Setting up a new MDA

[rpodos]

Hello everyone! First post on what seems to be a great forum. :)

Just bought my first phone edition, a T-Mobile MDA.

Treat me like a total newbie: What should I be thinking about to get set up properly? ROM, registry, software, hardware, whatever...

First, I'd like to stick to the "must-do's" and "must-have's" (i.e., what is the basic list of things a user should set up to optimize speed / usability / etc.).

Second, what are the essential software tools to improve what comes out of the box (task manager? email client? battery monitor? etc.)?

Lastly, what hardware works best with the MDA (mono and stereo bt headsets, GPS partners, cradles, etc.)?

I know that's a lot, so maybe first focus on the basics.

Thanks!!

Richard

[JamesM]

I'm in the same boat (new MDA), although this is my 4th Pocket PC. Here are some ideas:
1) Get the new ROM http://www.t-mobile.com/wmupgrade
2) Get Smartskey: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=41060&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=smartkey&start=0
(you'll need to register (free) in order to see the download in the first post)
3) Look at these:
http://www.writingonyourpalm.net/2006/08/tweaking-wm5_115483522220737376.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pmtorrone/205037264/

Have fun!
-James

[rpodos]

Thanks James! Those are two excellent links.

I also found the HowardForums this evening, but they are a bit on the technical side for me (for now). :|

Anybody else have some initial suggestions?

BTW, as James noted, I also am on my umpteenth PDA... actually going all the way back to the Poquet! :lol:

[Brad Adrian]

Of course, personal preferences vary, but I always install:

Spb Software House's Pocket Plus. Great utility for organizing Today screen elements, creating an "X" that closes applications instead of minimizing them, etc.

MemMaid or similar utility for managing memory, identifying errant notifications, etc.

CodeWallet or e-Wallet, for securely storing confidential information like passwords, software keys, etc.

Of course, you need at least one cool game! I like Atomic Cannon.

If you haven't already been there, go to www.Handango.com; there are several good sites for software, but Handango is, IMO, the most complete.

[tufif]

I installed the new rom on my phone and now every time I try to install software it fails. I can still copy files to it though. Any idea what I might be doing wrong?

[Menneisyys]

2) Get Smartskey: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=41060&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=smartkey&start=0
(you'll need to register (free) in order to see the download in the first post)


Also see http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=50249 - I've made it freely downloadable.

[bshor]

I just ordered a new MDA, should be coming soon.

I've read about a community-designed ROM for the MDA (v2.26). Is it worth loading this on? What are the advantages, and do they outweigh voiding the phone warranty?

[Menneisyys]

I just ordered a new MDA, should be coming soon.

I've read about a community-designed ROM for the MDA (v2.26). Is it worth loading this on? What are the advantages, and do they outweigh voiding the phone warranty?

FDepends on the actual buiod;. Some distros, for example, got rid of the unnecessary ExtRom stuff, giving you another 10M of flash ROM. Etc.

As far as voiding the warranty is concerned, you can always flash the official ROM back to your device; therefore, it's not a REAL problem, unless your PDA is damaged in a way that you can't flash back anything to it.

[AMedford]

Great tips!! Thanks guys

Does any one know how to change the alarm ring on this phone? I am trying to set it to play music for my alarm but I can’t find the files that store the alarms.

[GeNioS]

First, I'd like to stick to the "must-do's" and "must-have's" (i.e., what is the basic list of things a user should set up to optimize speed / usability / etc.).

If it's me, I start with Microsoft Voice Command.

[AMedford]

So I was playing with some of the downloads that I got from the link above
http://www.writingonyourpalm.net/2006/08/tweaking-wm5_115483522220737376.html

And I really like the ETEN dialer. However I still want to see the smart dial options when I am typing in a number.

http://www.paulya.com/etenskins.htm

The link given for the download with smart dialer isn’t there. It just takes me to another forums site. Does any one have any other options for downloading an interface with the smart dial option?