1src Forums - Best Launcher App

Flash-57

01-14-2003, 04:57 PM

A few months ago, I went on a spree and tried all the different launchers. One by one, I found disappointment as each one failed to live up to my wishes.

The last one I added to my Clie was YiShow. I ran it for only a few hours before I deleted every other launcher and registered YiShow. I haven't even looked at another launcher since then.

I have been tempted to peek at Zlauncher, due to the fervent hype that its supporters present. But, until I become dissatisfied with YiShow, I see no reason to seriously look at it.

lthwc

01-14-2003, 05:19 PM

Looks like YiShow is on top right now. I've been very happy with it.

arinvolvo

01-14-2003, 05:24 PM

Yishow is the best IMHO....HOWEVER, ZL is a CLOSE second...and there a few things that ZL has that I would like to see in Yishow...such as uninstall functionality, and the ability to assign colors to different things.

ClieMarty

01-14-2003, 05:35 PM

The guys from QuickTap made a nice approach with Launcher+ IMHO. Unfortunately there are not a lot of features under the nice surface. Whereas I have to say that there themes really look nice.

OcellNuri

01-14-2003, 05:54 PM

Hey ClieMarty... I love the avatar! Why didn't I think of that??

I gave my vote to ZLauncher, cause that is what's running best for me on my NX right now.

ClieMarty

01-14-2003, 06:00 PM

;-)
the graphics was done in a sec. it took me a while to get the necessary 100 posts though ;-)

arinvolvo

01-14-2003, 06:03 PM

ClieMarty...I think that L+ are for those people who want to dress up their PDA a little, bot not have to worry about a learning curve that is associated with new launchers...

Many people dont want file managers, and blah blah blah that make a launcher a little more complicated to use.

Some people just want to have a standard launcher that looks nicer, and L+ provides just that...and just about ONLY that.

However, L+ DOES seem to be overpriced for the functionality it provides, IMHO. Should be a 9 dollar APP.

rhart00

01-14-2003, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by LaStigmata
Was there realy any question. Keep up the good work ZZTECH.

I was thinking the exact same thing

wellsjs

01-14-2003, 06:19 PM

YiShow because it's elegant and functional. I tried ZL but it's too cluttered and complex. I'm into backgrounds and love the way YiShow handles them . . . /b, tap, load and I'm done changing my background, which overwrote the previous one in RAM. YiShow does an adequate job at RAM and MS file manager tasks also. I registered Silverscreen when I was a Prism user, but with a T665 and YiShow, it's no match!

Vidge

01-15-2003, 08:41 PM

I didn't vote because I'm not sure. I've been using MegaLauncher for quite some time now (I am also a beta tester for ML4) & have just gotten Yishow. Lately, though, I find myself going back to the builit-in launcher. It's clean and simple.

SweetPapa

01-15-2003, 09:09 PM

I'm using ZLauncher. It's awesome.

I'm hesitating to try YiShow because from the screenshots on various sites, I can't see any tabs and I hate having to click twice to switch categories.

Can someone prove me wrong?

spradlinb

01-15-2003, 09:31 PM

Originally posted by SweetPapa
I'm using ZLauncher. It's awesome.

I'm hesitating to try YiShow because from the screenshots on various sites, I can't see any tabs and I hate having to click twice to switch categories.

Can someone prove me wrong?

YiShow doesn't have the tabs that you're used to, no. They're like MegaLauncher in a way, just small buttons that you can view at the bottom of the YiShow screen if you want to. It's there if you need it, but I personally don't use it. I end up using my Jog wheel to change categories instead, and just got used to the two taps if I use the drop-down menu. There's a comparison of the launcher abilities at http://www.LaunchPlug.com/Launcher_chart.html as well, that might give you more info to work with.

I'm impressed that YiShow's still holding its own in the voting. It's a nice launcher that seems to be working out for quite a few people. ZLauncher is definitely the current leader now.

Cheers.

hogs

01-15-2003, 11:52 PM

MegaLauncher...
I've tested a lot of different launchers and I always went back to ML. :)

buckethead

01-16-2003, 01:26 AM

Yishow for its slickness and easibility. Still use the old 4.61 ver :)

ether143

01-18-2003, 07:23 PM

Zlauncher is the way to go.......if only there was an easy way for an idiot like me to skin it.

geekzilla

01-18-2003, 07:40 PM

I really like Facer - simple, clean, useful. I think more people should try it and give it a chance.

grifter

01-18-2003, 07:46 PM

I use YiShow.  I may try ZLauncher because of the many good reviews.

wellsjs

01-18-2003, 08:13 PM

It seems that those who are into "eye candy" like myself, give the edge to YiShow, whereas those with a fetish for tweaking gravitate toward ZLauncher. No doubt, there's more to tweak with ZLauncher.

rob_squared

01-18-2003, 09:09 PM

*tweak*

JC2K

01-18-2003, 09:36 PM

Looks like I'm the first to post a reply with Launcher X as my choice. Although YiShow and ZLauncher have more eye-candy. The customization options with LX keep me coming back.

The Hi-Res app icons on ZL really look nice, but I can't get used to zoomed icons. They aren't hires in "non-zoomed" mode (aside from the icons for the default apps).

The things I miss the most when I try another launcher are ...
- The LX file manager application. Simply efficient. No other launcher has as intuitive an interface for file management.
- Side tabs ... my Clie feels "off" if I don't have tabs along the left side.
- Date & Time display along with gadgets across the top.

For these reasons, the nice ability to use BG images and prettier icons can't pull me away from LX. ZL is an impressive launcher (especially considering it's age), but I'm at the point where I prefer function over form and LX is the most functional launcher for me right now.

marius

01-19-2003, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by JC2K
Looks like I'm the first to post a reply with Launcher X as my choice. Although YiShow and ZLauncher have more eye-candy. The customization options with LX keep me coming back.

You are not alone! I am also a LauncherX fan, for all of the reasons you mention...

The things I miss the most when I try another launcher are ...
- The LX file manager application. Simply efficient. No other launcher has as intuitive an interface for file management.

AGREED!

- Side tabs ... my Clie feels "off" if I don't have tabs along the left side.

For me, it is the top tabs...from my LauncherIII Vx days...

- Date & Time display along with gadgets across the top.

Yep...invaluable...

For these reasons, the nice ability to use BG images and prettier icons can't pull me away from LX. ZL is an impressive launcher (especially considering it's age), but I'm at the point where I prefer function over form and LX is the most functional launcher for me right now.

Hmm, so that is the major difference between LauncherX and say YiShow and ZLauncher? I have not seen or tried these 2 or Facer, another favorite, but I would bet that ability to use BG images will be forthcoming from LauncherX, wouldn't you agree?

-marius

JC2K

01-19-2003, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by marius

Hmm, so that is the major difference between LauncherX and say YiShow and ZLauncher? I have not seen or tried these 2 or Facer, another favorite, but I would bet that ability to use BG images will be forthcoming from LauncherX, wouldn't you agree?

-marius
Yes, LX will have BG support eventually. Not here now and others prefer launchers that do have the support today.

Me? I want something that is functional. BG support, although nice, doesn't make the launcher work "better" for me.

PDH LA

01-19-2003, 11:49 AM

I think the other MAJOR difference between Launcher X and Zlauncher is the responsiveness of the developeres. This is huge for me. Launcher X took nine months from time of initial announcment to initial release in November of last year. And then it didn't even include all of the promised features!! The keep promising to "complete" active skins features and to add background support. Where is it? When will yo see it? Another nine months from now?

ZZtechs continually releases new versions of the app, each with signficantly enhanced features, many of them as a direct result of our requests. I don't think you'll find the same level of support from the Launcher X staff. (Or Megasoft for that matter.).

Zlauncher has taken the lead in the "launcher wars", and it seems to the the choice of the majority of clie users based on recent polls on this board.

Biff_K

01-19-2003, 12:00 PM

Keep going back and forth... I WANT to like ZLauncher because of the obviously amazing support.  I held off on LauncherX because they couldn't get it out in anywhere near the timeframe they gave initially.  If LauncherX had come out when it was supposed to, with the features it was supposed to it would undoubtably be the leader right now.

As it is, it still doesn't have everything that was promised.  On the other hand, the LauncherX interface is cleaner, the file manager better and the customizations more than adequate (though not nearly as many options as ZLauncher which can get confusing.)

I feel most comfortable right now with LauncherX but it's hard to argue with ZLauncher since its really close to perfect, getting closer and I know that anything I might want is likely to be added to it within the next month, those guys are programming nuts!

Still, as is right now, Launcher X is currently the leader (can't wait for Megalauncher4 though...)

jomoco5

01-19-2003, 12:08 PM

Just out of curiosity . . . how many people are working on the development of ZLauncher? Does anybody know?

I have to agree . . . it IS a ::very:: nice launcher. I try it every time there's a new release . . . just to look. I look at stuff other than the background (I find them too distracting) . . . I haven't registered it yet, but .... considering I've registered 3 launchers already, never say never . . . .

THANKS for anybody that has the info!

quack

01-19-2003, 02:54 PM

Some questions from a launcher virgin:

1) Can you switch off the various launchers and go to something else? Will this take the launcher temporarily off of RAM (i.e. stored in the MS) when you turn it off or even just are using another program?

2) What is the "UNINSTALL" feature I heard somebody mention that ZL can do that YiShow cannot do. Is this a must have?

3) Is there a "stub" file equivalent (as in Launcher X) for the other launchers?

4) Can you have more than one launcher on your Palm and switch back and forth?

jomoco5

01-19-2003, 03:21 PM

1) Yes, No-if you want it on your memstick, you must manually put it there.

2)It's a function of ZLManager, and no it's not necessary. You can delete manually.

3)Yes, with ZLauncher, I think.

4)Yes.

spradlinb

01-19-2003, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by jomoco5
1) Yes, No-if you want it on your memstick, you must manually put it there.

2)It's a function of ZLManager, and no it's not necessary. You can delete manually.

3)Yes, with ZLauncher, I think.

4)Yes.

Quick correction here. For number 3, the answer is no. LauncherX is the only program that can create proper "stub" files to enable your HotSync conduits to work. ZL's shortcuts are not as powerful.

Cheers.

quack

01-19-2003, 04:16 PM

Thanks! I take it you can run your launcher straight off the memory stick. I somehow thought you had to do it off RAM.

jomoco5

01-19-2003, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by quack
Thanks! I take it you can run your launcher straight off the memory stick. I somehow thought you had to do it off RAM.

I've read somewhere here (maybe the ZL thread in the apps section) that Zlauncher would not run from the card.

Of course, I could be hallucinating again, too . . . lol.

Thanks for the backup spradlinb.:) I didn't realize they weren't the same.

Grandizer

01-22-2003, 12:00 AM

Have to agree that ZLauncher is clearly leading the pack. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer anything special for me. Actually junked it after a half hour with it.

YiShow seems to be my perfect launcher and does everything I ever wanted.

But someone fresh who wants to look at a launcher give both (YiShow and ZLauncher) a try.

quack

01-22-2003, 01:51 AM

Arrggh...I just dl'ed demo yishow, and I don't see some of the desktop icons that are supposed to appear (like in the pictures). The whole bit that looks like a bunch of lolders underneath all the applications is missing (for changing icon size, etc.). All I have are the arrows for scrolling through the applications. And the "i" is missing from the top bar. What am I doing wrong?

Flash-57

01-22-2003, 11:30 AM

> I just dl'ed demo yishow, and I don't see some of
> the desktop icons that are supposed to appear
> (like in the pictures)

You should see a small arrow or symbol in the lower left corner. Press that. It toggles the bottom menu bar between icons that manipulate files and icons that give you quick access to your folders.

quack

01-22-2003, 11:41 AM

Flash-57

There is no icon there on the lower lefthand side; it's blank. I can click on it and have a menu bar of gray squares that allows me to switch categories. Otherwise the area is blank. I know that there is stuff there because I can click and change the icon sizes. It's just there's no actual picture to click on.

Did I do something wrong as far as downloading skins or something?

honolulu

01-22-2003, 12:26 PM

you know the launcher "HOME". it's an old launcher in 160*160 but it's the best launcher I have seen.

Flash-57

01-22-2003, 04:11 PM

> There is no icon there on the lower lefthand side; it's blank.

> Did I do something wrong as far as downloading
> skins or something?

Sounds like it. Try using the drop-down menus to delete the current background and skin (make sure you have copies on your PC). See if that fixes everything and gives you access to all the buttons.

If so, download a good skin and try that. If that works, add a background. You should quickly figure out where the problem lies.

quack

01-22-2003, 11:18 PM

Never mind. I feel dumb. I dl'ed the Yishow for Clie instead of the Yishow for Palm (which doesn't make much sense for my Clie). The icons appear as they should. Thanks!

reactor18

01-29-2003, 04:00 PM

I actually like the Clie Launcher for the NX series. It reminds me of my favorite launcher, RonDo.

TongucYumruk

01-30-2003, 01:47 AM

What?! Is there any other launcher then ZLauncher? Are you sure?

arinvolvo

01-30-2003, 02:10 AM

I am still back and forth between ZL and Yishow

LaStigmata

01-30-2003, 02:20 AM

Originally posted by TongucYumruk
What?! Is there any other launcher then ZLauncher? Are you sure?

LOL!!

I heard tell of a old launcher sum time back. I think they called it WhyShow or something like that, or was it LauncherNext (year)!

Just playen

To each his own, and good luck to all.

Demonstar

08-05-2003, 11:51 PM

One more vote for zlauncher. If you need anymore proof; look at what most of the skins and themes are being made for. Just my 0.02

kaysclie

08-09-2003, 07:46 PM

I have a clie sj30 and am using megalauncher with it now. After reading so many good reviews of the Yishow, I am considering trying it. Can anyone tell me from their experience if the yishow works well on the sj30? Also, is there any place that I can find the english instructions?

Tone

08-14-2003, 11:09 AM

I am a registered user of YiShow. Thought it was sleek and elegant. Tried ZLauncher, deleted it after one day.

Reinstalled it again, decided to try it out and whoa, it can be made to look like YiShow interface.. and a whole lot more.

This is like so many apps in one, and I must say this is the best!

Now where do I look for the skins? Love the minimalistic styles, perhaps I shd look to create my own..

Unregistered

08-15-2003, 07:52 AM

I have read about most of the Launchers listed in the discussion, but other than Facer, is there one that will give you a quick look at your appointment book and ToDo lost? Tried using Facer on my NX80V and continued to get errors.

Any suggestions?

Moparmike

08-15-2003, 08:15 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered
I have read about most of the Launchers listed in the discussion, but other than Facer, is there one that will give you a quick look at your appointment book and ToDo lost? Tried using Facer on my NX80V and continued to get errors.

Any suggestions?

Check out SilverScreen's ticker view for a list of the day's to-do's and appt's. Unfortunately, that's about the only thing I still like about SS...I though it was great way back on my PIII and Visor, but pocketsensei has fallen way behind the times.

You could try either Datebk5 or Agendus (I use Agendus 6) and setup a split-screen to show both your datebook and to-do list. Just set up a HW button to open either proggy and there you go.