Pocket PC OS verges on being crippleware

From: Brian H (brianh4321_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 01/02/05 

To: microsoft.public.pocketpc
Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 09:43:17 -0800

 Well, it may cost you another 20 there are a number software overlays that are really good. My favorite is pocket informant, but there are others such as agenda fusion. Not only do they improve the look they add a ton of functionality as well.

   nntp://news.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.pocketpc/>

  Before I start, I will state that I really like my iPaq hx4700. Fantastic
 screen, WiFi. Browsing the net anywhere in the house is a huge leap forwards
 from my old Palm m500 with AvantGo.
 
 However...
 I am really disappointed by the quality of the built in applications. They
 appear to be intentionally stripped down apps to appease the developer
 community. As a developer myself, I'm not opposed to other people making a
 living from writing good software, but as a user, it would nice if some
 decent functionality was built in, out of the box.
 
 Notes in particular is appalling, it looks like a demo app you'd see in a
 programming book. Where are categories? Why can't I change font size of the
 listing? Could I have a preview pane?
 
 The calendar is useful, but fairly basic, and has such poor support for the
 VGA screen that HP include Pocket Informant. Unfortunately, although some
 features look great in VGA (calendar), it is so advanced that it has a
 fairly sharp learning curve. Without looking into the manual, I've no idea
 how to use the Notes feature - it seems to have been written without regard
 for any of the standard UI elements present in the built in applications. It
 seems to be designed to provide the maximum number of bullet points in a
 feature list, instead of doing the basics correctly.
 
 I understand that due to memory constraints, not all features can be build
 into all applications. Every user has different requirements. As such, I'd
 rather see the OS shipped with LESS software, and have the choice of
 downloading FEATURE RICH, WELL DESIGNED versions of the apps I use the most.
 Maybe use a point system like www.ipaqchoice.com
 
 Personally, I'd go for the following:
 Notes - with categories, and ability to use a tree (outline) structure if
 required. Link to tasks
 CHM Viewer - very useful for those C# books
 Newsgroup reader - so I can rant anywhere!
 Contacts - very minimal, may even use Notes if search is good enough
 Calendar - VGA support, and ability to set default settings for new
 appointments (I would set all to 'Private' as default, as my work calendar
 has to be shared)
 ...And I wouldn't expect to have to pay $9.99 -> $49.99 for each
 application - for the privilege of such basic functionality. A points
 system, where you get free points (and buy more if required) which would
 allow me to 'purchase' these approvd, consistent applications from
 Microsoft, without spending weeks sifting the wheat from the chaff.
 
 Or alternately, provide us with decent apps to start with.
 
 
 Comments, flames welcome. Suggestions for good commercial software which may
 fit my requirements also welcome. This is a general gut feeling about my
 first 2 weeks on Pocket PC. I expect more posts with specific questions for
 you all in the near future.
 
 Happy mobile computing!
 
 Greg Woods
 
 

 
 [microsoft.public.pocketpc]

Relevant Pages

  • Pocket PC OS verges on being crippleware
    ... I am really disappointed by the quality of the built in applications. ... The calendar is useful, but fairly basic, and has such poor support for the ... feature list, instead of doing the basics correctly. ... WELL DESIGNED versions of the apps I use the most. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)
  • Re: Pocket PC OS verges on being crippleware
    ... Pocket Informant Pro for half price. ... > I am really disappointed by the quality of the built in applications. ... > appear to be intentionally stripped down apps to appease the developer ... > bullet points in a feature list, instead of doing the basics correctly. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)
  • Re: Pocket PC OS verges on being crippleware
    ... > appear to be intentionally stripped down apps to appease the developer ... > VGA screen that HP include Pocket Informant. ... > for any of the standard UI elements present in the built in applications. ... > feature list, instead of doing the basics correctly. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)
  • Re: Pocket PC OS verges on being crippleware
    ... >VGA screen that HP include Pocket Informant. ... >for any of the standard UI elements present in the built in applications. ... >feature list, instead of doing the basics correctly. ... WELL DESIGNED versions of the apps I use the most. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)
  • Re: Pocket PC OS verges on being crippleware
    ... Could you please summarize your QUESTION for the newsgroup? ... > for any of the standard UI elements present in the built in applications. ... > feature list, instead of doing the basics correctly. ... WELL DESIGNED versions of the apps I use the most. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)