A note to all cookers - Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development

Windows bottom menu tabs.
I would be grateful if COOKS could put a little more though into what tabs are placed at the bottom as I dont think these can be changed.
For instance, why put a phone button on there?, why a WIFI button, contacts, etc when these are already duplicated in other screen menus.
Of course this can be subjective but a little more thought could make a good ROM a great one.
For me the most useful tabs are, task manager, programs and menu.
Please note that I do appreicate all the hard work that is done on these ROMS, all of which done free of charge, I hope this thread doesnt sound ungrateful, it isnt meant to.

It is very easy to change if you don't like the one that is there...

really, I have never found an "easy" way without hacking the ROM, it there setting somewhere that doesnt require reg hacks?

in his topix ROM, kwbr has included Softkey Manager to change the button setting...
P/S: not sure if this works for those WM 6.5.x ROMs (just in case you are) but i been using this to change the softkeys...

stoolzo said:
Windows bottom menu tabs.
I would be grateful if COOKS could put a little more though into what tabs are placed at the bottom as I dont think these can be changed.
For instance, why put a phone button on there?, why a WIFI button, contacts, etc when these are already duplicated in other screen menus.
Of course this can be subjective but a little more thought could make a good ROM a great one.
For me the most useful tabs are, task manager, programs and menu.
Please note that I do appreicate all the hard work that is done on these ROMS, all of which done free of charge, I hope this thread doesnt sound ungrateful, it isnt meant to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you use our dear search function? of course they can be modified, tell me any tweak program that CANNOT do this - as well as editing it on your own isn't too hard ...
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\HTC\Manila, there HomeLSKPath, Text, same for RSK

Search is your answer. These can be changed easily....see posts above
Thread closed

Related

Need Task Switcher for WM6

Hi all. I am on the hunt for a decent Task Switcher app that will work with WM6.
I used to use Wisbar Lite and loved it but it looks yuck on WM6 as it forces the older (WM5 Close Icon)
What I need is Something that I can launch with a button and will show all the running apps in a pop up window and allow me to switches between them by tapping on an application icon in said pop up window.
And it must not change or add anything to the start bar.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Jules
pBar
have you tried the pBar application that is around on the forums? it's freeware and was based on the old wisbar. seems to work well, but i don't think i am using a full wm6...just the beta ish...or wm5 heavily skinned wm6....
do a search and you're bound to find it...
ZaJules said:
Hi all. I am on the hunt for a decent Task Switcher app that will work with WM6.
I used to use Wisbar Lite and loved it but it looks yuck on WM6 as it forces the older (WM5 Close Icon)
What I need is Something that I can launch with a button and will show all the running apps in a pop up window and allow me to switches between them by tapping on an application icon in said pop up window.
And it must not change or add anything to the start bar.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Jules
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running a PDAviet WM6, it has this in it's ROM. Tap and hold upper-right corner.
I love it when I can answer my own questions
After searching and using a bunch off apps and not having any luck I just tried Small Menu and It works 100% in WM6.
Meets all my requirements
More news or problems as I find them
Jules
gspocket magic
best app that does all you want
Thanks for the replies.
Vilem. please can you elaborate on that?
I am using Davit ver 3 and have not seen this app.
Sandrobber. Thanks for the file, I have tried the app before but it doesn't match or look good on the stock WM6 start bar. am I missing a setting or something?
So far SmallmenuPlus is the winner for me.
Jules
I have to say, people I know that have been running Crossbow for a few months, have found SmallMenuPlus to be great.
On an unrelated note, I've run SmallMenu pretty much since I got my first WinMob phone, and can highly recommend it. It's not perfect, but it's very useful.
PocketMagic is also a very worth (free) contender.
I don't use Wisbar (resource usage....) so can't comment.
V
Does anyone know a way to exclude some applications (activesync and phone) from smallmenuplus task list?
Killing the phone process during a conversation or closing activesync during a pc sync can be really dangerous/disappointing.
No, I don't think you can, hence my "It's not perfect"
Try writing to the author, he's still active, although the app only seems to get minor updates these days.
V
I've been using Dinar HandySwitcher 2.5 from DinarSoft for a good while now. It has the decided advantage that you can also remove the application from memory, or all applications from memory, right from the main screen. Most times the only way to clear applications is through the start/settings/systems /memory route or a hard power down.
It's not free but it is cheap, easy and effective. Don't know if it runs on W6.
Trying it now.
Works fine in WM6.
Thanks
pocket magic
you can chenge the pictures of the start bar in pocket magis but it takes some enginutity and time. your have to edit the bitmap. Play aroung with it enough and I'm sure you can make it even look loke a vista button
http://homepage3.nifty.com/UK-taniyama/tools/GSPMagicPP.html
@ZaJules,
Which taskswitcher did you settle with in the end for WM6?
Hadn't seen this thread, thanks for bumping it up . So I'm trying SmallMenuPlus and this seems like a really nice (and fast) replacement for Wisbar Lite. The one thing I miss though is there is no soft reset in the menu. I like having that ability to do a soft reset via the menu due to the case I have doesn't have easy access to the reset hole on the side. Anyone know how to add this?
Also, does SmallMenuPlus not close apps when you press the X? Does it just put them in background? Can that be configured?
SKmenu
Skmenu is the one for me. Its not free(for the cascading menu part, which can be deactivated! ), but the taskbar switching works 100% with the demo. I have always used it, its very light, and its accessible 100% of the time= very quick(response speed is the issue i have with the rest of the apps mentioned). Although it doesnt come preconfigured setting it up takes less than a minute, and its easy enough for any level user.
The best solution for me. I also use an Alt-tab application mapped to a hardware button for easy access, like when driving etc...
about taskswicher
sry my poor english
Since 2004 and IPAQ6340 until today wizard/universal/hermes WM6 I have used HaaliTS TaskSwicher-2002.
Lives silently in upper left corner, shows additionally free battery and memory.
Dont needs install, copy exe, make shortcut, all )
Perfect for me and my friends (~25-30 units).
Have tested all here overmentioned progs, but find it best. Small footprint, etc.
regards
And what about this little tool??
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=302643&highlight=alttab
BTW: I´m using ilauncher and you can put taskmanager to button. Works perfekt in every WM6
papamopps said:
And what about this little tool??
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=302643&highlight=alttab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I needed!

Comm Mgr Customizing

Is there a way to customize comm manager (change from 6 button to 10 or change the buttons--replace data connection with 3G) other than using Advanced Config. I can do it through Advanced Config but wondered whether there was another way to do it on the fly that I am missing. Thx.
Did you try looking into the stickied thread at the top of the forum that has all the cab files??
There's a 10 buttom comm manager right there.
I know. I am looking for a utility that switches from the 10 to the 6 or changes the order of the buttons on the 10 or 6. Maybe I am not explaining it well enough ....
Why would you want to change between the two? The 10 button has it all, including disabling data connection and 3G?
Aesthetics. The 6 button on/off looks good with certain themes/roms. Not a huge issue. I guess not a big demand for it.
If you use Kaiser Tweak you can customize the Comm Manager (doesn't change from 6 to 10 buttons or vice versa) but you can re-order the buttons. Give it a shot.
Got it. Thanks.
... Is there anyone that found a way to make the 10-buttons CommManager "dpad-friendly" ?
It's so annoying : you can navigate the homepage of your PDA with the dpad, and then start the commmanager... and there : you're stuck !
Have to touch the screen to choose any of the items (wireless, data, bluetooth...)
sebbes said:
... Is there anyone that found a way to make the 10-buttons CommManager "dpad-friendly" ?
It's so annoying : you can navigate the homepage of your PDA with the dpad, and then start the commmanager... and there : you're stuck !
Have to touch the screen to choose any of the items (wireless, data, bluetooth...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, because it's SUCH a pain to point your finger at the screen and push.
Wow, it's amazing the things people complain about.
If I took your logic, I would ask why Kaiser has a hard-keyboard ? It's so easy for ppl to press the screen
...
I have the aluminum case, and the screen is behind a hardglass !
So you can give a try if you want... but I'd bet your won't even bend the glass.
You didn't say you had a hard case, did ya? I don't have one and I don't know anyone that does. Everyone I know uses the stylus on the screen, just like it's supposed to be used.
Just use AEB to assign a hardkey, I use the windoz logo key, double press toggles BT power, tripple toggles WiFi. You get the picture.
I'll give a try to AEB (my Win button is already reassigned, same for the camera button which triggers the CommMgr...)
Lidberg said:
You didn't say you had a hard case, did ya? I don't have one and I don't know anyone that does. Everyone I know uses the stylus on the screen, just like it's supposed to be used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, why would people buy a phone with real keyboard, as there's already onscreen keyboard... That's exactly same scenario.
My question was not about "how could I reeducate myself", but how to turn this smartphone into something even smarter...
Even the ComMgr on the HTC Tornado can be manager from the joystick... (running WM5)
So it's a shame if HTC did remove this so simple thing as focus-ordered buttons...
sebbes said:
Like I said, why would people buy a phone with real keyboard, as there's already onscreen keyboard... That's exactly same scenario.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought it, didn't you? Why did you buy it? I'll tell you why - it's one thing to have an on screen keyboard, it's a totally different thing to have a real, tactile keyboard with real keys to give your fingers feedback. You're comparing apples and oranges. Your logic doesn't fly with me, sorry. You can't touch-type with an on screen keyboard (i.e. type by feel).
Lidberg said:
You bought it, didn't you? Why did you buy it? I'll tell you why - it's one thing to have an on screen keyboard, it's a totally different thing to have a real, tactile keyboard with real keys to give your fingers feedback. You're comparing apples and oranges. Your logic doesn't fly with me, sorry. You can't touch-type with an on screen keyboard (i.e. type by feel).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW. You have been nothing but a condescending prick in every one of you posts on this thread. Sorry you don't like the new kids on your block asking questions. If you don't want to contribute anything in an amicable manner, please, leave us to cry in the corner.
marm0lade said:
WOW. You have been nothing but a condescending prick in every one of you posts on this thread. Sorry you don't like the new kids on your block asking questions. If you don't want to contribute anything in an amicable manner, please, leave us to cry in the corner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Thanks for the laugh. You made my night.
The OP had a question, and I answered it. If it's not what he was looking for, then he should learn how to phrase his questions in a better way.
I don't apologize for my wording. I am short and to the point.
Lastly, some people will complain about anything and everything. You can't help that or change that.
Ok fine, so you're apparently upset about people asking for tips & tricks... Then I assume your Kaiser was just perfect as-is right ?
(...so I guess you kept the stock ROM untouched, and didnt apply any of the great XDA-dev patches/fixes then)
Anyone with a more constructive feedback, like maybe importing the CommMgr of a different HTC pdaphone ?
I have the Tilt with the stock AT&T ROM. It does everything I need it to. I have, however, applied many of the tweaks and fixes available here. I ask very few questions and do LOTS of reading. I read almost every thread in this forum looking for little tweaks to make my phone even better than it already is.
I have no problems with people asking questions. That is what this forum is for. What bugs me is people who post the same question over and over without reading ANYTHING. (not that I was referring to you)
I was trying to be a little sarcastic with my first reply, but I guess you took it the wrong way.
So then, if you said I was posting without reading anything ...
Do you mean you were able to find a way ? (finaly we'll get something constructive)
I am not really new to XDA-dev, so I know how searching the place works...
Unfortunately, neither the 6buttons nor the 10buttons CommMgr is able to do (apparently) what I'm trying to get.
Hence the post...
Well I highly doubt that you will be able to switch between the 6 and 10 buttom comm mgr. They are both cab installs and require a SR after install.
What about RemE's suggestion? Did you try that? You could also remap the PTT button.
P.S. I wasn't referring to you when I said people don't read before posting.

WM 6.5 - Hate the new start menu - Can I change it back?

Hi All,
Just updated my Touch Diamond 2 to TOM's new WM 6.5 ROM. I'm happy with everything, but the new start menu is a little awkward. Its very small, and it shows everything. I liked HTC's original TouchFlo 'Programs' tab, as this allows me to add shortcuts to the apps I use most, and hide the remaining ones in the "All Programs" soft key.
However, I don't know how to change it so when I click the Start Menu (or the hardware button) it opens the Programs screen. I'm sure its a registry setting, but I don't know which one exactly.
Any help would be appreciated.
I dunno whether this will be the one for you, but it's worth taking a look at:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\HTC\EnlargeMenu]
"EnableManilaStartMenu"=dword:00000001
HandySpanner said:
I dunno whether this will be the one for you, but it's worth taking a look at:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\HTC\EnlargeMenu]
"EnableManilaStartMenu"=dword:00000001
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but this doesn't seem to work. Even a reset doesn't change the start menu behaviour.
Can anyone else help?
hard reset?
as the title ...
How about this one:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\HTC\Manila]
"EnableStartMenu"=dword:00000001
(perhaps in conjuction with the other one)

TouchFLO 3D: map left button to home tab?

Is there a way to remap left hardware button to TouchFLO 3D home tab? I had a Diamond, was used to home button, and I want the XPeria left button to have the same behaviour.
It was hard for me to find that too, but then I realized that I can go to home tab by pressing the hang up button.
Start -> Settings -> Personal -> Buttons and map hw button of choice to "today".
Dont get me wrong, but was it really THAT difficult to just try and look for it by yourself on your phone?? It's not some fancy registry tweak..just a plain simple wm option as old as the world. Sometimes i wonder how many people buy a certain device "because it looks so cool" or "omg that ad is awesome!" and have actually NO IDEA of what's inside what they are buying...hope you don't fall within this category.
MacCarron said:
Start -> Settings -> Personal -> Buttons and map hw button of choice to "today".
Dont get me wrong, but was it really THAT difficult to just try and look for it by yourself on your phone?? It's not some fancy registry tweak..just a plain simple wm option as old as the world. Sometimes i wonder how many people buy a certain device "because it looks so cool" or "omg that ad is awesome!" and have actually NO IDEA of what's inside what they are buying...hope you don't fall within this category.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MacCarron, if you think I'm such a newbie and don't know what I'm doing, you are so wrong.
Wanna try something? Do what you said to me, map left button to "today". Now, in TouchFLO 3D, go to another tab, Internet, for example. Now press the left button, which you did happen to map to "today" (at least I hope so). What happens now? NOTHING!! In fact, that "today" is WM today. TouchFLO 3D is a plugin, so you can't assign home tab to left button.
Assign "today" to left button works different than Diamond's home button, which in fact was assigned to TouchFLO 3D home tab.
Anyway, thanks for (not) helping.
M.Ozturk, thanks, I realized that, I was looking for a way to map left or right hardware buttons.
Phantom1275 said:
MacCarron, if you think I'm such a newbie and don't know what I'm doing, you are so wrong.
Wanna try something? Do what you said to me, map left button to "today". Now, in TouchFLO 3D, go to another tab, Internet, for example. Now press the left button, which you did happen to map to "today" (at least I hope so). What happens now? NOTHING!! In fact, that "today" is WM today. TouchFLO 3D is a plugin, so you can't assign home tab to left button.
Assign "today" to left button works different than Diamond's home button, which in fact was assigned to TouchFLO 3D home tab.
Anyway, thanks for (not) helping.
M.Ozturk, thanks, I realized that, I was looking for a way to map left or right hardware buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works just fine pal..whenever,wherever i am, it takes me back to today. (should i provide a video proving it? lol.) In fact i've been using the hw keys mapped in this manner for a year, and it always works. Question your actions instead of calling someone a smartass privately and publicly. Or did you think i had made up those instructions i gave you without ever applying them, either right before giving them to you or in the past? Sad. This said, i'm out, "since you are so smart" figure what's wrong with your (i'd say rom) by yourself.
MacCarron said:
Mine works just fine pal..whenever,wherever i am, it takes me back to today. (should i provide a video proving it? lol.) In fact i've been using the hw keys mapped in this manner for a year, and it always works. Question your actions instead of calling someone a smartass privately and publicly. Or did you think i had made up those instructions i gave you without ever applying them, either right before giving them to you or in the past? Sad. This said, i'm out, "since you are so smart" figure what's wrong with your (i'd say rom) by yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, maybe it's a ROM matter (I've been playing around with two or three, since it's been 2 days I have the Xperia). But if it's a ROM matter, it's not as easy as you described initially, right?
What just pissed me off is that you assumed that I haven't searched, or tried the simple way you have told me.
Just read what you wrote:
Dont get me wrong, but was it really THAT difficult to just try and look for it by yourself on your phone?? It's not some fancy registry tweak..just a plain simple wm option as old as the world. Sometimes i wonder how many people buy a certain device "because it looks so cool" or "omg that ad is awesome!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you really think I'm that kind of person? If you think, yeah I can think that you are a smartass too, right?
Wouldn't it be easier if you just tell me "maybe it's a ROM problem", Mr. Xperia-expert-who-knows-everything-and-others-don't??
I also used to have touch diamond, and would love to have this behaviour as well. I use Touch X 10.1 and mapping to "today" just takes you to TF3d, doesn't take you to home screen
Phantom1275 said:
Yeah, maybe it's a ROM matter (I've been playing around with two or three, since it's been 2 days I have the Xperia). But if it's a ROM matter, it's not as easy as you described initially, right?
What just pissed me off is that you assumed that I haven't searched, or tried the simple way you have told me.
Just read what you wrote:
Do you really think I'm that kind of person? If you think, yeah I can think that you are a smartass too, right?
Wouldn't it be easier if you just tell me "maybe it's a ROM problem", Mr. Xperia-expert-who-knows-everything-and-others-don't??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize for taking you for a newbie without the ability to learn and search, but lately xda has been drowning in stupid questions. Since i figured out the issue by myself long ago and it was really easy i assumed you hadn't even tried, like many people around here ("guys how do i flash a rom?"). Sorry. Btw i said i hoped you did not fall within the category..If it's a ROM matter it gets way more complicated and possibly unfixable without knowing what the chef cooked in. What ROM are you using? Since i got my x1 i tried NRGZ, Itje, Smaberg, Rota and Agent and hw buttons assignment has always worked..
Ok, apologies accepted.
I'm trying now Touch X 10.8.2 Legendary, and cannot map hardware buttons like that. I'll go back to Valkyrie v4.2 Firestorm and see what happens.
I suspect that buttons functionality depends on Manila build version.
shortcut to home page
Create a shortcut to:
Code:
\Windows\manila.exe --switchtopage Manila://home.page
Place this shortcut into \Windows\Start Menu\Programs and assign it to the needed button.
I use touch-it rom and when I am, for exemple, on weather tab, the hang up button takes me back to home tab
Mopral said:
I use touch-it rom and when I am, for exemple, on weather tab, the hang up button takes me back to home tab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this works but i would love to map it to the hardware soft key

Suggest a Rom and GUI for me.

OK, my first post so be gentle.
I have MDA Vario that has been flashed with TPCElite series V11 MEGA wm6.5 23017. It also has the touchflo GUI running. Now having tried it for a week (only just purchased it a week ago) I can say that I'm not a fan of the touchflo prog. It seems to hang on occasions and I often end up selecting something I didn't want only to find the phone connecting to the net. So I have switched it off. There is a windows default one that is working fine, but I can't see a way to customise the menu so I can add what I want to it.
So my dilemma. Do I flash with a "lite" rom and add a GUI myself afterwards - this way I can uninstall it if I don't like it. Or should I just leave it deselected and install a new one? Will this have any performance/memory issues - ie is the lite rom a better way to go.
I had a Mio PDA with iLauncher on it and I liked the ability to add my own shortcuts etc.
If I should flash can anyone recommend a stable reliable rom. Also is there a better GUI? Been looking at Manila 2D v2 but I want to be able to customise the main menu and I don't want it sluggish.
One final thing. Is it possible to get the phone to ask permission before connecting via gprs rather than scurrying around for the disconnect. I've looked through the menus but can't find anything. Don't mind using it if I want it, just fed up of it dialing it by mistake -(I have sausage fingers.)
i recommend the t.i.r element v5 rom. ive been thru many roms including the tpc series that you have tried and i find that t.i.r element v5 is the best w/ smooth graphics, great gui (full landscape support etc.) i cant post a link as of now since i am new to posting on xda so please look it up and give it a shot!
Is there a CLI version of a rom for this phone or is someone just trying too sound fancy? Since when is touchflu a GUI? I am totally confused.
Do I flash with a "lite" rom and add a GUI myself afterwards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh my head is hurting make it stop.. SOMEONE REPLIED TO THIS?? awmg
If I should flash can anyone recommend a stable reliable rom. Also is there a better GUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am so confused, it's like trying to mess with a womans bra (Full Landscape support) for the first time, what do I do.. do I call her new hair doo a pair of panties? AAAHHHHHHHH
Stylez close this **** down.. REASON.... Doesn't make any sense at all..
I used the GUI version of this forum to reply.. Thanks.
hi DTBrum,
touchflo - i never liked it too, don't know which files are responsible for its running and if it could be removed, seems like it's part of needed htc drivers to me, but this will switch it off completely:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\OEM\TFLOSettings]
"EnableScroll"=dword:00000000
"EnableCube"=dword:00000000
you need a registry editor to change those values.
===
you can't replace gui, or you can theoretically but what you mean is sort of launcher, or today manager. I tried more and didn't like any, they all seems to be laggy to me.
windows in default uses today screen and start menu, it's the same way as in pc edition, there are folders with shortcuts in them for start menu
look in \windows\start menu folder. and on today screen, you can set what you want to see there in settings/today
I use start replacement called quickmenu which is a very small prg with lots of tweaks.
if you don't like those fancy launchers and controls, better you make your own rom. it's very easy with tools from xda. nearly all custom roms lite or full you'll find here have some kind of launchers and today replacement already in them and it's hard to remove or disable them.
there is a lot of different apps like iLauncher, you can install/uninstall.
no one will recommend you any custom rom here, you need to go through trying one after another because everybody's preferences differs. look in wiki.
automatic connect. no, there is no way to disable this. you can use app called 'nodata' but then you'll have to run it to enable/disable every time you want to use internet. But it solves problems in roaming.
Some programs can be set to not auto dial. and another option is, you can set a fake internet connection, make it default and then when you want to go online you'll dial the real one manually. But you may find that some programs would not want to use other then default connection.
and don't get discouraged here on forum, some people are smart here, true, but not all of us here get born that way.
Thankx for the replies.
What I found with touchflo was that there are occasions where I try to scroll from left to right and nothing happens, then all of a sudden I find it has selected something like maps or internet and the phone is trying to connect to the net. Then it starts responding normally. So as a front end user interface for me I'm not that keen on it. Also I can't see a way to remove the categories sucj as maps, and add my own. I have a registry editor and will try changing the values suggested and see if that helps. I'll do a search for the other bits recommended.
Apologies ChumleyEX, not sure if I used the correct terminology. For me a program such as touchflo is an alternative GUI that sits on top of the windows GUI. Just want to know if there are better, more reliable ones. Doesn't have to be fancy. I want to be able to customise it and for it to be quick and responsive.
Sorry I'm sure I was too harsh, I was feeling a little too good last night.
No problem ChumleyEX - no harm done.
Papo - thanks for you time and help, you cleared a few things up for me. Registry edited and touchflo now disabled.
As I said I've only had this device a week and only just found this site recently, so I'm not really up on the terminology so I'm hoping you can look past my shortcomings please. I'll get there. I'm no novice with pc's or pda's but I'm not in the same league as most people on here I admit.
My question about installing an alternative to touchflo was because some of these other programs such as ilauncher like to be installed to the device memory rather than storage card. I don't want to find I start running low on resources so I was contemplating flashing the phone with a wm6.5 lite version with all the MS bloatware removed and adding a launcher/today screen manager afterwards. At least this way if I don't like a particular one I could un-install that. I have no option to remove touchflo.
I was hoping that by describing what I was after people would recommend something that fits the bill. But for now I keep looking at the roms and reading the comments until I find one I like the look of. There is some really nice work here on this site - so tempted to give it a go. I guess we all like different things so it's a matter of personal choice really. Key for me is functionality/responsiveness. It's no good if the interface gets in the way no matter how good it looks.
Off to read some reviews of roms on here now. I'll check out t.i.r element v5 as suggested by agent1001 first.
dude, stop fretting and just try out as many ROMs as you can...and remember to search and read a LOT! it will help in the long run to build your concepts.
i have TWO more suggestions/clarifications for you:
1. you might have big fingers, but what i suspect is that you are using your device as if it has a capacitive screen...which it doesn't. the kaiser (like many htc phones) has a resistive screen. essentially, what this means is that the screen will respond best with a good amount of pressure, applied at a point. so the best suggestion i can give you that will tremendously improve your experience with the device is...use your finger NAILS! the effect is as if you are using a stylus and once you get used to it, any "GUI" will become usable.
2. what you call a "GUI" is not a GUI, technically. this is what chumleyex was alluding to. these "GUIs" run as today screen plugins. they are just that...they are "today screen plugins"...also called "home screen" in other contexts of discussion. you can have many such plugins installed on your device. you can even have many such plugins running at once on your today screen. however, some take over the today screen completely, so you can only use them exclusively. manila2d/manila3d, spb mobile shell, and quite a few others are such kinds of today screen plugins. installing multiple such plugins only takes up storage space. RUNNING multiple such plugins is like running many applications at once...which will consume memory and may slow down the phone, etc, etc.
as always, you should have read the forum rules...which clearly state that "best of" threads or "suggest me a <insert requirement here>" style threads are against the forum rules. which leads me to believe that you probably haven't read the other "stickies" and "wikis" either. start there and then you'll find yourself asking a lot less basic questions that clutter up the forum. don't be surprised if this thread is closed soon by a forum mod. cheers.
Thanks ASCIIker - screen is more responsive with more pressure. Guess I was worried about cracking it.
I did do loads of reading before posting - mainly to do with how to, hard spl, soft spl, roms, radio threads. Sorry if I missed the bit about asking for recommendations.
DTBrum said:
I don't want to find I start running low on resources so I was contemplating flashing the phone with a wm6.5 lite version with all the MS bloatware removed and adding a launcher/today screen manager afterwards. At least this way if I don't like a particular one I could un-install that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the feeling that you think those fancy things in full custom ROMs are taking up space. they are not. and not using them, disabling them, or deleting shortcuts from start menu would do the same as uninstalling.
you've got:
flash memory - (ROM)
int. memory - think about it as HDD: depends, typicaly little over 100MB
RAM, operating memory, like on PC another 100MB: to be used by progs.
those names differs, to add confusion, some refers to int.memory as ROM
MS bloatware & fancy stuff from custom ROMs which you don't want could still rest in peace in ROM and not bothering you. you'll still have your 100MB int.mem. And as long as they are not actively running you still will have 100 RAM and no processor power used. but exactly like mentioned every plugin on today screen means it's running too. get an fdc task manager or alternative to see all processes and other stuff running. (not just tasks) You can find a way to disable nearly everything.
I have no option to remove touchflo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is any. even with ultra lite, i could be mistaken with this, but i tried hard and it looks like it's part of required htc drivers. so you only could disable it...at least! i hated it too no matter about fingers. it seems better on htc pro2 anyway.
But for now I keep looking at the roms and reading the comments until I find one I like the look of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, the look would be the main difference i'll say.
but if you want functionality/responsiveness, than you probably better stick with using start button and today screen without unnecessary additions.
* installing on SD card means it will go much slower and (at least on my kaiser) will sometime create errors on card from crashed apps and when I dropped phone or it died w/o shutdown or when contacts on SD card get loosed. many times I even lost complete SD contents.
You have 100MB of int.mem!! it would love to be used by progs.
I suggest you to try all of available and up-to-date custom ROMs then after getting an idea of what is doing what, just mix your own rom. it's a matter of check-in what you want inside basically. and you can add your own stuff too. like programs you buy or are not in any ROM. I have over 110MB of programs fitted in ROM and still 100MB int.mem. and speed of the device and ram is not affected too, because i let only 3 - 4 apps from that running in background.
Well I've tried flashing it and had to visit the toilet as things didn't go well.
I flashed with a lite rom, plan being to leave enough free space on the device to install a nice front end/today screen/touchflo etc to the device when I settled on one I liked.
Rom flashed fine - quite like it.
Radio didn't go well. Got stuck at the dreaded tri coloured screen.
Mtty.exe didn't recover it either.
Visited toilet.
Flashed back to standard rom from manufacturer. All now back up and running.
Have changed underpants.
At least I was able to use the info on here to get it back up and running OK.
Problem was a write error flashing the suggested radio - at 99% got an error 226.
DTBrum said:
plan being to leave enough free space on the device to install
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check my previous post.
try flashing from SD card, a lot of troubles with cable/pc/connector
format small (256MB) SD card with FAT32,
rename ruu_signed.nbh file to KAISIMG.NBH place on root of SD
hold camera button and start or reset pda
I think to be honest I'm a little paranoid about keeping the device memory free. The reason is my wife has an O2 Orbit which was running wm5. It has been updated to WM6 and she has very little free storage memory at all on the device to the point where we have struggled getting some programs installed. I know most give you the option to install to storage card or device, but some don't. Also the ones that do install on the storage card often put some files onto the device, such as help or configuration files.
I know this HTC has a lot more memory so it probably isn't an issue in reality.
I'm up to speed about the different types of memory and whether an app is consuming processing power or just storage space depending upon if it running or not. I just didn't have a chance to read your reply before I posted- wife wanted the PC back. And I was relieved just to have the phone back working.
Papo - thanks for you help. Really appreciate it.
I had my tilt for 2 years and never worried about memory.
OK, flashed the phone a couple of times yesterday and I've now found a rom I like a lot. Even the GUI - touchflo - works like a dream and with the programs that came with the rom I can even customise it how I like. It's smooth, quick and I am yet to discover a bug.
I'll give it a run for a couple of weeks and if I decide to keep this then I'll donate.
Interestingly I flashed back to stock rom from T Mobile through links I found on here. Worked without a problem, provided a 6ft+ 16stone bloke is happy with everything in pink. So I then flashed back to the standard HTC rom wm6.1 and had lots of problems. Basic things like selecting tick boxes didn't even work well.
I understand that everyone wants different things from their phones, how they look etc and that is why it is impossible to say which rom is best. But through this site, I have a customised phone that runs so smooth and quickly and looks damn smart. So at the moment I am well chuffed.
The only really difficulty I encountered was I lost all my contacts. Activesync wouldn't restore them and the backup I took was incomplete as I only backed up the sim and not the phone. D'oh. Anyway I've now sorted this out as I found all the old contacts in outlook deleted items. I restored them back to the contacts folder and synced them again and it's all now back up and running.
Off to have a play
If she lets me I may even flash the wifes O2 Orbit XDA. It's been upgraded from wm5 to wm6 and the new rom leaves very little free memory on the device itself and we do struggle at times getting some software onto it. The version of TomTom I have doesn't let you choose where to install it to, it just goes onto the device. I have manually moved it back to the SD card and made new shortcuts etc, but I feel a new rom from this site would be the way to go.
Thank you to all who helped me.
DTBrum said:
difficulty I encountered was I lost all my contacts. Activesync wouldn't restore them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
activeSync & outlook played tricks on me too, deleting or doubling all contacts... even easier than backing up by backup program, is to copy 'RAW' database in pda before re-flashing. it's all in one file called PIM.VOL in root of phone. calendar is there as well. you can copy this to SD and upon reflashing copy back to root of pda and see what PC's outlook will have to say to it. or just keep on SD as 2nd backup.
note, the file may be locked by running programs (contacts, messages, home plugin) kill them from taskman in that case.
The version of TomTom I have doesn't let you choose where to install it to, it just goes onto the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tomtom app is two files tomtom nav.exe and data.chk, put them anywhere you like and the rest, config files, will be created by it.
but it runs really slow from SD. and taking 13MB, so again, it's best to have them in ROM.

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