Alt+Tab Switch

DoubleK · 02-25-04, 08:14 PM

Does anyone have a good application to switch between programs on the Ax with a button. An Alt-Tab switcher.
I had one but it was switching only between two apps, back and forth.

The other thing is that I have a Dell keyboard, foldable but the biggest piss-off is that I can't switch between apps easily and every time I have to prod around with the stylus.

There must be a way to switch between the apps from the keyboard, or?

Moe The Cat · 02-25-04, 08:18 PM

PHM has a Power Toy that allows you to assign a hardware button to function as an ALT-Tab key. You can cycle through running apps and choose which one you want to make active. It's freeware.

lancie10 · 02-25-04, 08:27 PM

Have you tried assigning programs to the hotkeys with the keyboard? Just open the keyboard icon listed under programs in the start menu. You can add up to 10 programs (using the numbers 1-10), in addition to the 7 already assigned to keys on the keyboard. Then you can just use 'Fn + #' to cycle to any program you'd like. You can also use the 'windows' key next to 'ctrl' on the left side to scroll thru the programs in the start menu or even the recent programs in the icon list at the top of the start menu. With these different options I have been able to use the keyboard to move around pretty well without the stylus. Hope some of this helps.

DoubleK · 02-25-04, 08:41 PM

Thanks lancie10, I did use that already but just so damn used to the alt tab on a regular keyboard that I can't help...

I picked up the power toy, Moe, thanks for the tip!

DoubleK

lancie10 · 02-25-04, 09:21 PM

Could I ask that you give a report on the software once you try it? I have been equally frustrated with switching apps and though I am somewhat happy with the solutions I mentioned, it would be good to hear other options. Any impressions you have of its usefulness would be appreciated. Thanks.

02-25-04, 09:38 PM

Do you want to take a look at HandySwitcher ?
If you assign it to a key. By pressing this hardware key it will bring up its menu, and then using the jog-dial to scroll the menu up and down you can switch between running apps.
Or simply just tap on its icon and then tap on the running program you want to switch to
not only that. If you tap pn the (x) beside the running program name it will close it (not just minimize it)
And optionaly HandySwitcher can turn the (X) at the top-right cornere into a real close button instead of smart minimize
and more features

02-25-04, 10:37 PM

you do realize that the dell KB already has hotkeys for programs, right?

there are seven hot keys, each decribed by the white icons on the keys (inbox, word, excel, calendar, tasks, notes, and contacts).

there is also an internet explorer hot key, next to the windows key.

to use these hot keys--or any of the other white-icon hotkeys--simply hold down the "fn" key at the lower left corner and press the key.

DoubleK · 02-26-04, 09:57 AM

lancie, here is the feedback.

I installed PHM's Power Toys and it's pretty good. It's actually a collection of apps and does a lot more than just the Alt Tab switch function but at that it works perfectly.

I have now the home button mapped as an Alt+F4 and the email button as Alt+Tab.

BTW when I was trying to install I got a message that my device was not compatible (Ax5 Advanced) but then it installed fine and so far no troubles.

DoubleK

Moe The Cat · 02-26-04, 11:11 AM

DoubleK, you are right. I should have mentioned that. Philippe Majerus made this note on the PHM Power Toys download site:

Quote:

(If you use the MSI package, you will get an "unsupported platform" warning on the desktop during the installation, this is normal, because the package contains Pocket PC and Windows CE edition, one will be discarded and the other will be installed, depending on your connected device)

lancie10 · 02-26-04, 12:31 PM

DoubleK, thanks for getting back... I might have to give Power Toys a try. I am not accustomed to the Alt method so it may not be as useful for me but I will give it a go anyway.

Let me just say again that this site is unbelievable...answers every single question I've had and countless others that I was too dumb to even ask!

DoubleK · 02-26-04, 06:12 PM

Yeah, why don't you try it, lancie, it's quite all right!

I find it very useful to switch between applications as it takes a lot less time than having to jab at the switcher bar.

I use it mostly when I am reading an ebook. I have the reader open and a dictionary program with many dictionaries loaded. If I want to look up something, I just have to press a button to switch which saves some time.

Agreed on the site, I learned nearly all of what I know in the past year on this site. :D

DoubleK