ok, so I switched...

[Caleb_pearson]

a recent debate I had with someone on this forum created an urge in me to try zlauncher for the 30th time. You see this is almost a weekly occurance in my house, every sunday I get up and try to configure zlauncher to my liking. Usually I don't work on it for more than 10 minutes before I get disgusted and delete it... going back to launcherx. Today was different, I decided that I would spend at least 3 hours with it, playing with it, getting different themes, and background pictures... setting up and customizing it... all that stuff...

what I was left with was a gorgeous, functional, fast, and clean looking launcher...

I guess I just had to get the right setup for me, which now that I have it has made me fall in love with my little palm all over again...

as some of you know, I was a pretty avid launcherx fan, even though I believe benc has stolen my money, and I am disgusted with the support... that's why I kept trying zlauncher... because I wanted to like it... I just never could...

anyways, I have the blue xp theme, and the sonipa xp vgraffiti/taskbar... it looks as though it was made by the same person... it is gorgeous, along with the blue globe background here at cliesource... wow is all I can say, and it looks cleaner than I ever though zlauncher could.

anyways, I hate to say this... it almost makes me sick, but after an hour of trying everything I am now a zlauncher user...

heh

caleb

[Unregistered]

peer pressure is a powerful thing indeed

[Brokken]

I recently switched from Silver Screen myself to ZLauncher. I wasn't too happy with the treatment I'd been getting from Pocket Sensei and I felt that I'd be better served by another Launcher. After looking at skins available for ZLauncher, my curiosity was piked. What cinched it for me was the ability to use Hi-Res icons on my pre-Palm/OS 5.0 NR70U. I was immediately impressed by what I saw and that very afternoon, I registered ZLauncher (got my code the next day) and deleted the bloatware that is Silverscreen. Not only is ZLauncher cheaper (Yes, I paid the price of SS plus two upgrades) but infinitely more customizable. I've designed my own backgrounds and with a little tweaking, my clie is looking better than it ever did with any version of SS. I'm still waiting to see what PocketSensei comes with next. Who knows... maybe they'll get off their proverbial behinds and leapfrog all the current launchers out there, but I sincerely doubt it. I'm really happy with what ZLauncher has done for my Palm too so count me as well in your list of converts.

Regards

-Brokken-

[breakfastchef]

>>Caleb_pearosn wrote...Usually I don't work on it for more than 10 minutes before I get >>disgusted and delete it... going back to launcherx.

I am an avid ZLauncher groupies, myself, but you bring up an important point. There comes a time when there are too many options and it can take several hours or several days to configure a modern PalmOS launcher. It is great that you stuck with it and see the benefits of using ZLauncher.

What steps could you recommend to make the switch to ZLauncher easier? What if ZZTECHS posted sample setups and preferences settings on their website? Was the reference guide not clear or did you just start righ in on it?

Larry

[Tixx]

Originally posted by Caleb_pearson
a recent debate I had with someone on this forum created an urge in me to try zlauncher for the 30th time. You see this is almost a weekly occurance in my house, every sunday I get up and try to configure zlauncher to my liking. Usually I don't work on it for more than 10 minutes before I get disgusted and delete it... going back to launcherx. Today was different, I decided that I would spend at least 3 hours with it, playing with it, getting different themes, and background pictures... setting up and customizing it... all that stuff...

what I was left with was a gorgeous, functional, fast, and clean looking launcher...

I guess I just had to get the right setup for me, which now that I have it has made me fall in love with my little palm all over again...

as some of you know, I was a pretty avid launcherx fan, even though I believe benc has stolen my money, and I am disgusted with the support... that's why I kept trying zlauncher... because I wanted to like it... I just never could...

anyways, I have the blue xp theme, and the sonipa xp vgraffiti/taskbar... it looks as though it was made by the same person... it is gorgeous, along with the blue globe background here at cliesource... wow is all I can say, and it looks cleaner than I ever though zlauncher could.

anyways, I hate to say this... it almost makes me sick, but after an hour of trying everything I am now a zlauncher user...

heh

caleb

I think people's patients and lack of knowledge about how to configure this launcher are one of the only reasons there are people still holding out and using other launchers at this moment.:)

[yawn]

maybe some of the ZLauncher evangelists with lots of time on their hands could post a Guide to Getting Rid of all the ZLauncher Clutter for people who don't get off on all the eye candy stuff?

[Tixx]

Originally posted by yawn
maybe some of the ZLauncher evangelists with lots of time on their hands could post a Guide to Getting Rid of all the ZLauncher Clutter for people who don't get off on all the eye candy stuff?

Or maybe people should be less impatient and spend more than 10 minutes playing with a program. I suggest committing to it for a week and then deciding. Here is a link to their "Help" download.;)

http://www.zztechs.com/en/zlauncher/download.php4

[Tixx]

Here is the FAQs page:)

http://www.zztechs.com/en/zlauncher/faq.php4

[Caleb_pearson]

it wasn't hard to get started, it's just there are many combinations of things to do in order to get it looking clean... and trust me I've spent more than 10 minutes in the past. it's not that zlauncher is such a better launcher *although I am starting to see how nicer it can look, it's that launcherx is so badly supported.

[fireman54]

Can you categorize the applications on memory stick like LauncherX? Or, is it like the Palm Launcher and all apps on the memory stick are in the Memory Stick category?

[fireman54]

Sorry, should have read more. You can create shortcuts to the MS apps and categorize the shortcuts.

[breakfastchef]

Be fair, Tixx, yawn has a valid point. It may be very helpful if there were some basic examples of what a variety of settings would look like when applied. I would like to hear more suggestions.

I asked my initial question so that ZZTECHS might better understand if and why some people may be confused on how to use their software. If someone spends 15 minutes toying with ZL and does not get an encouraging result, they might delete it.

I have offered to assist ZZECHS in collecting ideas that would be beneficial to the company, but most importantly, benficial the the end user.

Larry

[yawn]

I fully realize that posting here, playing with ones Clie is a social activity for many. However, it isn't for a lot of people.

Spending 3 hours on what may be my only day off to tweak a handheld application just isn't my style.

Since there are people who clearly spend hours here each day, I thought it might be a productive use of their time.

If the ZZTech was extremely helpful, no one would be asking for help here.

But whatever

[Tixx]

So I ask have any people actually sent an e-mail to ZZtech about this? If not then I suggest doing so;)

[sebring]

Originally posted by fireman54
Sorry, should have read more. You can create shortcuts to the MS apps and categorize the shortcuts.

Shortcuts are not required in ZLauncher. When you first install ZLauncher, all your MS apps will be included in the unfiled category and can be re-categorized from there, with a tap and hold on the icon, select category from the menu, then select the category you wish. Shortcuts do allow you to have the same app appear in more than one category.

[rldunn]

And shortcuts can also be used to have apps on the MS in directories other than /Palm/Launcher to show up, but as sebring said, they're not required for the Launcher folder.

[rldunn]

Originally posted by yawn
maybe some of the ZLauncher evangelists with lots of time on their hands could post a Guide to Getting Rid of all the ZLauncher Clutter for people who don't get off on all the eye candy stuff? There are two problems with this. 1) The definition of clutter is different for everyone, so determining the optimal uncluttered look may be difficult. 2) I, for one, can't remember what ZL looks like when you first load it, since I've been using it for so long. So it's hard to know where to start.

That said, why don't you look at the screenshots on this page and choose one that you feel is a good uncluttered look, and then we can tell you what settings you need to get that look:

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=506&thumb=1

[yorrick]

I agree with rdlunn.
There are some programs which are growing in their level of complexity that documenting features and permutations of configurations is not feasible.

Launchers are now becoming a feature rich area where there is a convergence of the following:
1) Launcher (duh!)
.... plus themes and images
2) File manager (such functionality as Filez)
3) External device file manager (such as McFile or PiMover)
4) Image viewer (look at YiShow)

Everyone has their preferred configurations based on their lifestyle. So documenting the basic features is a huge task in itself.

The other big area is the datebook. The two big names are Datebk5 and Agendus (Action Names). Datebk5 documentations runs into a couple of hundred pages long! (with screen captures).

To get the most out of a product with a lot of features is to spend time on it. There is no quick fix around this learning curve. I would compare this to learning word processing or spreadsheet programs. You can run basic functions up, but to do more, you need to spend time with it to explore.

[fireman54]

Originally posted by sebring


Shortcuts are not required in ZLauncher. When you first install ZLauncher, all your MS apps will be included in the unfiled category and can be re-categorized from there, with a tap and hold on the icon, select category from the menu, then select the category you wish. Shortcuts do allow you to have the same app appear in more than one category.

Thanx for clearing that up. :) I'll give it a whirl.

[kusumo]

Uhmm...anyone try to convince me to switch to Zlauncher?
Currently I am a YiShow user.... :D
Tried Zlauncher before but found it too crowded.
Prefer YiShow with its clean interface.

So anyone could convince me? Or may be to list out the pros & cons about Zlauncher & YiShow?

[Caleb_pearson]

actually kusumo zlauncher when configured right, and with the right theme can look very clean and open, yet still have lots of eye candy... you just gotta piddle with it like i did.

[Tixx]

Originally posted by kusumo
Uhmm...anyone try to convince me to switch to Zlauncher?
Currently I am a YiShow user.... :D
Tried Zlauncher before but found it too crowded.
Prefer YiShow with its clean interface.

So anyone could convince me? Or may be to list out the pros & cons about Zlauncher & YiShow?

Clean interface? I honestly cannot believe this is still an issue with people. Check the screenshot for a "clean" ZL look.
http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=469&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

[Tixx]

Originally posted by kusumo
Uhmm...anyone try to convince me to switch to Zlauncher?
Currently I am a YiShow user.... :D
Tried Zlauncher before but found it too crowded.
Prefer YiShow with its clean interface.

So anyone could convince me? Or may be to list out the pros & cons about Zlauncher & YiShow?

Read this thread: http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11674

Check the links I gave in the thread we are posting in now:rolleyes: I wonder if we have to hold people's hands now too.

[*YellowRose*]

Originally posted by Tixx
I wonder if we have to hold people's hands now too. Are you offering?  ;)

[Tixx]

Originally posted by *YellowRose*
Are you offering?  ;)

:D Tixx's ClieSource hand holding service - for those that cannot do a d@mn thing for themselves, even read*LOL* :p

[Unregistered]

I appreciate the Datebk5 manual. Nice to have a developer who bothers.

[Unregistered]

Is there any advantage with zlauncher on a N710c ?
It looks like its aimed at OS4 & 5 devices

[Caleb_pearson]

Tix you're kinda being pushy about this whole thing... insulting people and asking if then need their hand held isn't a very "grown up" thing to be saying.

also the link that you gave for the "clean interface" isn't exactly what most people are looking for...

anyways, I'm using zlauncher now and it can be cleaned up and looking nice... there are plenty of good backgrounds that reduce the clutter, but still look like eye candy. It's cool, if you look around I think most people can customize it to look exactly how they want it... I might try to post a screen shot of mine, to show you what I mean...

[Tixx]

Originally posted by Caleb_pearson
Tix you're kinda being pushy about this whole thing... insulting people and asking if then need their hand held isn't a very "grown up" thing to be saying.
I insulted no one. There are answers to what people are asking just posts above theirs. And yes, the person I responded to did need a hand holding.

also the link that you gave for the "clean interface" isn't exactly what most people are looking for...
Since you know what they are looking for then post a pic rather than this non-helpful spouting off. They did not describe the interface other than clean and that is exactly what I took the time to give them an example of:) Sorry you have a problem with my efforts to help people see what they ask for.

anyways, I'm using zlauncher now and it can be cleaned up and looking nice... there are plenty of good backgrounds that reduce the clutter, but still look like eye candy. It's cool, if you look around I think most people can customize it to look exactly how they want it... I might try to post a screen shot of mine, to show you what I mean...The gallery has some nice ones already there:)


http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=320&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=315&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=469&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=467&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=459&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=458&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=432&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=423&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=422&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=403&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=419&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=415&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=407&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=405&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=404&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=402&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=400&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=380&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=375&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=369&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=368&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=366&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=363&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=340&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=305&papass=&sort=1&thecat=506

:)

[Caleb_pearson]

I can't post a picture of what they want because I don't know, however I do know that your picture is useless..

anyways, sorry for the comments, it was before my cup of coffee... I just hate it when zlauncher users think others are stupid because they don't use zl... (after rereading your post I kinda see how you weren't doing this. I just took it wrong.) anyways people have other oppinions, and lecturing them about something as stupid as a launcher for a palm pilot is childish.

[*YellowRose*]

Originally posted by Caleb_pearson
....insulting people and asking if then need their hand held isn't a very "grown up" thing to be saying. Well, maybe I'm thick or something, but I didn't see him insult anybody, and I 'took' the handholding comment to be more 'general' than specific.  But that's me, I guess. :confused:

[Tixx]

Originally posted by Caleb_pearson
I can't post a picture of what they want because I don't know, however I do know that your picture is useless..

anyways, sorry for the comments, it was before my cup of coffee... I just hate it when zlauncher users think others are stupid because they don't use zl... (after rereading your post I kinda see how you weren't doing this. I just took it wrong.) anyways people have other oppinions, and lecturing them about something as stupid as a launcher for a palm pilot is childish.

Have another cup and check out the pics;) And no, I do not care what launcher people use and I will not lecture them on launchers. On how to read by themselves and how to articulate what they want maybe, but use whatever launcher you like, I don't care:)

[rldunn]

Originally posted by yawn
maybe some of the ZLauncher evangelists with lots of time on their hands could post a Guide to Getting Rid of all the ZLauncher Clutter for people who don't get off on all the eye candy stuff? Others have posted some screenshots of extreme uncluttered versions, but I've been wondering how close to the default Launcher ZL can get and I finally took the time to find out. It turned out pretty close; if the skin I used was altered a little bit, it would probably be near-identical. I doubt anyone would ever call the default launcher cluttered, so hopefully this will put this issue to rest, once and for all.

BTW, I could have easily had ZL display with 4 icons per row, but I didn't realize until after I did the screen shots and had changed ZL back to my normal settings that the default had 4 instead of 3, and I didn't feel like going back just for this reason at that point. Also, I could have made the category font to be identical too, but I missed that as well.

[Tixx]

So ZL on the Left and Default on the right. I do hope this ends this whole "clutter" misconception now too. Thanks for doing that rldunn:)

[pixelpainter]

Doesn't that defeat one of the main features of ZL?

[rldunn]

Originally posted by pixelpainter
Doesn't that defeat one of the main features of ZL? I certainly wouldn't want to use it like that, but the point of the exercise was to show that ZL can easily resemble a launcher that no one would call cluttered. And as seen in many other screenshots, it can be very cluttered. Or anywhere in between. That said, even with this setup, you have a lot more functionality than the default launcher, since you can do a tap and hold on any icon which gives a lot of options, or you can go to the menu and call up the file manager, etc, etc.

[pixelpainter]

Yeh, Yeh, Yeh, I know etc. etc. Just making a small point. ;)

[Geckotek]

Originally posted by Tixx


I think people's patients and lack of knowledge about how to configure this launcher are one of the only reasons there are people still holding out and using other launchers at this moment.:)

That and the fact that I gave Yi Bing $20 already!

Makes me debate going back to warez!

[Sideway]

I've paid for YiShow, MegaLauncher, LauncherIII/X. And I've no regret that I spend another $12 on ZL! :)

Yes, I'm an impulsive shopper. :rolleyes:

[madkins007]

I have been using ZLauncher now long enough that I registered it. So, I have Launcher III, Megalauncher, YiShow, and Zlauncher available- all bought and paid for... and I only have 3 PDA's in the house. Sheesh!

Anyways, I am thinking hard about going back to YiShow. I like the look and feel of both Yi and Zl about the same (OK, I like Zl a bit better), but I am thinking about going back because I like the built-in reader and viewer in Yi better.

Man- I almost wish one of these things would NOT include a file manager, book reader, and image viewer so I could choose which ones I want to associate with those types of files- sort of like the old free LIII did!

[*YellowRose*]

I've registered SilverScreen (that was with my first PDA, and I've not upgraded since, and I registered ZL. I have many programs I've registered and no longer use . . . I don't regret any of them, and it's not going to make me "debate going back to warez". They were useful when I got them . . . that's what happens when PDAs evolve & improve.