actually using it)
Here's what I've found so far. My overall opinion is that things ARE running more smoothly than before. I LOVE a couple of the features - particularly MS Voice command when it works. I've used it extensively to check email, a bit to browse the web, once to watch a couple of small windows media videos. So it's been useful, but that's not the point of this excersise. I want to see if it works as we should be able to expect a device and an OS that we're paying good money for. Here's what I'm not happy with so far. Please post suggestions to whether you agree or disagree with my opinions, and suggestions for how I should be things better.
Bugs:
1. I have on 4 occassions been given an error stating that there is not enough memory to perform an operation. Once was when I tried to open the camera, once when I tried to access the MS Voice command config, once when trying to use Voice command to access contacts (I didn't actually get the error, but it didn't work. A quick look on MSVoice command troubleshooting says this is a memory problem. Now, the whole point of this is to use the device as MS planned us to. SURELY if within a day of user testing the device complains about memory issues, then their memory management DOES NOT WORK. Showstopper in my humble opinion. Of course, I'm bound and chained so they'll release anyway. This was the same problem with 2003SE, so why did they release 2005 with the same problem? Don't tell me I need to go into settings and shut down all the programs. What kind of end-user should think they needed to do that?
2. Bluetooth has switched itself off about 4 times. I know this is a well known bug on this forum, my question is how did the device make it to release with this so easily identifiable? Showstopper.
And appart from the fact that it's ludicrously slow for what it is accomplishing there are these annoyances - but not bugs.
1. No task switcher. This may only be me, but I think going through the menu to switch between applications every time you need to copy and paste or something like that, isn't great design. This is just my opinion of course, not a bug.
2. Decided to search for large files to see if I could free up space. Lovely option to search for files bigger than 64k (although it takes damned AGES - Google could search the entire web 100 000 times in less time). Finally get a list of files...but I CAN'T DELETE THEM from here. And there's no way to find out where they exist that I can see. Please someone tell me I'm doing something stupid here and that there is a way. Not a bug of course, but TERRIBLE design. Showstopper
Ok, now hit me...[/b]

Just to address a couple of other posts:
Would suggest the following quick n easy adjustments:
1. Turn off error reporting
2. Turn off aut accept beams
3. remove pocket skype if you dont use it, big n cumbersome, or at least move it to storage card
4. Did you remove the startup file to your original voice dialer sddaemon?
5. have you done any other registry tweaks for MSVC from bluetooth?
6. Consider setting your theme to simply, some of them are big.
7. I prefer to use SPB to close the application properly, but if you do not add monitors to anything other than RAM.
What speed do you get on screen rotation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Have turned this off
2. Have turned this off
3. Didn't get installed. I made sure this was JUST the MS supplied CAB. It has no O2 software installed that I can find - not even the smart dialer (which is a pain). Strangely, the menu option for smart dialer options is there, but does nothing when i click on it. But this might be because SD is expected to come from the OEM.
4. No i didn't, but it doesn't appear there anyway. But I'm not trying to tweak the device anyway, I'm trying to use it like an end user.
5. No, no tweaks. I don't believe you should have to tweak things like this within the first few days. I do, because i find it interesting, but my argument here is that MS have released a rediculously low quality product.
6. Standard windows theme.
7. I'm trying to use it as they intended.
Xiama: tomtom not installed...yet. I've had it running a few times though and it seems pretty good.
Darkblack: I've found a standard gps holder from Maplin worked fine.

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...
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.

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.
Click to expand...
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

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!

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"...