Have You Tried Pocket RSS Reader?

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://pda.jasnapaka.com/prssr/' target='_blank'>http://pda.jasnapaka.com/prssr/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Some of Pocket RSS Reader's features include: incredibly small, support for multiple site reading, and marking of unread items. Pocket RSS Reader was written from scratch in C++ using eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050416-PocketRSSReader.gif" /><br /><br />Pocket RSS Reader 1.0 is free and supports all versions of Windows Mobile 2003. For those who give it a spin, be sure to let us know what you think.

[threedaysdwn]

I really want an RSS Reader for the PocketPC that reads your feeds aloud (using TTS). That would be perfect for my in-car setup.

[Jason Lee]

I've downloaded it but not installed it yet. I bought pocket rss awhile back and currently don't have it installed either. I'm not convinced of the usefullness of rss on a pocket pc phone. Why sync feed data down when i can just go to the actual site?

Is rss really usefull on an always connected device?

[buzzard]

I use the RSS feeds through Skweezer because it resizes the RSS feed and also the main website follow-up article to fit the PPC or phone screen without side to side scrolling. It also doesn't burden the little machines with the graphics that take forever to download. There is a free version of Skweezer (with a small ad at the top of the page) or $15/year gets you ad-free. It's available at http://www.greenlightwireless.net/

[vicott]

I've downloaded it but not installed it yet. I bought pocket rss awhile back and currently don't have it installed either. I'm not convinced of the usefullness of rss on a pocket pc phone. Why sync feed data down when i can just go to the actual site?

Is rss really usefull on an always connected device?
RSS feeds are very "light-weight", so downloading is fast and filesizes are small so that saves cost too :wink:

[pdamobilecafe]

Yes, I have tried and purchased the great Pocket RSS Reader. RSS has exploded, and so it goes, has now come to PDA ! In some of the comments already here, I see missing some possible helpful information about Pocket RSS Reader.

When I first saw PDA versions of RSS Reader software I found out that they required the .Net Framework Pocket Version installed on the PDA. This is available for Mobile 2003. However, my first PDA is the Ipaq 3700 Series which was not upgradeable to the Mobile 2003 OS, and therefore could not install the Compact .Net Framework Pocket Version program. (Note that generally all HomePC must have .NetFramework installed for RSS).

In contacting the Pocket RSS Reader people, they did promptly write back and inform me that the Compact .NetFramework was not neccessary to run it. This was great because it opens PDA RSS availability to all Windows CE Pocket PC 2002 OS (Operating Systems) - which otherwise is not possible. The software itself has been flawless since purchase and operation for about a half year now.

Also, as far as the practicality - the RSS feeds can be updated when engaged in Active Sync over the Home PC or with a wireless connection when mobile. Someone mentioned what's the difference of going to the website instead of RSS ?..... Well that's what RSS is all about. You can sift a hundred and more bylines from a hundred and more websites in seconds. If there is a particular item you wish to view, you simply click and go to that place at the website. Otherwise it could take an hour or more to cover the same ground by going to each website individually. The Pocket RSS can cover data perhaps at 2M and below while going to wireless websites individually could top 10M quite quickly and thus cost more and more and more generally in many Wireless ISP Subscriptions.

Another byline of RSS is that you can skip many Newsletter Subscription Emails by using RSS feeds. RSS and Pocket RSS are a complete nuance and innovation on the Internet and Wireless Internet - and perhaps the hottest thing since Instant Messenger or email itself.

You can check out a list of PDA RSS Feeds at my Homepage http://www.pdamobilecafe.com/ right on the front page at the bottom, and please mail any favorites you have to me to add to the list at: [email protected] . Thanks in advance.

[fyiguy]

I personally just use Bloglines (http://www.bloglines.com/)for syncing all my feeds since I am constantly using a different computer, device, etc. They even have a specially formated mobile version at www.bloglines.com/mobile .

I wanted a way to download images, feeds, comics, and podcasts for quick reading of my feeds on my PPC phone - great for times when you are in a building or situation with no connectivity and when found that the latest version of Egress supports Bloglines I rushed to install it and haven't turned back.

You can read more how I use it here (http://www.bostonpocketpc.com/modules.php?op=modload&amp;name=News&amp;file=article&amp;sid=2760).

Check it out, it may be how you read and use RSS as well...

[Paul Martin]

When I first saw PDA versions of RSS Reader software I found out that they required the .Net Framework Pocket Version installed on the PDA. This is available for Mobile 2003. However, my first PDA is the Ipaq 3700 Series which was not upgradeable to the Mobile 2003 OS, and therefore could not install the Compact .Net Framework Pocket Version program.

Fortunately, you don't have to have a Windows Mobile device. I have PPC 2002 and can run the .net compact framework just fine.

Supported Device Operating Systems: Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile Software for Pocket PC 2003 and Windows CE .NET 4.1 and higher.

You can find more info and download it here (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1f62a2a3-7282-4ba9-b26b-2267e972501d&amp;DisplayLang=en). This is for Service Pack 1. I'm not sure what the difference is for PPC 2002 folks, but here is SP2 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=359ea6da-fc5d-41cc-ac04-7bb50a134556&amp;DisplayLang=en) and SP3 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a5a02311-194b-4c00-b445-f92bec03032f&amp;DisplayLang=en).

Paul

[Jason Lee]

RSS feeds are very "light-weight", so downloading is fast and filesizes are small so that saves cost too :wink:

ahh.. cost. i had not really thought of that since i have an unlimited data package. rss would save a ton on data costs.

i really don't read that many sites so that also may be why i miss something in rss. however, when i had pocket rss installed it read about 6 times as many sites as i normally do because it was so fast and so easy.

maybe i'll give rss another try.
i guess another thing may have been i really didn't understand the exact purpose of rss. i was just irritated at feeds that only had a subject and maybe a short snipit. i still had to go to the full site to actually read anything, why should i sync anything down in the first place!?
the more i see the more i think that is how it is supposed to work. you download the headlines and only go out and read what you want. but then you still have to be connected... maybe i just found some stinky feeds. LOL

[pdamobilecafe]

That's incredible and you are correct for the PPC OS's. I believe I had read it is only available for Mobile 2003 OS while shopping for a PDA RSS Reader Software. Backtracking to the website, and if possible I will send a correction to their website. As you listed and at the Microsoft website - availibility goes all the way back to PPC 2000. Thanks for the correct information.
---------------------------------------------Your comments:

Fortunately, you don't have to have a Windows Mobile device. I have PPC 2002 and can run the .net compact framework just fine.

Supported Device Operating Systems: Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile Software for Pocket PC 2003 and Windows CE .NET 4.1 and higher.

You can find more info and download it here (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1f62a2a3-7282-4ba9-b26b-2267e972501d&amp;DisplayLang=en). This is for Service Pack 1. I'm not sure what the difference is for PPC 2002 folks, but here is SP2 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=359ea6da-fc5d-41cc-ac04-7bb50a134556&amp;DisplayLang=en) and SP3 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a5a02311-194b-4c00-b445-f92bec03032f&amp;DisplayLang=en).

Paul[/quote]

[Paul Martin]

I believe I had read it is only available for Mobile 2003 OS while shopping for a PDA RSS Reader Software.

I think part of the confusion is that the WM 2003 devices already have the .net compact framework built into the ROM. For older devices, we have to take up RAM to install it.

Paul

[AtomicDB]

In contacting the Pocket RSS Reader people, they did promptly write back and inform me that the Compact .NetFramework was not neccessary to run it. This was great because it opens PDA RSS availability to all Windows CE Pocket PC 2002 OS (Operating Systems) - which otherwise is not possible. The software itself has been flawless since purchase and operation for about a half year now.


Just to be clear, I think pdamobilecafe is referring to "PocketRSS" which has been around for several years. The new application "Pocket RSS Reader" while similar in name is not associated with the original "PocketRSS" application.

We hope the similar naming of this new rss-based application will not lead to confusion among current users of either "PocketRSS" or "Pocket RSS Reader".

[joefuture]

I prefer NewsBreak from Ilium Software. I've been using it since v1.0 came out and it's probably the app I use most on the PPC. I have about 50 feeds I sync daily, and NewsBreak points out the ones that have keywords I've asked it to look for.

I still haven't found the completely perfect reader though. Here's what I want:

- text to speech - yes, this would be great in the car!
- sync to my desktop reader via ActiveSync (or even better, via a web service). It's a pain to read on your device and then have to go catch a feed up on your desktop later. If it sunc with a web service, then ALL my readers could stay in sync
- a "screen saver" that shows me unread headlines fading in/out every few seconds
- an ability to mark for following up later - sort of like a combo todo/favorites list

I'll keep using NewsBreak in the meantime :D

[paris]

off topic but a bit relative :D

Darius kudos to you for using Salamander :D, its my favorite file manager on the desktop. if you use any hi-res shotcut bar use my hiDPI salamander icon here
http://www.wincustomize.com/Skins.aspx?LibID=29&amp;view=1&amp;sortby=4&amp;sortdir=DESC&amp;p=1&amp;advanced=0&amp;searchtxt=salamander

[Darius Wey]

Darius kudos to you for using Salamander :D, its my favorite file manager on the desktop. if you use any hi-res shotcut bar use my hiDPI salamander icon here
http://www.wincustomize.com/Skins.aspx?LibID=29&amp;view=1&amp;sortby=4&amp;sortdir=DESC&amp;p=1&amp;advanced=0&amp;searchtxt=salamander

:lol:

Actually, sorry to disappoint (but I'll take the kudos anyway ;)), but that screenshot is not off my device. It was the one available on their site. So nope, I don't use Salamander. However, good job on the PNG. :way to go:

[Darius Wey]

I just found out that v1.10 was released today to fix a serious bug to do with adding sites and what not. Those who are using this piece of software may want to update their current version.

[ikesler]

so only one person here has actually tried this RSS reader? How does it compare to News Monger? That is the one that I am currently using.......

[Jason Lee]

Ok, i've installed it.
First it is very small. The total install in 77kb. One file. It stores its data in a folder it creates in your my documents folder called pocket rssreader. It does not use any fancy bloated database format. It simply makes and OPML file that is your site feed list. Then it just downloads the xml for your feeds and puts them in the same directory. It stores what messages are read and unread in the registry\HKCU\Software\DaProfik\RSSReader\Items. I'm gonna keep an eye on this to make sure it cleans up after itself.

The options window allows you to set the data storage location... However this is currently grayed out, i assume because it is not finished yet. :) You can see the setting in the registry and change it there and it will probably work just fine. I haven't bothered with that yet. It also tells you how big the current cache is (it's just the size of the directory in my documents) and has a button to clear the cache. You can push this button and i assume it is supposed to keep the opml file but delete all the downloaded xml. Like I said you can tap the button but it does not do anything.

The 2 pane view is very strait forward and simple, feeds on the top and items in that feed on the bottom. When you tap on an item in the bottom window it opens it up for viewing and marks it as read if it was unread. There is no way to mark items as unread once you have read them. Also there is no way to mark items as read without opening them in view mode once.

The site manager is very simple. There is an address box where you type the feed address into and push the add button beside it. This brings up a status page that tells you it is contacting, downloading, and done. It will also report any errors that may occur. Very nice, very simple.
Once a feed is added it shows up in the box below the address box. All your feeds are in a list with check boxes beside the name. To remove one or many feeds just check the boxes and tap the remove button.
There is no way to reorder or group your feeds, so the order you add them is the order they show up in. However I did go in and edit the order in the opml file and that did change the order of my feeds in the list.

You can tap on the title of an item in view mode and it will take you to the actual site with the post. Pocket RSS Reader has its own html window. It does not open pocket IE when it takes you to a site. It also does not use pocket ie's setting. I have graphics set to not display which greatly speeds up browsing over a GPRS connection. So it is nice that it renders the html for you in its own window but i would much prefer if it would just open up a pocket ie window.

There is nothing fancy about this program. The main screen is just a nice way to view your opml file (list of feeds) and the view mode is just an xml viewer. It is very small and simple. So if you don't want a huge bloated rss feed reader then this is the perfect program for you. It is definitely still under development because several of the options it gives you do not work yet. :)

The only problems i have:
When i tried to add Todo Pocket PC's rss feed it downloads and says ok but it never shows up in the feed list and when i close the site manager window the program will not respond. I can still close it with the (x) and reopen in but the feed is still not there. If i look in the data storage folder there is a tmp file with all the xml data but it never created the feed. I have not yet manually renamed the tmp file and edited the opml file to see it it will work after that.

Also when i run pocket rss reader it opens but not in the foreground... I have to either tap the icon twice, once to run it and a second to bring it to the foreground or tap it once then select it from my running programs list. This error may be with my pocket pc as i have seen this behavior on one other program i just recently updated (cab install).

As apposed to Pocket RSS who's install is huge, it installs the MS ADOCE version 3.1 even though 3.0 is in rom (about 700kb of redundant stuff), uses a custom database and adds all kinds of registry entries and plugs itself into pocket breeze, Pocket RSS Reader is very small and simple. However it really has no "features". It is a raw xml viewer. I like pocket rss reader for now. If i decide that i really need rss feeds on my pocket pc i may put pocket rss back on my device.

What you want is up to you.

I have not used any other rss readers so Pocket RSS is my only base for comparison.

[CEGiven]

I downloaded and installed it without problems.

But setting it up has been troublesome. It took 2 soft resets before I was able to add a site. I still can't get it to accept any additional sites after the first. It validates the URL with a status of OK but never adds the sites to the list. During several of my attempts the application would freeze up and require PPC resets.

Since I had one site listed, I decided to at least test with that. It acted like it was downloading the feed. But there wasn't anything to view. After exiting, resetting, and retrying the app would either freeze up or remove the site that I'd previously added. After one reset, I was able to see the news feed for ALTAP Novinky once, since that was the only site that I could get added with some stability.

[Jason Lee]

I downloaded and installed it without problems.

But setting it up has been troublesome. It took 2 soft resets before I was able to add a site. I still can't get it to accept any additional sites after the first. It validates the URL with a status of OK but never adds the sites to the list. During several of my attempts the application would freeze up and require PPC resets.

Since I had one site listed, I decided to at least test with that. It acted like it was downloading the feed. But there wasn't anything to view. After exiting, resetting, and retrying the app would either freeze up or remove the site that I'd previously added. After one reset, I was able to see the news feed for ALTAP Novinky once, since that was the only site that I could get added with some stability.

I had the same problem with todopocketpc.com. By chance would ALTAP Novinky have any accented or non-english characters in it?

I also have sites like pocketpctools.com that downloads ok but only shows up part of the time. Sometimes i open the program and it is in the list but and error icon shows up on the name and it is empty. The data is still there because other times it will show up fine without updating the feed. I just have to close and open the app a few times.

:roll:

[CEGiven]

I didn't see any non-english characters, but since it wasn't a newsfeed I actually intended to read/keep I didn't look too closely.

One of the newsfeeds that I did want, but could not view, did create a file under \My Documents\something-or-other. But by that time I was deleting that subdirectory as part of the uninstall.

[Darius Wey]

Pocket RSS Reader has actually been renamed to pRSSreader, and the newly-released v1.11 contains a couple of new features - namely, a customisable appearance and the sequential reading of items. It's probably worth having a look if you use the application.

[bjool]

I wanted a way to download images, feeds, comics, and podcasts for quick reading of my feeds on my PPC phone - great for times when you are in a building or situation with no connectivity and when found that the latest version of Egress supports Bloglines I rushed to install it and haven't turned back.

You can read more how I use it here (http://www.bostonpocketpc.com/modules.php?op=modload&amp;name=News&amp;file=article&amp;sid=2760).

Check it out, it may be how you read and use RSS as well...

I've started to use Egress a couple of days ago and I really like it. Together with Bloglines Egress makes my RSS reading a lot easier.

When reading the feeds off-line I sometime finds an article which I want to read more about when I'm returning on-line sitting in front of my laptop. Egress supports clippings, it is really easy to clip an article when reading.

Back online it would be perfect if my clippings were synchronized to Bloglines. The articles contains URL or search terms which I don't want to type in manually from my Pocket PC.

Has anybody found a way to sync the Egress clippings to Bloglines?

Egress saves the Clippings folder to a seperate xml-files in my "Channels" folder. Synchronizing this folder using ActiveSync could be one way, although a little too complicated. Any ideas?