EXEC SUMMARY: TIPS n TRICKS to make your JasJar run well

[craigiecraigie4]

There are way too many posts on this board from ppl who r saying "Piece of crap, I'm gonna take it back and stick it up my provider's...". This post is for you!

I'm no expert (just a disciple of ppl like buzz, vj, etc), BUT I am not afraid of a hard reset or 30, and as a result I've tested everything below, and most of the stuff throughout this forum. I've also followed everything on every forum since being the 10th person in my country to get a JasJar. I welcome critisism, corrections and additions. Please post replies by refering to the step you would change, or insert after. Let's try to stick to proven alternatives and additions though, so that this thread can become somewhat of a 1-stop point for new users (and existing users who do not have the time to learn this alone - and let's face it anyone who has a Universal already, is probably pretty hard working, and already spending an awful amount of time justifying their acquisition in front of their BlackBerry collegues...)

This is written with a single thought in mind; what the hell would my wife do if she got one of these. No-one could blame her for tossing it inside of a week, but with a few changes it's perfectly functional - in fact with a few more changes (also listed below) it's quite desirable.

By the end of this process, your Universal should have a reasonable suite of apps, perfect functionality around all issues solved to date (I've not covered networking tho), a screen flip speed of 0.5s or less, and free program memory of over 20Mb

So here goes, a step-by-step process to get your Universal 100% functional, proven and tested on the HTC Universal iMate JasJar, but should all work on any MDA:

1. ROM Upgrade: First thing's first. Upgrade to the September-30 ROM (JASJAR_WWE_11353_137_10301.zip). It's available somewhere on xda-developers, or on clubimate for imate users. This is a no-brainer - no posts on this board or any others indicate it's a waste of time. Many posts cover O2 users flashing to this ROM, with great benefits. There are ways to re-install the O2 graphics and apps - if you want ;-) If you have ANY issues with your Universal, bite the bullet and do this; you'll see that the following setup process is not as brutal as you'd expect (I can run thro it in about half an hour - but I've done it many times and have all the apps lined up and ready).
2. Optional soft reset: Some pppl like to soft reset BEFORE the device installs the default apps. On this ROM, there's no performance improvement, no memory imporvement that can't be covered later (backgammon etc), and potentially some important losses that I didn't hang around long enough to discover.
3. Sync: Now sync with your PC to get your contacts, calendar and tasks. This is only here to get you up and running asap.
4. Pocket Mechanic: Download (www.antontomov.com) and install this essential app. You have a few days on trial, and it's necessary for the next steps
5. Notification Queue: This can be done later, but it's nice to get familiar with this process whilst your queue is small. Using PM, open the notification queue. You may already (yes!) find some duplicate (yellow icon) sddeamon entries. These seem to replicate during an activesync. You can/must delete all duplicates from time to time. You will also, in future, find some "\.\\Notification.....SCRIPT..." entries. Keep an eye out for these. Most mature within minutes of you finding them, so let them expire. Many are future-dated and tightly back-to-back. These can nearly always (I've never had a regret) be deleted without repercussions. If you don't manage these, they tend to breed, and anyone with XDA experience knows what happens when your queue fills up (failed alarms etc). I'm unclear as to where these come from - undoutedly an app that is not behaving elegantly (regular registration checks etc), and if you follow the steps on this post you should NOT find any - ie the apps here do not seem to be culprits. But, keep an eye open...
6. Registry cleanup: Again, this can be done later, however you'll soon see the beenfit of doing it now. Using PM, run registry cleaner. You'll get around 6 entries, all of which can safely be deleted. If you did not follow step 1, you may have to examine eahc entry to see if the O2 ROM is messier. The beauty of this step is that from now on, you can safely clean everything that PM finds in the knowledge that it's a leave-behind from an app you installed, and now you can install, de-install, and provided you clean up the directories (easy) you KNOW for sure that you've completely gotten rid of the failed app. Winner!
7. Task closer: Now it's time for your task manager. There's a lot of coverage on this, and any of the following seem to do the trick, ranked in order of simplicity thro to possibly problematic:[list:333ba237cf]
8. Magic Button (free, includes battery line on top of screen)
9. GSPocketMagic++ (free, includes cascading menu. Some MDA Exec users claim that it closes something awful that O2 installs, and solves a 7 second flip issue. SEVEN SECONDS!!! If you implemented step 1, you should not have this problem to solve anyway)
10. spbPocketPlus (not free, and do not allow it to show any storage meters. There are some bad posts on spb, but I've found it just as good as the above, altho it takes up slightly more memory)
11. WisbarAdvance2 (not free, HUGE footprint, definite performance issues BUT it skins your Universal SO beautifully, that I've gone with this and WAD - desktop plugin)

[*]Basic apps: Now there are a few no-brainer apps to install, that no-one disputes and that are all free. NO BRAINERS:

• Total commander (free, replacement for file explorer - way way better)
• TCPMP (free, replaces media player, more formats, full screen, way way better)
• Batti (free, battry bar on top of screen like spbPocketPlus, small footprint, but if u r using MagicButton you already get this)
• TRE (free, registry editor, necessary to run .reg files covered later)
• IIWPO (free, AWESOME concept; If your owner info is changed, it SMS's the number you've set with new SIM number and new 'owner' details. Great if someone steals your Universal. Don't bother if u r not happy with a little installation effort)
• BT icon (free, on this board somewhere, gives u an icon on your today tray that shows BT status and allows u to jumps to settings>connections>BT)
• BT switch (free, on this board somewhere, several apps that turn BT on, off, or toggle)
• Battery Uptime (Optional: free, today plugin that tells u the battery status BUT it's way more useful: you get to see actual running time vs uptime, and remaining running time. This gives u a good feel for your battery consumption rate under different scenarios and helps overcome a LOT of concerns around thinking you are draining faster when actually you are just using the device more)
• apReminderPlus (free, AWESOME repeating alarms. Beauty of this is that is seems to be independent of WM5, in that it keeps an eye open for any alarms, and pops up to do its thing if it sees one. WAY beter than built in repeat system, and makes me feel good that I have alarms covered off in case the old wm2003 bugs start to appear again)
• VJSMS (free, on this board, gives u 1-click to send an SMS. Note that .lnk file should read as follows INCLUDING inverted commas:
  \Storage Card\Program Files\VJApps\vjsms.exe" "123
  Change path and number of course. Number can also be a name.
  Sad to report that VJDailer doesn't work on the universal. This would be awesome

[*]Settings: Time to do your basic settings:

• speed dials
• power and backlight
• voice dials
• Owner info
• ringtones and notifications
• DO NOT set regional settings if u r using PI (below)

[*]PIM: OK, time to replace the CRAP calendar built into WM5. CRAP CRAP CRAP! Disgracefully, embarassingly CRAP. Hell, symbian ship better default apps with the OLD Psion S3 and S5 than this! Now, I use PocketInformant. Latest release works well on JJ with 2 livable issues: Landscape flip screws up Monday/Tuesday in week view, and you MUST NOT set any regional settings what-so-ever, else you get the blank calendar view bug. AgendaFusion is due for a WM5 release any day now. Other than that, I don't think there is much that works on the Universal - correct?? :?: [*]Reg fixes: Now there are a few no-brainer registry hacks that you should run. You can find these as cab files on this board, as registry keys under the wiki page, else as .reg files on one of my earlier posts (fastest method):

• Buzz's BT headset (prevents BT from turning off over night - no brainer! Thanks buzz!!)
• "Always on GPRS" (search this board - keeps GPRS/UMTS turned on - awesome!)
• Date & time in title bar (why not)
• Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 (it's cosmetic, but on our nice VGA screens, it seems daft to have a look n feel that's SO QVGA)
• PIE homepage (prevent 'e' button from going to clubimate page)
• Terminal services cache (increased cache uses memory during terminal services, but it's WELL worth it to eliminate black blocking issues)
• Turn IR off (unless you have a good reason for keeping it on)

[*]Extra apps: There are several very useful apps, that work reliably and do not have an adverse impact on your Universal.

• eWallet (not free, desktop sync does not work, but rest is very useful)
• Pocket sudoku (not free, but it's SO much fun!)
• Mobipocket reader (skinny version is free, for mobipocket ebooks - ebooks fully being 25% of your devices functionality along with PIM, phone and internet access. Google beta 5 version with full VGA support)
• uBook (more eBook formats. Not free but usable. VGA support)
• 1-calc (cos built in calculator is SO crap)
• GPRS traffic monitor: We need a GPRS/3G monitor. spbGPRS monitor does NOT track the usage of yoru device as a 3G modem - which is where u chew up traffic costs. IP Dashboard has similar issues.

[*]Memory:Now, I'm the first to say that I don;t fully get this yet. There are a few things that the posts suggest should reduce program or storage memory - but don't really seem to do so. Try them and let me know results with more scientific before and after checking please:

• Remove backgammon & skype, and re-install to SD card
• Remove the 1Mb .tsk themes from the \Windows directory. You cannot delete them, you have to create new files that are smaller and copy them into \Windows and overrwite the larger files. Search this board for some sample small files provided. I didn't find that I got any memory back...???
• Ditto for .cab files in \Windows
• Do not use these big theme files - by using smaller themes you should get more program memory.
• A couple of dudes have started threads on getting more memory and clearing out \windows files - but there are no good responses yet...

[/list:333ba237cf]
Right, that's it! As I said above, I welcome input and feedback - but let's keep it hi quality so that this post perhaps gets stickied and we can get less of the "Buy my JasJar before I post it on eBay posts". Of course there are a load more apps you can add, but most give issues (eg TomTom) and posts on this board cover working around them for ppl who have to have these apps. This was a good, strong, basic config.

Hope this is helpful to some.

[xiasma]

Some well-thought out words there, craigiecraigie4. However, I'm a firm believer that it's a bad move to install anything that I REALLY don't need. So far, my MDA Pro has a default installation. None of these "essential apps" are necessary. Indeed, half of them seem to only exist so that you can add other "essential apps" :wink:
If/when a better browser comes along, I'll investigate. Other than that, I find the messaging client perfect (works nicely against Exchange server); Terminal Services could be better - just giving me true full-screen support would be enough. And I'd like better Wifi support - I want, for example, to be able to name my SSID. IMHO, with desktop PCs as much as with PDAs, every time you install a piece of software, it ultimately makes the system *worse*. ie the result is a damned site less than the sum of the parts.

so, taking each point with my (possibly unique, certainly cynical) POV

1. ROM Upgrade
Didn't bother. It adds nothing that I'd use apart from MSN and that would just suck up time that should be spent on worthwhile things :lol:

2. Optional soft reset
Yeah, I may do this but, TBH, T Mobile install very little stuff and it seems to work, so I ain't fixin' it.

3. N/A

4. Pocket Mechanic
I can't see that I need this.

5. Not quite sure what the problem here is. I've been using XDAs since day 1 and never encountered the problem. YMMV

6. Registry cleanup
Never assume that some badly-written software doesn't depend on some default or illogical registry setting. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

7. Task closer
OK, not a "two-click" operation, but in Settings/Memory, I can close running applications. No new software needed.

8. Basic apps
Total commander - erm, yeah, it's nice and everything and does a better job than the standard affair. However, 99.99% of the time, error: +/- 0.01%, I find I don't actually need any of that extra fluff.

TCPMP - granted, I only use MP to listen to WMAs I record off the radio to listen to later.

Batti - On my Today screen, there's a little icon I tap and it shows me my battery state. I can also see this using Settings/Power (or whatever it is)


TRE - See previous warning about effing about with your registry

IIWPO - nice idea :lol: but no substitute for insurance or taking care

BT icon, BT switch - I've never used Bluetooth in my life. YMMV

Battery Uptime - See prior comment about battery state indicator

etc


I'm sure that more people will find your advice usefull than mine, but just like to point out that, out of the box, these devices (at least MDA Pro) seem not to be too wide of the mark. For me, at least.

[apap]

This is very helpful...thanx!

You mentioned that the soft reset before installation of imate stuff may lead to some problems in the long run. As I have opted for this strategy and have only installed two cab files (btpatch and a file that brings up the smart dialing), I would appreciate it if you could tell us what kind of problems we might confront. Also, is it too late to add these cab files after the fact (that is given we have synched contacts and added other programs)?

Cheers, apap

[vijay555]

craigiecraigie4 - very useful advice, I think for everyone with a PPC. I don't have a universal, but good tips either way.

I didn't realise VJDialer doesn't work on WM5. I'll look into updating it when I get a new version of Visual Studio (or a WM5 device!).

Good work man!

V

[craigiecraigie4]

Hi VJ - yeah, I'm afraid that there are a couple of posts on your primary thread about the "no command line specified" - no matter what combinations we try in the .lnk file. Saw your comment that another crowd charges for such an app. I'd happily contribute for the benefit of quick-dials - would be awesome along with WAD. You might want to mention your app on the WAD (lakeridgesoftware) forums - many 2003 users there who would LOVE this. With WAD u can have popup boxes on your skin, so with vjdialer one can popup and view of quickdials. awesome.

[zohaer21]

[quote="craigiecraigie4"][*]Buzz's BT headset (prevents BT from turning off over night - no brainer! Thanks buzz!!)[*]Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 (it's cosmetic, but on our nice VGA screens, it seems daft to have a look n feel that's SO QVGA{)
/quote]

where can i get the 2 things above...looked but cant find
thanks

[dreamtheater39]

Originally Posted by vijay555 craigiecraigie4 - very useful advice, I think for everyone with a PPC. I don't have a universal, but good tips either way. I didn't realise VJDialer doesn't work on WM5. I'll look into updating it when I get a new version of Visual Studio (or a WM5 device!). Good work man! V

hi vijay!

I'm running on wm5 on my xda2....and am using vjdialer and vjsms extensively!


I dont think there are any problems with VJDialer's compatibility with wm5....

S

[Codiac]

spbPocketPlus (not free, and do not allow it to show any storage meters. There are some bad posts on spb, but I've found it just as good as the above, altho it takes up slightly more memory)

I have this running on my Exec and have storage indicators for memory and SD card on today screen, or are you talking about something else?

Btw, I found that my Exec runs faster with pocket plus than it did with magic button and pocketmagic++

Cheers

J

[techDot]

craigiecraigie4

Thank you VERY much for your extensive effort - this really does helps a lot :!: :P

[joebongo]

That's an awesome post craigiecraigie4, some hard work went into that one dude.

Now my post below is not intended to be better than the original, merely another option. craigiecraigie4's use of the device is obviously a lot different to mine, as I work in an office, and am out of connectivity for maybe 3 hours of travel a day max, and never at weekends unless I go out. I'm on a scooter or a tube train so no connectivity is possible during travel for me.

What we are describing is our comfortable loadsets or configurations of our little systems, and that's what the stuff down here is, the Bongo configuration if you will. :lol:

I have made my comments against craigiecraigie4's original titles, and added a few apps of my own that I have.

[*]Weirdness for Hallowe'en :shock: After a hard reset, then sometimes the crosshair pointer setup would be real slow, and others it would be fast. Just in case, I did it until I had a fast one and proceeded from there. Don't know what/if any difference it makes, but that's what I do.[*]ROM Upgrade: As there aren't any upgrade ROM's out there execept for the iMate one, I wouldn't until the new carrier ROM's are posted. I agree with CraigieCraigie though. Sooo, why not then? Warranty is the answer. Although I think in reality they wouldn't wash their hands of you just because you dared to use someone else's ROM, the carrier techies are generally not allowed to instruct you in the art of repairing your device with anyone else's ROM except their own, and so you would need to wait until your carrier released an upgrade and they could tell you how to do it.[*]Optional soft reset: Definitely. And be selective about the manual .cab installs (installing total commander or the like first to see the Ext ROM). There's generally something in there that forces the device to behave in a way you don't like. An example is the internet button taking me to the t-mobile home page all the time. I hate that so I didn't install the relevant .cab.[*]Sync: Now sync with your PC to get your contacts, calendar and tasks. This is only here to get you up and running asap. <-yeah man [*]Pocket Mechanic: Download (www.antontomov.com) I bought this. It's good meaty tools you would get in a full Windows OS that M$ didn't put in WM5 yet.[*]Notification Queue: Did it once, didn't do it after my last hard reset and TBH, haven't felt a need. I probably would do if I installed it and saw a gazillion notifications spamming my inners up. :lol: [*]Registry cleanup: Haven't done it, but a careful look and selective delete may be of some use. Can't be arsed is the honest answer[*]Task closer: Haven't bothered this time to minimise my number of concurrently running programs (absurd logic eh :wink: ). I only use a certain few apps, and as they're few don't notice a big slowdown from having them minimised if they don't close fully[*]Basic apps: Here are Craigie's apps with my comment, and my loadset apps

• Total commander - yeah man, schmokin
• TCPMP - I only use mp3's so no point for me. Perhaps if I need to watch videos I will reinstall it.
• Batti - I use Spb GPRS Monitor, v2.3.0, b525, and it has a battery icon, and I have the icon on my today screen, and I can guess it most of the time.
• TRE - I use BitsInside Regedit. Also free and I like the Win 98 feel to it.
• IIWPO - Great idea, I didn't know it worked on Universals. I will do this cos you never know if it might lead you to a thief. They'd have to be non-savvy theives of course else they'd hard reset it before using the new SIM
• BT icon - I use the FN + -> combination to get there or the connectivity icon on the status bar.
• BT switch - as above
• Battery Uptime - If you want to learn then great
• apReminderPlus - I don't use the alarm function
• VJSMS - Inbuilt in WM5 is fine so far for my needs
• Agile messenger - very thrifty use of bandwidth, like <10% of MSN (really) and free at the moment, but will pay for itself in bandwidth charges very quickly for most people. Suck it and see
• GPS Viewer - because I have a Holux GPS and want to verify connectivity sometimes
• Pocket Hack Master - because I like to crank it up to delightfully unstable 624MHz sometimes, but haven't need to with my installation as described here oddly enough. It's fast enough for me so far.
• Pocket MSN because I want the Hotmail to appear in my messages application. I use Agile to IM people as above
• TomTom Navigator 5.1 because it's awesome

[*]Settings: Time to do your basic settings:

• speed dials
• power and backlight
• voice dials
• Owner info
• ringtones and notifications
• DO NOT set regional settings if u r using PI (below)

[*]PIM: OK, time to replace the CRAP calendar built into WM5 - I agree it's crap, but I don't need a decent one. I am a simple soul.[*]Reg fixes: - If you want to

• Buzz's BT headset - haven't noticed this issue yet, bet I will tomorrow morning now though
• "Always on GPRS" No good for me - 40megs/month tariff limit
• Date & time in title bar (why not) - cos I know the date and time.
• Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 - haven't done it yet. I like the size
• PIE homepage - is done for me through my selective Ext ROM install
• Terminal services cache - I don't use it yet
• Turn IR off - yeah agreed waste of space most of the time.

[*]Extra apps:

• eWallet - I don't keep details like that on my phones.
• Pocket sudoku - I read books, so insert MS Reader for me there
• Mobipocket reader - doesn't support .lit (MS format), and I read .lits and .docs so far. Wait until I run out of books though... :lol:
• uBook - haven't needed it ....yet
• 1-calc - but the inbuilt calc does +, -, * and / so it's cool for me. I'm not a physicist
• GPRS traffic monitor - spb is fine for me as I don't use it as a modem due to bandwidth limitations and being surrounded by connectivity in London.

[*]Memory:Haven't done these, but they look sensible if you can be arsed

• Remove backgammon & skype, and re-install to SD card - I don't have them or use them anyway. How do you play backgammon? I went to a comprehensive school
• Remove the 1Mb .tsk themes from the \Windows directory. I only have 3 default ones and use the standard blue theme. Functionality and not form is my motto :wink:
• Do not use these big theme files - Good advice bro' (or sis)

Hope this is helpful to some other people :lol: