Database Users

One-handed operation

Hi all.
I own a Qtek S100 for around 2 weeks, and have come to love the device for it's all around functionality and small form factor.
As a PDA w/stylus, I have absolutely no complaints. It's a great tool with hundreds of different pieces of software and games to play with.
As many of you, I want to use the Magician as my main phone as well. This is where the problems start. Windows Mobile does not seem be geared towards non-stylus use, yet when you are out and about, it would be nice if you could accomplish basic tasks without the stylus. The main reason being is that when you are out you want to protect the screen so you put the device in a case, so the screen isn't accessible.
Anyway, you guys know all this. Now here's the question. Is there software out there that's designed to make Pocket PC phone edition a better one-handed device? I am thinking of something like the following:
You click one of the hardware buttons, which opens this 'one-handed' program. This brings up a tree/menu of different functions. Anything you would need to do while you're on the road. For example:
Turn the phone to silent.
Turn bluetooth on/off.
Control the music you're playing (on/off/forward/back etc..)
Turn the device off.
Anything you can think of.
I realize you can do some of these things by mapping certain buttons to certain programs or by scrolling on the today screen or by trying to use the start menu, but I'm finding that you can only get so far before you're stuck and you have to use the stylus.
So is there any software of this nature? If not I might sit down and write something myself. If I do it would be cool if everyone can pitch and name things they'd like to do with one hand that they can't seem to accomplish.
Thanks!

What you need as a starter is Burr Oak HotButton Plus. This allows you to assign ONE hardware button that then pops up a list of programs that you can run. The list is configurable of course. You can navigate through the list of programs using your D-pad.
I would suggest getting a list of "Settings" shortcuts (available on the forum). Place these shortcuts in a folder and call them from HotButton Plus.
I also find Microsoft Voice Command a very useful software, especially when I'm driving. You can open programs, play music, etc. using your voice.

Also, this hardware-button tweak might do something nice. Haven't tried myself.
http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/index.php?action=expand,40355

I use AEBPlus in combination with Mortbuttons. AEBPlus is bound to a hwardware button, in my case Calendar. When I double press it, Mortbutton 1 pops-up a list of apps that I set in Mortbutton options. In this way, I can switch on/off bluetooth, phone, or launch apps. Mortbutton gives up to 12 apps per list and 5 lists are available. With AEBPlus I can bind 3 Mortbuttons per hard button, e.g. 36 apps per button!
Mortbuttons can be found on www.sto-helit.de

thanks guys. I will give all of these a try!

phoneplus for phone abilities
phonealarms for profiles

All those programs are not directly given what we expected - one handed operation.
jamijam,
Could you develop the program?
Cheers,

jamijam said:
Hi all.
I own a Qtek S100 for around 2 weeks, and have come to love the device for it's all around functionality and small form factor.
As a PDA w/stylus, I have absolutely no complaints. It's a great tool with hundreds of different pieces of software and games to play with.
As many of you, I want to use the Magician as my main phone as well. This is where the problems start. Windows Mobile does not seem be geared towards non-stylus use, yet when you are out and about, it would be nice if you could accomplish basic tasks without the stylus. The main reason being is that when you are out you want to protect the screen so you put the device in a case, so the screen isn't accessible.
Anyway, you guys know all this. Now here's the question. Is there software out there that's designed to make Pocket PC phone edition a better one-handed device? I am thinking of something like the following:
You click one of the hardware buttons, which opens this 'one-handed' program. This brings up a tree/menu of different functions. Anything you would need to do while you're on the road. For example:
Turn the phone to silent.
Turn bluetooth on/off.
Control the music you're playing (on/off/forward/back etc..)
Turn the device off.
Anything you can think of.
I realize you can do some of these things by mapping certain buttons to certain programs or by scrolling on the today screen or by trying to use the start menu, but I'm finding that you can only get so far before you're stuck and you have to use the stylus.
So is there any software of this nature? If not I might sit down and write something myself. If I do it would be cool if everyone can pitch and name things they'd like to do with one hand that they can't seem to accomplish.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI
I use the O2 xdaI machine. I will get tmobile MDA COMPACT (= I-mate JAM) next week.
Hotbutton application is ok but the best so far for one hand operation is definitely Microsoft Voice Command ver. 1.5. It works increadibly weel on XDAI and I expect it will run even better on the JAM (I will let you know next week).
Cheers !

Heard some things about Micrsofot Voice command but I was finding it hard to believe that using voice could work well in most cases (what if it's noisy? etc...). Maybe I'll give it a try.
o2mn,
Gonna give all these suggestions a try before I think about doing something myself. The goal would be to create a program that lets you go through the menus, etc of ALL programs. Just using the buttons.

I don't know if i need to start a new topic about this but I'm trying to find out an easy way to create a launcher under a hardware button, like a bunch of people seems to wanna have.
In 'windows\appsbuttons' you can assign any hardware button to an *.exe. I want to know if there is an easy way to create a *.exe which
opens a *.link.
Something like:
IE2BUTTON.exe
» goto programfiles
»open IE2BUTTON.lnk
Hereby IE2BUTTON.lnk refers to the map IE2BUTTON where you can put every shortcut you want

Tried AEBPlus but it conflicts with application button mapping such as in TCPMP. Sometimes TCPMP gets the button press sometimes AEBPlus Plus got it - couldn't live with that so had to uninstall AEBPlus.
I use a combination of software:
PPCProfiles-Pro on the Today screen for switching phone on/off, bluetooth on/off etc via switching between profiles I've set up.
VJOKButton assigned to the memo button for closing apps, clicking OK.
MortButton for starting apps etc.
Application button mapping in TCPMP for one handed mp3 / video use.
The one thing I really want to be able to do still is alter the screen brightness one handed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

craigiecraigie4 said:
[*]Buzz's BT headset (prevents BT from turning off over night - no brainer! Thanks buzz!!)
[*]Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 (it's cosmetic, but on our nice VGA screens, it seems daft to have a look n feel that's SO QVGA{)
/quote]
where can i get the 2 things above...looked but cant find
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

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
Click to expand...
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

Questions From ex-Treo650 user

OK I had gotten board with the lack of wifi and decent web browser on the Treo 650 that I decided to make the move to the 8125. I knew about the speed difference and some of the other issues discussed in these forums because I researched the device for months before making the move. Therefore I wont say much about that. Unfortunately I have a few issues that I can't seem to find answers for in this forum and I was hoping other users out there could help.
1. Is there any way of making the navigation pad useful? I cant access anything on the taskbar and it would be great if I could. I installed magic button so I can close apps and switch back to home when I want. Furthermore there is almost no documentation on how to use the nav pad. All application instructions say tap the icon. It's very convenient to have one handed use. for example i have yet to figure out how to get back to the location bar in Pocket IE so I can enter a url without having to tap the screen.
2. Is it common that some applications just freak out when you switch to landscape mode (scroll bars not working and such)?
3. As mentioned I installed magic button but is there an application that will pop up a list of running tasks so I can switch between them easily with the navigation pad.
4. Backup. I may be very wrong on this but I fear that active sync does not actually backup my entire device like palm does. Could someone clear this up and if I'm correct is there a way for active sync to do this. I have more programs on this device than what is on my add/remove prog screen.
5. Notification reminders. I see a feature to have the led for a period of time but it would be nicer if it could be set to play its sound also. Like the pagers of old.
6. Notification of lost service. This phone never tells me I have no cell service. Last thing I want is battery draining searching or worse assuming I have service and miss all calls.
If anyone could provide some info on the above it would be a great help. i have already found many other programs that make up for the lacking features. Below is a list of what I have installed please make any suggestions you think would be helpful.
1. AnthaVPN - easiest and fastest to install
2. TN520 by mochasoft
3. Pocket Putty SSH client
4. Eyes On Call - Callfilter like program with many features still limited but the developer is very quick in implementing suggestions.
5. Info sharp - same developer as above but this provides sms capabilities that are very impressive. He almost has chat style sms with the way this program works.
6. OMAPclocker - for clocking to 220. I actually see the difference.
7. IM+ - Sametime/AOL instant messenger client.
8. Info apps I have Metro, Ereader, Bdicty, VadeMecum
9. TCPMP
10. Registry Wizard
11. Calc98 - the built in calc app is a joke.
12. Xpressmail - dont care what anyone says this app does what it says it will do. Pushes email to your phone.
Thank You
- Richard

sorry, you are in the wrong forum. This here is the Universal, not the Hermes (or whatever the 8125 is)

thx
wow didn't notice I posted on universal forum. well at least I can correct the typos and vgrammer before posting on wizard.
-Richard

Simple, reliable, FREE apps. Which one do you use for...

Hello,
I know this is mostly a personal tastes dilemma, but I am looking to add a few specific functions to my Wizard and I just can't find some solutions to very simple issues. Of course I already searched through several boards and freeware sites, but most of the times I am stumbling on overcomplicated, unreliable, unstable or just plain not-working apps even for the most trivial tasks. Other times they work fine... unless you have any other app installed, in which case they bork up the system royally.
So, what are your freewares of choice for the following functions?
1) ALARM CLOCK
Yes, just a damn simple alarm clock to wake me up in the morning. No fancy tricks: just set it (possibly even on a week's advance), select the sound/Mp3 to be played and be sure it rings up when the time is right. If you want to get luxurious, a snooze function initiated by any hardware button would be nice.
I used M.Toda's AlarmClock 0.04, but it seems to be impossible to select a specific sound or buzzing mode (it's always an ear-splitting MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!), nor to keep using the Wiz when the alarm is set.
[Update: following Pat12's advice (see below) I downloaded the latest AlarmClock version (ARM version) and it works smoothly. No Mp3 alarms yet, though]
2) MP3 PLAYER
Just the very basic player functions: play the whole folder, add Mp3 to playlist, previous/play/pause/next buttons and a Mute function. What's the problem, you say? Well, all the players I found either blocked the phone functions (a player going on auto-hold on incoming calls would be wonderful), or would keep the touchscreen always active, making it impossible to put the Wiz in a pocket while listening to music.
[Update: The current best candidate seems to be Tcpmp, although it lacks a full graphic interface (meaning Previous/Next song buttons)]
3) WARDRIVER
Yes, I know. But WiFiFoFum hasn't any user-friendly way to select which available AP to hook to. HitchHiker does, but any time I launched it after the first one it made the Wiz unstable. That was on a non-updated ROM, though... I admit I have to check it again... unless you suggest anything better.
4) LAUNCHBAR
Nonononono... no l33t, gigacustomizable stuff, please. I simply need a self-starting thingie to have the icons for the Office apps and maybe the latest X opened apps always on my Today screen. If you've seen the "green" UK ad campaign for WM5 - that's exactly what I'm looking for.
5) ANTITHEFT APP
[edited: the correct name happens to be EyeOnThief, see below]
I used to use LockOnThief, which supposedly sends tracking SMSs to a hidden number list whenever a non-approved SIM card is inserted in the device. Great. Just one more thing would make it perfect: the ability to remotely wipe the device via SMS.
I know this is an AKU2 trick, but I've got no Exchange server so I'd like a simpler approach. Do you know any solution encompassing both the tracking and the wiping functions?
And, by the way, has anyone of you actually field-tested LockOnThief tracking abilities?
6) WI-FI "G" ENABLER
I'd simply like to enable the 802.11g protocol on my Wizard. The problem is: the Djvw Wizard Optimizer 2 seems to make my Wiz unstable, and Registry Wizard crashes on start (yes, I installed the other Cab too). What other layman's solution would you suggest?
[Update: thanks to Meschle (see below) now there is an optimal Cab-tweak for enabling the protocol!]
To give a little contribution, I can only give my undivided suggestions for four softwares I fully endorse:
SCROLLING - You guessed right, it's Smartskey! [And not "softkeys" as per my initial post...]
PERSONAL INFO MANAGER - EWallet. Not a freeware, but great in the way it synchs up with its desktop counterpart.
GAMES - PpcAtaxx (a much more interesting variant on the Othello/Reversi theme which is perfect while commuting) and PocketScumm, to play the old LucasArts graphic adventures
Thank you in advance for your help, I'll really appreciate it!

Hi I'll answer a couple of those
For an alarm see 'Wizard reliable alarm project' WRAPhere http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=43692
where there is an english version of pocket wakeup
Enable 802.11G reg tweak
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMM\TNETWLN1\PARMS: dot11SupportedRateMask=1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMM\TNETWLN1\PARMS: dot11SupportedRateMaskG=8
All values are decimal

What does this green WM5 ad campaign look like? We yankees have been hearing all about it.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx
V

Can you provide a link for LockOnThief?

SCROLLING - You guessed right, it's Softkeys!
What is this? I'm having issues scrolling in PIE Plus since upgrading to AKU 2.3 and if this is an app i can try it may help. Do you happen to have a link to it?. TIA

Thanks for the first answers. Here are my first replies:
Meschle: I did check that thread, and it seems that Pocket Wakeup isn't very reliable at all... Also (but this is just an aside), the Italian translation of Pocket Wakeup was one of the worst apps I ever tried, totally borking the Wiz.
And about the registry tweak... I'm just a retarded farmgirl... no hacking tricks for me, please... I just can't believe there is no "download, run, forget" apps to enable the G protocol...
Mattucd & vijay555: Yup, that's it!
Romp: http://www.mycnknow.com/LockAppen.htm (My bad: the actual app name is EyeOnThief... I was confused by the actual filename)
Xandermac: Gah! I misquoted the name again! That would be Smartskey! I don't know if Smartskey will do anything for your problem, but it's right on this board, at http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=41060
Any more takers, please?

Alarm Clock: AlarmClockE is the only alarm clock software that is reliable for me, at least for the time being...(until it fails, like all the other I tried including Pocket WakeUp)
MP3 Player: TCMP, it does pause the song or video currently playing upon incoming phone calls

bubism said:
Thanks for the first answers. Here are my first replies:
Meschle: I did check that thread, and it seems that Pocket Wakeup isn't very reliable at all... Also (but this is just an aside), the Italian translation of Pocket Wakeup was one of the worst apps I ever tried, totally borking the Wiz.
And about the registry tweak... I'm just a retarded farmgirl...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try mobialarm 3.2 then - I find this reliable and like it because it plays wma's http://guillaume.tristant.free.fr/
btw are you really a farmgirl? :wink:

Meschle: I am actually quite a bit of an IT girl, but sometimes I'd much rather go back to the farm. Case in point: MobiAlarm. To witness:
Installation notes :
- Uncompress the ZIP file in any directory in your PocketPC
- Run the CAB file, it will install a "runtime"
- Run the file called "install.app", it will install MobiAlarm[/url]
MobiAlarm link is located in \Windows\Start Menu\ or \Windows\Menu Démarrer\
The program himself is installed in \Program Files\MobiAlarm\
WHY?!? Why, I ask, should anybody need TWO installations for one godawful simple ALARM CLOCK, forchrissakes? And why does it end up tucked in a forsaken folder, with no icon anywhere? How should I be supposed to remind myself to browse up the Wizard to find a lone file among hundreds... just to get awaken on time?!?
And the punchline? I followed this guy's installation instructions: the runtime went smoothly, and his app simply never appeared anywhere. (my two cents: it found localized foldernames and aborted without any warning message).
Pat12: AlarmClock does the trick!!! No chance to get it playing Mp3s, apparently, but the ARM flavour gets the fade-in working. Thanks!

bubism said:
Meschle: I am actually quite a bit of an IT girl, but sometimes I'd much rather go back to the farm. Case in point: MobiAlarm. To witness:
Installation notes :
- Uncompress the ZIP file in any directory in your PocketPC
- Run the CAB file, it will install a "runtime"
- Run the file called "install.app", it will install MobiAlarm[/url]
MobiAlarm link is located in \Windows\Start Menu\ or \Windows\Menu Démarrer\
The program himself is installed in \Program Files\MobiAlarm\
WHY?!? Why, I ask, should anybody need TWO installations for one godawful simple ALARM CLOCK, forchrissakes? And why does it end up tucked in a forsaken folder, with no icon anywhere? How should I be supposed to remind myself to browse up the Wizard to find a lone file among hundreds... just to get awaken on time?!?
And the punchline? I followed this guy's installation instructions: the runtime went smoothly, and his app simply never appeared anywhere. (my two cents: it found localized foldernames and aborted without any warning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL I gather you liked the program :lol:

bubism said:
And about the registry tweak... I'm just a retarded farmgirl... no hacking tricks for me, please... I just can't believe there is no "download, run, forget" apps to enable the G protocol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put together a wlan g registry tweak cab and also a wlan b tweak for anybody who wants to revert back to b mode.
Install to device and softreset after.

2) MP3 / video player:
TCPMP, www.tcpmp.org
I doubt better could be made

Thanks for the auto-tweak, meschle!
If only things were always so straightforward...
Kilrah: The link you provided ain't working, but I found this download page for other interested people: http://corecodec.org/frs/?group_id=53&release_id=224#r224 (the version you want is the "Windows Mobile Smartphone" one).
In fact Tcpmp is very close to perfect. I only found it strangely lacks Previous/Next buttons on the main screen... or is there a plugin or something to get it?

Just a little update to say I recently needed a tool to fix a storage card, and I was pointed to the non-free but very good SK Tools... yay for it!
By the way, any more suggestions for my initial search?

about TCMP, you are right:no next/prev button. But it's highly customizable and you can assign the otherwise useless softkeys to it. I did it and I can operate TCMP without getting the stylus out or using my greasy fingers on my clean screen

Well..I find it's much easier to have clean fingers
Just kidding. TCMP is a true gem.

Mortplayer is a pretty good free mp3 player. Also there is an alarm clock built in, so you can use ur mp3's to wake you up, and it's been pretty reliable for me. Good interface and not very processor intensive.
http://www.sto-helit.de/modules/edito/content.php?id=28

Thank you all! I'm treasuring your suggestions... and continuing my search for the remaining apps!

For launchbar try http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=42913
Look also http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=39725 for more registry tweaks.
Ciao

Slow Changing of Input Method?

Guys, I have a question.
I used to have an iPaq 6300 running WiMo 2003, when selecting input methods there is an arrow beside the input method you click on to bring up the menu that lets you choose between Keyboard, Block Recognizer, Transcriber or Letter Recognizer. This was instantaneous! The moment you press the arrow, the menu pops up and you can switch input methods instantly.
On my new Atom Exec though this is not the case. You have to press the input method icon first, which brings up the arrow, then click on the arrow, then wait like a minute before the menu pops up. What gives? Is this really how all WiMo5 devices work? Is this a problem with WiMo5 or with the Atom Exec in particular?
It is annoying because it makes it harder to switch between input methods. Could someone tell me the score on this?
Thanks,

My bad, I fiddled around with the Atom a bit more and fixed the problem by doing a Hard Reset. Now I set the PPC back up to how I like it and it's working flawlessly.

Hmm after some time the problem seems to be back. It looks like the phone bogs down with stuff after a while, causing this problem. I don't feel like reformatting, does anyone have a fix, or a program that cleans up and optimizes your PPC?

this is an issue of WM5.

It also happens to WM6. The more applications you installed, the slower it will get (not sure what kind of application though). Well, Atom Life has 1GB of ROM. Of course people will start installing a lot of applications.
Anyway, I read somewhere in the forum stating that if you have more than 10 today plugin installed, the SIP will take a some time to appear. The plugins don't necessary be active. I mean, the ones not active are also counted. I have not confirmed this yet though.

I have more than 40 programs installed in my atom. It didn't slow down that much (only 5 to 10%) but what I usually do is to backup everything first before I install anything. At the first sign of speed reduction or bugs, I just do a restore. I have more than 15 today plug-ins both active and inactive. However, one thing I noticed is that it is better if you install your non-essentials to your sd card. It doesn't matter if you do a hard reset, they will still be there and if you use a tray launcher or clauncher, you can configure the icons to reappear even if you do not re-install them. This way, you reduce the clutter in your main memory and at the same time save you the trouble of re-installing. The reconfiguration of the executable icon will take some time but it is still faster than re-installing 30+ programs. It is important though to maintain a storage of no less than 17MB. Once you go below this, you will really see the reduction in speed and will be pissed off with your PPC. By the way, do not use Opera or any modified IE (tab browsing and downloading. by the way, Opera is good with downloading but sucks in handling your PPC's memory) while doing something else with your PPC. It will really really slow down your PPC.

i posted this same thread sometime ago, but there was no solution. At last i discover the culprit. I see the difference in speed when i install Embedded Windows VB Runtimes. regardless whether i install it in the memory card or the main memory.

Got this info from another site, it really works.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
make WM5 SIP faster (加快輸入法) (not a joke)
X51V ENG A12 + Ce-Star 2.8R2A + Monster SIP + MS IME for JAP works well.
But I am not very sure "every WM5 PPC" works well, too.
After installing a lot of softwares, WM5 SIP becomes slow.
You can make it fast again.
1. install resco explorer 5.42 and resco registry at \Device
2. use resco registry to export the registry of
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID
to a file (like CLSID.reg) at PPC, or SD, or CF
donnot edit or modify CLSID.reg
3. use resco registry to delete CLSID
4. use resco explorer to execute CLSID.reg to import the registry CLSID back
5. turn off PPC, soft reset
It is amazing like magic.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Weird... it really works. Everything back to normal. Menu is displayed instantly after tapping on the list button.
I'm using Atom Life WM6, so this mean that it also works for WM6.

Urk Double Post

Aha! O2's proprietary software is a bunch of Today plugins! That may be the culprit. I noticed the a while later though after the O2 software was installed.
I have no perceptible slowdown on the Exec other than the input method switching. I just need to fix that!
My main memory is about 85% free (83.6MB) and yes I do install all the non-essentials to the SD card.
MightyOx I'll try your method hopefully this fixes this issue. While "upgrading" to WM5 I thought it would be a completely better experience, but I'm finding WM5 has issues and that quite a few things were done better in WM2K3 (like the SIP switching speed) or how about creating a new SMS message in WM2K3 you only needed 2 taps here in WM5 you need 3. *roll eyes* sometimes I wonder what developers are thinking when they take steps backwards like this.
On the other hand I love being able to rotate the screen, and Voice Command 1.6 was totally worth it.

Mochan said:
Aha! O2's proprietary software is a bunch of Today plugins! That may be the culprit. I noticed the a while later though after the O2 software was installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not O2's software. It just happen to be the next software you've installed before the problem show itself. It can be any software. As I said in my previous post, it will happen after you've installed a certain number of software. I think it is WM5 and WM6 related.
Anyway, the workaround is already posted. So, I have no more complain about this problem.

Yeah, looks like it's not. I tried Mightyox's method, THANK YOU SIR my Atom is running fine again. It's like once you pile over some registry entries over the CLSID directory, it takes time to get it. So the solution is to delete the registry key and "re-enter" it so it goes back on top. Very strange but if it works then more power.

Tried it on my flame...Wow...works like a charm