Searching for WM5 compatibility

[ChrisW]

I just got my brand spanking new Axim x51v, running WM5. As far as I can tell, backwards compatibility was pretty far down MS's priority list in this new OS. So a bunch of my comfortable old tools no longer work. I'm looking for workarounds, alternatives, or news of impending upgrades.

Pocket Informant (this just in: they have a compatible version, they sent me by email)
MightySync - pretty much doesn't do anything useful
tAgenca - this Today plugin generates lots of error messages.
Wisbar (I *hate* the "X really means Hide behavior"!)
PhatNotes - Won't run - error about using an unsupported function.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Some stuff that still works well:
Resco Explorer
BatMemTime (except it hangs when bringing up settings unless you do it via Today Settings dialog)
cLaunch
eWallet
iSilo (but the toolbar buttons are skewed)
PocketToolman
Omega One JournalBar

[Patrick Y.]

Latest wisbar advance version should work.

[Darius Wey]

Pocket Informant (this just in: they have a compatible version, they sent me by email)

Yes, the Windows Mobile 5.0-compatible version is scheduled to be released over the next week.

MightySync - pretty much doesn't do anything useful

I'm not aware of any planned upgrades. This is an application I haven't touched in a LONG time.

tAgenca - this Today plugin generates lots of error messages.

tAgenda? Again, this is one of those old applications. A good, free alternative which might or might not work in Windows Mobile 5.0 (I've still yet to test it) is Calendar+. (http://www.mohairsofa.com/) Otherwise, if you're willing to spare a few dollars for a decent plugin, try Spb Diary (http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/diary/?en) or SBSH PocketBreeze. (http://www.sbsh.net/products/pocketbreeze/)

Wisbar (I *hate* the "X really means Hide behavior"!)

WisBar is archaic. You're better off trying the frequently-updated WisBar Advance. (http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/) Note the current public release is not compatible with Windows Mobile 5.0, so you'll have to dig around the Lakeridge Software forums for a suitable beta. Otherwise, Spb Pocket Plus (http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/pocketplus/?en) acts as a really awesome task manager.

PhatNotes - Won't run - error about using an unsupported function.

PhatNotes (http://www.phatware.com/phatnotes/index.html) does support Windows Mobile 5.0 -- ensure you have the latest version installed which may help resolve any issues you are encountering (v4.5.3).

Some stuff that still works well:
Resco Explorer
BatMemTime (except it hangs when bringing up settings unless you do it via Today Settings dialog)
cLaunch
eWallet
iSilo (but the toolbar buttons are skewed)
PocketToolman
Omega One JournalBar

With applications like this, you might still want to visit each company's website to ensure you have the latest version installed. A lot of applications have been updated in recent times to support Windows Mobile 5.0, since the OS is relatively new.

[ChrisW]

MightySync - pretty much doesn't do anything useful

I'm not aware of any planned upgrades. This is an application I haven't touched in a LONG time.

Anybody know of anything else that can do what this does (did)? Of everything on the list, this is the only one that isn't either a convenience, or have some other product to substitute. What it does is to synchronize files between directories on the desktop and PPC (rather than just the basic My Document sync).

[wot_fan]

I use Mobsync. I don't have a WM5 device yet so I don't know if it is compatible. If you try it, please post if it works for you.
http://www.pocketpcfreewares.com/en/index.php?soft=985

[ChrisW]

I use Mobsync. I don't have a WM5 device yet so I don't know if it is compatible. If you try it, please post if it works for you.
http://www.pocketpcfreewares.com/en/index.php?soft=985

Thanks, it works beautifully -- better than MightySync.

BTW, I found some other results:


ListPro appears to work, but it doesn't really.
MANY programs have problems with Syncing. There seems to be some new develpment wrt file locking, so that if a file is open on the PPC, the desktop's ActiveSync shows an error.

[Rocketeer]

I updated this weekend only to find that now I don't have a way to play my Real media. The Real Player for Pocket PC isn't compatible. :cry:

BTW, I'm using a Dell Axim X50v and used Dell's upgrade CD.

[Darius Wey]

I updated this weekend only to find that now I don't have a way to play my Real media. The Real Player for Pocket PC isn't compatible. :cry:

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised. Real hasn't updated their RealPlayer for Pocket PC in years. Heck, it doesn't even accommodate for a change in screen orientation. :(

[Down8]

For task switchers/killers - does no one use Dell's included Switcher Bar? Is it still included in WM5?

-bZj

[Darius Wey]

For task switchers/killers - does no one use Dell's included Switcher Bar? Is it still included in WM5?

Nah, I don't use it. I can't speak for the other Axim users though.

And yes, it is still included in Windows Mobile 5.0.

[Patrick Y.]

I never use it either. Wisbar advance is much better.

[Down8]

I never use it either. Wisbar advance is much better.And much more $$ - may only be $10, but Switcher Bar is free (with the purchase of a Dell Axim :)).

-bZj

[Patrick Y.]

There is also a free 1.XX version available. While it's free, it still offers WAY more feature than the switch bar. It also makes yyour pocket pc beautiful too... :oops: :D

[Darius Wey]

There is also a free 1.XX version available. While it's free, it still offers WAY more feature than the switch bar. It also makes yyour pocket pc beautiful too... :oops: :D

It's not compatible with WM2003SE though.

Nevertheless, there are other free task managers out there that are compatible with the newer platforms. Magic Button (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=44056) and InClose Mobile (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=42445) are a couple of examples.

[PetiteFlower]

I use Dell's Switcher, though I liked the version on my original X5 much better (showed the battery icon in the taskbar). But that doesn't do anything about the fake close button so I still use Pocket Plus for that, and the today screen plugin and other features. I do NOT use the P+ taskbar battery indicator though, because I think it looks dumb.

Anyway has anyone heard anything about when a WM5 compatible version of Pocket Quicken will be out? Their web page just says "not WM5 compatible". It installs ok, and appears to work ok, but it won't sync anything. If no one has heard anything I'll write them.