New Dell X51v/ WM 5.0 user

cng · 12-23-05, 11:58 PM

Hey all , I'm very excited as I just sold my Treo 650 and am waiting for my Dell X51v, which I'll get tomorrow. This would be my first Windows Mobile 5.0 device! I have been waiting and been following WM and Dell for a while and now I am finally getting it! However, I am so very nervous. I have been using Palm OS for 2 years now and I've started with the best of the best - the Sony Clie UX50. The design is still an innovation other manufacturers can only try and copy. The device's design was executed to perfection but unfortunately, many bugs been showing up and performance wise, after using my Treo, I knew it was outdated. So now, I welcome WM 5.0 into my life with open arms.

Over the years as a Palm mid to high end user, I've gathered many applications and learned a lot on how to operate my device and fix problems. I was also familiar with many very active and helpful communities and resources. It would seem that this place would be a parrallel to the Palm community. Now with WM, I dont even know the basics.

Before asking about the programs, I would like to know more about my purchase. I guess its a bit too late to ask now but I have confidence, after reading so many reviews, that this is the best option. I've also heard many doubts, however, about WM 5.0. If WM 5.0 is a bad move to make, at the moment, why? I didnt want to go with the X50v as it would be a hardware problem in the future and that is harder to fix than a software problem like the OS. I wanted to know what is the state of things. For example, how many applications can be used for WM 5.0? Also, how about the "true" VGA issue - can I use true VGA now? How is the performance - faster/slower than WM 2K3 SE?

One of the things that bother me the most is that WM uses a different file and application system than Palm. Instead of having a nice system of two files/extension (.prc - application and .pdb - Palm database), WM has like .exe, .dll, etc. How do I tell the difference if its a WM or WXP program? When I install, how should I go about installing these things? Maybe I'll find out when I look at the device and the manuals but I want to get the concept in words so hopefully I can get the big picture faster.

Okay, as for specific applications, how are developers doing in updating their software for WM 5.0? Is there a good selection? I want something to enhance Pocket IE, like having many tabs, etc. I also want to enhance my Today screen, probably with plug-ins for more information or change the whole "launcher". If people used Palm, they will know what I'm thinking of when I say Zlauncher. I had a Mac theme (weird how I would be thinking about one on a PPC though ) on my Treo and I loved it! I will sure to come back with more questions later but for now, I think I've asked enough. Instead of searching a million threads, and probably still wont get all the answers, I hope you all will be kind enough to answer most of my questions directly. Thank you, and hope to get to know you all soon!

Antij · 12-24-05, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by cng

:I didnt want to go with the X50v as it would be a hardware problem in the future and that is harder to fix than a software problem like the OS.
--
Also, how about the "true" VGA issue - can I use true VGA now?
--
I had a Mac theme (weird how I would be thinking about one on a PPC though ) on my Treo and I loved it!

I'm new too, but I've been reading a lot. I will take shot at answering the ones I've at least seen mentioned, as well as add my two cents here and there.

Hardware v. software: totally agree with you on that. I made the same decision and I don't know why so many people are knocking the x51v and assuming it can't be fixed.

VGA: Hmmm...unsure about this. I think I heard that WM5 doesn't really use it, but particular applications can. Most don't yet, however. (Edit: see here for a VGA-optimized software list.)

Mac theme: Wisbar looks promising...see Mac interface here

Pocket IE: I've heard of an add-on, but there are also alternative browsers like Netfront and Thunderhawk (not free). Also see this. Might want to check out SourceForge too. Personally, I'm crossing my fingers for Pocket Opera.

daddybfree · 12-24-05, 07:15 AM

and Happy Holidays. It sounds like with your background and experience you will do well with your new Axim :approve:

cng · 12-24-05, 12:30 PM

As stupid as this may seem, I want to get the most out of the Pocket Office and IE included with WM 5.0 as there were inprovements and I want to spend minimal on software, for now at least. When I find some software that I truly need and like, then I can start spending the money. Already, WM 5.0 sounds really fun and with the flaws fixed in the future, I think the X51v should last me quite a while. Even if WM 5.0 suck a lot, I have never really played with WM 2K3 SE so I wont have anything to compare it to and I over the years I had my share of problems and resets with Palm so its nothing new to me.