Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

MobileShell is one of the few I wouldn't do that with. I wasn't even sure if it was a choice with this app. This is one of the only (aside from A_C's apps) that I actually have installed on My Device (not that there isn't more than enough memory for it).

If your doing a hard reset anyway, give it a shot and let us know if you can and how it works.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Everything is fine until "Install_WQVGA.mscr". I cannot find this file anywhere - even after a full search.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

So do you have SPB Menu running now?

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Go to where you saved the folder (I placed mine in the Program folder of My Memory so I could keep track fast)!!

Open the Folder( SPBMobileShellSkins) open the Scripts folder in there, and click on Install_WQVGA (it is the fourth item on my list, right after the two folders Localization and Switcher and the script file DeleteTheme).

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

I did a hard reset so I am re-installing Spb now.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

MAJOR problems during hard reset (would not start again, would not communicate w/PC) ....but resolved now.

I left the entire device completely naked except for loading Spb Mobile Shell. It does appear a bit different this time.

I went through the whole users manual as well - although found it a bit lacking. (too general)

I can get most of it working OK except I can't get the "front screen" to be anything different than the page with the tabs on it. I set it so the clock and calendar - which I thought was supposed to be the front screen - does come up upon waking up the device but that is the only time I see it unless I navigate to it via the Spb menu. I thought it was supposed to be the default screen??

Also, I can't get my player controls to stay up front. They disappear now requiring me to navigate to it to pause or change songs etc.. :scratch:


I'm going to go about loading various apps more carefully this time by getting the BASICS set up FIRST and only once completely setup exactly how I want will I attempt the next install. It seems an obvious approach...but I often jump ahead.

Next, I will try loading some skins.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Button size:
I just accidentally found a way to make the buttons huge: Hold the volume button. Hold up = large buttons. Hold down = back down to normal. Unfortunately, all it is really doing is magnifying them so the icons are grainy and you have to finger the screen around since many are now off screen....but hey, it's a start....

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Amen to that!! People have been saying that since before it even cam out LOL!!!!

I assume you mean the NOW screen? If so, SPBWatcher is the app that keeps Shell running so you don't have to keep going to SPB menu to open it again!!

What player is that? I use S2P, and that takes over the full screen with large controls.

Your right, that is a kinda cool magnifier, but not that great on quality of image LOL!!!

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Downloaded SPBWatcher via thedumbkid on forum.xda developers. It works but your comment was correct: It really needs a toggle to Today to make it complete.

The player: Touch Player that came w/Omnia. It is far better than Win Media but it doesn't have the EQ like Pocket Player I was using on trial. Pocket Player also has just about every imaginable configuration possibility. But...it is also big & expensive....hmmm.
I did try the S2P but it doesn't have an EQ either and it seems like it would be more fully utilized if I had all the album art since the paging of the albums seems to be an important factor in it's "wow-ness". I have very little album art. Perhaps I'll give it another shot....but I'm still not sold on slide 2 unlock either. Not sure what real advantage is since I can lock and unlock my phone in 2 seconds without it .....and with it I find myself fat fingering the slider all the time. (My wife just got a new Saga and LOVES the slider)

I'll try the skins now.

Question: How to more customize the NOW page?? Or is what I see, what I get?

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

ITS THE SKINS STUPID! :headbang:

I had a tough time getting the scripts to run properly but once they did.....a HUGE array of options to make this thing look different.

Some buttons appeared to do nothing but bring up a blank screen. For example, one of them looks like a bright yellow star but when pressed a blank screen with the outline of a box and some lines....but nothing to click. Hmmmm :scratch:

Something useful I found that I'm quite sure others automatically did: Go to the http://www.imarche.net/omnia/buttons.php website to see previews of the options....otherwise, like me, you will spend a hell of a long time guessing at what things might look like.....

- Chris

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

The yellow star is favorites, I believe. What appears under that section can be edited in the MAIN SPB Mobile Shell settings under one of the tabs. (Advanced, I think)

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Where is this yellow star that may be favorites? I have a grey star on my NOW page (depending on choice of buttons they may be different colors) right next to the voicemail button...the furthest to the right of the four buttons directly above the bottom bar, and it is a task manager for me, when I hit the star it shows a list of running apps, and I can close any or all (or a combination) of the running apps.....VERY useful!!!

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

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.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

The funny thing about your poost Image911 is that I agree about the 'cartoony' icons (that is why I use the skinning app....more choices) but that is actually the thing I DON'T like about what Samsung put on the Omnia....their icons look like they came off a PowerPuff Girl cartoon and I wouldn't want them showing for anything LOL!!!

I am happy with Shell because it is pretty finger-friendly and I can set things up pretty much how I want them!! The widget screen is nice, but I need more on my screen and faster ways of getting to other things (without those cartoon icons LOL).

The good news for Image911 is that they are working on releasing new widgets (weather, stocks....) soon, I think they are out for the i900 already, so I think maybe the rumored January upgrade may have more suprises for us!!! (the unlocking of GPS is promissed for the first half of 2009, so I wouldn't expect that in the January upgrade (if we get it then).

P.S. The front camera is not in our devices because video calls are not supported in the US yet.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

...Powder Puff Girl Widget icons... ?! Damn. Yup. You are sadly right! Aahhhkk...!!! Yeah, I have to agree that I am looking forward to any Verizon-friendly upgrade. I forgot to mention that the BIGGEST reason I opted NOT to keep any of the previously loaded applications, was because they are all memory hogs, SPB Mobile Shell included. Yeah, we have lots of room, but I've got many installs (even when loaded many on My Storage), and currently open with 16.77 MB remaining free (and 50.83 Programs free). Many are "required" to make my work (Public Safety" EMS/Fire Service/Emergency Management) easier. To load anything more will only bog it down - like thick syrup on a cold day.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Your right, they do hog the memory (SPB is famous for that), but I am OK with that Shell and A_C's apps are the only things I have on main memory, so it runs pretty well!! Weedahoe posted the URL I was looking for about the GPS...if your interested, here it is:
http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/ve...o_open_up.html

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

syrguy1969, the star on my screen leads to another screen that says "items" on top of it....and the rest is blank.

Unfortunately, I'm finding a bunch of other buttons are blank as well - such as my Navigation button. Clicking that yields the same screen as does the Games button.

I have also found that when I associate a contact with a picture, it no longer shows up when they call. I only see it when on my contacts page.

Update: OK, this is REALLY wierd! In the Customize Menu section under the Advanced Tab I moved some of the items up and down in order to arrange their associated buttons properly. However, now the Game icon is floating around randomly by itself and showing up in VERY weird places on the screen - out of alignment and all.

- Chris

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Some of the menu items are supposed to be empty until you use Customize Menu to add items. For example I go and add Google Maps and Live Search as items in Navigation.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Thank you.

I've been searching the menus but don't find where I can associate the various blank icons with an action. In Spb shell configuration? In the Skins configuration?? I'm especially concerned that my navigation icon leads nowhere.

On a separate note, is there a way to make a large picture of the person calling OR texting me show up on the front of the screen? I have finally got a small picture of them to show up, but only upon incoming calls, not texts.

UPDATE: OK, I did it:

Settings->Mobile Shell->Advanced Tab->Menu

Now you must HIGHLIGHT - in this case the Navigation item - and then click on the Menu on the lower right hand corner of the screen and choose

Add->Link If the item is not highlighted, this option is not available on the menu.

It then gives you a list of programs you can associate with that item. In this case I scrolled down and chose VZ Navigator.
I have no idea why most buttons are automatically associated with their respective actions ....but they aren't.

- Chris

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

The star you mentioned opening a menu with 'Items' on top is the task manager. Try running a couple apps, don't close them, and open that menu again...I bet you will see a couple items in it!!

For caller ID, I use S2U2 for caller pics, but I haven't seen one for texting yet.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

I'm not sure about SPB Mobile Shell. I installed it and the skins and LOVE it. However, it is really buggy!!!! It seems to lock up alot!! I just realized that I'm running version .2 instead of .4 So I tried to uninstall it and forgot to uninstall SPB Watcher!!! Now I'm stuck with an error that says "MenuLauncher.exe" "The file 'MenuLauncher' cannot be opened. Either it is not signed with a trusted certificate, or one of its components cannot be found. If the problem persists, try reinstalling or restoring this file." Then I just get a spinning color wheel and I can't do anything. I don't know how to fix it!!!! I'm stuck!!!! Help!

Edit: I had to soft reboot about 5 times since installing SPB Mobile Shell (10 minutes).

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

What other apps do you have installed? I have to wonder if there is a conflicting one in there somewhere!! As far as Watcher goes...when you reset now, what do you get? I know you have the error, but if you get the WM button in the top left corner or you can press the upper right button (if you still have it assigned to it) to get to the Programs listing, go to settings, and Today screen. In the items page uncheck Watcher and you should be fine!!

(or...I guess if you can get to settings you may as well go to remove programs and uninstall Watcher LOL!!)

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Nope. I have the player playing.....nothing.
Do I need to associate the button with an action as I have had to do with the navigator button? Or is it automatically mapped to show running apps? If it shows running apps, then isn't it essentially just the Task Manager? As someone else suggested to do, I have the first click of my camera button mapped to the Task Manager because of the problem with apps not closing.

Update: Turns out that button is the My Menu button listed in the Mobile Shell->Advanced Tab. If I associate it with Task Manager, the Task Manager does come up - but only as an item that I can then click on to see open apps. The button does not automatically show open apps on it's own.

----------------

BTW: You've been quite helpful. Where do I send the coffee? I live in the Seattle area and have access to some fairly powerful stuff. :drunken:

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Ok, fixed!!!

I was able to access the task manager and then get SPB Watcher out of my Today screen settings.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Mine was automatically a task manager so I never questioned it, I think it is kinda cool and don't mind having to hit it occasionally...I have found most of my apps to have quit functions anyway!!

I am playing around with the menu's and you can really mess your screen up with the settings LOL!!! I am trying to get rid of a misc. navigation icon (it shows on the program screen where it should and on the NOW screen almost on top ot the task manager star LOL)!!

Good...now if you like, we can see what can be done about getting things running correctly (unless you decided Shell just isn't for you)!!

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Ok, Here is the list of everything I have installed:

A_C S2U2
A_C S2V
ageye G-Alarm
ageye G-Alarm skin Blue Alienware
c. Ghisler & Co. Total Commander
CodyPPC Personalizer
CooTek Cooperation TouchPal
emuntz HTC Home Customizer
FdcScot SoftkeyAppletEx
FdcSoft StartMenu
FdcSoft TaskMgr
Google Maps
Helmi HTC Home For WM5 (N2A...
HTC Diamond MP3 Trimmer
Microsoft .NET CF 2.0 ENU-String ...
MicroSoft Internet Sharing
MoDaCo Internet Sharing for Veriz...
Mushi S2U2C
Pocket CM Keyboard 0.21
Sleuth255 Sipchange
Snailslug TouchResponse
YouTube youtubeplay

and everything is installed in the main menu

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Guys & Gals... remember, unlike the Blackberry or PALM... we are using mini Windows based computers, and as such... much like a handheld PC, the PocketPCs are set-up in the same configuration as the behemoths sitting on our desktops. If you have a resident program that didn't completely get removed at reboot... all you need to do is open File Explorer, to go into the phone's Windows directory, then scan down to and open the StartUp folder. Open same and delete any and all files related to the formerly removed program. Occasionally - as I often sample programs - I have found this to be a quick and permanent fix.

Also, as the OMNIA has a My Storage on-board drive (in addition to any MacroSD drive we might add), you may need to also visit the Program File folder and remove any and all files and folders there, too - of the now undesired program.

I hope this extinguishes any burning issues any of you might have, and rescues you from needless frustration. Been there, done that.

Happy and Healthy New Year; be Safe.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

ya' huh... and just how much system memory do you have left...? You might find you have far better - if you were to reload all programs to load from the My Storage "drive" folder, than from Main Memory. I know this worked for me.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Yea I was thinking that too, I have 16768k left.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Hey Phantom27, I looked over your apps list and found some cool stuff! The first I downloaded was the Youtube app - Nice!
General question: After looking over the video from Google concerning the pocket PC version of Google Maps.....would I even need VZ Navigator anymore? It looks like it does the same thing - including finding my location...

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

I have to agree with Image911 with where to install your apps Phantom27!! I don't even recognize some of them, but that is quite the list!! I have most of my apps in My Memory!! The only ones I have on my device either don't give a choice, or I don't trust not to crash running from memory!! On my previous list I omitted Watcher and PocketCM as being on my device. Shell keeps running at all times, but I am looking foe a SPBWatcher-type- app to keep PocketCM running as well...but that is a story for another thread LOL!!!

If you feel daring, I would start fresh, clean everything up, install device apps first (from your list, I think your device will look like mine...A_C's 3, Shell + Watcher) I think everything else is safe from your My Memory (except possibly the PocketCM Keyboard)!!!

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Is there a way to place my own photo as a background while using the iMarche Skins? I like the program and would like to keep it but it would be nice to put my own background picture....

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Actually, I think there is (not necessarily by design though)...I plan on playing around with it this weekend, if I get it, I will let you know!! It isn't an easy switch, but I think I found the files I can change to accomplish personal backgrounds!!!

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Now the only stuff I have installed on the main memory is:

A_C S2U2
ageye G-Alarm
ageye G-Alarm skin Blue Alienware
FdcSoft TaskMgr
Helmi HTC Home For WM5 (N2A...
Microsoft .NET CF 2.0 ENU-String ...

On my memory card I have these programs installed:

A_C S2V
c. Ghisler & Co. Total Commander
CodyPPC Personalizer
CooTek Cooperation TouchPal
emuntz HTC Home Customizer
FdcSoft TaskMgr
Google Maps
Mushi S2U2C
Snailslug TouchResponse
YouTube youtubeplay

I whittled it down a little. Any other suggestions?

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Another question:

If I can't have SPB Mobile Shell then I gotta have that background, the dark windows one with the clouds and field with the windows symbol.

Anybody know how to extract it?

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

That is a skin http://www.imarche.net/omnia/index.php . They say it works with the Shell but who knows, maybe you can run it neked. If not, I'm sure one of the resident forum intelligentsia could extract it.

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

I like the Spb Watcher....but without the ability to toggle to my Today screen it is interfering with a lot of features. For example, my MP3 player controls and the Spb Insight program (scrolling news headlines) both reside on the Today screen.

I really like it but.....I may uncheck it for now and wait for someone to develop a toggle......

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

Now that I have cleaned up my phone... I have SPB Mobile Shell running smoothly. I really, really like it. I do have a question...

My Programs screen is composed of 9 different 'buttons'. Organizer, Internet, Multimedia, Tools, Programs, Settings, and Messaging. The bottom middle button is empty but if I push it then it loads 'my menu' (which I have customized but the top says "Items"). The bottom right 'button' has three lines across the top of it. It looks something like "_ _ _", but on the top of the button. If I push it then it loads an "Items" screen that controls my bluetooth, Wifi, Phone, and GPRS (Comm manager?). Anybody know how to fix this?

Here is a screenshot:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...7/Screen01.jpg http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...7/Screen02.jpg

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

I had similar sounding issues. I fact it got really weird when program icons started showing up in strange places around the screen.
What I did:
Settings-->Mobile Shell-->Advanced tab-->Menu
Things got weird - but subsequently were fixed - by moving various menu items up and down. You do this by highlighting it and then clicking on the menu at the bottom right. You will see "Move UP" and "Move Down". These affect the order of the icons within the page. If you expand any one of these items you will see all the sub-items. These are the next set of icons you see when you select the main icon when you are navigating. You can turn these on and off as well as add other items - all using the same menu at the bottom right. In my case, to get rid of the strange lines and wandering icons I turned some items off and moved others further up on the order. I then "added a link" to the Multimedia tree so when I click on it on the Programs page my new media player is the first thing that comes up.

- Chris

BTW: Glad you like Spb Shell - it looks like a lot of people do.......Unfortunately, after countless hours messing with it, I'm beginning to wonder if it is really adding all that much to the experience........ :scratch:

Re: Thinking of installing SPB Mobile Shell
 

The 4th icon is a favourites page. Go to programs / settings and then customize menu. Highlight 'My Menu' and then go to 'Menu' 'Add' 'Add Link'
this allows you to place programs in here that you use often.

The 3 _ _ _ icons across the top bar indicate if you have BlueTooth (blue), WiFi (Yellow) and Phone (Green) switched on/off. This is your Comms Manager. May need to soft-reset to get these showing colours correctly.