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Good Day to everyone, I want to know how to fully close a program without needing a soft reset.. because whenever I use the running program, Its really not showing all the program and therefore might not be closing all running programs.. I know there is a lot of programs running still because I had an h5550 before and I usually see a long list of running programs as compare to the xda II. Why is this so and how is the problem solved? thanks much
Use Magic Button.
http://www.freewareppc.com/utilities/magicbutton.shtml
well in settings under memory
under running programs i can close my programs if i want
though i cant say if they removed that feature in 2003
Hi ...
there is a difference between applications and processes. the first type you close and you can see on running programs. while the 2nd type is system processes ... windows control their start and end. closing any of them may cause a system crash.
What are processes? Is it essential that I close them? Will it make the xda slower if many processes are running? thanks and pardon me for my ignorance..
well in a multitasking envioment
a program is 1 process which can have many threads
imho then if i dont do a softreset my xda get slower and slower
as time goes by
a softreset solve this problem just like that
If you're not using a task manager of some sort (I use Resco), the easiest and way to close an app is to use the on-screen keyboard (if the app lets you open the keyboard that is :wink: .) Simply kit Ctrl+Q, just like the Windows shortcut!
Some other handy PPC shortcuts are;
Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), Ctrl+X (Cut), Ctrl+A (Select all), Shift+tap (select multiple adjacent items), Ctrl+tap (select multiple items).
Hi.
Isn't this non-closing of programs a bit of a bug? I can see how PPC might want to leave commonly used apps in memory instead of actually quitting them (i.e. Contacts), but to be honest it doesn't exactly take that long to start them up from scratch.
I'm used to (from desktop win) pressing the X in the top-right corner and the program actually closing, or at least going to the tasktray (where you can see it to quit it).
I've only had my XDA-II for a week, and I'm scared that I've run up a massive bill already because of this prob, but will have to wait to find out -
Basically I used the Terminal Services Client to connect to my PC at home whilst at work. I only did this for about 30 seconds, after which I pressed the X at the top right corner. After about 4 hours or so I got home and looked at the screen an there was an error dialog coming from the supposedly closed Terminal Services Client! So the TSC might have been downloading thru GPRS for 4 hours!
I call that a bug. I reproduced it again at home. I have Rescoe task monitor and I can see TSC staying around after I've closed it. I'm now waiting to see what appears on my bill. Damned if I'm paying for it tho...
No doubt I'm the only person who has had this prob... :?
Not a bug, a feature
Partridge, it is not a bug, it's how Pocket PC's have been working at least for PPC 2002 and PPC 2003.
It is well known in the PPC community and there are a number of fixes.
I would strongly suggest that the first application you purchase are GPRS Monitor from SPB.
It gives you a small icon on the top line where you can see your GPRS traffic, an a Today plug-in that lists the amount of MB and the cost of the day's session. Using this, you will quickly notice if some application is using GPRS behind your back.
Regards
Michael
Not a bug, a feature
Partridge, it is not a bug, it's how Pocket PC's have been working at least for PPC 2002 and PPC 2003.
It is well known in the PPC community and there are a number of fixes.
I would strongly suggest that the first application you purchase are GPRS Monitor from SPB.
It gives you a small icon on the top line where you can see your GPRS traffic, an a Today plug-in that lists the amount of MB and the cost of the day's session. Using this, you will quickly notice if some application is using GPRS behind your back.
Regards
Michael
Thanks for the reply and advice.
Admittedly I'm brand new to this PPC game.
I still think its a bit naff that PPC's do this.
I expect a program thats expensive to run in terms of network bandwidth (and therefore money), to close when I press the X button. I guess thats just me...
Thanks anyway
Partridge.
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)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
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!
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"...
Well, I am onto my fourth Windows PPC device - Casio, HP5450, K-Jam and Dopod838Pro, with various excursions into the lands of Palm, SE P900, Motorola A900. My WM experience is still that the best way to get a fast and stable device is to add the absoloute minimum of today add-ins. Across all these WM devices, whenever I add in something even mildly complex to the Today screen, the device is in some way compromised - either it slows down, needs more soft resets, or it acts unpredictably. When the device was just a PDA, I could live with it. Now that it is my phone, I need it to be 100% reliable. I need the phone functions, I need contacts and calendar. These have to work reliably all the time. After that anything else is a bonus.
So I am in a bit of a dilemma. I added Phone Alarm and everything was fine. Then I added iLauncher3 to the Dopod and BOOM - suddenly there are issues, suddenly everything slows down, suddenly some inbound calls are not answering, suddenly the phone is locking up or executing applications very slowly. SO I take off the Launcher and still there are issues, so I take off PhoneAlarm and everything calms down - except that my WMA ring tones start to play at half speed. And still the occasional freeze. I'm thinking I probably need to do a hard reset and rebuild the phone, but you know, that takes a lot of time and I'm peeved that this is probably the best course of action and I just don't want to have to go through the hassle of doing it AGAIN.
I also own a Nokia E61. I switched back to the Nokia yesterday after using the Dodod solidly for 3 weeks. The biggest reason for wanting to try WM5 again was the jog wheel and the added functionality of it, the cool look of the Dopod and the availability of so much software. But in the final analysis, the way I want to use the device I cannot find a way to use today plug-ins and have a 100% reliable phone - so the available software that I want to use isn't really available at all.
And the E61 is a WAY better phone, has a brilliant profile function, syncs automatically with bluetooth whenever I am in range of the PC (with no intervention unlike the PPC which needs me to manually select bluetooth sync).
I am sure other people will jump in and tell me they have a perfect, stable, fast and reliable experience with their WM5 device, even when using multiple Today plug-ins. I wish that was true for me, but it is not and I so am over doing hard resets and rebuilding the phone with just the short listed software - it should not be necessary.
I am really quite peeved about the whole process. There is much to like about the Hermes, good fast processor, smart looks, there is much to like about the available software, (there is also much to dislike about the relatively disjointed user interface but in reality it is just a way of thinking about how you use the phone). As far as the E61 is concerned it is not perfect either, but at the moment for me it is the better tool because I can turn it on and it will work, perfectly, as a phone, a contacts database and a portable calendar, it gives me fast internet access and availability to the core apps I require (even if it does take an eternity - 30 seconds - to open a spreadsheet that opens in a couple of seconds on the Dopod)
The search for the perfect device continues and yes I am sure sometime in the next month or two I will get brassed off with the E61 and go back to the Dopod - no doubt I will pingpong between these two devices until the next killer device is launched.
I too found out that mixing Today plug-ins may cause instability, including system hungs. I was adding them one by one, and all of them alone work OK, but not all that I tried "agree" to work together. I had to narrow the number of activated plug-ins to compromise between functionality and stability.
I have yet to find the best config for myself. Currently I'm still trying different software (WM5 platform is new for me), and therefore I reboot it often.
OK, frankly speaking, on my previous phone (SonyEricsson P800) I failed to tune the startup sequence of apps that I wanted to run permanently. Finally I ended up with auto-start only one of them, and to start others manyally. It was a real pain due to very long boot time!
Still I like WM5 more than Symbian which is a pity for me 'cause I was a big fan of Psion palmtops!
It can work for you.
I'm really sorry to hear that you guys are having a bad experience in general with your devices, trust me most of us have been there and it has taken too much of our precious time to get these things working reliabily.
That said however, there is hope. I went through many of your experiences including Spb Pocket Plus in conjunction with Wisbar and other plug-in apps.
My final result is quite pleasing and you ought to give it a try if you havent already. Firstly I would recommend a one last hard reset (I know it's a pain but well worth it). Then try this:
1. Install WA2 (Wisbar advance 2 without WAD (WAD is not stable IMO)), preferably the latest version. Then choose whichever skin does it for you (I use Windows Vista portable Edition) and delete the default one once I have my chose one installed. It saves storage space on the device as that's where I install WA2 for best results in stability.
2. I only use Windows default theme (too many discrepancies and inconcistancies with other themes) and then choose my own .png or .jpeg for a background. Rock solid from my experience!
3. Install PhoneAlarm 1.54 (to get instant feedback about missed calls & SMS, instant access and visual feedback for Bluetooth and wi-fi and profiles - like on regular cellular phones). I also use 'MediaPhone 1 skin' as it includes 2 signal bars, 1 for battery life and the other for signal reception (though this is not wholly reliable in terms of accuracy).
4. Install AE Button closer. Excellent tool and has greatly improved the ease in which I use my device (access many programs). Very reliable and stable too.
That's it. Only one Plug-in, which doesn't hog resources as it doesn't need much in the way of accessing the net to update i.e. weather plug-ins etc (I have a web link for that).
I have 8 programs configured to start on my 2 soft keys and 4 actions on my 'Communications Manager Button' (Activate/de-activate Bluetooth & the same for wi-fi). This gives me the same amount of one-handed control over the device as when I use the stylus & shrtcuts in PhoneAlarm. best of both worlds.
5. Oh I almost forgot. I have Spb Backup installed and backup at least once a week and keep a copy on my SD card and on my PC. In the even I want to test some new software out for the day or a few days, I just make sure I have a recent backup of my stable set-up. That way hard resets are not a worry for me as I never have to re-build anymore.
Hope this helps you somehow. If you do give things another try and want some other questions answered, I'll be glad to help if I can.