Hi all,
Ive just upgraded from a universal so greetings to you all. What a big difference this machine is, That screen is simply awesome. I'm not a noob to flashing and unlocking, and a big believer in the search and donate button so no problems there, my only questions are more of a choice nature. the first one is does anyone have an opinion on carrying the thing, my universal had a belt loop on the case and it hung on my side no problems. Ive yet to see one for the Athena. my other question is, my machine is a T-mobile Ameo with a very plain WM6 ROM on it, is there a ROM that you can suggest that is better looking and has better features on it? Ive found a few on this site but experience is worth a lot. The universal has numerous Roms on WM6 for it, but not many were without bugs, and its memory had its limits. It is still a very capable machine. Many thanks
Take care
Jay
I use this case and it works very well for me. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=355416 but others have chosen different ones with equal satisfaction.
I think you'll be spoilt for choice when come to ROM. PK is also working on a much anticipated PK4 due sometimes these few weeks. If you're into switching ROM, no harm just researching on unlocking your phone first for the time being. Immediately even without switching ROM you could already make giant step improvements on how it looks and works by installing the right software for it, such as wktask, realVGA, etc, while waiting. There is also the option of wm6.1 while waiting....
Memory limit will always be there (at least it is for me), so I install everything out of the device memory unless the program forces me to install it on the device. I also tend to do the same if the program is a today plugin, in order to speed up the soft reset procedure. Sometimes, even if a program is installed on say a microdrive, it would still place something into the device memory. Doing that, I have just less than 20 MB left in my RAM at the moment. However, I'm probably not a typical user, with close to 70 installed program on my device, and 30 more which just sit in the microdrive, ready to be installed if I need them occassionally.
As for bugs, I don't encounter too many, but you got to by experience weed out those applications which gives problems. Generally, the problems are with the applications rather than the device or the ROM.
Hope this helps.
responderman said:
Hi all,
Ive just upgraded from a universal so greetings to you all. What a big difference this machine is, That screen is simply awesome. I'm not a noob to flashing and unlocking, and a big believer in the search and donate button so no problems there, my only questions are more of a choice nature. the first one is does anyone have an opinion on carrying the thing, my universal had a belt loop on the case and it hung on my side no problems. Ive yet to see one for the Athena. my other question is, my machine is a T-mobile Ameo with a very plain WM6 ROM on it, is there a ROM that you can suggest that is better looking and has better features on it? Ive found a few on this site but experience is worth a lot. The universal has numerous Roms on WM6 for it, but not many were without bugs, and its memory had its limits. It is still a very capable machine. Many thanks
Take care
Jay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome! You'll find that this is a generally congenial group at least most of the time, with a wealth of knowledge.
As to ROMs, I have to say PK3 Dual works very nicely until we get the next version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=346221
I particularly like RealVGA which is integrated into the ROM, running at 192 dpi. Gives you the advantages of the big screen but at a reasonable size. Note, if you are under 30 you can probably ignore this last advice!
Agan, there's lots of info on these boards but takes a lot of sleuthing! When in doubt, just ask. But start with, "I know this may have been answered already..." Then you are less likely to endure the flames that "certain people" seem to enjoy. Good luck!!
Thanks
Hi again
Well thanks for the heads up on the rom and the case, the PK 3.0 rom looks much better than the drab T-mobile one so I shall give it a go. The unlock tool worked well and followed to the letter had no supprises for me. Not sure about the £1.000.000 donation though Oli. I now have the start for a bit of experimenting. The case is the style I needed but how hard wearing is the neopreen?
Take care
Jay
responderman said:
Hi again
Well thanks for the heads up on the rom and the case, the PK 3.0 rom looks much better than the drab T-mobile one so I shall give it a go. The unlock tool worked well and followed to the letter had no supprises for me. Not sure about the £1.000.000 donation though Oli. I now have the start for a bit of experimenting. The case is the style I needed but how hard wearing is the neopreen?
Take care
Jay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you a do it your self kinda of guy, then maybe you can go this route... i attached some pic of what i did to the standard case so i could put in on my belt
OH if you looking for some cool apps hit up these two links
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=369281
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=364366
I just got my Touch HD this week and so far am really enjoying it. I was sceptical about getting it due to disliking the TyTnII, but everything seems to run great in comparison so far.
I am still fairly new to WM and so learning the ropes ATM. Both my biggest criticism and greatest positive of WM is that there is so much software available. This does seem to pose a problem though, in that it is a complete lottery as to where to find it, what some of it does and if it will work with your specific device! I'm trying to find out what 'must haves' everyone else is using but it is proving difficult a bit of a mine field.
Now that we have the HD, we also have the problem of whether it is compatible with that huge screen!. Can people post what software they use and perhaps a brief explanation of what it does and how it helps/betters the standard/non existent software? This might be really useful for n00bs like me to refer to when they get their device. I know it can be fun installing random stuff for a while, but it can also become tiring when stuff doesn't do what you need! I did look in the Programs/Utilites & Games ~ working on the Touch HD ...which is great, but if you don't know what stuff does, how do you know you need/want it?!
I've not installed much yet but here are a few useful ones...
Total Commander - Better file manager.
CorePlayer - Playing divx etc videos.
Sprite Backup - Backup.
PocketScreen - Take screenshots.
Weather Database Editor - Had to install this to add the town I live in as it's not in the default list (requires .NET compact framework 3.5 available from MS).
supersquash said:
I just got my Touch HD this week and so far am really enjoying it. I was sceptical about getting it due to disliking the TyTnII, but everything seems to run great in comparison so far.
I am still fairly new to WM and so learning the ropes ATM. Both my biggest criticism and greatest positive of WM is that there is so much software available. This does seem to pose a problem though, in that it is a complete lottery as to where to find it, what some of it does and if it will work with your specific device! I'm trying to find out what 'must haves' everyone else is using but it is proving difficult a bit of a mine field.
Now that we have the HD, we also have the problem of whether it is compatible with that huge screen!. Can people post what software they use and perhaps a brief explanation of what it does and how it helps/betters the standard/non existent software? This might be really useful for n00bs like me to refer to when they get their device. I know it can be fun installing random stuff for a while, but it can also become tiring when stuff doesn't do what you need! I did look in the Programs/Utilites & Games ~ working on the Touch HD ...which is great, but if you don't know what stuff does, how do you know you need/want it?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides the topic you mention above, there are also topics:-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=444814
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445543
Beards
Thanks so far guys. Thanks in particular for the other threads. Even with said threads, it is still a mine field IMO.
Long post - To help you understand where I am coming from and my situation to better assess what I'm looking for
I've read pretty much all the stickies, and the newbie section regarding questions but I didn't really get answers. Though I did learn a lot, but I'm still a little confused. I find some threads messy, in terms of instructions, and descriptions. Not forgetting the existance of compilation threads. Of course, kudos to everyone here for making awesome apps and roms.
I'm a student from Singapore, and I finally got my dream phone, which is the X1, my first smartphone, from a friend. Barely a few months old and still under warranty. So I'm pretty much a newbie in terms of smartphones, firmware, apps and all that. Been using it for about a month now, got a few minor scratches from wear and tear so it's no biggy, but the keyboards a lil faded, peeled. I'm not sure how to describe it, some letters are just a blob without the 'paint' on to denote it, and the slide-up screen's a little loose.
I started off getting apps like PockeTwit for Twittering to play around. Then I stumbled upon XDA forums. I started off 'boosting' my phone's capabilities with TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, R3A Camera Update, SRS WOW sound thingy. Probably the same way you would do to a PC with certain OC programs and whatnot. Then I installed that Manilla program thing, and now my UI's pretty much like a HTC. Which is awesome might I add. A little laggy, may not be perfect, but it's still great. Thereafter I found out about firmware, WinMo 6.5, issues with it, custom ROMs. Read about how to flash, break it down before flashing custom ROMs into it, which is easy actually. I'm deciding between the Touch-It ROM and the SE-X1 xPERT one because it already has all the goodies in it. More inclined to Barebone one even, then later installing the goodies I want.
I'm looking for one that would look great, with minimal lag, with all the goodies to help me keep it in check and upgrades. (I do understand that there will definitely be a little lag in smartphones due to it's hardware and how we upkeep them as owners.)
Here comes the questions.
1. I would like to change the keyboard to a new one and tighten the sliding-screen. Would SE do that? And would it be free due to warranty?
2. If I were to flash a custom ROM in, would it void my warranty? (Assuming I do it before sending it to SE to fix above problems)
3. Which ROM should I get? I like the goodies that come in the xPERT ROM, but I also like the HTC UI from the Touch-IT ROM. Is there a way to maybe integrate the two? (I'm assuming it would lag less if the UI was integrated into the ROM rather than having it as a seperate installation like I have now)
4. Which would be after the first three are settled, is with games. I've seen the phone's capabilities and what not around, with emulators for the PS1, fullscreen games like Palm Heroes, PDiablo and all that. I've tried them all but I just can't seem to get them all to work, am I doing something wrong?
5. Panels, the whole point of the X1 would be its panels. But I just can't seem to find any. I've searched google, lists, pretty much everywhere. All I see are the official released ones from SE. The most I found, being custom, was the Youtube panel which I got to work. Is there really a lot of panels out there?
[Edit - More questions in Post #5]
That's all the questions I can remember for now, it's pretty late. I'll put up more in the thread or post if I can remember.
Thanks in advance!
keiitastrophic said:
Long post - To help you understand where I am coming from and my situation to better assess what I'm looking for
I've read pretty much all the stickies, and the newbie section regarding questions but I didn't really get answers. Though I did learn a lot, but I'm still a little confused. I find some threads messy, in terms of instructions, and descriptions. Not forgetting the existance of compilation threads. Of course, kudos to everyone here for making awesome apps and roms.
I'm a student from Singapore, and I finally got my dream phone, which is the X1, my first smartphone, from a friend. Barely a few months old and still under warranty. So I'm pretty much a newbie in terms of smartphones, firmware, apps and all that. Been using it for about a month now, got a few minor scratches from wear and tear so it's no biggy, but the keyboards a lil faded, peeled. I'm not sure how to describe it, some letters are just a blob without the 'paint' on to denote it, and the slide-up screen's a little loose.
I started off getting apps like PockeTwit for Twittering to play around. Then I stumbled upon XDA forums. I started off 'boosting' my phone's capabilities with TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, R3A Camera Update, SRS WOW sound thingy. Probably the same way you would do to a PC with certain OC programs and whatnot. Then I installed that Manilla program thing, and now my UI's pretty much like a HTC. Which is awesome might I add. A little laggy, may not be perfect, but it's still great. Thereafter I found out about firmware, WinMo 6.5, issues with it, custom ROMs. Read about how to flash, break it down before flashing custom ROMs into it, which is easy actually. I'm deciding between the Touch-It ROM and the SE-X1 xPERT one because it already has all the goodies in it. More inclined to Barebone one even, then later installing the goodies I want.
I'm looking for one that would look great, with minimal lag, with all the goodies to help me keep it in check and upgrades. (I do understand that there will definitely be a little lag in smartphones due to it's hardware and how we upkeep them as owners.)
Here comes the questions.
First, I would like to change the keyboard to a new one and tighten the sliding-screen. Would SE do that? And would it be free due to warranty?
Secondly, if I were to flash a custom ROM in, would it void my warranty? (Assuming I do it before sending it to SE to fix above problems)
Thirdly, which ROM should I get? I like the goodies that come in the xPERT ROM, but I also like the HTC UI from the Touch-IT ROM. Is there a way to maybe integrate the two? (I'm assuming it would lag less if the UI was integrated into the ROM rather than having it as a seperate installation like I have now)
Fourthly, which would be after the first three are settled, is with games. I've seen the phone's capabilities and what not around, with emulators for the PS1, fullscreen games like Palm Heroes, PDiablo and all that. I've tried them all but I just can't seem to get them all to work, am I doing something wrong?
That's all the questions I can remember for now, it's pretty late. I'll put up more in the thread or post if I can remember.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Just ask Sony Ericsson
2) You can send it back unless you flash to any of the Official Roms and you have to flash the default spl so they don't find out that you flashed your phone.
3) I don't get your questions. If you install a ROM that has Touch Flo 3D then of course you get Touch Flo 3D (aka manilla 3d)... therefore you can delete the the Touch Flo 3D cabs...
4) Xperia sucks with games... btw what is Pdiablo? Link please?
poetryrocksalot said:
1) Just ask Sony Ericsson
2) You can send it back unless you flash to any of the Official Roms and you have to flash the default spl so they don't find out that you flashed your phone.
3) I don't get your questions. If you install a ROM that has Touch Flo 3D then of course you get Touch Flo 3D (aka manilla 3d)... therefore you can delete the the Touch Flo 3D cabs...
4) Xperia sucks with games... btw what is Pdiablo? Link please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will be asking first thing in the morning regarding that. Just wondering if anyone had the same idea and probably got it fixed.
Regarding 2, if they'll fix it, I'll just wait till I get it back before flashing the ROMs then.
Sorry about the mix up with question 3, what I meant was, in regards to what I expecting from the X1, what I wrote in my first post. I like how the Manila UI looks and feels. But I'd like to have all the goodies or upgrades that are included in the other ROM.
So would it be ideal to flash the xPERT ROM and then installing the Manila UI? Or flashing the Touch-IT ROM and install all the other goodies and upgrades thereafter. Which would have minimal lag as a result, more space etc.
Hope I cleared it up.
PDiablo is a port of Diablo 1 to smartphones or PPCs (Whichever is the term), I read somewhere that it works fine on the X1. Here's the link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3836658
Games are not an issue for me, since I have the PC and my PSP for it. I'm happy enough just to have the X1 as a phone, with apps and goodies.
For a properly working TF3D, you need it flashed into the ROM. Even then it'll be a tad slow at times (TF3D was coded horribly), but it'll be loads better than installed through CAB.
Which goodies in the other ROM do you want? Most can be installed anyway.
Angelusz said:
For a properly working TF3D, you need it flashed into the ROM. Even then it'll be a tad slow at times (TF3D was coded horribly), but it'll be loads better than installed through CAB.
Which goodies in the other ROM do you want? Most can be installed anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clarified my thoughts in terms of programming, about flashing > CAB installation. Thank you.
Program wise, preferably those I listed, like the R3A goodies from xPERT ROM, TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, SRS WOW HD I guess. Which I'm assuming shouldn't raise any problems in regards to clashes and whatnot.
I understand the SE-X1 ROMs come with WinMo 6.5, does the Touch-IT ROM come with 6.5 or is it just 6.1?
Is there also a way to increase the volume beyond the given maximum on the X1? Sometimes I can be pretty deaf and miss calls or alarms due to that.
A seperate question. Is there a way to show upcoming appointments beyond the current day and/or the Calendar button on the Home tab in Manila?
You say - "a truckload of question"
I say - Bring them on !!!!!!!!!
Some of them were answered so here are my two cents.
3 - I am using the Generic R3A UK ROM. I find it pretty stable and decently fast. All the tweaks and apps can be done separately, so I don't need a custom ROM. By the way - you can find almost every app or tweak in a cab file.
4 - There are many games that can be played by the X1, but a few made for it . Just search the forum for topics about games. Like this one that I posted (sorry for the shameless self promotion) -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=522761&highlight=games+X1
Most of the problems are caused by the resolution of the games. Not many of them are in WVGA resolution. You need this app: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442426
5 - There are probably a dozen or less custom panels. Panels development = FAIL.
I dislike TF3D, so I can't help you there .
orelsi said:
You say - "a truckload of question"
I say - Bring them on !!!!!!!!!
Some of them were answered so here are my two cents.
3 - I am using the Generic R3A UK ROM. I find it pretty stable and decently fast. All the tweaks and apps can be done separately, so I don't need a custom ROM. By the way - you can find almost every app or tweak in a cab file.
4 - There are many games that can be played by the X1, but a few made for it . Just search the forum for topics about games. Like this one that I posted (sorry for the shameless self promotion) -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=522761&highlight=games+X1
Most of the problems are caused by the resolution of the games. Not many of them are in WVGA resolution. You need this app: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442426
5 - There are probably a dozen or less custom panels. Panels development = FAIL.
I dislike TF3D, so I can't help you there .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply and input. I've seen your thread about games and I find it highly useful. I'll be sure to refer to that if I intend to get more games.
Will also look at standard Generic ROMs since you brought that into light. Never really looked into that.
Currently playing with theChanner program now, watching the telly on the X1.
As with games, not really bothered with panels, just find it rather funny how a strong released concept like that would be so under-developed. Guess it'll take time.
Thanks again.
keiitastrophic said:
Program wise, preferably those I listed, like the R3A goodies from xPERT ROM, TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, SRS WOW HD I guess. Which I'm assuming shouldn't raise any problems in regards to clashes and whatnot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, shouldn't be a problem at all. All those things are available in CAB format. SRS WOW HD doesn't work properly on the X1 though, so I don't know what that chef did.
keiitastrophic said:
I understand the SE-X1 ROMs come with WinMo 6.5, does the Touch-IT ROM come with 6.5 or is it just 6.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touch-IT has a WM 6.1 variant (10.3) and a WM6.5 one. The WM6.5 one is pretty old though, and if you use TF3D, having WM6.5 isn't that big a bonus.
keiitastrophic said:
Is there also a way to increase the volume beyond the given maximum on the X1? Sometimes I can be pretty deaf and miss calls or alarms due to that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SRS WOW HD is the only method I'm aware of - which, like I said earlier, doesn't work.
keiitastrophic said:
A seperate question. Is there a way to show upcoming appointments beyond the current day and/or the Calendar button on the Home tab in Manila?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people have asked this, none have found out how so far. I think the best person to ask this is "Rotastrain" - he does a lot of Mode9 editing.
keiitastrophic said:
Will also look at standard Generic ROMs since you brought that into light. Never really looked into that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although a possibility, do keep in mind that Generic roms might lack some tweaks that you require for some things to work properly. I'd recommend a stripped down and tweaked ROM instead of generic. Often chefs make these as well, since it's the first thing they do before adding in new stuff.
keiitastrophic said:
As with games, not really bothered with panels, just find it rather funny how a strong released concept like that would be so under-developed. Guess it'll take time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't take time, it'll take a miracle. The X1 has been released more than eight months ago. The peak interest in the device has come and gone, panels have failed.
To increase the volume, you can try what you can find here
A new version of touch-it with WM 6.5 should come shortly (it is in betatesting)
Angelusz said:
No, shouldn't be a problem at all. All those things are available in CAB format. SRS WOW HD doesn't work properly on the X1 though, so I don't know what that chef did.
Touch-IT has a WM 6.1 variant (10.3) and a WM6.5 one. The WM6.5 one is pretty old though, and if you use TF3D, having WM6.5 isn't that big a bonus.
SRS WOW HD is the only method I'm aware of - which, like I said earlier, doesn't work.
Many people have asked this, none have found out how so far. I think the best person to ask this is "Rotastrain" - he does a lot of Mode9 editing.
Although a possibility, do keep in mind that Generic roms might lack some tweaks that you require for some things to work properly. I'd recommend a stripped down and tweaked ROM instead of generic. Often chefs make these as well, since it's the first thing they do before adding in new stuff.
It won't take time, it'll take a miracle. The X1 has been released more than eight months ago. The peak interest in the device has come and gone, panels have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, so much for panels. I'll be sure to ask Rotastrain regarding that, I most definitely prefer seeing a list of upcoming appointments rather than seeing it a day before or having to go into the somewhat confusing calendar to look for stuff.
ROM-Wise, I guess I'll be going for the Touch-IT v10.3 one till the beta one is done.
Looks like I'm pretty much done, unless I can think of any more questions I likely forgot.
Thank you for answering all my questions.
Mopral said:
To increase the volume, you can try what you can find here
A new version of touch-it with WM 6.5 should come shortly (it is in betatesting)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That .CAB file works perfectly! Loud and clear!
Thank you so much.
Hi Everybody,
iPhone 3G about to be sold off, HD2 arriving Monday.
Having read this forum I'm now thinking WTF have I done!
Come on, give me some encouraging words on HD2 ownership pleeeease!
If you've got any tips for out the box new phones, like "Whatever you do don't press that button!" I'd like to hear them.
Fingers crossed it arrives on Monday as the small cold spell and a little snow grinds the UK to a standstill...
Cheers,
Gavin
It's a great phone and it works just fine. I'm sure you'll love it
Upgrade to 1.61 Turkish ROM (can set to English)
or choose your favourite cooked (unofficial) ROM, however, "voiding" the warranty.
As has already been suggested- just play with it as it is.
Remember it isn't an iPhone so some things will be very different- maybe not better or worse, just different like going from a desktop Mac to a PC
Once you are familiar with it, then decide what you want to do with it and ask for advice here if needed.
I'd say DON'T mess with the ROM- yours should come with V1.48 which is just as good as the later builds in most areas. If you can't live with the HTC Sense interface and the huge amount of memory it uses, then later consider a cooked ROM, but they are not as reliable as they need to be just yet.
If you want to use this as a media device, you will need more than the supplied 2GB memory card, so be prepared to buy one!
In short this is a fantastic device- you will be surprised how much more it can do than an iPhone once you are familiar with it, and being able to run as many programs at the same time as you want will be a novelty! The MS Marketplace is a joke though! You will need to become familiar with buying programs online then manually installing them- not difficult though!
you're making great progress
i'd say:
tip 1: order HD2
tip 2: register as a user here
tip 3: play with phone
tip 4: search these forums for whatever your needs are (fixes to things you don't like/ problems you are having; advice for how to do things; applications you require)
Hi Gavin, welcome on board,
Don't be fooled, the HD2 is NOT an iphone. You will be tweaking things till you get it just right to suit you. This is the major advantage winmo devices have over others, ie if you don't like something you can tweak it or change it.
If you have not got the time or the inclination to do this then run like hell and get your iphone back quick. If you are up for the spirit of adventure and can live with a few niggles knowing that if you spend time on here you can sort them out then welcome to our world.
Start off by reading the hints & tips thread on here plus all the other similar threads here that have said the same thing as you ie "convince me to buy a HD2" and see what they say.
All the best,
WB
PS: I'm well happy with mine but then I have been with winmobile for 3.5 years and am quite used to tweaking and changing things as part of a generally very enjoyable ownership experience.
Hi,
Thanks for the replies.
I've no problem with tweeking things, I'd rather that than stuck with no options on the "locked down" zPhone!
It's things like the volume and SMS problems that concern me
Cheers,
Gavin
Hey all,
I am a t mobile USA user and im new to the windows mobile phone. I have been trolling around the forums trying to figure out bits and pieces of how to make my phone better. Now ROM are a big thing im trying to figure out. I know they are pretty much like re-writing the ECU of a car. I have been using search features and reading through the FAQ but im trying to figure out which would be the best way to increase performance. I have BsB, cookie's home tab, and a few other small tweaks. I have Pandora working somewhat good, except the sound quality is junk.
My real questions are can i get the SMS fix on the standard t-mobile rom? Also everyone refers to manila, is that simply HTC Sense or is it a rom? and finally which rom is best for a newbie to winmo? I'm just trying to get this phone to not crash on me all the time and not to lagg like crazy.
Thanks for any responses and help,
Chris
Hello,
Even with the newest ROM from HTC my phone still was annoying and crashy. I finally gave up playing it safe and installed a cooked ROM and it's pretty much as I would have expected the phone in the first place.
So my advice is to give up on trying to track HTC's fixes, or your service provider's updates, and go with one of those. I suppose that HTC and telcos only have a certain amount of time and budget to spend on the phone OS development, and they have to make them work in all conditions, rather than tune it to individual applications. Some of the devs on this forum have the time/knowledge and resources to re-engineer the OS to work much better.
I have been using the Artemis series which, as I said, gives me pretty much what I expected of the phone to start with. Considering the "default" install this is actually pretty amazing!
Have a look here for details:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=612580
Write me back I'll help you install ev erythinng you need
Hello and welcome to the WinMo world!
I can't answer any ROM questions, as I personally still run stock (I don't get any lags etc others seem to get) but I can answer one of your q's:
Manila is indeed Sense, not a ROM.