Any task switchers that don't cause problems ?

Amamba · 01-08-07, 01:42 PM

I used to love iCbar that I had on my iPaq. Fast, easy, very configurable. Unfortunately, it freezes Dell.

So in the last several weeks I went through pretty much all task managers that I could find (SmallMenu, iCbar, vBar, MagigButton, GSPocketMagic, InClose).

I did not try Wisbar as it is way too feature-loaded. All I need is a fast task switcher / on-demand closing utility.

All of them had freezing issues. I mean, ALL. It always seems to be connected with use of Dell WLAN utility.

Any advice on how to make them work ?

**Frenchy** · 01-08-07, 01:49 PM

Have you try the windows Mobile version integrated.

Mokubai · 01-08-07, 02:00 PM

I've found Switch (from http://www.hfrmobile.com) to be an interesting replacement in the style of Switcher Bar. I've just given it a test and it has the usual problem with not being able to open while in the connections part of the WLAN utility but it does not block or change the "OK" button so it is less of a problem than with some of the alternatives. Just click "OK" and the menu works again.

I've found myself liking the minimise-rather-than-close idea, just to make better use of memory, but would like a better and more configurable option in a similar style to the switcher bar. I don't like the minimise button being changed as it seems to break some programs...

Anyone know of any better alternatives?

01-08-07, 02:03 PM

iLauncher has one built into it;
I have just started using it, but I have not had problems with it so far;

but I never had problems with Magic Button,
I used iCbar but had something causing a problem and went to Magic Button.

I just bought iLauncher, and since it has a built in task switcher and I am using that.

**Frenchy** · 01-08-07, 02:07 PM

iLauncher was very good too when I had a PPC. The latest version was very good

01-08-07, 02:19 PM

Or if you want something simple, Wisbar Lite does the same thing as WBA, but without skinning.

Amamba · 01-08-07, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by André

Have you try the windows Mobile version integrated.

If you mean the SwitcherBar then yes. I didn't like it though, (1) it required to be started manually from, out of all places, control panel, (2) it wasn't a 2-tap operation, or at least not an "easy 2-tap", and (3) it missed many programs that were open.

It looks that all or most of these programs are using same internal code since all of them have the same problem.

I'll take a look at iLauncher but I read many people complaining of it slowing down their system.

Thanks to all who responded !

01-08-07, 08:30 PM

Amamba: That was iLauncher 2 that did that. iLauncher 3 doesnt' do a THING to my system - it's pretty speedy and light, compared to SPB PocketPlus, which also has complaints lodged against it for RAM and system slowdowns.

AKAJohnDoe · 01-08-07, 08:36 PM

I tried vBar, but preferred the interface of MagicButton. Both worked well.

However, I now use iLauncher with the integrated task manager.

pdatoad · 01-09-07, 03:11 AM

Originally Posted by Amamba

If you mean the SwitcherBar then yes. I didn't like it though, (1) it required to be started manually from, out of all places, control panel, ....

I added it to the /Windows/StartUp folder.

I use SmallMenuPlus for my menus.. it just happens to have a great task switcher/closer built in. Very convenient.

dvmed · 01-09-07, 05:54 AM

The Switcher bar that came with the X51 is too buggy to be useful. http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/ind...&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 A lot of times it doesn't show all the programs running. I use magic button. When I need to configure my wifi settings, I just make sure that I close it first. Other than that mb bug which is present in all my pocket pcs, everything about magic button works well. How often does a regular user configure his wifi settings anyway?

01-09-07, 07:15 AM

Try HandySwitcher from Dinarsoft, I have used it for years now without any issues.

Amamba · 01-09-07, 09:30 AM

Well, I should've read posts on developers' site before bitching.

When Magic Button freezes in the Settings of Dell WLAN utility, simply tap the upmost right corner of your screen - close to the very corner - and it closes "Settings" & brings MB back to life !!!

In the meantime I did try iLauncher and WisBarLite. Of these two I preferred WisBar, as it seemed to be the most intuitive & easiest to use. However, it takes almost 2mb more memory than Magic Button. Now that issue is solved, I'm back to MB.

dtsouers · 01-09-07, 07:09 PM

Most of them Freeze that try to override the 'X' button. Try this one.
http://gtapps.50webs.com/tasks.html
So far its been working great for me.