Database Users

New Version of Pocket Informant ready to go

Have a look over at http://www.pocketinformant.com/Forums/index.php?showtopic=8904&st=0 for the latest (Release Candidate) of Pocket Informant.
Its well worth installing as it has a much smaller memory footprint (see the discusion in the forum above), and seems a lot faster to me. Also if you can find any bugs, make sure you post them into the forum.... I found one yesturday, and its been fixed already.
The guys at Web IS seem to have done a great job (and no, I'm not linked to them in any way.... its just that their product makes the PDA calendar features usable!!!)
Regards
P

Oh !£@[email protected]!&&! Installed this and now my right soft-key won't bring up the internal (default) contact program (which is so much better than the one in pocketinformant). Anyone know how to change it back? I managed it before but no amount of registry changing seems to work now

I'm not an expert on this, but one suggestion I would make is that you tap on the PI icon on the bottom of the screen (the red dot surrounded by a multicolour ring) and de-select "Make Default PIM" ... this then makes all the MSFT links work with the MSFT apps rather than PI... hope this helps
P

BudgieUK said:
I'm not an expert on this, but one suggestion I would make is that you tap on the PI icon on the bottom of the screen (the red dot surrounded by a multicolour ring) and de-select "Make Default PIM" ... this then makes all the MSFT links work with the MSFT apps rather than PI... hope this helps
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is one of the beefs I (and several others) have with PI, and AF for that matter, which seem to fall on deaf ears in their cosy cartel. Why won't they let the user choose which modules they want to use, instead of their software taking over the whole machine?
If you installed a non-MS planner on your Desktop PC, you wouldn't stand for it replacing all your other PIM apps too. So why should you on the PocketPC?

There is a page in the wiki that shows the registry settings for the soft keys, but I found this method unreliable. I managed to change the text but the app remained at the default setting.
The way I did it was to download Buzz's SoftKeyAppletEx, which goes into your control panel [you do need to register to download the file].
Code:
Description:
This is a replacement applet for the SoftKeyApplet.cpl. I called it SoftKeyAppletEx.cpl (to be original) ;)
This applet does exactly the same thing, but with more features
1. you can browse your ppc to get the desired application or link dedicated to the soft key.
2. you can change the name shown on the soft key.
3. you can place the applet icon on the settings tab you want (personal, system, connections).
4. you can specify only one soft key (left or right) or both
5. you can reset to defaults, so I think it's the phone and the calendar

That's really useful stuff - thanks!
As others have said, I want to use PI for my Diary but the built-in contacts application - which is far better for quick dialling etc.
I still have a problem though - PI seems to have replaced my /Windows/poutlook.lnk file with its own, so if I make the right soft-button point to this file it still runs PI. Can anyone send me their default contacts.lnk file (and possibly poutlook.exe too?) or tell me how to make a new link to the default contacts application (which I assume must still be in ROM?)
Thanks all. Love PI but this hijacking on my contacts is really annoying!

PReDiToR said:
The way I did it was to download Buzz's SoftKeyAppletEx, which goes into your control panel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where'd you put the file? What control panel are u taliking about? Help is appreciated.

BudgieUK said:
I'm not an expert on this, but one suggestion I would make is that you tap on the PI icon on the bottom of the screen (the red dot surrounded by a multicolour ring) and de-select "Make Default PIM" ... this then makes all the MSFT links work with the MSFT apps rather than PI... hope this helps
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this and I can report some success. I use PocketBreeze on the Today screen which is tightly linked to PI. Nothing I say here is relevant if you don't use PocketBreeze.
Now, with PI the non-default PIM, my PocketBreeze links take me to PI's calendar, tasks and contacts applications. My hardware contacts button and the contacts soft key in the phone now take me to Pocket Outlook's contacts app.
Couple of caveats: PI does seem to revert to being the default PIM after a soft reset. Also, the 'special days' feature in PB (lists upcoming birthdays and anniversaries) seems to grow duplicate entries over time, but these can be cleared with a soft reset. It's never worked properly for me anyway so could be unrelated.
I have yet to see any problems syncing. I do expect it to work OK as I believe that PO and PI run off the same database.
Hope this helps those with PB and PI.
-- TK

Lovely program, but the last few versions hae been a complete dog speed wise.

belfast-biker said:
Lovely program, but the last few versions hae been a complete dog speed wise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Rev 4 was often very slooowww, although I had installed it in RAM. But this new version is different. The footprint is much smaller in WM5.
But although I have installed the new version entirely on the storage card, it is MUCH FASTER now!
I found some other improvements too, like the timeline now shows you total hours for your different projects, and there is a real fullscreen option now.
Didn't find any bugs so far, but I just downloaded it two days ago.
Cheers and thanks to this great forum! I have benefitted a lot already from the tips and tricks posted here
itoma

Cool 1 button audio task creating application request...

I'm not a developer. One day maybe but for now I only marvel at those who can actually create applications. But I could really use this app. Perhaps there is a developer that could too and will run with the idea?....
The Application: Task created by one button press on PPC that records an audio task reminder, creates task dated today with subject "Audio Task" and attaches the audio clip to the task.
The idea is that you can create tasks on the fly with 1 button press (say you are driving or whatever) as long as you have your PPC and remind yourself later. 1 press and say "Pick up beer for Friday" (okay not likely I'd forget that, but you get the idea). It beeps to confirm it worked and then the task is created and shows up in outlook after syncing.
For me this task then shows up in my outlook 'today's tasks list' which I live out of and I can take it from there.
How hard would this be to build? Just a script of some kind I'm guessing - maybe not as I say I'm not a developer. Any takers? Should I pass the hat?
Cheers.

Nice idea.
I'm quite busy right now, but consider using PocketMax AlarmToday, or alternatively a poor man's alternative is to use the built in Notes Voice recorder (hotvoice) and couple it with the plugin AudioNotes, to show your audio notes count on the today screen.
V

The key is getting it into Outlook....
vijay555 said:
Nice idea.
I'm quite busy right now, but consider using PocketMax AlarmToday, or alternatively a poor man's alternative is to use the built in Notes Voice recorder (hotvoice) and couple it with the plugin AudioNotes, to show your audio notes count on the today screen.
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vijay thanks for your comments. And yours suggestions are good and get the solution part way there, and as you say would serve as a stop gap.
But the key to this app (and people loving it) is that it integrates seemlessly into the way they manage there lives now. For me (and I've found for a suprising number of people) everything flows through outlook, having another location to check, even on as front and center as the today screen, simply won't do.
The key to the idea is to have a zero headache and 100% reliable way to record and then forget a task until it needs either done or alocated to the day it will be done.
I actually thought I was a bit of freak managing a lot of my life through tasks but I have come across a bunch of people that are way more organized and 'freaky' than I am.
Anyway, thanks for you suggestion. If you get some time and find this interesting let me know. I could draft up a non-technical spec doc pretty quickly. I've got several versions in my head starting with a basic utility to do what I mentioned (which is all I'm really after), right up to one that uses speach to text to fill in the details for you and location positioning to remind you to do things based on where you are (ever been right near the dry cleaner but forgot to pick up the cleaning?). But that's a whole other story.
Cheers.

Hmmm. Speech to text is something I'm still working on.
I'm unlikely to get time to focus on this immediately, but if you see me loitering on streetcorners some weeks hence, stop me and ask me if I'm still "doing business" - ie send me the spec over.
Thinking about it in theory, it doesn't sound too bad. Use POOM to create a new task, use the sound/voice recorder control to embed into the associated note, grab the current date etc. However, like all programming, theory is easy, execution takes time and Jolt.
I use tasks for staying on top of updates for my apps - it's the only way I'd remember all of the requests, otherwise I'll forget everything. My brain is useless Needs a firmware update.
V

Loitering on street corners hey. Be careful who you meet doing that sort of thing. :shock:
I'm in our same boat, very pressed for time at the moment (just started a new job with Siemens), which is one of the things reminded me why this app would be so handy. That said I'll see about putting a spec together.
Ya I like the theory too, but that's as far as I get. But as you say it seems a lot of the foundation is there from existing apps. I guess it just depends how easy ol' MS has made it to work with them. Does POOM have a reasonable api?
If you know of a Brain Firmware upgrades other than the stock version sign me up. Without task to keep me on track I'm lost.
We'll just see how the time comes together and seeing as I can't help on the programming side I'd be more than willing to provide the jolt. :wink:
Cheers.

I program in native pure C++. In that, POOM has a horribly arcane API. It's much easier in .net, so if anyone wants to try their hand at it, jump in.
But I'm not a .net convert yet... too sloooow.
V

Not that this is a substitute for the OPs original proposal (which is really nice),
here is an interesting AudioNotes/Today Plugin combo that is meeting you half way...
Blade's Audio Notes
Of course Blade uses .net (1.1 in this case) so it does run slower than C++, but it's free

Blades Audio Notes is a start. But can I send my Boss to blade when I forget to make the phone call because it Outlook wasn't reminding to do it? :wink:
Am I the only one that uses Outlook pretty strictly to manage getting things done? Just curious. I've been called worse than "outlook freak" before and likely again...
...but thanks for the heads up malatesta.

(LAST CHANCE TO VOTE) need some idea's

10/16/08--
It is 12:00 central time (17:00 GMT I think) and I will close voting at 5:00pm Central Time (22:00 GMT) today. So that leaves you just 5 Hours to make your vote. I will try and post the winner up here later tonight, or you can check yourself at www.gudensoft.com.
Thanks!!
10/14/08--
First, thanks for all the great ideas. I would love to develop all of these if I could, but we have to decide on just one of the programs! So, Since I couldn't add a poll to this thread, I added it to HERE.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!​
I bet I know which will win, but who knows? The poll will end Thursday or Friday (depending on if it is a close race or not).
Thanks
Gudy
10/10/08--
Hey guys,
I want to know what cool program, functionality, or software you would like to see created. I am a .net programmer (among others) and would like some ideas of projects you would like to see. I would like to stay away from a graphic intense program and involved games, so think functionality, usefulness, fun, etc. If I get some good ideas, I will then add a poll, vote on the best one, then build it. I will release it under my donationware license which means it will be free. Right now I am finishing up my Golf Gps program (and will continue to support), but will start this project once we get it deceided. So Shoot me your ideas!
Gudy

cool a programmer who need ideas
I have proposed something here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=434925
though it would maybe not appear as a grateful program for a developper ( a toolkit for other programs), it could be a good way to have a large diffusion through many config panels in different programs
it was just an idea

Wishlist
Hi,
Maybe simple for .NET, but for me impossible to do (without performance/battery penaulty) with basic4ppc or mortscript. And thats all I can handle.
What I would like to have is a program that enables me to execute programs when specific events occur. I'd like to know when AC power gets connected/disconnected, when there is a change in screen orientation, and when a headset gets connected/disconnected and so on. Maybe even when an internet connection through WIFI is available/unavailable.
Also I'd like to know is a specific BT device is connectable/conneted. I'd like to know if a specific WIFI network is connectable/connected. I'd like to know if I'm at a specific location. All event driven, without a performance consuming programing loop or battery drain.
Yeah, all or even some of those options would make my digital mobile life so much easier
Good luck huntig for input, if you ever get bored contact me and make me happy
Cheers,
Cacti

le_cactus said:
Hi,
Maybe simple for .NET, but for me impossible to do (without performance/battery penaulty) with basic4ppc or mortscript. And thats all I can handle.
What I would like to have is a program that enables me to execute programs when specific events occur. I'd like to know when AC power gets connected/disconnected, when there is a change in screen orientation, and when a headset gets connected/disconnected and so on. Maybe even when an internet connection through WIFI is available/unavailable.
Also I'd like to know is a specific BT device is connectable/conneted. I'd like to know if a specific WIFI network is connectable/connected. I'd like to know if I'm at a specific location. All event driven, without a performance consuming programing loop or battery drain.
Yeah, all or even some of those options would make my digital mobile life so much easier
Good luck huntig for input, if you ever get bored contact me and make me happy
Cheers,
Cacti
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doable, handy, not a massive undertaking, I like it! Not sure I would go the .net route on something like this, as really a GUI is not required (except for settings maybe) and the overhead is large with .net. Certainly will add it to the list. Keep them coming!!

t0k0m0k0 said:
cool a programmer who need ideas
I have proposed something here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=434925
though it would maybe not appear as a grateful program for a developper ( a toolkit for other programs), it could be a good way to have a large diffusion through many config panels in different programs
it was just an idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be pretty difficult unless all of developers used the same programming langauge/technique. The only real feasable way I see this working would be developers using a common set of graphics. That would be more of a graphic undertaking instead of programming. I do like the idea, but pretty hard to impliment.
Thanks
Gudy

I would love to see something like Launchy for launching apps and files etc. as well as quick search of various types online. I'm guessing the on the fly search would require too much processing power, but if it's doable it would be awesome.
http://www.launchy.net/

I'm interested in new ideas too. I also use B4PPC.
Here's a few ideas:
-A tamagotchi, really. I was about to try this out tonight but Paint hates me.
-An app launcher like PetitLaunch on PalmOS. It's something that can pop from any app (hardware button) and when you type in extra letters it filters which apps are shown. I got this started and I can give you the files if you want.
-Pursue the development for Tippy. The source is on Nicbou.com/downloads if you want it.
-A time clock. A friend of mine notes down how long he works to make sure he doesn't get screwed and it takes him several minutes every week. He doesn't have a Pocket PC but maybe someone would be interested in something that tracks the hours you work and calculate the salary. I almost did this too.
And don't forget to share the source! If you need any help with B4PPC I'm here

galt said:
I would love to see something like Launchy for launching apps and files etc. as well as quick search of various types online. I'm guessing the on the fly search would require too much processing power, but if it's doable it would be awesome.
http://www.launchy.net/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds simular to the app launcher listed in the next post, seems like there is a theme going on here, you all need some sort of good app launcher.
Gudy

I'd like the Launchy features for search-on-the-fly off on board apps and file launching, but ever more for different site searches (google, maps, wikipedia, live, youtube, Amazon, etc).

N1c0_ds said:
I'm interested in new ideas too. I also use B4PPC.
Here's a few ideas:
-A tamagotchi, really. I was about to try this out tonight but Paint hates me.
-An app launcher like PetitLaunch on PalmOS. It's something that can pop from any app (hardware button) and when you type in extra letters it filters which apps are shown. I got this started and I can give you the files if you want.
-Pursue the development for Tippy. The source is on Nicbou.com/downloads if you want it.
-A time clock. A friend of mine notes down how long he works to make sure he doesn't get screwed and it takes him several minutes every week. He doesn't have a Pocket PC but maybe someone would be interested in something that tracks the hours you work and calculate the salary. I almost did this too.
And don't forget to share the source! If you need any help with B4PPC I'm here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to look up tamagotchi, either I am too old, or just out of the loop to know that 10 million of these things were sold! Wow! That could be fun, but would take a pretty fancy AI type system to really be fun.
A form of Tippy is already out there, 1-calc has some of the features built in already.
A time clock could be cool, maybe a stop watch type thing perhaps?
Never used B4PPC, I mainly use C# and Visual Studio. It looks like the old Visual Basic for desktops. And last but not least, depending on the project, I more than likely will release the source.
Thanks!!! Keep'em comin!
Gudy

File Explorer Needs Help
Has anyone wanted to see a preview image in explorer's folder??
I'm not talking about fexplorerext2. although it is a fantastic enhancement; it takes a long time to load the preview immages.
I have a better idea (well, actualy MS thought of it first)
THUMBS.DB
for every folder that has an image file, this dll is created to replace cache of images. this way ou do not have to load it everytime and scale them down for thumbnail view. it is already there specificaly for each folder.
This alows the explorer to show a preview of the first image in the folder (or last created/accessed)
This is whatt I think WinMo is lacking - windows. lol.
I do not care much for the tabbed browsing. it hurts my head. too much scroling and not enough info. Icons work better I think, and waste less space on an already small screen.
well, that's been on my wishlist for a very long time. a dll that ataches to the already existing explorer making it work better.
Thanks for workin g on something new

program that makes led lights flash when phone rings would be nice

Interesting...I will have to think about how to tackle that. It would basically take a new file explorer (like total commander). This might be a bit larger than I want to tackle, but will research it a bit before ruling it out.
GUdy

bedaweed said:
program that makes led lights flash when phone rings would be nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be very difficult as not every device handles the leds the same. Also, not every device has the same leds (color, # of, etc). I think No2Chem has a int. driver, but think it is only for the titan. Would be cool though...
Gudy

a system-wide launcher dock program like that on the velocity 103 PPC..
here's the URL for the review and video of the app (and the phone)
-------------------------------------------------------------
a new top bar replacemeent/notification system much like the "android Notification Drawer" it can replace the bubble (multiple) notifications icon when you got multiple and simultaneous notifications.. and also make it finger friendly (unlike M2D, no need to go back to homescreen to check email/sms previes and also calendar events, calls, etc.. also unlike big taskbar - from the touch phones, this'll have previews)
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7qbPa1O8Ys&eur (at the 2 minute mark) , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy-YcGNyJds

mjg7876 said:
Interesting...I will have to think about how to tackle that. It would basically take a new file explorer (like total commander). This might be a bit larger than I want to tackle, but will research it a bit before ruling it out.
GUdy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fexplorer2 is basically a dll that works with the original file explorer context menu. there is a small exe that overwrites the original explorer to make it think that the explorer"s context menu has already been opened.
in a way it maybe possible to write a new dll and two exe
EXE 1 to replace the file explorer
EXE 2 to make thumbs db
DLL (conte4xt menu that alows to view as thumbnails/list etc ; as well as launching the second exe to make a thumbsdb)
maybe you can get some help from Hou Ming, the guy that made that program before.

it would be cool if you could get some of the old emus like pocket gba and pocket snes with window 6.1 I know i would be happy.

le_cactus said:
... when AC power gets connected/disconnected, when there is a change in screen orientation, and when a headset gets connected/disconnected and ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been looking for a program that would stop the music (S2P, Audio Manager, or WMP etc...) if during playback of the music the headset is removed. Or for instance, when the device is on vibrate and you connect headset, it automatically changes profile to normal or something.
Another one is when I dock my device (or connect AC basically), I'd like clock program (or home screen, or photo slideshow, etc...) to come up automatically.
A feature that I miss from my older phones is the ability to set them to beep every minute during a phone call.
Now these are very general and not specific features. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me!
Thank you,
SiNAra

ytsejam_ said:
a system-wide launcher dock program like that on the velocity 103 PPC..
here's the URL for the review and video of the app (and the phone)
-------------------------------------------------------------
a new top bar replacemeent/notification system much like the "android Notification Drawer" it can replace the bubble (multiple) notifications icon when you got multiple and simultaneous notifications.. and also make it finger friendly (unlike M2D, no need to go back to homescreen to check email/sms previes and also calendar events, calls, etc.. also unlike big taskbar - from the touch phones, this'll have previews)
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7qbPa1O8Ys&eur (at the 2 minute mark) , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy-YcGNyJds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The launcher on the 103 looks a lot like manilla, I know it is diff, but to me it seems mainly by presentation, not functionality. I do however like the notification top bar like that on android. Not sure how difficult taking over the top bar would be. I will do some digging.

S.V.I said:
Fexplorer2 is basically a dll that works with the original file explorer context menu. there is a small exe that overwrites the original explorer to make it think that the explorer"s context menu has already been opened.
in a way it maybe possible to write a new dll and two exe
EXE 1 to replace the file explorer
EXE 2 to make thumbs db
DLL (conte4xt menu that alows to view as thumbnails/list etc ; as well as launching the second exe to make a thumbsdb)
maybe you can get some help from Hou Ming, the guy that made that program before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give me a link to this? The only thing I could find (quickly) was sketchy at best. Still seems a bit much, but would like to know more about this Fexplorer2 thing before nuking the idea.
Gudy

[Q] Will a Touch HD help organize my life?

I'm on the fence about buying one of these for USA use. I don't want to pay $100 for a monthly cell phone plan, so I probably won't need the 3g for "GPS" or a lot of internet usage.
I will however most likely take advantage of the array of programs available and heavily use a calendar application to schedule appointments, reminders, alarm clock, etc. Can someone comment on how a Touch HD helps to simplify and organize their daily routine and keep appointments?
Also, I had a chance to get one of my hands on one in Malaysia and I have to say that the interface is very slick. Is it possible to use the stylus to scribble notes on a notepad? Is this a popular and quick-to-use feature for on-the-fly note taking? I don't see it mentioned very much in the forums here.
I won't be returning to the States until April, so I'll be keeping my eye on some other up and coming phones that have GPS built into the phone for an annual fee.

ModernMuseum said:
I'm on the fence about buying one of these for USA use. I don't want to pay $100 for a monthly cell phone plan, so I probably won't need the 3g for "GPS" or a lot of internet usage.
I will however most likely take advantage of the array of programs available and heavily use a calendar application to schedule appointments, reminders, alarm clock, etc. Can someone comment on how a Touch HD helps to simplify and organize their daily routine and keep appointments?
Also, I had a chance to get one of my hands on one in Malaysia and I have to say that the interface is very slick. Is it possible to use the stylus to scribble notes on a notepad? Is this a popular and quick-to-use feature for on-the-fly note taking? I don't see it mentioned very much in the forums here.
I won't be returning to the States until April, so I'll be keeping my eye on some other up and coming phones that have GPS built into the phone for an annual fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I can definitely say that using a stylus to jot notes will NOT get you far unfortunately :S . The screen is only ~1.8" wide, the screen isn't near sensitive or accurate enough, and devices like this aren't very fast even w/ the latest clean rom, registry tweaks, and drivers. They are still pretty..SLOW. But that is highly a problem of windows mobile and qualcomm driver-less chipsets.
You might try something like:
iPhone
G1
Treo 800w
Treo 850 pro
Palm Centro
for stuff like that I guess...simply because each of those devices is easier snappier or has a better screen.
But if you just want to take notes using a software on screen keyboard on the HD...then you should be good to go. Just keep the notes program minimized (cuz it can take a while to open when you start getting 200+ notes). Then pop it open, hit new, and start typing away when you need to type something down. I would HIGHLY recommend pocketcm keyboard BY FAR for this. Plus its free.
Best of luck to you! (toshiba is also supposed to be producing what looks to be a pretty sick device, and the blackstone / hd should have android up and running hopefully within 2 months or so (which would enhance smoothness and snapiness of device) or perhaps the G2 will become real and be produced by then).
As for calendar / scheduling / alarm capabilites...it isn't anything fantastic by any stretch of the imagination or anything (windows mobile), but it will get the job done well.

Well I find the HD invaluable for keeping track of my appointments and buzzing when one is due. But, any windows mobile device will do that.
I also use apMemo to make quick notes on the fly and alarm them if needed. In the car I have on the HD a button mapped to the Resco Note recorder so I may make a verbal note.
I also have loads of applications, like GPS, a copy of wiki, etc etc.
I find SBSH PocketBreeze the best diary program and have this running with TF3D by using SecondToday.
I like TF3D weather and stocks.

Jim and Dave -
Thanks very much for your response. You definitely answered my questions.
I'm not sure at this point that I need a stylus, but it sure would be a nice asset to have, as with the HD. I guess I will most likely wait around a few more months to see what else comes out. The HD is kind of impractical in the US right now since it can't be integrated into the purchase of a celllular plan.

Deleted. Double post for unknown reason.

For me, it definitely helps organize my life. In fact, I would be crippled without it.
In the morning, I rely on it to wake me up with a fantastic alarm clock application called G-Alarm. It has big button to snooze and stop, and plays my favourite music to wake me up.
I have lousy memory, so I rely on it 100% to remind me to pay me bills, renew my insurance, road tax, etc. There are finger friendly calendar applications that lets you enter text 100% without stylus. Try TouchPal or Tengo as your software keyboard, and Thumbcal as the way to enter new appointment.
Of course, birthdays, contact details are all kept in my HD, together with theri emails, etc.
Most of my emails are compiled using my HD, but since the contact could be sync to desktop, you would find it equally convenient to compile emails there too.
I pay all my bill via internet using my Touch HD. So far, Opera is able to 100% handle all my banks, although you might find some bank's website requiring desktop browser to completely carry out the transaction.
All my user id, passwords, warranty expire dates of stuffs I buy, bank accounts details, insurance details, credit cards details, health cards, library cards, software serial numbers, etc etc are all kept using my HD. There are so many nice applications to organise these informations. I use eWallet, but may others are equally good.
I drive around using Tom Tom 7, even on familiar route. Why? Because I tend to day dream and forget the speed camera, school zone hours (where during certain time of the day we must drive at 40Km/h), red light camera (to remind me NOT to enter the intersection if there is a traffic jam (lest having to pay hefty traffic fines), and to stay within the road speed limit. While in unfamiliar places, I'm 100% relying on it to bring me to the destination. While travelling in Asian countries, Tom Tom and iGO are completely useless, so I use Garmin and Mapking in those countries. All these GPS are installed on my HD at all times. Forget iPhone.
I use the stock information a lot, checking it many times during the day.
Then while coming acrosss words I don't know, I use my favourite Lexisgoo to find out what they mean.
There are times when I need to convert unit of measure from one system to another (for example, from cm to inches). I use Panoramic Calc Pro to help me in such task. The standard winmo or iphone calculator is not going to help here.
I live in Australia, where the price of petrol changes frequently duing the day, and there is always a need to know where I can get the cheapest petrol. I have emails sending such informaiton to me twice a day, but I have also bookmark this website to look up instantly when my petrol runs low.
I keep many other reference information on my HD. I install applications such as Wine Guide, Travel Guide on my HD.
While having time to kill, I amuse myself with ebooks using a fantastic ebook reader called AlReader. It is also 100% finger friendly.
I use youtube a lot. There is also an application that lets you view video from sources other than youtube, called Web Video Downloader. With WVD, you could watch from youtube, liveleak, porkolt, dailymotion, tube8, google, eskimotube, pornhub, bootyfix, and xyxx. I don't know most of them as I use only youtbue, but it works for all in my test. You can watch video in MP4 (higher quality that FLV) format there, so I prefer it over the standard youtube player.
Radio, MP3, videos, picture viewing are some other pastimes.
I own video recorders and good cameras, but these days I don't bring them with me anymore, as I find my HD doing very good job in most situation. The only problem is taking picture is very poor lighting condition.
All my telephone converations are recorded automatically using Audio notes touch. There is no need to fumble for pen and paper while speaking on the phone.
I also use AgePhone for VOIP calls using my HD. Just 8 aussie cents per call anywhere in the world untimed.
While playing golf, I use Mobile Golf Scorer to track our scores, calculates the stapleford points of everyone, and rank us if we want to hold competition against each other. It calculates all our handicaps automatically. It tells me the distance of my postion to the water hazards, to the green, etc.
The screen brightness of HD is just excellent beyond my expectation. It has an automatic sensor. I am able to see things very clearly under the strongest sunlight.
My HD is fast. I'm using standard ROM.
HD has excellent battery life. I used to have to use the car charger everytime I get into my car. Now I don't anymore as its battery is so good. Anyway, I also bought a spare battery, so when I run out of battery before going to bed, I simply swap in the new one. You can't do that with iPhone.
I have lots of spreadsheet models that I had created using my mobile device. I use SoftMaker to give me 100% of the desktop editing capability for word, spreadsheet and presentation. I am able to view all email attachment on my HD, with or without internet connection. No such capability with iPhone.
Okay, this is getting too long, but I hope it helps you get the picture.

ModernMuseum said:
The HD is kind of impractical in the US right now since it can't be integrated into the purchase of a celllular plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey, the hd can be used fine in the us. you just wont get 3g. everything else will work fine. you can use jit with any sim card (at&nt, tmobie)

I find taking notes with the stylus very easy.
There's no lag at all!
In fact I do it all the time, Notes is mapped to my right softkey in the home menu.

like some others here, i would struggle without my winmo fone now.
i use the calendar for all my work appts (can be a dozen a day at various venues with various people for various reasons) i sync the calender with outlook both at work and at home, over the mobile network at times. my personal life is stored on there as well such as parties, hols, birthdays etc etc
i collect my work email on the move and can schedule meetings with it
my whole address book is in it, as well as being able to access the corporate address book
i use tomtom to navigate to meetings at places i dont know via my contacts
i make notes on it during meetings and have no trouble making my own minutes in real time. i even make voice notes if in the car and need to recall something
for me, the term Personal Digital Assistant is the perfect description
@jim..... i fond the stock winmo applications to be all i need, just that you have to set them up to your preferences. i use spb diary and shell for my front end though, preferring that over TF3D

eaglesteve said:
All my user id, passwords, warranty expire dates of stuffs I buy, bank accounts details, insurance details, credit cards details, health cards, library cards, software serial numbers, etc etc are all kept using my HD. There are so many nice applications to organise these informations. I use eWallet, but may others are equally good.
...
Okay, this is getting too long, but I hope it helps you get the picture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, great post for selling Windows Mobile!
One thing that caught my eye is when you mentioned storing software serial numbers. I couldn't tell you how many online purchases I've made of various pieces of software where I've forgotten where I wrote down the serial number, or worse yet what programs I've even purchased.
You use eWallet to track that, or is there something better that you know of?
I could maybe get rid of the tons of user manuals I hang on to only because they have the serial numbers for installation.. lol.

sschrupp said:
First off, great post for selling Windows Mobile!
One thing that caught my eye is when you mentioned storing software serial numbers. I couldn't tell you how many online purchases I've made of various pieces of software where I've forgotten where I wrote down the serial number, or worse yet what programs I've even purchased.
You use eWallet to track that, or is there something better that you know of?
I could maybe get rid of the tons of user manuals I hang on to only because they have the serial numbers for installation.. lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I use is Ilium Listpro. This is a great list application and comes with a PC app that is exactly the same and produces the same files - so, copy and paste to the HD is childs-play.
I have one list (of many) for applications and I try to update that each time I load something up including the version, password/free, web site. See my post on this in the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442663
I have in that listpro lists a set of sub-lists for applications I had on my old Tytn II etc. So, I can always track back to an app I might want to try on the HD.
Here is my listpro entry for listpro !! (minus password):
Ilium Listpro 5.0.0.2016 http://www.iliumsoft.com/site/lp/listpro.htm

ModernMuseum said:
Jim and Dave -
Thanks very much for your response. You definitely answered my questions.
I'm not sure at this point that I need a stylus, but it sure would be a nice asset to have, as with the HD. I guess I will most likely wait around a few more months to see what else comes out. The HD is kind of impractical in the US right now since it can't be integrated into the purchase of a celllular plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. One thing that I wanna mention real quick though is that...w/ winmo, the big problem (and advantage) that I'm sure you have noticed on these forums is...you're not going to get anywhere w/o 3rd party apps. Basically everything kinda sucks :S lol.
But once you get rolling w/ those...you're great. But the problem therein is that so many apps can begin to bog the device down and cause software conflicts.
The great news....both winmo 6.5 and android are soon to be on the HD (I give it 3.5 months guaranteed they are both running well on it).
EDIT: Basically though, the overall simple answer to your base question is: YES. Maybe other devices could do it better, or it will take tweaking, but YES. And even if you do NO tweaking whatsoever the answer would still be: YES...just not nearly as strong a yes.

Thanks for all the replies guys. I really appreciate it.
@eaglesteve-
When you take notes during meetings, do you use the stylus or your finger, and what program do you use?

ModernMuseum said:
Thanks for all the replies guys. I really appreciate it.
@eaglesteve-
When you take notes during meetings, do you use the stylus or your finger, and what program do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was another guy's post that talks about note taking. I sometimes take sermon notes in Sunday Church services. I use TextMaker with Tengo Thumb keyboard without stylus. Tengo Thumb is the only keyboard that lets me type fast enough to catch up with the speaker. It has only six hugh keys, requiring very little travelling distance (my thumb concentrates around the tyghbn region only, so your thumb and finger need not move all over the screen). Same concept as TouchPal, but just 6 bigger buttons instead of 14 smaller buttons.

eaglesteve said:
It was another guy's post that talks about note taking. I sometimes take sermon notes in Sunday Church services. I use TextMaker with Tengo Thumb keyboard without stylus. Tengo Thumb is the only keyboard that lets me type fast enough to catch up with the speaker. It has only six hugh keys, requiring very little travelling distance (my thumb concentrates around the tyghbn region only, so your thumb and finger need not move all over the screen). Same concept as TouchPal, but just 6 bigger buttons instead of 14 smaller buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you could use a sound recorder ? I have Resco which I find works well but I don't use it for long sermons !

Cheesy Dave said:
Or you could use a sound recorder ? I have Resco which I find works well but I don't use it for long sermons !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose we could do that too.

Not in a meeting! Hehe.
**crackle**
Keith, don't forget to send that report to the nazi bossman by the end of the day. Oh, yeah, and buy condoms on the way home.
**crackle**

ModernMuseum said:
I'm on the fence about buying one of these for USA use. I don't want to pay $100 for a monthly cell phone plan, so I probably won't need the 3g for "GPS" or a lot of internet usage.
I will however most likely take advantage of the array of programs available and heavily use a calendar application to schedule appointments, reminders, alarm clock, etc. Can someone comment on how a Touch HD helps to simplify and organize their daily routine and keep appointments?
Also, I had a chance to get one of my hands on one in Malaysia and I have to say that the interface is very slick. Is it possible to use the stylus to scribble notes on a notepad? Is this a popular and quick-to-use feature for on-the-fly note taking? I don't see it mentioned very much in the forums here.
I won't be returning to the States until April, so I'll be keeping my eye on some other up and coming phones that have GPS built into the phone for an annual fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me start of to say that I don’t own Blackstone yet. Therefore I can’t tell you much about the device performance itself, but I am using WinMo since some 8-10 years now.
During this time I have used quite few different devices and I can tell you that I never had device that was “perfect”. Somehow you will have always some issues that you not very happy with it. Speed, Size, keyboard, Battery live, Screen Size, stability etc. etc.
Furthermore after while you will start to visit this site more and more. Times will pass then you will find out that you spend more time here on this site then you talking to your wife. You will be addicted!!! You will wait of custom ROM releases like you have been waiting for your first child. You will use your device more for flashing and testing new ROMS then you will actually use your device. You will start to install so many Software’s that you think they are useful but then you will find out you use them actually only first couple of days.
Coming to using your device to Organizing your live.. Well looking back to 8-10 years I would say a PDA did become a must for busy people, especially if you work a lot with Microsoft outlook on your desktop.
The OS WinMo gives you basic application and of course there plenty 3 party software that improves the capability and functionality of the Device. Indeed you may find more than one software company that offers almost same software. Well again same as the hardware there is no perfect software besides everyone has own favorites.. I would say try them and find the best for you.
Here is the list of software that I have installed:
Pocket Informant ( PIM)
PhatNotes ( database Notes)
PhatPad (handwriting notes)
CalliGrapher (Hand writing Input)
HiCalc ( calculator and Unit converter)
PhoneAlarm Pro (this software can do more than one thing..check it out)
SKTools (Utilities)
Resco explorer(file explorer)
Google Maps
TodayAgenda (displays appointments and task on today screen)
LingvoSoft Dictionary’s
Softmaker office (Replacement for Pocket word, excel etc.)
Flexmail ( email client: I use this only for POP and IMAP email accounts)
I am a business user. I have daily 80-150 emails. Many Appointments and Project/Task that I need to remember and follow up.
I work mainly with MS outlook on my desktop. Therefore all my appointments, task, Reminders and Contacts are organized in outlook. After Sync. with my Hand device the Pocket Informant gives me the best tools to keep me Organized for those.
I use PhatNotes for all my information that I need to keep as notes(database) to remember. There is 2 versions for PhatNotes. 1) integrates with outlook notes 2)has own separate desktop application. I personally use the separate desktop version. I can organize my notes under different categories. I can protect sensitive notes with passwords
I found Phatpad is one of the best hand writing Notes.. I use it mostly in the meetings to take handwritten notes ( like on paper) I can with the help of the calligrapher convert my handwriting to text and save it as word document or txt file. Moreover it is a great tool for using it like yellow sticker notes. You can add reminder to your notes as well.
Well I can go on like that for hours for what else I am using my WinMo. In Short I would say I would be lost without it. The only Advice I can give you is to install only the software’s that you really use daily base.

BUG LIST

Hi all,
I've noticed talk of several bugs in the OEM release of the TD2. Thought it would be useful to list them here along with any relavent data. Hopefully, HTC might notice and give us fixes in a new ROM Can you prefix them with a number so we can track/comment on them more easily. (Can we sticky this thread???).
So far I have found....
1 - Green charge light sometimes never happens.
I've noticed this only when using the wall charger (PC USB charge is never a problem) that despite being on charge for hours the light remains orange and the battery level never completes the last block. If I soft reset the deivce and check again it now shows all blocks as green and charged. Before a hard-reset has resolve this but it has come back again.
2 - Alarms do not sound.
On several occasions, depsite the alarm being correctly set and a valid sound file selected no notification has occured (no screen message, vibrate, alarm sound or light flash). These seem sporadic and appear to be fixable by resetting the alarm tone.
3 - Hotmail/MSN uses GPRS/3G even when connected via wifi.
Annoying as wifi is often faster and free
4 - Constant Vibrate (or no sound) when receiving SMS message.
About 1 in 50 messages, the phone starts vibrating continuously but nothing else happens. If you turn the screen on you get the SMS sound notification and then the vibration stops. If you set SMS not to vibrate you have no way of telling you have an SMS until you next turn the phone on.
Rich

- The phone sometimes doesn't respond to turn on the screen from sleep when pressing power button
- Phone doesn't vibrate on messages when Vibrate profile is active and phone is in sleep mode

These may not be bugs but...
7. Cut/Paste is a pain... worst is cant cut and paste between different apps.
8. Dubious Keys:
- Softkey Phone and Hard key Phone
- Softkey Start and Hard key Home. Home key displays the "All Programs" similar to TF3D1. I'd prefer Start key to display "All Programs" and the Home key be link to some other user defined apps.
9. In general the UI is worst than TF3D1
Hopefully HTC can correct and improve the UI. What a shame...
TQ

Hi folks,
I don't know either if this is a bug, but it's a little annoying.
There is often a delay, after pushing the windows-button or start-button on the screen to open the Start-Menu.
Especially in the beginning it happened to me, that I pushed it again (as I thought I haven't pushed it correctly) and then it came up and shut down again.
Regards,
JTGBDR

Hi,
I doubt that WMV lag problem is also a bug in its implementation for WMV decoding.
Following is my finding:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518963

jtgbdr said:
Hi folks,
I don't know either if this is a bug, but it's a little annoying.
There is often a delay, after pushing the windows-button or start-button on the screen to open the Start-Menu.
Especially in the beginning it happened to me, that I pushed it again (as I thought I haven't pushed it correctly) and then it came up and shut down again.
Regards,
JTGBDR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly the sort of unresponsiveness that's going to make me get an iphone if WM6.5 doesn't impress me.

If GPS looses fix whilst in use (by moving underground or indoors), its never able to recover even when there is clear line of sight to the sky.
Only resolution (and very messy one at that) is a reboot, upon which GPS fix is attained immediately.
most annoying.

- Delivery notification for text messages in HTC text editor
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518306
- Sentences won't start with a Capital in HTC Text editor
In the standard Windows text editor, The first character in a sentence is converted the capital equivalent.
- Alarm at 6:00 isn't deactivated (quite annoying in weekends !)
When I change my alarm time or deactive my alarms .. one alarm will still go off.
- No cut/paste in most TouchFlo apps
Really a pain in the ass sometimes.
-TomTom voicecutting
Easy solution: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513621
New features that I would like:
- Weekly view for the calendar !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (can't stress this enough ).
- Being able to link an unknown email address (from within an email) to an existing contact (and not only to a new one).
- Some others ut can't remember them right now

kly said:
- Delivery notification for text messages in HTC text editor
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=518306
- Sentences won't start with a Capital in HTC Text editor
In the standard Windows text editor, The first character in a sentence is converted the capital equivalent.
- Alarm at 6:00 isn't deactivated (quite annoying in weekends !)
When I change my alarm time or deactive my alarms .. one alarm will still go off.
- No cut/paste in most TouchFlo apps
Really a pain in the ass sometimes.
-TomTom voicecutting
Easy solution: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513621
New features that I would like:
- Weekly view for the calendar !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (can't stress this enough ).
- Being able to link an unknown email address (from within an email) to an existing contact (and not only to a new one).
- Some others ut can't remember them right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost all of these problems are solved by switching off TF3D2. I've done so and pretty much all of my problems have gone away. I've got more free memory, the phone runs a lot faster and all those little niggles like yours have vanished. It might not be as pretty, but if pretty is your thing then get an iphone ;O)
WM6.5 will pretty much make TF3D2 redundant anyway...

New features that I would like on TD2 TF3D are the capability to sort the contacts by company on and the capability to show on home screen the tasks for the present day...

the_one_and_only said:
New features that I would like on TD2 TF3D are the capability to sort the contacts by company on and the capability to show on home screen the tasks for the present day...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just turn off TF3D and your wishes are granted.
Incidentally, another TF3D bug: When sending a text, if it fails to send, TF3D gives you no way top resend it. You have to go to the standard WM6.1 SMS application and do it from there, unless you want to retype the whole thing.
Oh and another one (more of an annoyance than a bug) - TF3D won't allow you to change the "File as" when creating a contact, you have to (again) go into the standard Contacts screen to do this. Really annoying when you're adding the contact for a company and want him filed under the company name.
I've found TF3D to be more of a hindrance than a help.

- network key gets lost when switching between networks (and then can't paste it back in with TF3D interface, need to use WM native app)
- text messages recevied without a number (for example train company alerts, bank, phone company) are not viewable when clicked on !. They show on the home screen but then don't show in the contact centric view - and you can't add them as a contact because there's no number
- sending emails via wi-fi works intermittently. I can receive Ok but sometimes need to open a phone data connection to send

West12 said:
...and then can't paste it back in with TF3D interface, need to use WM native app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a huge problem throughout the TF3D interface - I don't understand how, while attempting to add some gloss to the WinMo experience, HTC managed to remove so much basic functionality.
I've been running without TF3D for a couple of days now and I'm finding the experience to be quite liberating, if a little graphically dull. Everything works as it should and is nice and snappy. I'd recommend giving it a go for maybe a week, see how you get on. To my mind, the big problem with TF3D is it's only any good if you want to do anything really basic. The moment you need to do anything slightly different, TF3D gets in the way as you have to dig through the gloss to get back to the original WM6.1 applications, which, after all, do have all the functionality. Better, to my mind, to drop the gloss and get all that nice functionality right from the start.
Heck, without TF3D I actually now get automatic capitalization at the start of every sentence when texting and emailing!

in File Explorer you cannot select multiple files because TF3D scrolls the list instead of selecting a range, and there's no way to tell it to select when i drag instead of scroll like opera does. Extremely annoying when having to move photos from internal ram to storage card, speaking of which...
If you plug in a USB host and select "Mass storage device" with the camera application open, then close Camera, it saves its setting to save photos in internal memory. So next time you open it without USB mass storage device enabled you end up with everything in internal memory - which you cant access through the USB mass storage mode... again extremely annoying and fiddly to sort out the mess it makes (see above) -

That's exactly what I mean. TF3D causes far more problems than it solves. To my mind, it's a marketing gimmick to help sell more phones - functionality-wise it's rubbish.
In the normal WinMo6.1 today screen, for instance, the Calendar widget shows me my next appointment, even if it's several days away. TF3D? Unless the appointment is today or tomorrow, you can forget it. Wanna know how many tasks you've got outstanding? Not in TF3D.
How about using a lock password that only activates if I haven't used my phone for 15 minutes? Impossible in TF3D.
TF3D has gloss. That's just about it.

I like it, just needs a few improvements - it's not going to remain buggy forever - so we shouldn't write it off straight away.
Yes your right they did it to sell more phones, but so did apple with the iPhone, because consumers like swishy smooth sliding things, not clunky window ce interfaces..
I used to go through hell every morning trying to drive windows ce just to shut my alarm up, or alter the alarm time, now i can do it my sleep.
I've heard MS have commisioned HTC to work on standard interfaces for windows mobile, so I'm sure they'll be watching this thread.
Get your bugs in and help change a good step into the right direction to a massive leap forward that you can't live without...
be +ive!

I expect WM6.5 will be out before a new version of TF3D.

I hear you talking about TF3D2 like it's crap.
It has its bugs and flaws, but there are some things you forgot to mention:
1. I replaced my standard Touch (yes, the first one) for the TD2
Why ?
I had to use my stylus for every single thing ... not really convenient right ?
With the TD2 I almost never have to use it, except for playing Bubble Breaker
There are some exceptions, but they are very rare.
And that's one of the biggest advantages of TF3D2.
Ofcourse, with WM6.5 on the way, it's possible I'll have to agree with you and shut down TF3D2 ... I'm pretty sure HTC will release a new version of TF3D2 when it's out though !
We'll see who's right in a few months ... but for now, TF3D2 is the way to go !
2. Why give up on such a great modification of HTC ?
It combines the usability of WM with a touch (literally) of gloss ... AND functionality.
The new people centric way of working is just awesome for example .. and it's not the only thing.
But nevertheless .. I have to agree ... it takes away some standard functionality of (compared to other mobile OS's) strong WM.
On the other hand, it adds lots of it ... meaning with a small number of bugfixes, it CAN be awesome (which WM standard is NOT).
Greets

I'm perfectly capable of using the standard WM6.1 without a stylus 90% of the time. I understand people with big hands might not though. The "People-centric" thing in TF3D isn't something I use to be honest, I've never needed to see all the different means I've used of communicating with a specific person. *shrug*.
Compare to this: Without TF3D, my today screen now gives me the following info, all WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE PHONE except to turn it on...
Current playing music: artist, album, track, track number
All upcoming appointments
How many unread messages I have in each email account and in SMS/MMS
How many unread RSS headlines
The date and day of the week and time
A list of my outstanding todos
What scheduled direct debits and standing orders are due o my bank accounts
My current status in Windows Messenger
A Live Search bar
A Tomtom button
And that's just for starters, I could add tons more just by downloading plugins.
That is a shedload more functionality than TF3D.
BUT - I'm not saying everyone should ditch TF3D - some people value gloss over functionality, and that's why the iPhone is selling so well.
Some people might value this people-centric thing over knowing what todos they have or what music they're listening to. That's fine!

You got me on one point though ... Windows' customizability.
That's something you'll have to lose when using TF3D2.
-I don't use my mobile as a music player for now (will do that when I receive the USB to audio jack to connect it to my car's audio).
-I never use RSS
-I can see the amount of mails / SMS's I received.
-Upcoming appointments ... I can understand people complaining when they're only able to view the ones from the current and the next day.
On the otherhand, that list would be larger than one complete screen, so no biggy here for me.
A list of appointments is inconvenient and not structured enough.
That is why I liked the week view of WM ... and that's a great miss in TF3D2 in my case !
- I include a reminder for my todo's (tasks) ... otherwise I will still forget things ... I'm not the kind of person who checks the task list enough ... the reminders work for me.
- Don't use Messenger on my mobile ... it would drive me nuts ... I spend enough time reading my mails
- I rather prefer the Opera toolbar if I want to search for information, so no live search for me.
- Tomtom button ... could be handy indeed !
I just like the 'tabs' working way.
It gets you information you want in a structured manner.
If I list the weather, the number of missed calls, the time, my appointments, mails, todo's, ... all on one screen .. I'll get lost ... just too many TEXT on one screen !
That's why I like the tabs.
But to completely compare ... I should try to use it without TF3D for one week.
Maybe I'll write my plugins for the home screen one day ... to adapt them to my personal needs ..
But indeed ... I'm also waiting for the WM 6.5 release ... one of the reasons why I bought this phone.
Greets