"Open With..." Utility

08-21-05, 11:43 PM

I was about to edit a Word document on my PDA last week when I realized it was too complex for Pocket Word, so I needed it to open in TextMaker. Normally Pocket Word is ok for me, and I like it since it opens a lot more quickly than Textmaker does, so I've left PWord as the default program to open my *.doc files when I tap on them.

I realized here that I really missed the ability to do an "Open With..." like you can in the desktop windows, and especially the way it works in Windows XP. I see that at least Resco File explorer allows you to do this, but I just use the built-in file explorer and sometimes Total Commander.

I decided to start writing my own "open with" utility for the pocket pc. Right now I have a very rudimentary, but functional version. However, the way the pocketpc works, there are some limitations. You have to add the "open with" menu item to every file extension that you want it to appear with, there's no way (I've found, if someone knows better, please help!) to associate it with every file or those with unknown extensions.

That said, I'm looking to gauge interest in such a program and to possibly get some people to do some beta testing and preliminary suggestions. If you're interested, either in testing or in the end result, post here and in a few days, I'll post with a link to download the first beta.

I've also attached 2 screenshots, one of the new context menu entry for text files, and one of the open with dialog that pops up.

Thanks for your input.

Jon

08-21-05, 11:59 PM

I'm interested in both beta testing and final product.

08-22-05, 12:00 AM

you could install a program like vi and open all this stuff with it.

08-22-05, 06:46 AM

I like the idea and would be happy to test it for you, feel free to email over and I'll have aplay with it and let you know how it goes.

08-22-05, 12:28 PM

Ok, I think I'll have a beta version up tonight or tomorrow.

I managed to figure out how to make it appear for all files so thats one problem taken care of.

There is a new issue (appropriately enough) with programs that require command line switches like TextMaker. I need to work on some way of handling that.

TextMaker expects to be launched like "TMP.exe /Shell Filename" so I need to create a mechanism to handle such programs.

Once I get that in place and make sure the install works I'll release a CAB.

Thanks for the interest.

Jon

08-22-05, 12:40 PM

I would also be very interested in this product for both testing and final version.

Pocketbrain · 08-22-05, 12:44 PM

Knifty! I'd love to help beta-test this. Just give us the details.
-thx-

08-22-05, 01:07 PM

Great idea! How can something so basic be overlooked? Anyway, I'm interested as well.

08-22-05, 08:25 PM

I've put up a webpage where you can download version 0.1, the first beta to be released. This version supports all file types, and for complex command lines, like with TextMaker.

Details and a download can be found at:

http://www.cs.pitt.edu/~jmisurda/ppc...h/openwith.htm

The price is and will always remain free.

Installation will place 2 files in your \windows directory. openwith.dll which provides the new functionality and gsopenfile.dll which provides an improved file chooser dialog. I'm not sure if these files can be relocated with the system path utility, but I'd doubt it (at least for openwith.dll)

All said this application takes up only 47K, most of which is the gsopenfile.dll which many people may already have.

What I'd like from you:

Bug reports! Let me know if something doesn't work as expected. Please be specific, give me the full path and name of the file you were trying to open, and the complete commandline you're trying to open it with.

Feedback! suggestions are more than welcome.

As always, I warn this is beta software and there may be bugs in it, if you're overly afraid of losing something important, make sure to backup first. However, how something would be lost is well beyond me.

Jon

Tanker Bob · 08-22-05, 09:13 PM

What program provides the battery and memory indicators on your task bar in your screen shots? They look great. Thanks.

08-22-05, 09:21 PM

that's vBar from vieka software http://www.vieka.com

I helped them make it VGA aware last month. I believe the version I have has the battery icon meant to look more like a battery and hasn't been released yet, but that minor cosmetic detail doesn't change much.

Jon

Tanker Bob · 08-22-05, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by JonMisurda

that's vBar from vieka software http://www.vieka.com

I helped them make it VGA aware last month. I believe the version I have has the battery icon meant to look more like a battery and hasn't been released yet, but that minor cosmetic detail doesn't change much.

Jon

Thanks, Jon! Have you noticed any extra battery drain as a result of running vBar? Many battery monitors continue to poll the system after it is suspended, keeping the PDA from going into a true sleep mode.

08-22-05, 09:36 PM

I'd have to dig into the code to double check, but i think it polls using the same mechanism that solitaire uses for its timer, and i'm pretty sure all of that truly suspends while the device is off. but hey, I've got an x50v too, what do I know about battery life ;) ?

Jon

Tanker Bob · 08-23-05, 06:30 AM

Trying to milk every last electron... :)

08-23-05, 03:08 PM

Back on topic, has anyone tried this yet? Any thoughts, suggestions?

I'm going to start working on a second program like this called SendTo, to implement a Send To... menu. I'm taking suggestions on good places to send to. I'm thinking a browseable any location choice, and a My Documents choice. Any other ideas?

Jon