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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
So I just got my Mogul, and trying to find software for it is really annoying. no list of programs with screen shots, each program type has about 40 different homebrewed versions, most of the stuff doesn;t have a lonk to download anything, no homepage reference so you don't know if you're downloaded a version 4 versions older than the current, piss poor instructions on howw to actually use it, etc.
Is there an actual list of software links, that is updated with the most recent verion, of sotware for this phone? For example, I'm interested in adding that "Cube" menuing system, and doing a Google search returns 50 different versions of 20 different pieces of software linking to pages with older versions of the software that doesn't even work.
Is there a commonly accepted "best" cube type mening system out there? how about a commonly accepted "best" iPhone like interface?
emkorial said:
So I just got my Mogul, and trying to find software for it is really annoying. no list of programs with screen shots, each program type has about 40 different homebrewed versions, most of the stuff doesn;t have a lonk to download anything, no homepage reference so you don't know if you're downloaded a version 4 versions older than the current, piss poor instructions on howw to actually use it, etc.
Is there an actual list of software links, that is updated with the most recent verion, of sotware for this phone? For example, I'm interested in adding that "Cube" menuing system, and doing a Google search returns 50 different versions of 20 different pieces of software linking to pages with older versions of the software that doesn't even work.
Is there a commonly accepted "best" cube type mening system out there? how about a commonly accepted "best" iPhone like interface?
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Click to collapse
Um, there are literally THOUSANDS of programs that work on the Titan. It doesnt take a lot of work searching to find programs that are awesome. Try using the search feature of this website or ppcgeeks to find what you need instead of asking someone to deliver it to you.
Searching is your best answer. Making a list of the most currnet builds out there (some of which the most current isn't the "best") of software out there would be obselete in a months time. I've got the best results with trial and error in finding what works with my setup (hardware, rom and radio).
Thousands? I've downloaded about 20, and TWO work. the rest do NOTHING, due to obscure compatability problems, some random patch being required that no one seems to have, or it just flat out won't work, period. It;s incredibly frustrating.
Most have said it. You need to do your own research and on top of that what's good for you may not be good for someone else. In a way this is the fun part - the searching for the good stuff. Also, I take much advise from the experts on this and other forums.
In any case, you can't *****. The source of this software is coming from thousands of people/companies. Some write something good and just dump it on a server for others to download and offer little to no documentation. BUT... you pay nothing in many cases (can't ***** there). ANd it's almost always "run at your own risk!".
Want something stable, documented, and supported by a company... stay stock (OEM). Wait... my stock software was not stable, not well documented, and hardly supported (Sprint). As a matter of fact an alpha ROM I am running now is much better than the OEM software that the phone came with.
Willing alpha and beta tester,
tsp
Mogul w/ 6.1, 3.16, 3.27, 60711, NexVision Alpha ROM.
YMMV
make sure you are downloading ppc applications and not smartphone ones, and that you are downloading applications for WM6. If the app doesn't work then search the forums to see what other peoples experience is with that program.
while some of the responses here have been a little abrupt, you need to understand that your request is literally impossible. Nobody could possibly compile of a list of all the software that can run on the mogul.
Here are some things to try, though:
Search the forums for "best programs" and such things
Download different windows mobile apps and try them -- I've rarely found any that don't work.
Figure out what functionality you're looking for, and search specifically for that.
At the very least, if you want to post a query such as this one, you need to specify what exactly you're looking for. Our friend above wasn't exagerating when he said that there are thousands of apps that run on the mogul. If you're new to windows mobile, it'll take some getting used to. Be patient and read a lot. you'll figure it out.
Most people on this board are happy to help you with problems, but they do expect that you exert some energy on your own. If they feel like you haven't, they get touchy.
This thread might become a little more useful for you if you were to say what you are looking for (for example, if you're looking for a good program for maps and such that uses a data connection, I recommend Google Maps (visit http://m.google.com from your mobile phone)
Hope this helps, and good luck!
id say VITO SMS CHAT v1.0.1 is almost a must have if u text alot and have a stock ROM...most the custom ROMS have some form of threaded SMS added for u...but stock ROMS dont and this is a very nice program...i dont use this site much, but im on ppcgeeks 24/7 and i know we have a thread about it there...
also if ur looking for a nice web browser check out netfront browser 3.5 is pretty quick and it loads full websites not just the mobile version...and if u use myspace it actually loads the persons page background...its in beta now till may 31st, but if u search hard enough u can find ANY ppc program for free
I tried searching for a while now. After a failed ROM update I lost all my apps so I am re-customizing everything. How do you change the Title on the Home page? Right now it says: 'TELUS' but that's a little tacky. Can someone guide me to the right post?
Titan Apps
I have quite a few apps that I have been collecting would be happy to contribute to the list let me know...also in the development and hacking section there is a huge list of HTC apps that are pretty much always a go on the Titan.
I am new to this site.. I have a moguel.. and I would love to know what programs u have..please contact me at [email protected] with the info..please and thank u.
marriotheblackguy said:
I have quite a few apps that I have been collecting would be happy to contribute to the list let me know...also in the development and hacking section there is a huge list of HTC apps that are pretty much always a go on the Titan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm a noob as well but i read a bunch.thing is there are terms and titles that make reading these threads as bad as reading the bible at times.i tried a bunch of stuff since i had my mogul.i removed a bunch of stuff as well.but right now i use spb mobile shell,pocket plus,fun contact,s2play,s2u2,weather panel<-------- wich is cool as hell but takes a bunch of tweaking imo to get to run right.(still haven't got my radar images right)gpstoday,thumbcal,and a bunch of games.i'm not an expert by far but i know these apps work fine on my device.
this is pretty confusing but this is the index i use to keep track of all the apps that both work and are user-friendly(to an extent).
its kind of hard to understand of you havent written it but what ever
if you have any questions feel free to ask.
EDIT:btw i have all of these stored. (as in .cabs, .exes....)
KEY
--------
X = Located in Backup
O = Must retrive
-----------------------------
ON DISK BUT HAVEN'T INSTALLED
-----------------------------
--------
PROGRAMS
---------
O-PDAMedia SIP Keyboard Light v1.0 - Full Screen Keyboard
X-An Original Idea.com Webby - Alternate Internet Browser
O-TCPMP AAC Plugin - Enables AAC PLayback capabilities for TCPMP
O-TCPMP - Alternate Media Player
A_C Slide2Unlock
X-TNT Task Manager 2_0_30487_2 - Task Manager in Tray
X-The EquinoXe Wizard reTOUCHed - New Phone Keypad
X-PHM Registry Editor
X-CodyPPC Threaded SMS
X-Picsel Browser
X-Windows .NET FRAMEWORK
X-Adobe Flash Lite 2.1
X-TouchFlo
X-TOUCHFLOCONFIG.TXT
X-Slither's Cube
------------
EXECUTABLES
------------
X-LAUNCHER - iPhone Emulator
X-REQUIRES CONFIG.INI
X-REQUIRES GFX.FOLDER
X-PPCPimBackUp
X-REQUIRES PIM.FOLDER
X-Where is my Ram?
-----------------
WMDC EXECTUTABLES
-----------------
X-Christmas Runner Lite
X-Chess v2.0
X-Gnuboy-GameBoyColor Emulator
X-Pokemon Crystal ROM
----------
THEMES
----------
X-wm6t-waterandfire.tsk - Lighter with Water
X-wm6t-stargateprometheus.tsk - The Prometheus -> Stargate
By the way, the cube isn't all its made out to be. TouchFLO is worth it, but I find myself constantly bringing up the cube on accident, not to mention that its stays in the background after launching. (eating up 8-9% of memory) It's nice to play with, and its great for showing off the capabilities of the phone but in the end, for me, it just wasn't worth it.
Then again, to each their own. Truly, TRY programs out. People like different things so you can't always trust a stranger to give you accurate advice.
I was once a "noob," having switched from Palm to come over to the "dark side" (remind me of the Mac vs PC thing). I have the VZW XV6800 with DCD's 2.3.2 rom onboard. I have thrashed and trashed my poor PPC many times before getting it stable the way I want. I have the following recommendations to all "noobs" who want to see "what works and what doesn't."
1) Don't fear the hard reset. If things go completely screwy, simply start from scratch. I store all my cab files on the card for this purpose. BTW, I have never needed to call Verizon after a hard reset. I simply *228 to program the SPL and "everyting is irie mon."
2) Make every effort to find the answer yourself before posting a question anywhere. You are likely not the first person to have whatever problem you think you have. To coin a phrase, "the truth is out there." If you don't have the time to search for the answer, you probably shouldn't be putsing (a technical term) with your phone. Check here and over at PPCGeeks.
3) Figure out which base application you cannot live without. ake sure that each works with the other by soft resetting after each install and working the phone a bit before loading another. My base for instance is: SPB Mobile Shell 2; PhoneWeaver; WisBar Advance; Live Search; Google Maps; Opera Mini 4; Resco Backup; Resco file Explorer; and SK Tools. I know they work well, and work together. I always load these first after a hard reset.
4) Get a good backup program (Sprite, SPB Backup, Resco), and use it daily or at least before each new testing round.
5) Backup your registry and save the backup in a safe place (card) in case.
6) Test new applications one at a time, with soft reset after each installation. Do not load another new app, until you are sure that you're happy with the previoous one or have fully uninstalled it.
7) Have fun! Be happy! Don't forget that it's just a damned phone with benefits.
those are some nice tips for someone who is new jgilfor. do you mind if i quoted you in my sig or something? (pm me)
warez i use
After going through this thread, i decided to add the apps i run to my sig. When i get home i'll add some more.
I don't know if it's a good idea or not but maybe i could throw up a page with links to the software? Unless i can upload them all here.
What do you vets think?
It's probably a better request to ask for the programs that each person uses. That's more useful than trying to get a list of every single program out there. With a program name and some patience, then you should be able to find the right install file. If not, then this phone was probably not meant for you, sorry. =( Maybe a Nokia? lol, j/k!
Anyways, I like GhettoBSD's idea! I keep a list of programs that I use so that I know what to reinstall after a ROM flash:
Nilisco Flashlight
HTC Voice Recorder
HTC Home and emunutz HTC Home Customizer
HTC Audio Manager
Skunkworks FlashVideoBundle and TCPMP
Lordsmiff Battery Level
Jorrit Jongma WMWifiRouter
JRebeiro EsmertecJbed and Opera Mini
Stroths-Codyppc Led Killer 3.1
Oxios Memory
CooTek Cooperation Touchpal
GoogleMaps
PPCpimBackup
TomCo Solutions Stopwatch
Do you have a link for the HTC voice recorder that works with Mogul, I tried some but are not working. Cab installs the application, but when trying to record, always get an empty fie of 6b. No matter how long I record always have an empty file named voice00x with size of 6b. Or whay Im doing wrong? I installed the same file in a tytn and works perfect.
Here is what i use
Opera mini (great little browser)
DinarSoft MemMaid ( cleans out junk and temp/ frees memory too)
DinarSoft Handyswitcher (awesome taskbar app with cpu /memory usage that can be on top toolbar in every ap)
Shape Services IM+ ( great instant messanging app )
PPC geeks battery and performance reg hack
acbPowerMeter ( shows how much power apps consume, good for measuring 3g versus no internet use )
Blue Frog Touch Dialer, (htc diamond style dialer , skinable , bigger button layout very cool )
Led Killer 3.1 ( disables annoying flashing green service led )
HTC home plugin schen 2.10 ( nice gui mod, for weather and apps)
Youtubeplay
Total Commander
lokmeup IE Slow Scroll Fix
Google maps
Cloudyfa EsmertecJbed ( java)
PocketCM keyboard
RARLab pocket rar
Sipchange ( change keyboard tool )
someguy sMMS ( adds ability to send picture sms , providing you get your key from the sprint website)
PocketIRC ( mirc application)
Oxios memory ( free tool to free up unused memory)
TRE Pocket PC (free registry editor)
Hey all,
I just ordered my herald (t-mobile Wing) and am trying to do a bit of research into what I'm gonna do to it when it arrives. I have been trying to follow the threads in the ROMs forum but I'm getting slightly confused. The first problem I'm having is figuring out what the most recent ROMs are, there are so many different names, versions and post dates. I was wondering if some of you could reply and let me know what ROMs you are using and why.
My main use for this phone (besides calls) will be playing music, texts and email. I'm looking for something that has good interfaces for those and is also snappy/responsive. Right now I'm looking at using Open-Touch 6.0 Diamond Lite, but I am also unsure of what spb shell means and why or where I would need to register it. Is the spb shell version different from the 'throttle launcher touchflo3d' or are they two completely different things? There is a lot of terminology being thrown around here that I am having trouble finding definitions for. Is there any compiled list of applications/shells/whatever and what they do?
Thanks
ac
There is not really a list of shells/uis/whatnot, but there are certainly a lot of choices. The two you are talking about are "SPB Mobile Shell" and "Throttle Launcher", both with their diamond themes loaded.
The biggest difference between the two is that SPB mobile shell is actually payware and to be able to use it past a certain date (i believe) requires you to go to the SPB site and purchase the software, at which point they'll give you a reg code.
Throttle Launcher, on the other hand, is freeware and was actually developed in these forums. Its TouchFlo 3d theme is more or less an exact facsimile of the touchflo 3d on the HTC diamond. However, it's a bit slow and takes up a good bit of memory, which SPB does too (but not to the extent of Throttle Launcher)
welcome to xda-devs. Its good to see a question on software as opposed to one from a hapless newcomer who just bricked their device.
The best ROM for a speedy, non-laggggging phone, is Just2Clean.
The most visually pleasing ROM (IMO) is by far TouchIT Touched by Vista.
Good luck - remember, you can pick how easy the flashing prosses is.
If you read, read, read, it will be incredibly simple.
If you scan, scan, scan, you will be sitting with a bricked wing and an even bigger headache.
I've searched the forum already (and a few others) and didn't come up with any program, that would monitor stocks or receive updates upon request...is there a program that does this? maybe I've overlooked it?
the Touch HD images did show a stock icon in the interface so when it gets released someone might be able to port it to ther devices..
I have not used it, but this MortScript might do what you need...
http://discussion.treocentral.com/showthread.php?t=141737
Try searching pocket stock monitor 5.
It's the program I use. It's very easy to use and set up.
I'm planning on making one in the future, once completed
i'll post it here
Do a search for Pocket Stock Center. Its free, it's a one liner in the today screen, works quite well. I found it over at PPC Geeks.
There is a program being developed called Stocker, but I don't know if it's still being worked on. It's finger friendly though and in even though it's in it's early stages of development, it's pretty nice.
Thanks a lot for all the suggestions guys! I'll look into all of it
Mr_Gee, I look forward to your dev! I'll be checking for it!
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum and it's a pleasure to be a new member! As a brief introduction, I'm completely new to HTC, Windows Mobile and any non-Symbian device! I've used Nokia's, Sony Ericssons & Motorola's all my life and Symbian is all I know, I think you get the picture......
Anyhow, I should be getting my HD2 within the next few days because I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and I just want to know where to start?! This looks like the most comprehensive forum I've seen on the net and I couldn't think of a better place to start learning. I know it's a bit of a broad question and I have had a look through a number of posts to get my bearings, as such. I've seen posts about Roms, registry modifications, patches...... and it all sounds very interesting and I want to know all the functions and information I can about my new device.
Coming from the Symbian background, everything is pretty straightforward but Windows Mobile sounds a lot more technical and something I'm looking forward to learning about. Any information or tips about what I should & shouldn't do to help improve performance/tweak the device would be much appreciated and I'm a fast learner. PS I've seen this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=583638
and will work my way through it when I get the device, but it seems to be aimed at people with some previous experience with this platform. I'm sure you guys see these tpye of 'Help Me!' posts all the time but thanks in advance.
Hello Gargon, welcome aboard!
I too am new to these forums and I've spent a not-insignificant amount of time browsing threads on the HD2 since I made the decision to finally ditch the venerable nokia 6030 that has served me so well all these years. Being a self-confessed techie the HD2 appealed to me the very instant I first caught a glimpse of it in all its Kubrick monolithic glory and as soon as O2 release info on their tariffs I will be seriously weighing up my options.
Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty. As a disclaimer I've only been here a short while so I wouldn't be surprised if I get a few facts wrong. Hopefully someone will correct me if I do!
The HD2 is powered by Windows Mobile 6.5 edition and as you might imagine it's not too dissimilar in how it operates to the PC desktop version. You have a desktop, start menu, program files etc. with all the various settings held by the registry. The beauty of WinMo is that it is far more customisable than the iPhone OS/Symbian in that you can change pretty much everything you see and also how you interact with the device. For example, a developer on these boards has released an application which enables the vibration feature on almost every keypress whereas the default HD2 only goes so far. Another dev has released an app which changes HTC's desktop from a 3x3 grid of shortcuts to 4x4. You can even do away with HTC's superb frontend entirely and install something like SPB Mobile Shell which has a snazzy rotating cube effect desktop and many other alternative enhancements (although you will have to pay for this). And this is only the tip of the iceberg! There are thousands of applications and games out there on the internet, and with Microsoft finally getting into the appstore gig we can expect a well-stocked central repository for software sometime in the near future. Failing that, google is our friend
With the help of the talented and selfless developers here at xda-dev almost anything is possible, including the potential for changing the operating system entirely, so you can't rule out the HD2 one day running Android or WM7 somewhere down the line, however this depends on one crucial bit of software -- the Hard SPL. Without this essential bit of kit, peons such as myself are unable to reflash the device to a different operating system or even a different version of the current OS (e.g. a lite version to save valuable ROM space, or an enhanced version with greater functionality). Everything hinges on this being developed by the code masters behind the scenes however such projects require a lot of skill, time and effort and such is the support of the community here that monetary donations are pledged in gratitude for past endeavours and in the hope of new enterprise.
As for installing applications themselves, I haven't yet delved deep enough to give you a comprehensive answer, however I suspect that there are FAQs on the parent forums which will give you all the information you need. From what I can tell, applications are released in .cab format which are executed from the phone and self-install. I can't wait until I can get my grubby paws on this masterpiece and get busy pushing buttons! I'm sure I've missed a whole lot of information but my lids are getting heavy and my battery needs charging. I hope this wasn't too patronising for you and I'm sure some other people here will gladly fill you in on anything I've missed.
Welcome aboard, great first posting. Showing the threads you read already makes many people want to help you more.
If you come from Symbian, some stuff will be the same, i.e. you use icons for programs.
What differs the most is the customization possibilities and the level of deep control you have over the behaviour of your new machine.
Get to grips with Microsoft Mobile Device Center, (syncing your data).
Do you have an Exchange account or Gmail ? You can setup your device to have pushmail connectivity with GMail or Exchange.
If you don't own an Exchange Server, you can setup your own free
Custom Domain at http://domains.live.com and have your own email adress as a LIVE-ID and have pushmail with it (free).
Then, I would dig in to the many cool free applications around.
Yes, hunt for .cab files as they will install over the air (OTA) and from your device.
Another tip: When you get your device, start at the first Icon, view it, try and dig deeper in the menu's, always. Press and hold the screen/text to see if there are context menu's.
Then work your way through all the settings and icons available. It will take you about 3 days to see all the menu's and options, although the first 80% you will discover the first day
Hope you will enjoy the transition.
Hey guys
First off, this a awesome site with heaps of help. And advice which is great
Secondly I amnew here too and hopefully getting my hd2 soon. Can't wait!!
Thanks a lot for the replies guys, very informative H2D2 and thanks for the tips lucid. It's good to know that there are other people in a similar situation to myself! If anyone can post any relevant links to any apps or roms/cab files that might be useful for a first-timer then it would be much appreciated. In the meantime, I'll keep doing the research and, if I find anything myself, I'll post it here. Thanks again.
Well I'm new as well so hi everyone!
I used to have a wm phone but that was a few years ago and things have changed a lot since then... so have a bit of catching up to do. Been browsing on here the last few days and ordered the HD2 this morning.
Gargon, I'm sure you'll get used to it all in no time, I know it all looks confusing at first but really it's not that bad and I'm sure the nice people on here will help if you're stuck.
Greetings our new community members
I was in the same situation as You guys half year ago when I purchased my first WM device, the Diamond2. And now Im awaiting my HD2 already ordered
As for the Windows Mobile platform, it is the most powerful, sophisticated and versatile mobile platform ever made, and that's why it has always attracted more advanced users. But on the other hand, it is in many ways very similar to Windowses on your PCs At first you may feel a little overwhelmed of all the functions, tips, tricks, registry hacks and so on. But what's great about Windows Mobile platform, is that once you start to "feel" it, then playing around with your phone becomes extremely addictive. I remember my first week with the Diamond2, it was nothing else than playing with it, installing and testing every trick i could possibly find
Moving on to the relevant stuff:
First of all, you should equip your device with a decent file explorer, as the native WM one is a bit clunky. I recommend Resco File Explorer. Second, equip yourself with a registry editor, as you gonna need it for tweaks. Resco Explorer has a plugin for registry editing and there are even desktop PC editors which you can use when device is connected to the PC.
As for application installation, it can be performed in 2 ways:
1).cab files. These are like .sis in Symbian. You run them directly from the device just by executing them from any file manager.
2).exe files. Those can be installed from your PC when the device is connected to it. Sometimes developers make small apps for phones which are in form of exe files which are designed to run directly from the device. This is possible because every app after installation usually has its folder in Program Files where an exe file of the app itsself is stored (exactly the same as on Your PC Windows)
Moving on to the interface. One of the biggest advantages of Windows Mobile is that it enables you to change practically the whole interface with minimum effort. The native WM interface is unfortunately very old and not finger friendly, and thats why every major company designed their own interfaces. On the HD2 it is called Sense. In fact Sense is only a further developement of an interface which was called TouchFlo 3D. And one thing more you should know. Developers on this forum use the code name of this interface, which is Manila. HD2 has the latest Manila v2.5. So basically Manila=TouchFlo=Sense.
Feel free to ask any questions, everyone of us was a newbie at first I personally am very happy to see new people being attracted by new fantastic WM devices. I myself was a Nokia/Symbian fan for many years, untill half a year ago I discovered that I was living in the darkness all these years
The XDA-Developers is one of the greatest, biggest and oldest communities on the whole internet. This makes this community concrete, mature and serious. This means that members are very helpful to each other and they always communicate with a certain level of etiquette, so You surely won't hear any offensive words, swears or any vulgarisms
So enjoy your new devices and this community, as it will bring you many happy moments, i guarantee this to You
the wiki is a great tool (not much on the HD2 in there yet) but background reading on other devices is good.
As long as you're willing to take time to learn to use the search (often searching around the term you're looking for) then you'll solve issues you may have quickly as well..
several of us are happy to discuss stuff on PM as well..
and don't forget if you find something that you think others would find useful,
The WIKI is always there, to be edited at your leisure
Welcome
Very nice attitude from Gargon01 and H2D2.
You are on the right track about the winmo os.
In itself it is clunky on the surface but the structure sits on the registry database which is accessible through a registry editor.
This forum is quite unique and must be the largest of It's kind, that is, a community of smartphone developers/hackers.
I have been dropping in for 4 years but only started flashing recently after buying an HD.
The HD came with an earlier development of Touchflo and I saw rom versions on Youtube etc of more advanced versions from XDA Devs.
I took the plunge in flashing roms and have been addicted ever since.
I am running the latest version of sense on my HD but am awaiting an HD2 from clove tech on the uk for which sense was made.
There are many brilliant people in this community who generously offer their creativity, time and energy.
You are in the right place. More will be revealed.
Thanks a lot for the responses guys, exactly what me and I'm sure a lot of other new users are looking for! I'll look for the Resco File Viewer jgal, there was a similar app called Modo on Symbian that was also used for deep-file exploration/modification purposes.
Also, it's good to know that there are a lot of similarities to the desktop version of Windows. I'd like to think that I'm pretty proficient with that so I'll look forward to taking that knowledge and applying it to the HD2.
A big thanks to all the other users who have contributed to the post as well! I was pretty sure that my thread would fade away into non-existence but it's good to know that people seem genuinely interested in offering help and advice.
I should hopefully be getting the handset on Monday so I'll give it a good examination and keep you all posted should I run into any problems. Keep the tips/links coming though, my brain is like a sponge!! Cheers.