Related
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
I am sorry that the title is so general but I really do need lots of help with my wizard and don't know where to start.
I have had the thing since xmas and have not used it for a single day ! it was an impulse buy and probably a mistake. I realise that now but I'm stuck with a 12 month contract so might as well try and use it.:roll:
I work a 12 hour day and simply do not have the time to experiment and play with it. I need someone who has considerable experience with the o2 mini s and is able to explain how to set it up properly and use it effectively and has both the ability and patience to explain it to me. I am happy to pay for this as I see it like any other service which we pay for. I do not expect help for nothing.
Is there anyone prepared to help me with this ?
first I would like to know how I can change and improve my desktop.
second I would like to know how I install TomTom
thanks
Nick
peanut
Long yawn answered with enthusiasm
Firstly I have an xdaII + 2i and i'm pretty good with pc's, but there are some glaring holes in my knowledge.
My brother has the phone you have, and on his I have installed ttn5 and stripped the rom back so that the phone works much faster.
There's an awful lot of reading for you to do, so seen as i can prob not help much on this forum i'd be glad to help customise and suggest tools and s/w for your ppc up for you so that you'll find it at least fun and maybe use it.
I am currently on my 4th iteration of a Pocket PC phone. I started out way back with an Ipaq 3650 with a softphone, migrated to the 1st T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone (Wallaby, XDA, ect.), spent a year with the Ipaq H6315, and have now been using the new T-Mobile MDA USA (Wizard).
When I had the original XDA (Wallaby), got lured into the "Fix it 'til it breaks" addiction by this site. The "ROM Kitchen" was just too inticing to resist. That first generation platform in its factory state left much to be desired and the enhancements created by this forum and it's members greatly improved the user expierience of those devices.
Now that I have skipped the XDA II, III, and IV devices and all of the jargin associated with these newer generations of this platform and are now using the Wizard, I find myself relegated back to "Noowbie" status with regard to my knowledge of how, when, & why to upgrade my new device.
The usefulness of this forum and the many contributions of its members have contributed to the dificulty in extracting the information one may be looking for. There is simply so much information here to sift through.
I too find it hard to find the time required to assimilate all of the data here.
My device is in it's stock configuration with the exception that I have run the Lockwiz unlocking program. Until I can get my head around what these varius other rom images will do for me, I am going to use the device as it is now, which is a quantum leap in usability compared to the other devices I have been using for the past 4 years.
It probably already exists, ( although burried in countless 30 page threads) but perhaps a sticky Noowbie section that will help us that are time challanged so that we can someday increase our usefulness to this forum.
:idea:
A problem with your question about your desktop is there is more than one answer.
My answer is to use:
*Wisbar Advanced
--Close apps (you can define exceptions)
--Define a top bar theme
--Define top bar buttons and multiple actions for each
--Show running task icons on top bar
*Wisbar Advanced Desktop plugin
--Define multiple "virtual" taoday screens
--Place shortcuts, buttons and even links to place a phone call on any desktop
--More themes
--Pin items that can be available on all virtual pages
*Pocket Breeze
--A great way to see all PIM items (calendar, task, etc).
--Allows other today plugins to be used in tabs
*Pocket Weather as a tab in Pocket Breeze
*Pocket Alarm
--This does lots of things in addition to phone profiles and includes a today plugin
*SPB Backup and its today plugin
*The SearchToday plugin borrowed from the Treo 700
There is just so much you can do and it has taken quite a while to evolve to this for me. And sometimes I change it
To get the most out of it, you will just need to budget some time.
Wow thanks for the replies everyone.
Phoneguy glad to see that I am not the only one with insufficient time to assimilate all this new technology. So much & so little time ...
Thank you for your offers of help. Perhaps I should make a list of what I would like to do with the mini s and start from there. I'll do that tonight. Perhaps any readers would make some suggestions as to what I can do to make the ppc a more friendly interface
Greetings everybody!
This project started as a simple test to write a today screen plug-in. The first version did nothing but show date and time updated every second. It had no options and in my opinion was useless.
Then I found out about the new AKU2 ROM and that there were a lot of people out there who really didn't like the changes made to today screen.
So I decided to continue with the project, and now it has evolved so even the title of the thread isn't very suitable any more. I keep it so people can recognize the thread.
Here's what this plug-in has to offer:
• Show date on today screen in one line, like in older ROMs.
• Show clock on taskbar in today screen (with / with out AM / PM).*
• Show date in taskbar*
• Options to control what appears in today screen: long / short date, time, seconds.
• 4 different alignment options.
• Custom font size for plug-in.
• Shows alarm icon, even on WM2003 devices.
• Option to blink the taskbar clock at user set intervals.*
• Option to turn of selectability.
• Windows Mobile 6 compatible
• Internet time synchronization (manual only)
*The plug-in does not effect system displayed taskbar clock if it exists, instead it puts it's own clock covering some icons. It can do so in today screen and all programs. The covered icons can still be accessed by taping on their location (the clock is 'click transparent')
NOTE: Before updating the plug-in, disable old version and then uninstall it. This will insure new file and settings will take effect. It is also recommended to preform soft reset.
DISCLAIMER: This program comes free but with no warranty, or even a guarantee that it will work. I take no responsibility for any damage that might incur from using this program.
PLEASE NOTE: The download is just below this message, but you must be logged in to see it.
LATEST VERSION: 0.2.1 published on 12/1/2008
One minor bug fix: my leap year calculation was off so the internet time sync was a day back. This is now fixed.
Download the app: View attachment LVMTime.CAB
Want to know how it works? Get the source code: View attachment 65697
Side note: It seems that the pole was reopened (probably because of forum format change. 33 people voted for "something else" but I have not received a single suggestion. "see post" means that if you vote for "something else" you must add a post with a suggestion - or I'll have to hunt you down for it! (Just kidding - not time as it is).
very nice
I'm about to commission something like this myself (plans from a month back or so - hope you don't mind)... here's one thing I noticed immediately; the font size doesn't respect the system font size. So if your today text is all "smaller" or "small", your item will still display as "normal".
Hi ZeBoxx!
I'm about to commission something like this myself (plans from a month back or so - hope you don't mind)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said this is just something I did as a test so be my guest, in fact if you want, I can send you the code, it's really basic but a good starting point.
the font size doesn't respect the system font size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I just create the font once in a global var. If someone will be kind enough to point me toward the right registry key, I'll be happy to correct this.
Also I'm pretty sure that clock.exe has a command line parameter that forces it to open on the time tab instead of the last tab accessed (when you launch it from the clock / run menu), I've tried several options but none of them worked. Does any one know what the parameter is?
Hi Levenum,
nice if you could send me the code too.
Thinking to implement some options, that might be usefull.
- Show/hide date
- Show/hide seconds
- Left/right justify
Seems to be the best alternative, for lack of clock in Today screen with new WM5.0 ROMs.
At least until someone cames with a proper hack!
Code sent via email.
levenum said:
Code sent via email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send the code also to me? Would be nice. Thanx
Thanks levenum
I think this good and can be further enhanced.
1. Clock to be sensitive to the h:mm:ss tt setting so we can alter the format and option to turn seconds on/off
2. Date format to be sensitive too to the format set
3. I think I would prefer the time to be right justified as this would appear neater.
I think this project could be a real goer as many have complained with the new wm5 roms and two lines date and time take.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks levenum
I think this good and can be further enhanced.
1. Clock to be sensitive to the h:mm:ss tt setting so we can alter the format and option to turn seconds on/off
2. Date format to be sensitive too to the format set
3. I think I would prefer the time to be right justified as this would appear neater.
I think this project could be a real goer as many have complained with the new wm5 roms and two lines date and time take.
Keep up the good work!
Hello everybody!
I am actually a bit overwhelmed by the warm response and the amount of downloads in such a short period of time.
Since I don't have access to a WM 5 device with the current ROMs you mentioned here I had no idea there was a problem with the date on today screen.
Regarding adding the formatting options: I thought of that, but unfortunately I have next to no time to devote to this project (I didn't actually expect it to become a project) so since I need to do a search for the registry keys (or maybe there are API functions) that contain the date and time format I am not likely to incorporate them any time soon. Of course if someone wants to help by posting the relevant info or link to it, that might speed things alone.
If anyone out there wants to just take my code and add the options them selves like Conchas you are welcome to post the results right here.
Also, the code requests keep coming in. I didn't post the project here because I thought it will be a waste of disk space (it's just a basic outline for a plug-in) but if the requests keep coming I will post it here rather then sending it every time.
P.S.:
I found this forum very helpful, and am glad to give a little something back to the community, although I am sure a monetary donation would have been more appreciated by the site administration. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
I want the code also.Thanks a lot
Hey good jb, I have downloaded, but not installed.
I suggested to SPB to get a hurry up with their WM5 release of SPB Time, and have heard that it has gone into Beta, probably for this reason.
will have a look and provide feedback. Without looking, some good features that people have indicated a need for in clock feature on other forums are:
1. Alarm clock system that works
2. Floating screen saver for clock
3. Stop watch and lap counters
PS I am sure donations will flow with a commitment to add in and make your own features enhanced.
When I looked, there was 66 downloads. If we offered say $10 (AUS) or similar for a full featured application, you would have had $660, and its ony just been posted. by the end of next week, it will have been downloaded thousands of times.
xdaIIse: I am posting the code a the head of the thread.
simon_darley: You misunderstood me: I am not asking for donations to my self. What I meant was that this site could use a donation more than my plug-in posted. It was just a little joke.
As for SPB, I saw some of their plug-ins, and there's not much chance I will be able to compete with them though I decided to add some options soon.
I was only dropping a hint that you could make money out of it, and gain further development experience at a profit... ,)
I just downloaded -- will be great as a quick intro to writing today plugins -- thanks!
I'm also really interested, because I'd like to have a single-line Day, Date, Time option for my Today screen -- but NOT the 2-line silliness that WM5 makes you use -- that just takes up too much space!
I have the date and time on my task/title bar with Wisbar, but there's no room up there for it to say "Saturday" (or any other day for that matter!). So I've been pondering a nice slim Today add-in that can format the day, date, time exactly as I'd like. I'd also like to experiment with options to make it skinnable, transparent, obey/ignore the system fonts, date formats, etc.
Thanks...I'll take a look at this soon...
Hey, could some one post here or pm me a screen shot of the problematic date plug-in. All this talk got me curios. I worked with WM 5 devices but they had a standard date display like WM 2003.
levenum said:
Hey, could some one post here or pm me a screen shot of the problematic date plug-in. All this talk got me curios. I worked with WM 5 devices but they had a standard date display like WM 2003.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only with the new ROMs (AKU2 ROMs)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=44662
Thanks Ze!
It looks to me like MS is heading towards making PPCs look like regular cell phones with this new OS. First there were the soft keys that took the place of the menu/toolbar. (I didn't understand the design until I saw a phone edition device that had hardware equivalents) now it’s the little white battery meter.
What's next?
Full screen incoming call notification…
Problem is, unless you use a full taskbar skinner like Wisbar, you don't have much control over the fact that the day/date displays as two lines (I think changing the global date formats might have an effect but I'm not positive - and that SHOULDN'T be the only way to affect this display!).
Take a look at this clock plugin: TodayTime
Perhaps it does what you want. Dunno about the spanish though...
Cheers
So I just got my Mogul, and trying to find software for it is really annoying. no list of programs with screen shots, each program type has about 40 different homebrewed versions, most of the stuff doesn;t have a lonk to download anything, no homepage reference so you don't know if you're downloaded a version 4 versions older than the current, piss poor instructions on howw to actually use it, etc.
Is there an actual list of software links, that is updated with the most recent verion, of sotware for this phone? For example, I'm interested in adding that "Cube" menuing system, and doing a Google search returns 50 different versions of 20 different pieces of software linking to pages with older versions of the software that doesn't even work.
Is there a commonly accepted "best" cube type mening system out there? how about a commonly accepted "best" iPhone like interface?
emkorial said:
So I just got my Mogul, and trying to find software for it is really annoying. no list of programs with screen shots, each program type has about 40 different homebrewed versions, most of the stuff doesn;t have a lonk to download anything, no homepage reference so you don't know if you're downloaded a version 4 versions older than the current, piss poor instructions on howw to actually use it, etc.
Is there an actual list of software links, that is updated with the most recent verion, of sotware for this phone? For example, I'm interested in adding that "Cube" menuing system, and doing a Google search returns 50 different versions of 20 different pieces of software linking to pages with older versions of the software that doesn't even work.
Is there a commonly accepted "best" cube type mening system out there? how about a commonly accepted "best" iPhone like interface?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, there are literally THOUSANDS of programs that work on the Titan. It doesnt take a lot of work searching to find programs that are awesome. Try using the search feature of this website or ppcgeeks to find what you need instead of asking someone to deliver it to you.
Searching is your best answer. Making a list of the most currnet builds out there (some of which the most current isn't the "best") of software out there would be obselete in a months time. I've got the best results with trial and error in finding what works with my setup (hardware, rom and radio).
Thousands? I've downloaded about 20, and TWO work. the rest do NOTHING, due to obscure compatability problems, some random patch being required that no one seems to have, or it just flat out won't work, period. It;s incredibly frustrating.
Most have said it. You need to do your own research and on top of that what's good for you may not be good for someone else. In a way this is the fun part - the searching for the good stuff. Also, I take much advise from the experts on this and other forums.
In any case, you can't *****. The source of this software is coming from thousands of people/companies. Some write something good and just dump it on a server for others to download and offer little to no documentation. BUT... you pay nothing in many cases (can't ***** there). ANd it's almost always "run at your own risk!".
Want something stable, documented, and supported by a company... stay stock (OEM). Wait... my stock software was not stable, not well documented, and hardly supported (Sprint). As a matter of fact an alpha ROM I am running now is much better than the OEM software that the phone came with.
Willing alpha and beta tester,
tsp
Mogul w/ 6.1, 3.16, 3.27, 60711, NexVision Alpha ROM.
YMMV
make sure you are downloading ppc applications and not smartphone ones, and that you are downloading applications for WM6. If the app doesn't work then search the forums to see what other peoples experience is with that program.
while some of the responses here have been a little abrupt, you need to understand that your request is literally impossible. Nobody could possibly compile of a list of all the software that can run on the mogul.
Here are some things to try, though:
Search the forums for "best programs" and such things
Download different windows mobile apps and try them -- I've rarely found any that don't work.
Figure out what functionality you're looking for, and search specifically for that.
At the very least, if you want to post a query such as this one, you need to specify what exactly you're looking for. Our friend above wasn't exagerating when he said that there are thousands of apps that run on the mogul. If you're new to windows mobile, it'll take some getting used to. Be patient and read a lot. you'll figure it out.
Most people on this board are happy to help you with problems, but they do expect that you exert some energy on your own. If they feel like you haven't, they get touchy.
This thread might become a little more useful for you if you were to say what you are looking for (for example, if you're looking for a good program for maps and such that uses a data connection, I recommend Google Maps (visit http://m.google.com from your mobile phone)
Hope this helps, and good luck!
id say VITO SMS CHAT v1.0.1 is almost a must have if u text alot and have a stock ROM...most the custom ROMS have some form of threaded SMS added for u...but stock ROMS dont and this is a very nice program...i dont use this site much, but im on ppcgeeks 24/7 and i know we have a thread about it there...
also if ur looking for a nice web browser check out netfront browser 3.5 is pretty quick and it loads full websites not just the mobile version...and if u use myspace it actually loads the persons page background...its in beta now till may 31st, but if u search hard enough u can find ANY ppc program for free
I tried searching for a while now. After a failed ROM update I lost all my apps so I am re-customizing everything. How do you change the Title on the Home page? Right now it says: 'TELUS' but that's a little tacky. Can someone guide me to the right post?
Titan Apps
I have quite a few apps that I have been collecting would be happy to contribute to the list let me know...also in the development and hacking section there is a huge list of HTC apps that are pretty much always a go on the Titan.
I am new to this site.. I have a moguel.. and I would love to know what programs u have..please contact me at [email protected] with the info..please and thank u.
marriotheblackguy said:
I have quite a few apps that I have been collecting would be happy to contribute to the list let me know...also in the development and hacking section there is a huge list of HTC apps that are pretty much always a go on the Titan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm a noob as well but i read a bunch.thing is there are terms and titles that make reading these threads as bad as reading the bible at times.i tried a bunch of stuff since i had my mogul.i removed a bunch of stuff as well.but right now i use spb mobile shell,pocket plus,fun contact,s2play,s2u2,weather panel<-------- wich is cool as hell but takes a bunch of tweaking imo to get to run right.(still haven't got my radar images right)gpstoday,thumbcal,and a bunch of games.i'm not an expert by far but i know these apps work fine on my device.
this is pretty confusing but this is the index i use to keep track of all the apps that both work and are user-friendly(to an extent).
its kind of hard to understand of you havent written it but what ever
if you have any questions feel free to ask.
EDIT:btw i have all of these stored. (as in .cabs, .exes....)
KEY
--------
X = Located in Backup
O = Must retrive
-----------------------------
ON DISK BUT HAVEN'T INSTALLED
-----------------------------
--------
PROGRAMS
---------
O-PDAMedia SIP Keyboard Light v1.0 - Full Screen Keyboard
X-An Original Idea.com Webby - Alternate Internet Browser
O-TCPMP AAC Plugin - Enables AAC PLayback capabilities for TCPMP
O-TCPMP - Alternate Media Player
A_C Slide2Unlock
X-TNT Task Manager 2_0_30487_2 - Task Manager in Tray
X-The EquinoXe Wizard reTOUCHed - New Phone Keypad
X-PHM Registry Editor
X-CodyPPC Threaded SMS
X-Picsel Browser
X-Windows .NET FRAMEWORK
X-Adobe Flash Lite 2.1
X-TouchFlo
X-TOUCHFLOCONFIG.TXT
X-Slither's Cube
------------
EXECUTABLES
------------
X-LAUNCHER - iPhone Emulator
X-REQUIRES CONFIG.INI
X-REQUIRES GFX.FOLDER
X-PPCPimBackUp
X-REQUIRES PIM.FOLDER
X-Where is my Ram?
-----------------
WMDC EXECTUTABLES
-----------------
X-Christmas Runner Lite
X-Chess v2.0
X-Gnuboy-GameBoyColor Emulator
X-Pokemon Crystal ROM
----------
THEMES
----------
X-wm6t-waterandfire.tsk - Lighter with Water
X-wm6t-stargateprometheus.tsk - The Prometheus -> Stargate
By the way, the cube isn't all its made out to be. TouchFLO is worth it, but I find myself constantly bringing up the cube on accident, not to mention that its stays in the background after launching. (eating up 8-9% of memory) It's nice to play with, and its great for showing off the capabilities of the phone but in the end, for me, it just wasn't worth it.
Then again, to each their own. Truly, TRY programs out. People like different things so you can't always trust a stranger to give you accurate advice.
I was once a "noob," having switched from Palm to come over to the "dark side" (remind me of the Mac vs PC thing). I have the VZW XV6800 with DCD's 2.3.2 rom onboard. I have thrashed and trashed my poor PPC many times before getting it stable the way I want. I have the following recommendations to all "noobs" who want to see "what works and what doesn't."
1) Don't fear the hard reset. If things go completely screwy, simply start from scratch. I store all my cab files on the card for this purpose. BTW, I have never needed to call Verizon after a hard reset. I simply *228 to program the SPL and "everyting is irie mon."
2) Make every effort to find the answer yourself before posting a question anywhere. You are likely not the first person to have whatever problem you think you have. To coin a phrase, "the truth is out there." If you don't have the time to search for the answer, you probably shouldn't be putsing (a technical term) with your phone. Check here and over at PPCGeeks.
3) Figure out which base application you cannot live without. ake sure that each works with the other by soft resetting after each install and working the phone a bit before loading another. My base for instance is: SPB Mobile Shell 2; PhoneWeaver; WisBar Advance; Live Search; Google Maps; Opera Mini 4; Resco Backup; Resco file Explorer; and SK Tools. I know they work well, and work together. I always load these first after a hard reset.
4) Get a good backup program (Sprite, SPB Backup, Resco), and use it daily or at least before each new testing round.
5) Backup your registry and save the backup in a safe place (card) in case.
6) Test new applications one at a time, with soft reset after each installation. Do not load another new app, until you are sure that you're happy with the previoous one or have fully uninstalled it.
7) Have fun! Be happy! Don't forget that it's just a damned phone with benefits.
those are some nice tips for someone who is new jgilfor. do you mind if i quoted you in my sig or something? (pm me)
warez i use
After going through this thread, i decided to add the apps i run to my sig. When i get home i'll add some more.
I don't know if it's a good idea or not but maybe i could throw up a page with links to the software? Unless i can upload them all here.
What do you vets think?
It's probably a better request to ask for the programs that each person uses. That's more useful than trying to get a list of every single program out there. With a program name and some patience, then you should be able to find the right install file. If not, then this phone was probably not meant for you, sorry. =( Maybe a Nokia? lol, j/k!
Anyways, I like GhettoBSD's idea! I keep a list of programs that I use so that I know what to reinstall after a ROM flash:
Nilisco Flashlight
HTC Voice Recorder
HTC Home and emunutz HTC Home Customizer
HTC Audio Manager
Skunkworks FlashVideoBundle and TCPMP
Lordsmiff Battery Level
Jorrit Jongma WMWifiRouter
JRebeiro EsmertecJbed and Opera Mini
Stroths-Codyppc Led Killer 3.1
Oxios Memory
CooTek Cooperation Touchpal
GoogleMaps
PPCpimBackup
TomCo Solutions Stopwatch
Do you have a link for the HTC voice recorder that works with Mogul, I tried some but are not working. Cab installs the application, but when trying to record, always get an empty fie of 6b. No matter how long I record always have an empty file named voice00x with size of 6b. Or whay Im doing wrong? I installed the same file in a tytn and works perfect.
Here is what i use
Opera mini (great little browser)
DinarSoft MemMaid ( cleans out junk and temp/ frees memory too)
DinarSoft Handyswitcher (awesome taskbar app with cpu /memory usage that can be on top toolbar in every ap)
Shape Services IM+ ( great instant messanging app )
PPC geeks battery and performance reg hack
acbPowerMeter ( shows how much power apps consume, good for measuring 3g versus no internet use )
Blue Frog Touch Dialer, (htc diamond style dialer , skinable , bigger button layout very cool )
Led Killer 3.1 ( disables annoying flashing green service led )
HTC home plugin schen 2.10 ( nice gui mod, for weather and apps)
Youtubeplay
Total Commander
lokmeup IE Slow Scroll Fix
Google maps
Cloudyfa EsmertecJbed ( java)
PocketCM keyboard
RARLab pocket rar
Sipchange ( change keyboard tool )
someguy sMMS ( adds ability to send picture sms , providing you get your key from the sprint website)
PocketIRC ( mirc application)
Oxios memory ( free tool to free up unused memory)
TRE Pocket PC (free registry editor)
Windows Mobile Application Index
GUI's
A 'GUI' is a graphic user interface. Many of us that own windows mobile phones, have found out that the Microsoft forgot that their operating system would be running on phones, and somehow thought that we'd have the time to whip out our stylus's, and take 5 minutes just to place a call, or send a text message. These programs are visually appealing, and finger friendly.
SBP Mobile Shell 2.1
Price: 29.99 (14 Day Trial)
Pointui Home 1.51a
Price: Free
iFonz 0.9.9
Price: Free
FreeStyl
Price: Free
Gsmart
Price: Free
Contacts
One of the most well know problems with Windows Mobile, is the contact interface. If you have more than about 9 contacts, you're going to have to scroll. The scroll bar is very small, and hardly finger friendly. For some reason, Microsoft didn't incorporate grab and scroll, so placing a call is difficult.
iContact 0.73
Price: Free
PocketCM 0.23
Price: Free
Today
The today screen can be easily modified to fit your needs, if you now what you need. (The today screen is like your desktop, it's the screen with the clock)
(As you can see, I'm working on it right now, Just saving my progress in between)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=398571
That's very nice.
I read that too.
Does it have any relevance to my topic?
If u read it then why didnt u post your questions in relevant thread!
This is not a question. I'm compiling an index of some of my favorite programs that I use/ have used.
It's meant to make finding good information faster.
Maybe you should read before posting.
now i understand......you r CONTRIBUTING!
You think anyone needs list of some of your favorite programs ? Why post this in Development and Hacking forum ?
The development and hacking forum is where most new applications are located at. Currently, there is no index. New users to Windows Mobile might find it helpful.
At least, I would have. I've used a few hundred programs. I know what works, and what doesn't, for the most part.
Edit: Also, a lot of skin threads are up, without the actual program download. Now they can find the program to use the skin with?
Well some screenshots/explanation of the programs in your index would definitely make this more like a contribution.
I know each and every single program you posted, but if you want to help a noobie with your index, the information is certainly not enough.
Just my 2 cents.
Yeah, No Problem. I can include screenshots, and info.
Any chance of this being stickied?
Well its pretty much useless the way it is now...
Post some nice screenshots and write deep reviews bout each and every application with it pro's and con's and it be all good and stickied
Alright, will do.
I gotta finish this sometime.
Lol.
Actually I found this useful; I didn't know about the other two interfaces that are less known and already tried point, and looked into mobile shell.