I love my MDA more and more now. But after my first week or two i was begining to think i had made a mistake buying it. Thanks to the kind and helpful folk around here and other forums, i now have it doing everything i wanted it to do and in the way i want it to do it.
I use it for TomTom, playing DIXed DVD's, music, podcasts, games, the usual email/web duties and more. And thanks to the great WiFi 'G' reg hack i can now stream my large lossles FLAC files (with the help of fantasitc Conduits Pocket Player) right into my Hifi system, just like my Squeezebox 3 media player. It's actually much better than an ipod (albeit with less storage when out of the house - although i could access my music at home from a hotspot). A fully fledged media streaming device for free! (well, a small fee for Pocket Player and a 2.5mm to 3.5mm jack adaptor).
Not only does this hack also enable 'g' speeds, but i can confirm that it also massively increases performance on 'b' speed networks too (which mine is limited to due to being an 'adhok' network).
Sure, a faster proc, better camera and maybe even 3G would be nice. But i have no wish to ever make video calls or use Skype (i'm the geek of the group and no-one else i know uses it).
I understand there will always be better third party software (Media Player is an utter waste of space for example) but why should we have to make techy and annoying tweaks to the registry, just to get the best from the unit? Why the hell do we need to hack the reg just to make a basic settings change, such as hiding SIM contacts (which is an option in just about every mobile from the last 5 years).
Is it just bad planning? Poor thinking on the manufactures part? or is there just a genuine reason for 'hiding' these settings and not making them accessable from standard menu's?
The older i get, the less time i have to mess around so much. I have better things to do these days to be honest.
Surely they would have more to gain by activating the performance increases themselfs, rather than us more tech savy types to figure out how to alter the registry. Half the things this device has been slated for in reviews can actually be sorted, but the average (make that normal) buyers of this device will be feeling a bit short changed if you ask me.
I guess the only thing left for me to do now is dump the T-Mobile ROM and use a more slimline one. Or maybe i should just figure out who to lose some of the crap from my existing install?
What is it with these companies? Don't they know when they are on to a good thing? Or maybe, just maybe it to keep us coming back for more and upgrading year after year? Hey ho...
/rant over.
Dom
Very interesting topic, well put and one which I'm sure will be relevant to me very soon...y'see my Wizard arrives in two days and it was reading posts such as yours which helped me take the plunge.
I don't mind messing about with PDAs, phones, PCs etc to get the the best performance but (as you rightly point out) we shouldn't have to. However, given the thousand of threads and posts on this (incredibly good) site, I am somewhat confused about what to do first with my Wizard.
So, could you please take a few minutes to post what changes, hacks etc you have done to get yours where you (almost) want it to be?
Many thanks in advance.
Mos
mosgeo said:
So, could you please take a few minutes to post what changes, hacks etc you have done to get yours where you (almost) want it to be?
Many thanks in advance.
Mos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first things i would always do after a hard reset (format), after syncing back all my contacts/callender of course...
Reg hacks (main ones, i have forgot a few) -
*Hide SIM contacts (so the dont appear pointlessly twice)
*Enable 'g' speed Wifi
* Disable the annoying 'you are about to go online' message. You will understand when you get yours, VERY VERY annoying - you get it even when you are online and just switch back to PIE.
* There are some good performace tweaks to, which i forgot about.
Essential software i could not be without (some free, some not - unless you are naughty. Don't be naughty now )
*TomTom (Sat Nav)
*Memory Map Pocket Nav + GPS and the O.S. maps i use for walking
*TCPMP - The best video player
* Conduits Pocket Player - the best music player IMO (Streaming, gapless playback and OGG/FLAC support - nice). costs a few beer tokens, but free good alternatives are available.
*Resco File explorer and Reg editor.
*Opera Browser - Renders pages faster than PIE, handles java script etc better and Tabbed browsing makes GPRS speeds much less of a pain.
*Memmaid - for cleaing up temp files, dead registry entries etc.
*Storage tools - for formating and sorting out MiniSD cards - WM5 can't even format a bloody memory card!
*Wififofum - for finding WiFi networks (more for fun than anything).
*OMAPclock - for a bit of overclocking (more for fun again, i rarely feel the need is that great)
*And of course registry wizard for the good people of these forums
Thats about it really for me, but i am finding more cools things everyday to play with but those are my must have ones - i have had to install
A few must have games include, AOE, UFO, 3D pool and Soduko.
Personally i dont use a today plugin. I have not found one i like yet and most have icons etc that are to small on the MDA's small screen or just make clutter rather than really help me. A well organised start menu is enough for me.
Oh, and of course you can flash the ROM. But i have not done this yet. T-Mobiles version does not seem that bad but i hear the O2 version is a real dog and well worth doing. I just worry about lost Wifi and GPRS functionality i have heard about some people having.
Really wasn't expecting a reply so soon, and certainly not such a comprehensive one. Thanks for your time. I may be back with more questions once I actually get my mitts on a Wizard. Cheers!
yes I agree , it is great post, specially for new people like me, I got mine (Qtek 9100) just on Friday, and I am still figuring out its functions.
But I have question - if you have time to answer - I really don't know about WiFi function -which is in the device- , if I want to connect to the internet I should have a wireless router connected to my main PC, is that right ? I have read some of posts in here, that they can connect to the Internet - through their PPC - when they are outside or walking or traveling from area to another, by scanning for the nearby Connection, then they can use it to visit websites, does this cost money when they connect to the Internet using the WiFi ? And how can I do the same if it doesn't cost m money ? Can the "WiFi Fofum" program do this o is it only to scan any available connection nearby ? How can I connect to the internet (through WiFi) when this programm finds connection? And if it is really totally free..
I know this are bunch o Questions But I really want to use this function - if possible - specially that I work outside my city and I have to spend couple of hours travelling almost everyday. I appreciate any comment.
Wireless router at home if you want to use it wirelessly or if you do what I do now and then..... connect via the USB cable to your PC. Out and about you can connect for free if someone has a wireless network within range that has no WEP security enabled
There are wireless spots around the country but you have to pay for the main ones via an account you have to set up (kind of pay as you go) Cloud is one company that runs WiFi hotspots on a PAYG basis.
If you leave your WIFI scanning it will tell you if you are within range of a network, it will also tell you if it is secured or not, if it isn't then 9/10 you can just connect and use it
I have been meaning to make a post just like the OP. You are on the mark, IMO! This situation really begs the question, how can this thing be so feeble out of the box?
Thank you XDA and all of the kind people on this forum. You have been the best!
Thomas1234 said:
if I want to connect to the internet I should have a wireless router connected to my main PC, is that right ? I have read some of posts in here, that they can connect to the Internet - through their PPC - when they are outside or walking or traveling from area to another, by scanning for the nearby Connection, then they can use it to visit websites, does this cost money when they connect to the Internet using the WiFi ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case, my service provider (Cingular) offers a service called GPRS/EDGE, which lets the Wizard access the Internet through the cell phone connection.
I use the WiFi when I don't have a good connection. Most of the time, for browsing mini-websites and sending e-mails, there isn't much speed difference between WiFi and GPRS. I don't think the Wizard is fast enough to process more than a few 100 kbps of data.
If you don't want to (or can't) pay for a GPRS service, it's possible to "war drive" for access points. The Wizard will find them, although its WiFi reception isn't as powerful as a laptop's.
On my phone, if I enable WiFi, the phone will automatically use WiFi instead of GPRS when WiFi is available. If you don't want to pay GPRS charges, you might want to configure the phone so that it doesn't use GPRS.
can you explain 'wardriving' please? is it just freely using wifi points without paying? bit confused
Thanks
Jamie,
You are correct in your assumption !! You would be amazed at the number of 'unlocked' WiFi routers out there....
Ever tried running Bluetooth detection in a pub and seen how many phones are out there too ?
If you can find an unlocked WiFi router running DHCP - 'Fill your boots' !! Sometimes it's even possible to guess IP addresses of other PC's on the network, access em and leave a kindly note to thank them for their hospitality but warn them of their folly and the potential for disaster......I know I have but then that's me: Mr Altruism
Ok how can I get any internet connection through WiFi ? Should I just enable my WiFi and it'll scan for any available connection nearby ? I did but nothing happened, it wants from me to fill form which I really don't know anything about it... Or do I have to use a program to scan for connection ? And if yes, should my WiFi be enabled ? What is the best program for scaning ? I wish if someone explains me all that and how can start using WiFi to get a connection and an access to the internet but slowly, will be thankful.
Im new to all of this, but what can you do with the registry wizard and how do you install it? I foud a zip file for it, but cant get it to load.
Thanks!
i have a question too if you have the time mate,
I don't exactly want to use the edge since i dont have an unlimited plan or something.how can i delete these settings and do you think any problems will occur?(sending recieving mms)
basicly i don't it to connect to edge(gprs)auto.is there a way to fix this
thanks so much.
HI,
Ok, on my way back from Blockbuster I was taxing the ole cognitive faculties and, being the cheap b*stard I am, thought of a possible way of gaining free internet access on the move. Here is my idea.
Using a Orange UK Pay as You Go sim in a GSM data card hooked up to my main PC at home with full access to High Speed internet. I set up a RAS server, add this number to my Magic Numbers and dial in for remote access and iNet connection. Of course if this is possible compression could be used before IP packets are routed to the mobile device improving, what I assume to be, a lousy bandwidth.
Further questions related to this:
What is the available bandwidth of a GSM data call?
Do Orange allow data calls on non-contract numbers, and are Orange able to detect that a line is being used for data rather than voice? And, if yes to the latter, can a data call masquerade as a voice?
Are there any good compression clients for Windows Mobile?
Being stuck with GPRS/EDGE on my VOX the data plans are diabolical, now I have a eee pc I'm kinda getting these two devices to dance together as best they can for the ultimate mobile experience, and if this theory is plausible and with performance comparable to GPRS, then I think im on to something worth while for my self and others.
Any response is appreciated
not sure if it's possible
but data gsm is only 9600
Unfortunately I don't have any concrete answers for you, but I'm thinking about picking up an EEE PC as well, and this is an absolutely FANTASTIC idea. I'm extremely interested in how this project fares for you. When it comes to phone networks, I'm still a noob, but I've been administering a satellite network for a few years, and based on the networking experience i've gotten in that short time, what you propose seems entirely possible. The biggest issue that I think you're going to run into is getting the compression to work properly. I'm worried that it will impede the processing performance of the phone. I think you may have better luck finding a packetshaper for the EEE rather than your WM device.
On a side note, what distro of Linux do those run? i've been looking around, and havn't been able to find out if it's Ubuntu, RedHat, anything. Everything I find just says 'Linux'. Also, have you been able to easily pair your phone to the EEE? I'm running Ubuntu Feisty Fawn on my desktop and I can't get anything out of the USB connection. (I know this is off-topic of your original post, and i apologize, but please PM me if you, or anyone else, have any suggestions. [i've searched forums for some suggestions, havn't worked out] Thanks.)
Good Luck!
Ok thanks all for the response, im going to post info etc. as and when I find it.
Here is general GSM info that confirms and elaberates on Rudegar's post
http://www.tml.tkk.fi/Studies/Tik-110.300/1998/Newtech/fast_gsm_2.html
in brief, using compression 'up to 36000 bps' can be acheived, which is sufficient for Image free web-surfing courtesy of Opera and telnet. Moreover, the article referenced is fairly old and I imagine DUN compression algorythms have come on leaps and bounds, especially since the broadband revolution. I think you're right in suggesting that decompression may tax my Vox, I will use the VOX as modem either over USB or BT. Next I will research compression, keep you all posted.
As for the EEE, well I am totally in love with mine. The stock Eee comes with Xandros a flavour of Linux that I found to be quite bitter. I am currently using XPTablet Edition. I have tried Ubuntu, gOS, eeexubuntu and couldn't deal with the inability to upscale the resolution so I went Windows. Now I can scale 900x600 without any glitches. I have modified my 4g with a touchscreen, 2 gigs of RAM in the post, all I need now is a way of fitting an Xscale PPC sisterboard and the HTC Shift can suck my.......
My only advice is DON'T GET a eee pc 2G, as you will only regret it.... I did!
Oh... I think you'd have to recompile your kernel to get some kind of activesync replacment. I've seen the answer somewhere on my travels--probably www.Eeeuser.com or www.ubuntu.com--If i find it again ill let you know.
Whilst browsing for a cheap GSM modem I came across the Three Pay 3G modem reduced to £69 from Ebuyer. Of course I bought one on the spot--perhaps I'm not such a cheap b*stard after all. For this reason this little project is now less of a necessity. I will be using a VPN of some kind but I doubt that it will be of much relevance to this post. If I do stumble on anything of interest I will post. As the modem has 2G capabilities I will test a few dialin setups.
Not really a tech question, but I can't decide whether or not to bring my Acer with me on vacation to Playa del Carmen. I travel around the US a lot for work, and I always bring it. It really comes in handy on long flights, and boring nights in the hotel. I think I probably will only use it on the plane and maybe in the room late at night... if there's nothing good on TV. I won't have wifi in the room, and I have no choice but to bring my work laptop, which has a 3G card anyway. Any suggestions?
Hell yes.
Load up a external HDD with a bunch of movies and shows you want to watch, a500 makes a great travel buddy. Not to mention books and a bunch of other fun stuff you can do even without a network connection. Just block out some time before you leave to load up a bunch of media and books and games etc, that way even if internet is unavailable / slow you have plenty to do.
Moto G4 1625 (i think)
32GB+64SD
Unlocked/Rooted./TWRP
Love the phone as is... go it just where I want it no problems... unless I want there to be.
I use it as phone, text and piracy. No FB, Msgr, or other like apps. Some to help control background sh** but not much.
Kodi.
Using it on PC to steam to TV and everything seems to be fine other than the finding channels that work [sop]). Just started so here is my question:
Should I get a VPN -obvious- (looking at Expressvpn) and if so for android no doubt since it is LTE ISP?
Don't my donating to a good service (glad to support developers) just want to stick it to the cable, sat and ect, cos.. with their $1,000,000 "bundles".
Thanks for any/all responses.
Edit: PurePN?
Fu**-It Got ExpressVPN
Sorry to trouble everyone here with a dumb-a** question... just thought it was a good place to start a diag with those in the know.
Anyway... so far all seems to have crinkled-out (if you will) and again: Hope I paid for something that was coded here... if not... there you have it.