Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

just a little curious how many out there are useing mobile shell 3.5 with a custom rom? just a off the wall question.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I am using Mobile Shell 3.5 but with the stock rom. I had so much trouble with custom roms on my Touch Pro that I decided it just wasn't worth having to reflash every couple of days because either a) something went wrong or b) there was an upgrade and bugfix because the dialer wouldn't respond fast enough, etc... Anyway, I think the new Manila is kind of slick looking but it just doesn't do it for me. Mobile Shell seems much more customizable and more fun to use. Oh, yeah, also the TouchFlo3D that came on the TouchPro would always crash when looking through certain photo albums. I just never had any good times with it. Just saying...

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Could you post a screen shot of home page? Is it finger friendly?

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I've never been a fan of mobile shell... the screen just looks so jumbled up with all those icons and whatnot.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I am using 3.5.1 on the latest MightyROM... Very finger friendly and easy to use.

Why do I use it? I just got the TP2 and I was used to using Mobile Shell on the Touch Pro... Even though I plan to switch back to Sense 2.5 once that is a bit more stable...

Here is a pic of the customized main page:

http://i49.tinypic.com/33ojlnb.jpg

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Which version of Energy. I'm using 28008. Far as I knew couldn't with start menu at bottom

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Not using Energy... latest MightyROM

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I've always had both ui's onboard(shell+tf3dsense) I switch back and forth when the mood strikes. I like the variety. Whatever the rom I happen to be using. I'd post a pic but it's kinda x-rated.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

For me it makes it easier to navigate and much more customizable. I find that Manila can be a resource hog for the most part. I'm using MS 3.5.1 on top of a custom 6.5 ROM and its working fine.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

when we say Mobile Shell is customizable, we really mean it. you can choose everything you see. How big the clock is, where it sits, whether or not you want to see appointments, program shortcuts on the main screen, etc... It's all as easy as arranging icons on a Windows95+ desktop. I really didn't like having to slide that damn tab around to access everything. Mobile Shell puts everything you need within one tap or a screen swipe. And it does it well.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I am using 3.5.1 on a 6.5 rom also (JDs rom). I tried using 6.5.3 and there seems to be a conflict with the new lower start menu and the shell, doesn't work.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Here is what my screen looks like....


I as well have this question of...Why upgrade the ROM when Mobile shell is installed?

I think that custom ROMS may also give you updates of WM as well.

If there is a better reason to upgrade, it would be nice to know.

If the phone works better, programs are updated, etc etc...OK But if its just upgraded Manila then why bother?

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I run both so I can switch between them when I want.(tf3d+MS). I think it has not to do with 6.1 or 6.5, but more what functionality your seeking. Lots of folks swear by 6.5 as being the current ultimate thing. I've tried several cooked and find myself coming back to 6.1 and mobile shell as my preferred ui. One really needs tp try em out for yourself to see what works for you. Verizon really hit a homerun this time around with their stock rom. IMHO MS runs circles around manila for functionality and even eyecandy with all the tweaks available.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

For those of you who have run SPB both with and without a custom ROM, can you please comment on the following:

*Stability with/without custom ROM of choice
*Performance with/without custom ROM of choice
*Custom ROM of choice

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

It sounds like you have not tried ms(Iassume since all the questions) even tho there is a 15 day trial period, after which there is a 30 day refund period no questions asked.
Your best bet is to see for yourself. You could ask 10 diff people and get 10 diff opinions none of which would make a diff to you if you don't like it. I can tell you from my own experience and I've had ms since it was first released and seen it thru several upgrades. It is one very , very slick app. I've used it on the stock rom(verizon)and on about a dozen cooked roms(TP2). Counting gsm devices then about 30. They all worked fine with it, no issues. The current incarnation of mobile shell is very stable and it doesn't freeze. I find the tf3d more trouble and laggy actually. The first release of 3.0 was a bit unstable actually, but they came back with upgrades that have far surpassed my expectations and needs. There is numerous options to make your ui a customized dream on your tp2. Mskip's ms tweak cabs are a real treat and full of even more options. His elegance cab is pure gold for the ms ui.
I go back to tf3d(sense) occasionally only to miss the ms right quick. Some will read this and not agree and prefer the sense ui, which is fine and very slick in itself. To each their own, but just try mobile shell and you won't look back. FREE TRIAL! after all. Whats to lose?

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I switch back and forth between MS and TF3D. You get tired of 1 you switch to the other. I use to use mskips themes for MS but have since switcd to HTC Pure Style found here:
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/B...topic%3D3122.0
I also have stock 6.1 sprint rom and use S2W's themes found here: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=91156

BOO B)

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Thanks cbreze,

I have not yet tried MS. I'm returning to the WinMo world with a TP2 after a few years on BB. WinMo now seems sluggish relatively.

I don't need all the eye-candy of the sense UI, particularly if I can trade that for performance and customization. I've been aware of MS since my days of yore with a Treo 700p, although I never tried it.

I feel that with today's hardware, there is plenty of system resources to make it fly and MS is likely the best option to get me the performance I want.

So my question is not really to MS or not to MS, I will in fact try it and most likely make it my default.

The question is really, do I use a custom ROM underneath to enhance MS stability/performance.

All the gee-wiz performance hog crapware and UI drives me crazy. I want speed and flexibility, and will sacrifice all the animations for them.

I have a few killer apps that I'd like to include in a core ROM, and I'm wondering if its worth the trouble of getting into ROM flashing, or whether I should just install on my stock ROM add MS and my killer apps.

Hence the question I posted, soliciting responses from MS users who have used with and without custom ROMs.

Thanks

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I have used both stock and custom roms. Custom roms are 'cool' and and all, having neat applications already there after a hard reset, and some of them have nice looking visuals, but really, stock does just fine. I got sick of having to reflash every couple of days because of updates and bug fixes. The stock roms went through serious testing before they were released and usually stand up to the test of time. (I mean, damn, look how anxious we all are for an official 6.5 to be released and these chefs are popping them out twice a week (no offense you guys, you do great work with what tools you do have and have taught me a lot, thank you) ) You can have your app cooked in the rom or just install it after the reset. No big difference either way.

I do want to add that I used the Touch Pro 2 cleanup cab offered in this forum as a sticky. I think it does a great job stripping the stock rom down and it's damn fast afterward. Even with MS 3.5 and all its animations and clear glass and 3D effects.

I have a Sprint TP2. Not sure what's up with the Verizon stock rom.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Hey everyone, I'm new here and I just gave mobile shell 3.5 a try (using the trial now). I am not a huge fan of paying for software, but I'm highly considering paying for this:) It is smooth, I can custimize everything, and it is easy to use. There are some downfalls (bugs), but they are minimal and aren't really a huge deal.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

One of the benefits of a custom ROM is that they are now based off the USCC 6.5 rom which included some fixes that Verizon and Sprint need - i.e. Bluetooth now works as it should with the ROMS's based on the USCC ROM ...

But I guess n8n is already on USCC so he may not see that benefit

(On my TP1, I used MS, but with my TP2, I've finally come to like TF3D ... but with this talk of MS, I think I might try it again :)

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I think ms works well with every rom I've tried(about 8), but , and I'll probably catch crap for this, I think the vzw oem rom is the most stable, quickest, reliable etc etc of any rom out there. I'm running the oem now after yet again switching back from custom for stabilitry issues. I have it set the way I like /need it and I'm running ms as my ui. It runs circles around tf3d(sense) for functionality,stability and ease of use, not to mention all the options it has on board. Your with sprint? I hear that rom is also very good. I was stuck with the oem for 2 months until the unlocker was finished and released. I went flash crazy trying them all and always come back to oem. I'll try more, but have yet to find one as stable as oem stock. I think you'll like ms, no matter which rom you end up with as spb really got it right. All their apps are very good.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I'm not a fan of HTC Sense or the Touchflo UI at all. I feel like it forces you to use your phone a certain way. Originally, I was not a fan of SPB Mobile Shell because prior to the TP/TP2, it was a memory hog and lagged my phone a lot. When I got my Touch Pro 2, obviously the phone hardware is better in a lot of respects, so I decided to try the new SPB Mobile Shell 3.5 and see what has changed.

I was pleasantly surprised how much it has improved and how well it works on any custom or stock 6.1/6.5 ROM. (not the 6.5.x roms that have the start menu at the bottom, Mobile Shell doesn't support that version of the WinMo OS).

It's smooth, intuitive, better built-in support for facebook/twitter, and you have better flexibility on customizations. I just noticed that a new version was released today v3.5.2. It does have a slight learning curve but once you RTFM or play around with it to figure it out, there's a good chance you'll appreciate what it has to offer.

If anyone does decide to try it out, my suggestion is to load a custom ROM that is clean without any bloat or any additional UI software that you won't be needing. Then load Mobile shell. JD's ROM is nice but if you can find a custom rom that doesn't have Sense or Touch Flo, the better.... :)

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

PM sent.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I switched to SPB Mobile for simple battery life alone. I turned off TF3D, installed tweaks, and nueDynamic clock and I'm getting 30 hours + as opposed to 10-14 hrs with average use of phone and net. Interface is really friendly and the contacts tab and search option is really nice.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Just upgraded... noticed that the HTC Task Manager is gone after updating! Anyone else with the same issue?

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Upgrading now, will post results.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

No problems here, everything went through smoothly. Have you tried re-installing?

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Yes, same result... task manager is gone even though it shows as enabled in the control panel. I checked the SPB forums and there is another one with my same issue:

http://spbclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=153874#153874

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

What about trying to install a custom taskbar? Maybe a file got deleted. It's worth a shot.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

v3.5.2 build 9745 Change log below

Version 3.5.2 (Dec 09, 2009):

•Fixed issue with SMS opening on HTC HD2
•Fixed issue with alarms on HTC HD2
•Fixed issue with settings opening on HTC Windows Mobile 6.5 devices
•Backlight support for new devices
•Added a possibility to send MMS from an unnamed calllog entry

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Thanks for the changelog. Do you know what backlight support their talking about? The rest seems kinda hohum. I don't care about mms. Prolly pass.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

ok, i just installed MS3.5 after a few weeks of total frustration with VZW 6.1 and HTC's messy touch flo. manilla 2.5/sense looks no better and it's surely more clumsy and non-customizable.

quick impressions...

Mobile shell does EVERYTHING useful (except have media player page) touch flo (any version) does with ~97% of the visual appeal and 50% the swipes/clicks. much less frustrating. more useful things on the FRONT PAGE. 2 swipes to get at everything vs that silly sliding icon bar.

plus... memory use dropped from bootup (oggsync, launch manager, showcase & fingermenu...

64% RAM FREE stock verizon
46% RAM FREE with ram tweaks & touchflo3D (& couple of utils)
38% with Mobile Shell (& couple of utils)

No lag, runs great and is very customizable. If you could resize fonts smaller that would be great (i'm sure you can somehow but probably not by menu choices).

No ROM or HTC upgrade can correct a flawed Touch Flo/Sense/Whatever since it's pretty-but-half-baked interface dominates the phone with no ability to customize it.

Anyways it's worth a trial install, without question.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

hey ive tried spb but always go back to tf3d mainly because 1)havent tried to figuere how to customize 2) i like playing my music without opening a new program(hence sprint music)

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

+1 for this. It is the only setback that I have come across. Other than that I like it.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

Had the same problem when I upgraded to 3.5.1, went back to 3.5 because nobody knew a fix.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

grab a better, more finger friendly (and key mappable) taskmanager like this freebie:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?p=4030896

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

That's great and all but you do realize that this thread is regarding a UI/Today screen replacement right? A task manager is a completely different thing.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

I use MS3.5.2 on a Sprint TP2 with stock 6.1 ROM and LOVE it! All my screens are fully customized to my liking and most functions are on tap away.

The 3.5.2 upgrade fixes issues on TP2's where some of the contact functions on the HTC Dialer don't work. Unfortunately, it only fixes those issues on TP2's running WM6.5, not 6.1, and they had to sacrifice the Task Manager for some reason (yes, it was done on purpose). Considering MS3.5.2 has its own Task Manager, I think SPB thought the impact of the change would be minimal (you decide for yourself).

My battery life with MS3.5.2 is phenomenal. I average 30mAh-60mAH of running battery usage. I had terrible battery life (averaged 135mAh-185mAh of constant drain) when I was running S2U2 2.14 along with it, so beware if you want to run that program on top of Mobile Shell.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

everytime i get a new phone i try to use tf3d but i have to admit it is so annoying to have to swipe through so many different screens to get where i need to go. with a 800x480 resolution i have everything on one screen. i wa sable to fit almost everything when i had tp but with tp2 i even have room for a calendar. so much nicer to have everything in one spot IMHO. all that animation crap is useless to me.

Re: Why use SPB Mobile shell with custom roms out?
 

then turn it off.