Spb Pocket Plus 2.5: How Good Does it Get? [Archive]

View Full Version : Spb Pocket Plus 2.5: How Good Does it Get?

Steve Sharp

03-23-2005, 06:00 PM

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-022705-spb1" /> Product Category: Utility Manufacturer: <a href="http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/pocketplus/?en">Spb Software House</a> Where to Buy: <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=50351">Handango</a> [Affiliate] Price: $19.95 USD (Upgrading from version 2.0 is free, and upgrading from version 1.x is $9.95) System Requirements: Works with Microsoft Pocket PC 2002, or any Windows Mobile 2003 device, requires 1.6 megabytes of storage space and must be installed to main memory. Pros:<li>Easy to download and install; <li>Pocket Plus 2.5 adds enhanced navigation; <li>Supports quickly switching between SPB products; <li>Features expanded support for .ZIP file functions; <li>Offers enhanced Today screen functions; <li>Improves functionality and adds features to Windows Explorer.Cons:<li>The program has no built-in help; <li>The help is only available in .pdf format and must be downloaded from Spb's website. Summary: For those who are unfamiliar with Spb Pocket Plus, it is best described as a utility that adds convenient features and monitors, such as battery charge level and memory usage, to a Pocket PC's Today screen. The beauty of Pocket Plus, for me, lies in the fact that it keeps me and my pea brain from having to navigate through menus and settings in order to find functions and applications on my Pocket PC. We'll take a look at this program and talk about the many features, old and new. So, kick back for a few minutes, and I'll tell you what you get with Spb Pocket Plus 2.5 and what it can do for you. Read on for the full review!<!> <PAGEBREAK> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-030105-spbpp6.gif" /> Figure 1: With over twenty free Extended Themes, and the power to arrange and customize the features that you use most, there's no limit to the possibilities. Just Another Pocket PC Utility? Is a '65 Mustang just another car? No, it's not only functional, it looks good while doing its thing, just like Spb Pocket Plus 2.5. In fact, with the eight extended themes that are included with the software and a free add-on pack that contains 13 more themes, plus skin support, you can make your Today screen look however you wish. In fact, as you'll notice in Figure 7, there's even a Pocket PC Thoughts theme available for download. Each extended theme even has its own unique set of icons. <li>Spb Pocket Plus 2.5 supports mulitple instances of Internet Explorer being open simultaneously; <li>Detects and creates tabs for other Spb products, and integrates those tabs into the Today screen; <li>Enables the user to format storage cards; <li>Allows viewing/modifying file or folder properties from File Explorer; <li>Facilitates quick switching between programs.So, I Can Make My Pocket PC Today Screen Pretty, Then What? While it's nice to be able to customize the appearance of your Today screen, some other Pocket PC utilities do little more than fill your display with goo-gaws that don't seem to serve much purpose, and this is where Pocket Plus differs from those. For a serious utiliity, such as Pocket Plus 2.5, it can't just be about looks, can it? To gain much merit as a utility, in my book, the application must be easy to use, provide features that work properly and serve a real purpose, have enough features to warrant the price of the software, and provide good value for the money when compared to other programs in the same class or category. Make no mistake, Pocket Plus 2.5 is not simply overdone eye-candy that can make your Pocket PC look different or that dresses up an otherwise boring Today screen. Want to adjust the backlighting? Need to do a soft reset? Want to pop open a game of solitaire? Check your e-mail? Set your clock? You can do all of these things, and more, from the Today screen. Yet, even with Pocket Plus on your Pocket PC, you can still do things the same old way that you always did, if you want to. The program doesn't alter the location of your shortcuts or applications; Pocket Plus simply provides enhancement to existing functions, and additional features that simplify getting the most out of all that a Pocket PC has to offer.<!> <PAGEBREAK> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-022205-spbpp1.jpg" /> Figure 2: Pocket Plus puts monitors and icons right on my sporty Pocket PC Thoughts-themed Today screen. Also, notice the "Main," "Connect," and "System" tabs in the middle of the screen. What Can Pocket Plus 2.5 Do for Me? While it's no good for clearing up acne and it's totally useless for helping shed those post-holiday pounds, Spb Pocket Plus 2.5 can benefit any Pocket PC user. Back in the days of yore, shortly after I got my first Pocket PC, I heard of Pocket Plus through some of friends. They had Pocket Plus on their Pocket PCs and were all giddy about it (it wasn't a pretty sight). So, I knew that it had won some awards, and I saw some reviews by some technogeeks singing its praises. Big deal, I thought. One day, while feeling unusually adventurous and ambitioius, I decided to download a trial version, and then I finally saw why so many people hold Pocket Plus in high regard. Among my list of shortcomings, which includes big ears and an irrational dislike for country music, I have the navigtational skills of those brown beetles that contantly slam into the side of my house on summer evenings. My point, you ask? Pocket Plus removes the need to remember where to find those obsure applications and settings that we feel inclined to play with, from time to time. Everything is right there, on my Today screen. If most of us would agree that we bought a Pocket PC to organize and simplify our contacts and keep track of things, then how valuable is a program that simplifies using the Pocket PC? This simplification has a lot do with why I find Pocket Plus to be, perhaps, the most important application on my Pocket PC. Although Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate the default set of applications and settings that are grouped under the Today screen tabs, the tabs are totally configurable. Choose from small or large icons, drag icons from one tab to another, remove or add icons, rename or resize the tabs themselves... etc. You can even put icons for every application on your Pocket PC on your Today screen, if you're feeling wacky and get the urge. You decide what appears on your screen and how it's arranged. This is a key element that makes Pocket Plus such a powerful utility. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-030305-spbpp8.jpg" /> Figure 3: The default applications accessible under the Today screen's "Connect" tab include Internet Explorer, E-mail client, Active Sync, Infrared, and modem connections. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-030305-spbpp9.jpg" /> Figure 4: The default applications accessible under the "System" tab includes, among others things, soft reset, regional settings, menu settings, button mapping, and add/remove programs.<!> <PAGEBREAK> It's a Utility... What's the Big Deal? Aside from the configurable Today screen, (as if that wasn't enough), Pocket Plus features add-ons that enhance the way that applications included in the OS function. With Pocket Plus installed, clicking the "x" button in the top right corner of an application actually closes the application instead of minimizing it. Clicking and holding the "x" buttion shows a list of running applications, and you can immediately switch to another application by selecting it from the list. Similarly, with Pocket Plus installed, you can open multiple browser instances of Internet Explorer and quickly switch between them. File Explorer gains the convenience of a "folder up one level" function for easier navigation, and clicking and holding any file or folder opens a menu that adds "properties" the list of things that you can view or modify. Spb mentions that their intention for Pocket Plus 2.5 is to add features and functionality that should have been part of the OS, but were left out. Pocket Plus integrates so well into the OS, in fact, that it doesn't really feel or look like an add-on program at all. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-022705-spbpp10.jpg" /> Figure 5: Add files to a ZIP archive with one click. Whoa! I've Heard that Something Would Make Life Simpler, About a Hundred Times Before! Yes. There are so many products that make bold claims, and then don't live up to their billing (Yeah, I got burned on the Ginsu knives and the food processor too). So, put those bad memories of your first Flowbee haircut behind you, and rest assured that there are still some products out there that works as they're supposed to, and know that Pocket Plus 2.5 is one of them. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-022205-spbpp3.jpg" /> Figure 6: Pocket Plus 2.5 supports full-screen web browsing.<!> <PAGEBREAK> Are You an Old Hand with Pocket Plus? After installing and having a gander at Spb Pocket Plus 2.5, nothing dramatic immediately jumps out as being different from version 2.0. Maybe some will see this as a good thing, maybe some won't. The changes are there, but you have to pay attention. Spb says that it incorporated "dozens" of bug fixes into version 2.5, although I never noticed version 2.0 being all that buggy. Granted, I have only had about 10 days to use version 2.5, in preparation for this review, but I haven't found any problems or bugs in this version. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-022205-spbpp2.jpg" /> Figure 7: Pocket Plus 2.5 adds a new icon to Internet Explorer--view source, open multiple pages, or save content with this new feature. Conclusions Let's face it, there is a sea of products that claim to make life simpler, faster, more efficient, better, etc.; utilities being marketed for Pocket PCs are no different. You could buy a program to make it easier to play with your themes. You could buy a utility that will allow you to format a storage card. And, you could buy a utility that makes navigation a bit easier. But, why bother buying all of these separate programs when you can get all of them in one? Those who aren't eligible for a discounted upgrade may balk at the $19.95 price tag. However, I've found that most users of Pocket Plus become so accustomed to the features, it's something that they just don't want to be without. Spb Pocket Plus 2.5 gets high marks for its seamless integration with the OS. Everything works as it's supposed to, and nearly all of the functions and setup options are self-explanatory. You can get a free trial download from Spb, PocketGear or Handango. If you give Spb Pocket Plus 2.5 a fair chance, I feel confident that you'll become a fan of this fine program.

BUMP THAT

03-23-2005, 07:50 PM

Oh yes I was thiningabout his. Now I am really, really going to get it. Thank you very much for helping me make up my mind. :wink:

huangzhinong

03-23-2005, 08:56 PM

I used Pocket Plus for almost 2 years and uninstalled finally last month. tdlaunch is good enough.

From Pocket Plus 2.1, it slows down system, esp WM2003SE, too much. It can only install in main memory, which took a big chunk of RAM. I never use the file explorer properites since I have resco explorer, which works much better. I don't use the task manager either, since wisbar (not the advanced) does a much better job. The today plugin looks good, but it takes too much CPU resource.

The battery bar is really nice, but it always come after my wisbar, so I didn't use it.

The only things I miss from Pocket Plus is the reminder, which is really nice.

GadgetMan

03-23-2005, 09:09 PM

I too finally decided to ger rid of this piece of bloatware. As a result I have 4 MB of more RAM available (2 MB in storage and 2 MB in running programs), and much more stable (not to mention faster booting) iPaq.

As to the repeated reminders, I now use freeware apReminder+. Takes a tiny fraction of memory and works like a charm. You can find it at:

http://www.apsoftsystems.com/

Cheers,

drop

03-23-2005, 09:18 PM

Spb Pocket Plus is one of the must have for me. No problem whatsoever from the get go.

Good review!

Thank you.

theipaqlover

03-23-2005, 09:54 PM

I loaded V2.5. It locked up my Today screen which eventually led to a hard reset. I had PI today and cLaunch running at the time. They are more important to me so I did not try it again.

George

jngold_me

03-23-2005, 10:01 PM

No problems on a 4150 and now runs with aplomb on a 2750.

BUMP THAT

03-23-2005, 10:17 PM

Wow didnt know it took that much space up.

beq

03-23-2005, 10:38 PM

I don't use the task manager either, since wisbar (not the advanced) does a much better job.

Hmm that's interesting. I've been waiting for Wisbar Advance 2 to support my new PPC Phone Edition device, but I didn't even think of the original Wisbar (from some Japanese author if my memory serves). Perhaps I should give the original a try again, like I used to with my old iPAQs :)

Anyways I too use Pocket Plus but admit a good chunk of its applet functions are rendered moot by other apps I also use (as also mentioned by others here). Actually I still have both Pocket Plus and Battery Pack Pro loaded, I should unload at least one of them...

Phillip Dyson

03-23-2005, 10:44 PM

I use to struggle with performance as well.
Then I upgraded PocketPlus and went to the latest WisbarAdvanced2 beta.

Startup is slower because WA2 is caching icons. But after that its all screaming. Relatively speaking. Metaphorically.

Deemo

03-23-2005, 11:10 PM

seeker

03-23-2005, 11:19 PM

I have purchased the software and I ran it on my h5555 with no trouble.

I now have the h4705 and the product causes slow downs in operations and severely ties up the limited RAM. I was forced to remove it.

Until the author recodes to run in Filestore AND optimizes the code to not slow the system down, I am putting it on the shelf.

Sorry to say these things but it needs to be said.

:(

03-23-2005, 11:28 PM

I tried it, but i don´t like it at all. Here´s why:

- wisbar is a lot better task manager, and support more skining.
- claunch is a far better launcher and is free.
- multi ie adds more options and a better full screen browsing.

So i´ll keep multi ie, claunch, and WA. But that´s just what I think...

cgavula

03-24-2005, 02:33 AM

I had the same issue: it ran great on my 5555 and horribly slowed down my 4705. I got rid of it, and switched to Wisbar Advanced and my 4705 is now much faster.

I know they did a lot of bug fixes, but did they fix the performance problems on the 4705 that the 2.x versions seem to have?

--Chris

jngold_me

03-24-2005, 03:02 AM

No problems on a 4150 and now runs with aplomb on a 2750.
That funny....last time I checked the screen backlight function didn't work on the 2750.
Contacted them and no time frame for a fix.

The other thing that niggles me is the fact you can't change the icons for the memory without changing the theme...and that is the only way.
I am quite close to switching to SBSH and deleting SPB.

If you mean the slider that dims/brightens the screen, it works fine on my 2750.

As for all of you that claim performance issue, I am not quite sure what to think. Plus ran great on a 4150 in combination with cLaunch, WA2, and Plus launcher on the Today screen!

I have since dumped WA2 since it was a total memory hog and seems to slow the soft reset process down considerably (due to caching).

Deemo

03-24-2005, 04:15 AM

No problems on a 4150 and now runs with aplomb on a 2750.
That funny....last time I checked the screen backlight function didn't work on the 2750.
Contacted them and no time frame for a fix.

The other thing that niggles me is the fact you can't change the icons for the memory without changing the theme...and that is the only way.
I am quite close to switching to SBSH and deleting SPB.

If you mean the slider that dims/brightens the screen, it works fine on my 2750.

.
Could you post a screen shot of your slider. The toggle doesn't show up om the bar. They even said it wasn't working.
I have mine installed in File Store I am pretty sure.
I assume if they fixed this they wouls be on 2.6 not 2.5 right???

Sven Johannsen

03-24-2005, 06:12 AM

The other thing that niggles me is the fact you can't change the icons for the memory without changing the theme...and that is the only way.
You can keep whatever memory icons you like. In the Today plugins screen there is an appearance tab with a radio button for keep icons. On the today screen cycle through the themes until you see the icons you like. Go to the options/appearance screen and click the "Always use indicators from theme " theme name ". Go back to Today and now when you cyle through themes the indicators stay at the ones you locked it on.

Adrian Knack

03-24-2005, 09:21 AM

Hey Guys,

I really like Pocket Plus on my X50v. No relly major speed hits and I love the fact everything is intergrated so nicely.

My only gripe would be that I can't find any more than the 4 VGA themes for it and the QVGA themes look really tacky on a VGA screen.

Cheers
Adrian

archinemnon

03-24-2005, 02:32 PM

I've been really happy with this program. I really like that tapping 'x' actually closes the program and having the ability to hold 'x' to quickly switch apps. I like the PIE features as well. I only keep a few icons and no indicators on the today screen and I haven't noticed any slowdowns with my SX66. The battery indicator along the top of the screen is really nice too. This one is a 'must have' as far as I'm concerned.

Deemo

03-24-2005, 03:19 PM

Menneisyys

03-24-2005, 03:21 PM

From Pocket Plus 2.1, it slows down system, esp WM2003SE, too much. ... The today plugin looks good, but it takes too much CPU resource.

I'm absolutely confident it does NOT slow down the Pocket PC. I've extensively tested and benchmarked the app and came to the conclusion that, unlike a lot of other Today plug-ins, it, fortunately, doesn't use almost any CPU cycles when isn't visible (that is, if you aren't on the Today screen). See my benchmark results at http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36376

Menneisyys

03-24-2005, 03:31 PM

emboss

03-24-2005, 07:48 PM

has anyone had any slowdown with using batterypack pro? is it a better alternative to pocketplus or is the wisbar, claunch, and multi ie combination better?

thanks,

edwin

piaoxiang

03-24-2005, 08:13 PM

I have an X50v and always use it in real VGA mode. Anybody knows if version 2.5 supports real-VGA mode?

Thanks!

gibson042

03-24-2005, 08:37 PM

I had the same issue: it ran great on my 5555 and horribly slowed down my 4705.

It's strange the hx4700 is so incompatible with the app. A lot of hx4700 users also complain of the same over at BH, at http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=115005 .

On my VGA Pocket Loox 720, it works flawlessly.
It's got to be the lack of RAM. When free memory goes under a certain minimum threshold is when seemingly random problems (like those described here and at brighthand) start to crop up. And the hx4700 already starts with one hand tied behind its back.

Menneisyys

03-24-2005, 08:58 PM

has anyone had any slowdown with using batterypack pro? is it a better alternative to pocketplus or is the wisbar, claunch, and multi ie combination better?

IMHO Spb Pocket Plus is better than MultiIE, particularly with devices with limited free RAM size. MultiIE has tons of functionality, BUT it also causes the free program memory size to decrease by a bit less than 1 Megabytes upon opening another tab. This also means the context switch (switching between the tabs) won't be as fast as switching between the programmatically 'lightweight' Spb Pocket Plus.

This is why I've completely switched to Spb Pocket Plus (I've also tested MultiIE, PIEPlus and all its alternatives; see for example http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38048, http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36376, http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33565 and http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=35615 on them.)

Menneisyys

03-24-2005, 08:58 PM

I have an X50v and always use it in real VGA mode. Anybody knows if version 2.5 supports real-VGA mode?
Thanks!

It does.

Jonathon Watkins

03-24-2005, 09:49 PM

I have an X50v and always use it in real VGA mode. Anybody knows if version 2.5 supports real-VGA mode?
Thanks!

It does.

Agreed. It's fine on my X50v. I bought Spb Pocket Plus last year and I have been very happy with it. The recent update to 2.5 has given full VGA support and it's one of the first apps I install on a new PPC. It's definitely worth a try if you haven't installed it already. :)

jngold_me

03-24-2005, 10:09 PM

No problems on a 4150 and now runs with aplomb on a 2750.
That funny....last time I checked the screen backlight function didn't work on the 2750.
Contacted them and no time frame for a fix.

The other thing that niggles me is the fact you can't change the icons for the memory without changing the theme...and that is the only way.
I am quite close to switching to SBSH and deleting SPB.

If you mean the slider that dims/brightens the screen, it works fine on my 2750.

I just wanted to mention that I didn't have my PPC handy at the time of posting the above. I was going off the fact that the screen slider worked for my 4150. The slider does indeed DOES NOT work with the 2750.

I stand corrected. My apologies.

ignar

03-24-2005, 11:21 PM

has anyone had any slowdown with using batterypack pro?

I had bad luck with Batterypack. Not just slowing down the system, it made overall system very unstable. I'd use PocketPlus over BatteryPack anyday. Other than huge footprint, PocketPlus has been working fine for my iPaq 4150, 4700, Axim X50v, and iMate JAM.

jpf

03-25-2005, 12:28 AM

Older versions worked well enough on my 4150.
It murdered my 4704 in oh so many ways. It wasn't a memory issue either.

Jason Dunn

03-25-2005, 12:49 AM

Wow didnt know it took that much space up.

Well to be be fair that 4 MB install also includes several extended themes, which have to be at least 500 KB in total...and it has to install into RAM because Microsoft hasn't developed a flawless system for Today screen plug-ins to load from memory cards. Some do, some don't. :?

randyzon

03-25-2005, 07:35 PM

I had a lot of lockups after the 2.5 upgrade. I finally took the advice to install the modified ROM. So far, it works.

intothevoid

03-26-2005, 03:10 PM

I have just started using pocket plus and I love it. I was using Battery pack pro before but I like pocket plus a lot more. Reasons being it has a nice view and feeling. I think it takes less memory. I like the three tabs for keeping everthing in a specific category. I recommend this program over any other pocket pc plug in. It even has features for closing and switching programs. Its almos perfect.
:lol:

AprilRyan

03-29-2005, 08:41 AM

hi!

i recently installed spb pocket plus 2.5 on my xda mini. realized, while i was browsing through the manual, that i should have "storage card indicator" available from the indicators menu of the today plug-in. i didn't. checked the spb website and voila:

"After installing Pocket Plus on my XDA II (MDA II or i-Mate) I can`t see storage cards indicators.

The current build of XDA II ROM contains a bug that can cause a hard-reset when a program reads data from a storage card. Due to the bug in ROM, accessing storage cards may cause complete data loss on XDA2 compatible devices. More often it happens with programs that access a storage card in a timer (like Spb Pocket Plus). There are no known solutions for this problem so we have had to disable the showing storage cards indicators on XDA II. We`ll enable this feature when HTC fixes this bug in their ROM."

Another problem, which fortunately I don't experience:

"Spb Pocket Plus hangs on XDA II (MDA II or i-Mate) compatible devices.

Actually this issue is caused by O2 implementation of Windows Mobile Second Edition. In order to work around these problem, we suggest you to soft-reset your Pocket PC after making setting changes in Spb Pocket Plus. This is because when the Pocket PC hangs, the OK button on the top right corner of the screen disappears so there is no way to confirm the setting changes in Spb Pocket Plus."

I noticed though that there is a slight lag in the SMS indicator in the today page, as well as when i access the "messaging" tab and try to input or read SMS.

but i have no plans of un-installing the program. Its pros far outweigh its cons.

beq

04-04-2005, 02:22 AM

Anyways I too use Pocket Plus but admit a good chunk of its applet functions are rendered moot by other apps I also use (as also mentioned by others here). Actually I still have both Pocket Plus and Battery Pack Pro loaded, I should unload at least one of them...

I've had Omega One's Battery Pack Pro Today plugin installed but disabled all this while due to problems (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38068), and had planned to enable it to test again when I had time. So this weekend I wanted to do that but saw that the "Power Buttons" function (part of the "Power Adjust" applet of Program Bar) somehow had disappeared -- and this was the one function I did want from BP Pro. So I was trying to uninstall then reinstall BP Pro, but ended up never reinstalling it because removing it greatly speeded up my PDA2k and fixed some problems!

I do remember BP having always been slow and a resource hog before with my previous iPAQs but I guess I must've tolerated it. But it seems to cause more problems with my PDA2k and my particular combination of other apps installed. (I also read complaints by users in their forum that it seems to be a long-time EOL'ed product without updates and support.)

For example it used to be that after a soft-reset, bringing up the Start Menu for the first time had a long delay, but the delay disappeared after BP Pro was uninstalled. And it used to be that making any changes to Settings -> Today -> Items tab incurred a long(!) delay before the Today page can be redisplayed, well this is much faster now after uninstalling BP Pro. Also after I had installed PocketZenPhone a couple of the built-in Today plugins (Owner Info, etc) had disappeared, but somehow they reappeared again after uninstalling BP Pro. Stuff like that...

Anyways I'm now looking for a separate app to do the extended hardware button mapping for my PDA2k (to give separate function for tap-and-hold), and from cursory search here I've already found:

- buttonMax: http://www.pocketmax.net/buttonMax.htm
- MortButtons: http://www.sto-helit.de/freeware/pocketpc/mortbuttons/en/
- Orthanc Double Launcher: http://www.orthancsoftware.com./DLauncher.htm
- VITO ButtonMapper: http://www.vitotechnology.com/en/products/buttonmapper.html

I still have the other Omega One apps like 1-Pass (which I do actively use) and 1-Calc. I've had the Journal Bar Today plugin disabled all this time as well, but am just now enabling it to test it out. It looks good, but now I'm noticing that my PDA2k seems to slow down considerably and I'm guessing JB is the culprit, argh :(

P.S. I *am* keeping Spb Pocket Plus and I do like the app. One question though, is the "Close Button" applet supposed to replace the black-and-white circular X button on the upper right corner with a red-and-white square X button? The red button is not shown on mine... Also it would be great if tapping the X button can shuffle through all the open applications like how the original WisBar did (which I was used to) :)

PetiteFlower

04-15-2005, 04:01 AM

Pocket Plus does NOT change the way the X button looks, just changes how it works. And you can tap-and-hold the X button to shuffle through apps.

Pocket Plus is the one app I absolutely will not run my PPC without. I can't STAND the lack of real closing! I love the minimize gesture and the extra PIE functionality and the Today plugin. I also have never, ever noticed it slowing my PPC down, and I have a Dell Axim X5. The 32 meg version. So whoever is having problems running it on a 4700, it is DEFINITELY NOT the lack of RAM. It must be a problem with the way HP has customized the OS for that machine.

sifu

02-18-2006, 11:27 AM

Darius Wey

02-18-2006, 06:09 PM

Cannot use this on my Dopod 818 Pro. Others with this device have experienced the same. Makes the device lag horribly. Resets take forever. Cannot even uninstall the thing. Had to use MemMaid to remove spbservices from startup so the device can actually boot properly.

Are you referring to Pocket Plus v2.5? 8O You should try the latest version of Pocket Plus (i.e. v3.0.4; (http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/pocketplus/?en) FYI, a new version should be out soon), which adds support for Windows Mobile 5.0. It seems to work fine on all the devices I've tested so far.

sifu

02-19-2006, 12:47 AM

I installed version 3.0.4.

From reading other forums focusing on Dopods, people seem to think that this could have something to do with the OMAP processor which has a lower clock speed than non-OMAP devices.

But I'm a newbie so I don't know if that has something to do with it or not.

Darius Wey

02-19-2006, 02:43 AM

From reading other forums focusing on Dopods, people seem to think that this could have something to do with the OMAP processor which has a lower clock speed than non-OMAP devices.

Hmm, so based on your assessment, it seems that any HTC Wizard and/or Prophet chokes with Pocket Plus running? I'll follow this up for you, and if it really is affecting the OMAP processors, I'll try and nudge Spb and have them optimise the application for these devices.

sifu

02-19-2006, 03:16 AM

Thanks, it does look like a useful application.

You may wish to ask SPB to follow the forums at kaitech.hk and PPCSG.com.

There are a lot of new Dopod users over there talking about these devices and problems and issues they are having. Very useful.