Pocket PC Addict Reviews Wisbar Advance 2.0

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=12269' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modul...ewtopic&p=12269</a><br /><br /></div><i>"It was about three weeks ago when I heard that Wisbar Advanced had been updated to version 2.0. As I mentioned in my post, I used Wisbar from the first build all the way to the Wisbar Advanced 1.0 version. Unfortunately, I experienced some slowdowns with the 1.0 version when I installed it on my WM 2003 device, thus I had to remove it. Chris Lakeridge, the developer, had written that he built Wisbar Advanced 2.0 from the ground up and that it was better, stronger and more stable. Is Wisbar Advanced 2.0 the taskbar manager that dreams are made of? Or is it just a skinnable toy that's "gee whiz" factor wears off in a day or two? Read on to find out!"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20041021-PPCAddictWisbarReview.jpg" /><br /><br />There are many <a href="http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/index.html">Wisbar Advance</a> fans out there, so for those of you wondering why, here's a good review of the newest version... it's all about the customizability. ;)

[paris]

My name is Paris and I am wisbaraholic. I have spend over 6 hours in order to make my pocket pc look like a mac os x. :D:D:D Too bad it does not show any VGA screenshots :) its a dream to skin a VGA pocket pc.

Cons

• Reports of instability and freezing on some devices
• Registration delays

hmmm
-Receipt for Payment to [email protected] email was received on Fri 01/10/2004 01:58
-WisBar Advance License Code email was received on Fri 01/10/2004 02:03

OMG, 5 minutes!!! what a delay :) That being said i cannt support the Registration delays thingy :) Also i have had no lockups on my 4150 when i was even using the beta and now on my hx4700 which is using the most recent built.

[Len]

There can be delays in getting the registration code.

It took two days to get mine. In my experience, that is the longest I have ever had to wait for a software registration code.

Len

[Darius Wey]

There can be delays in getting the registration code.

It took two days to get mine. In my experience, that is the longest I have ever had to wait for a software registration code.

Len

Bear in mind that this is the first time Chris (developer of WisBar Advance) has decided to sell one of his products, and he did have server problems as well. With those kind of problems, combined with issues in floating the product on the Pocket Gear and Handango markets, I think we should all consider that.

Chris has been working overtime to get things up and running again, so these delays are understandable.

[Len]

these delays are understandable.

Yes, exactly. I merely added my experience so people do not think that they can expect the code quickly.

Len

[HTK]

I was a number one fan of Wisbar 1.xx when I had my h1945
but the version 2 is not working well on my toshiba e805 running 2k3SE, lots of freezings.
I wont talk about slowdown because the 2k3SE is already slow on the e805, but the freezes are definitely there. :(

[maymaio]

If you own PocketBreeze you can get WA for $6.99 :lol:

http://www.sbsh.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1809

I also had no lockups with this great software 8)

[Kati Compton]

I was having lockups of my device before WA2, so I can't say if WA2 is causing lockups. :P

But I really like WA2. There's a few "settings" changes I'd like. I find some of the settings controls less intuitive...

And does anyone else feel that there should be a dedicated backlight button?

[maymaio]

And does anyone else feel that there should be a dedicated backlight button?

You got my vote.

[Darius Wey]

Some of the lockups may arise from the old 2.0.0.1 version. There is an updated 2.0.1.1 version that fixes some issues.

[PocketPC Addict]

these delays are understandable.

Yes, exactly. I merely added my experience so people do not think that they can expect the code quickly.

Len

Like I indicated in the review, it wasn't a big deal for me - definately not a deal breaker. I have a server managing my registrations for A.I. but even then, if there is an email delay causing a 30 minute lag time, I'll hear about it and it won't be nice. Imagine that same person waiting 2 days for a wisbar reg 8O

Update: Lakeridge says that most of the registration delays have been resolved, except where Paypal is sending him old addresses.

[Marcel_Proust]

Some of the lockups may arise from the old 2.0.0.1 version. There is an updated 2.0.1.1 version that fixes some issues.

Not quite. Still crashing the Toshiba e805 frequently- so probably not quite SE compatible yet - even for 2.0.1.1 - It's understandable - the new SE matchines need a few more tweaks. The real test for support is if it's fixed soon.

[blazingwolf]

I use it on my Toshiba and I don't have very many lockups at all.

You guys might want to get the latest version. It is now at version 2.0.1.2. This may fix some of the problems you guys are having.

[Darius Wey]

Some of the lockups may arise from the old 2.0.0.1 version. There is an updated 2.0.1.1 version that fixes some issues.

Not quite. Still crashing the Toshiba e805 frequently- so probably not quite SE compatible yet - even for 2.0.1.1 - It's understandable - the new SE matchines need a few more tweaks. The real test for support is if it's fixed soon.

Haha, notice I said it fixes some issues. :P

Anyway, there's been a bit of activity on their forums as of late with some users still experiencing problems even with the updated version. But do as the good blazingwolf says, update to 2.0.1.2 and see if that rectifies the problem. ;)

[welovejesus]

How does Wisbar Advance 2.0 (http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/wisbar/index.html) compare with PPX (http://www.ppx3k.com/index.php?page=ppx)?
Thanks in advance for the help!

[garretwp]

correct me if i am wrong, but i thought you have to under the real owners agreement, distribute the software for free?


Garrett

[Darius Wey]

How does Wisbar Advance 2.0 (http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/wisbar/index.html) compare with PPX (http://www.ppx3k.com/index.php?page=ppx)?
Thanks in advance for the help!

A number of us have been tracking the development of PPX for a while now. While it offers a lot of nice features, there are still some issues that need to be resolved before it becomes a significant force in the UI-modding competition. Give it a go if you like, but from the vast majority of people I have spoken to, they tend to prefer Wisbar Advance, although this is purely based upon personal preference.

[jlp]

Mmmm, still doesn't sway me from using Gigabar, less eye candy but muuuuuuuch more power 8).

[glaucobg]

Does anyone know where can we find VGA skins for WA?

I'm using WA on a Tosh e805 + PPC 2003SE.

[Darius Wey]

Does anyone know where can we find VGA skins for WA?

I'm using WA on a Tosh e805 + PPC 2003SE.

If you head over to the Lakeridge Software forums, (http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/forum/index.php) you will find two sections dedicated to WA1 and WA2 skins. Since VGA is a relatively new technology, there aren't that many VGA skins yet available. However, a lot of skin producers are making a move toward VGA and you will probably find a vast array of skins to choose from in the near future.

P.S. If you're after a set of WA1 VGA skins, there are some at my website. (http://www.gobyte.tk) You'll have to excuse the boring design of the webpage at the moment. :oops:

[Warwick]

correct me if i am wrong, but i thought you have to under the real owners agreement, distribute the software for free?


Garrett

I thought the same, the original creator of wisbar released the code on the condition that it stayed free. I didnt want ot bring this up myself being a developer, but If I released source stating that it should be free, then I would be rather pissed to see someone making money off it.

Touchy subject here.

I still have the original source for Wisbar around too :S

[Kati Compton]

He's not using the original code - it's been completely rewritten. He said all along that he was rewriting it. However, because of the name recognition of Wisbar Advance (as used in the FREE version that he created), he didn't want to change the name.

[jlp]

I just tested WBA2. I was overwhelmed by the skinning effects, disappointed by some slow features like displaying the start menu and submenus; while this native OS feature is instantaneous WBA2's displaying the start menu and submenus is very slow. Finally I was underwhelmed by the low level of power and features compared to Gigabar :(.

If you want power, quickly uninstall WBA2 and put the freeware Gigabar; it's soooo powerful you won't go back to WBA2. And you can even take your favorite WBA skin and turn it into a GB skin; either simply use any image editor and grab another GB skin's buttons to graft it to your WBA topbar; or use the freeware GigaBar Skin Editor. you'll loose the bottom menu skinning but gain 1'000% increase in power and functionality 8).

[Warwick]

He's not using the original code - it's been completely rewritten. He said all along that he was rewriting it. However, because of the name recognition of Wisbar Advance (as used in the FREE version that he created), he didn't want to change the name.

I still think there should be some credits given at least to the original creator, where everyone will see them. I would expect that even after a "full" rewrite.

After having a look at the demo this is a fantastic extension from what gigabar and wisbar were the last time I played with them. I for one have been waiting for the working version of pocket blinds to get done, and this app pretty much covers that. I loved the way it redoes all the buttons and even the bottom menu bar. It goes way further than any other app I have used, even Pocket Blinds, by adding to the start menu.
Very Impressed.

And it even ran quite speedy on my 3870 2003 upgraded.

I would like to see a theme creator next ;)

[Kati Compton]

I still think there should be some credits given at least to the original creator, where everyone will see them. I would expect that even after a "full" rewrite.

&lt;snip>

I would like to see a theme creator next ;)
Don't tell me - tell the author. ;)

http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/wisbar/

[welovejesus]

A number of us have been tracking the development of PPX for a while now. While it offers a lot of nice features, there are still some issues that need to be resolved before it becomes a significant force in the UI-modding competition. Give it a go if you like, but from the vast majority of people I have spoken to, they tend to prefer Wisbar Advance, although this is purely based upon personal preference.
Point well taken. I'll give Wisbar Advance a try.

[Darius Wey]

I would like to see a theme creator next ;)

In time, (http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=425&highlight=skin+generator) my friend - your wish will be granted! ;)