[Image911]

Okay... I tried the Omnia's on-board animated Widget, but just found that there were too many that I didn't use or want... and wished there was the ability to edit the available listing (maybe in a subsequent product/software update). As a former VX6700 and VX6800 user, I am a veteran Ultimate Launch and PhoneAlarm user, and loaded same on my new Omnia, but - opted to remove same soon after, as they just felt slowish and almost weighty, despite the faster OS. I admit that I even downloaded the Diamond 2D theme - like many of our fellow readers, only to remove it soon after. It just wasn't what I really NEEDED (rather, they were all eye-candy than truly functional items).

I DID, however, purchase and download the latest version of SPB Mobile Shell (as well as a number of other SPB products), but found them to be too "cartoony" or loaded with more "stuff" than I required... and they, like the others - were removed, one by one. The icons SPB provided just aren't what I would have selected and aren't customizable to the average user. I'm not a kid any longer, and don't require theme park or arcade graphics to keep my attraction.

You know, Samsung gave plenty of consideration to what they put on their devices prior to release. Oh sure, there are a few upgrades we'd all like to see... like the front facing 2 megapixel camera (that Verizon had removed for some reason) and an UNLOCKED GPS (that Verizon ALSO had locked-out, in favor for the pay-for-the-service of thier exclusive VZ Navigator). I DID, however, download the Samsung 2 theme (as Verizon had THAT one removed...!??)... but, when push came to shove - I went back to the Widget.

"Why?" you ask...!?

Well, it's simple. I like looking at the background photo - of my beautiful wife in her bathing suit, and the few selected widgets (digital clock and note pad)... strategically placed - in both - horizontal and portrait format. What's more, the screen isn't loaded with a bunch of additional baggage... rather, I get individual "balloons" whenever I get a text, SMS or email message... allowing me to view or delete each individual item, at my choosing. A truly nice and user-friendly / interactive feature - that ISN'T available when NOT in the widget format.

So, as nice as the SPB Mobile Shell is... it isn't for me.