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If you do then check out these 13 optimization tips for Vista on UMPCs from UMPCPortal.com.  We are always looking for more optimization to increase the time with a device.  Some folks find their own by trial and error then share them so others can benefit.  Here is a list that just might help you out in your quest for better performance with your device.

1. Disable Windows sidebar. Well known to take processing power.
2. Disable on-screen mouse. Learn how to use the mouse without the on-screen version. Saves memory and processing power.
3. Disable indexing. This tends to keep the disk working overtime. Highly recommended.
4. Reduce screen candy. Go to Performance Settings and change the setting to “Adjust for best performance” and then re-enable visual styles.
5. Disable Windows Defender. Its a security hit but personally, I think its worth it.
6. Get all current Windows updates and then turn off auto update download (switch to notification only.)
7. Disable anti-phising filter in IE7. This is a killer.
8. Switch to 16-bit screen. I always use 16 bit if I remember. It saves a lot of screen memory and if you’re browsing, you rarely notice it.
9. Optimize your power settings. If you need performance, make sure your CPU is free to run up to full speed. Max battery settings tend to lock the CPU down to lower speeds. (600Mhz on a Pentium-M, 400Mhz on a Via C7-M)
10. Pre-fetch/Super-fetch hacks. This is a tip from Origamiproject forums. I have tried it and I liked it! Click this link to check this out at Origami Project
11. Test out readyboost. Its not one I can recommend personally as I’ve never tried it and I’ve also seen reports of people trying it out and seeing no benefit. You need to test it out.
12. Consider disabling handwriting learning. Its a service that takes memory and processing power.
13. Remove background tasks. As you install software you’ll always get a build up of unwanted services and processes. Real, Logitech, Adobe and all anti virus packages put software in the background that at the minimum take memory but in the worst case take CPU and Internet bandwidth. If you’re on a limited 3G plan, the last thing you want is Firefox downloading 2MB of program file in the background. There are tools around to clean these processes up so its advised to use them.

One additional element that should be considered for devices with keyboards is disabling tablet functionality services. Its drastic and controversial but if all you use the touchscreen for is as a mouse then why not! I haven’t done it myself so I can’t advise on how to do it but its an options worth investigating.

Jack Cook (2689 Posts) - Website | Twitter | Facebook