SPB Mobile Shell

[Mike5150]

I actually had the opposite problem. I got pretty bored of TF3D within a week. Don't get me wrong, TF3D isn't bad...there are some nice features. For instance it has a great weather tab (not great content) but I LOVE the weather graphics. The Browser tab is nice, and the Email and SMS tabs are ok. I also like the music tab. But the bottom line for me is customization. I hate how none of the tabs are very editable. To be honest, Mobile shell is not as customizable as I would like either, but it's far better then TF3D. It all boils down to what's important to you though. TF3D is more of an eye candy app with decent functionality, and MS3.5 probably leans a bit more towards Functionality and optimization with a fair amount of eye candy also. If they allowed you to create a few of your own tabs and install widgets, or links to programs and maybe personalize the Home screen more to your liking TF3D would be incredible!

[BeanAnimal]

Having tried SBP MS a few times and comparing it to HTC Manila... they are not even in the same class.

My opinion:
MS is an eye candy toy, not a tool. It hinders productivity for a business user, not enhances it. The shell breaks dialer features and other native functionality and it is not at all stable or battery friendly. The product is not free, it is a commercial product and the support is just not there. I have tried MS on a few phones with NO other software or hacks and it is simply not stable.

[zizo72]

i think exactly the opposite!

[shappy0869]

Originally Posted by BeanAnimal

Having tried SBP MS a few times and comparing it to HTC Manila... they are not even in the same class.

My opinion:
MS is an eye candy toy, not a tool. It hinders productivity for a business user, not enhances it. The shell breaks dialer features and other native functionality and it is not at all stable or battery friendly. The product is not free, it is a commercial product and the support is just not there. I have tried MS on a few phones with NO other software or hacks and it is simply not stable.

And just to show how YMMV, I find MS completely stable and much more functional than TF3D. I have my MS set up so that I have one touch access to my appointments, work and personal email, text messages and contacts with a clean and efficient home screen.

I found I could do much more things more quickly with MS than TF3D. Perhaps that will change when we get Sense UI in 6.5?

[zizo72]

Originally Posted by BeanAnimal

Having tried SBP MS a few times and comparing it to HTC Manila... they are not even in the same class.

My opinion:
MS is an eye candy toy, not a tool. It hinders productivity for a business user, not enhances it. The shell breaks dialer features and other native functionality and it is not at all stable or battery friendly. The product is not free, it is a commercial product and the support is just not there. I have tried MS on a few phones with NO other software or hacks and it is simply not stable.

really i don't know how u say that! u are not a real wm user!

[amw1972]

Used MS on and off since 2.0 days...love the direction that they are going...and love the fact that they are receiving user customization support...go search around XDA and you'll know what I mean.

Also, providing now one of several Sense look-a-like themes.

I, too, have gone back to Rhodium manila. IMHO, MS is eye candy...more fluff than substance really...the 3.5 update is nice...but it doesn't play well with the TP2. The dialer feature thing has been addressed...but haven't seen anyone mention that the Bluetooth toggle doesn't work.

Also, another case in point concerning the fluff, is the 3d message view. Looks great...but you can't function in that UI. When u choose to reply...you're sent back to WinMo's native messaging screen.

I normally run MS for about 2-3 weeks...and I'll go back to manila...just a change of pace...especially when we can't flash our phones yet.

OP, good looking out...but you should search the forums first...because SPB is all over the joint...esp in the software and theme sub forum.

[rawintellect]

Originally Posted by amw1972

Used MS on and off since 2.0 days...love the direction that they are going...and love the fact that they are receiving user customization support...go search around XDA and you'll know what I mean.

Also, providing now one of several Sense look-a-like themes.

I, too, have gone back to Rhodium manila. IMHO, MS is eye candy...more fluff than substance really...the 3.5 update is nice...but it doesn't play well with the TP2. The dialer feature thing has been addressed...but haven't seen anyone mention that the Bluetooth toggle doesn't work.

Also, another case in point concerning the fluff, is the 3d message view. Looks great...but you can't function in that UI. When u choose to reply...you're sent back to WinMo's native messaging screen.

I normally run MS for about 2-3 weeks...and I'll go back to manila...just a change of pace...especially when we can't flash our phones yet.

OP, good looking out...but you should search the forums first...because SPB is all over the joint...esp in the software and theme sub forum.

really? I hit bluetooth and it turned on. lol! I think the problem here is with most ppl trashing this is that you guys haven't used 3.5. Granted earlier versions of this shell were bugged and the current version still has a few bugs (such as the reply button. Just hit the note itself in 3d view and you're taken to a screen so you can reply. do not use the reply button) but I honestly don't know of ANY shell (windows mac whatever) that has 0 defects.

I think you're all being a little too harsh. As for eye candy vs productivity? I have all my office mobile links/instant messenger/tasks/and appointments on ONE screen. TF 2.1 doesn't do that. It's that simple. And I can reconfigure it how I like. again TF 2.1 does NOT have that ability.

[lefty11]

Originally Posted by BeanAnimal

Having tried SBP MS a few times and comparing it to HTC Manila... they are not even in the same class.

My opinion:
MS is an eye candy toy, not a tool. It hinders productivity for a business user, not enhances it. The shell breaks dialer features and other native functionality and it is not at all stable or battery friendly. The product is not free, it is a commercial product and the support is just not there. I have tried MS on a few phones with NO other software or hacks and it is simply not stable.

I used 3.0 which had bugs, and have been using Mobile Shell 3.5 since day it came out. I would have to say it is about as stable as you can get, I have no issues with dialer, and being as customizable as it is, I can put every quicklink or appt or whatever on one screen and with a mere slide of a finger I can go right to another page that is totally customizable also, I can do 5 pages on one look and 5 on the lifestyle look (good for the weekends) . It's like having my professional phone during the week and then on the weekend I switch phones for my playtime, multimedia, taking it easy , weekend on the go mode. It also has eye candy with the gsensor functionality on the carousel(which looks cool as heck) and has the 3d mode on sms and emails if desired. Everyone who sees it on my phone ends up using t on their winMo devices after I show them. There is also the SPB MobileShellSkins which lets you mix an match different style icons, launcher buttons , etc. the contacts and organization is exceptional also giving you different views and access to contacts. I am puzzled why someone would not find it good for work as well as Manila...and definitely much better looking. It's not a major install and you can get a two week free trial at
www.spbsoftware.com . I do believe its fully functional for the trial period, then if you donot like it just go to "remove programs" and take it off. You can change the layout, icon size , and add some cool widgets too , The birthday widget is a nice extra. It tracks your birthdays from contact list. this is just one little extra I like, not to mention the soft reset button that is available in the tool section. I know the TP2 doesn't require many soft resets but when it does, it is a pain to have to remove the back cover. Try it, if you like it, great, if you don't, remove it..No harm done.Say thanks

[jmorton10]

Originally Posted by lefty11

the carousel(which looks cool as heck) and has the 3d mode on sms and emails if desired.

that stupid carousel was one of the things that turned me off about MS.

I thought it was cool as hell the first time I saw it, but after using the program for three weeks I realized all those features where 100% useless fluff (in three weeks, I don't think I ever used the carousel once -that silly thing makes the device HARDER to use, not easier & reminds me of something an iphone user would love)

~John

[shappy0869]

I agree about the carousel and the 3D mail, totally useless, but neither are required to be used.