Why a launcher?

[DMSB]

Okay, I'm sure I'm showing my ignorance here, but just exactly does a launcher do for me? I've read through lots of threads about various launchers so I realize they are really important to many users - I just don't understand what they do. I upgraded to a 760 from a Visor Deluxe a couple of weeks ago and am now discovering the world of color, memory sticks, etc. Thanks for any info/opinions.

[rhart00]

You already have a launcher built into your palm. It is the thing that lets you click on apps and start them but it is quite limited compared to the many 3rd party launchers. They allow you to personalized your desktop (eeer palmtop) on your clie to best fit you. This includes organizing apps, personalizing colors, skins, backgrounds, etc. and overall make many of the things you do on your clie much easier to access and do.

[pixelpainter]

Because we like to drop 15 - 20 bucks on a peice of software that a: We love, but can always be improved. b: Is much better than the other launcher software. and c: causes us to spend time re-hashing post after post of which one is better and why.

[DanT]

You just have to try them and judge for yourself. I'm using MegaLauncher (ML) and learn the following advantages over the Palm OS (OS) launcher:
1. OS lumps all of the apps in MS under card category. You cannot categorize them again. ML does not have card category. The apps in MS can be in the same category as the apps in RAM & ROM. It just put a dot next to the app's name if the app is in MS. This make the category orderly and easy to find apps.
2. It is very easy to move or delete apps in ML. All you need to do is to tap and hold the app. Then a pop-up window will come out with general info about the app and buttons to tap. In OS you need to tap menu, delete, and scroll down the list to find the app before you can delete it.
3. ML has popup favorite app list.
4. ML has some nice skin and background.
I'm sure there are plenty more advantages of ML over OS than what I have listed.

For more info on launchers, check out Launchplug.com (http://www.launchplug.com/Tips.html)

[JC2K]

The reason I use a launcher is so that launching programs becomes easier on my 665

- Categorization of memory stick applications within normal categories
- Ability to "monitor" multiple MS folders for programs
- Tabbed organization of categories (one tap to change)
- Ability to reorganize elements to fit the way I work (i.e. ActiveSkins)
- Ability to directly launch books without launching reader software first
- Great file management utility (not really helpful for launching, but makes using my Clie easier).
- Cleaner, more pleasing interface

BTW - I use LauncherX, but most launchers perform the above functions (everyone has their preferences).

Hope this helps!

[rob_squared]

I use a launcer mainly for the background pictures.

PS: You don't need a launcher to get HiRes small icons.

[Anita]

When I got my first color Palm, a IIIc, I originally installed a third party launcher -- before launchers got as fancy as they are now --simply because I thought white was SOOO bland on a color PDA. And with the low-res color, it was a lot easier for me to read white text on a dark background.

Even with the early launchers, you could see the icons on a jewel red background, or blue, or whatever your favorite color is. With most of today's launchers you can use photos and change them as often as you want.

I use a lot of other launcher features now - but I STILL think a white background is a real waste of a color PDA.

Anita

[wnm]

Because if we didn't have 3rd party launchers, there would be not thing to argue about at Cliesource except politics and religion.;)

I got a 3rd party launcher LIII, because I wanted to store and launch apps from my MemPlug on my Visor Platinum. I eventually cross graded to LX. I'm happy to have it as there are many features that make using my T665 easier, but I certainly could live without it.

[*YellowRose*]

Originally posted by wnm
Because if we didn't have 3rd party launchers, there would be not thing to argue about at Cliesource except politics and religion.;) You forgot web clipping applications, Wondersilk, ethics, doc readers . . . ;)

[Sideway]

Originally posted by wnm
Because if we didn't have 3rd party launchers, there would be not thing to argue about at Cliesource except politics and religion.;)


LOL :)

[notmuch]

AFAIK, there are two good reasons for a 3rd party launcher.

1) you have tons of apps on memory cards
2) you like looking at pretty pictures covered with icons

Frankly, anyone who thinks their launcher really saves them time is delusional.

[Narniahopper]

Originally posted by notmuch
Frankly, anyone who thinks their launcher really saves them time is delusional.

LOL

[ksjenkins]

1. Eye Candy.
2. Better Organization of Apps.
3. Helps if you have multiple MS's.
4. Execution of apps from MS.

ZLauncher rocks!

my 2 cents
:)

[mashoutposse]

JC2K basically said it.

And, yes, ZLauncher does rock :D

[wnm]

Originally posted by Narniahopper


LOL

That explains a lot.

[T1000X]

I've tried many launchers, and I haven't found any that fit my exact needs perfectly. What I do is use a program like Chrome where I can change the colors on my color devices in the default launcher, and use hacks to extend the use of the OS.

[earlyman]

I also tried many launchers and found that the overhead (backgrounds, skins, crashes, and so forth) outweighed any advantage. I have a NR70 and I'm content with the resident launcher. FileZ does everything I need when accessing the MS or when moving files around. Also, I'm not sure if there is any productivity gain when using a 3rd party launcher over the resident launcher. I didn't see any.

[anniebluesky]

Originally posted by T1000X
I've tried many launchers, and I haven't found any that fit my exact needs perfectly. What I do is use a program like Chrome where I can change the colors on my color devices in the default launcher, and use hacks to extend the use of the OS.

Go here to get a freeware program that works wonderfully.

http://www.palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?prodID=46384

Here is a thread that I posted about my Clie and the default launcher...it tells how I used hacks and adjusted the settings.

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4350&highlight=zen

[rob_squared]

I started with silverscreen and I'm now using YiShow. I could NEVER go back to the standard launcher again.

[DMSB]

Thanks for all the info and opinions. One more question: does using a 3rd party launcher make selecting apps from the memory stick faster? Right now it seems pretty slow - and I've only got a few things on the MS. If it can make the app come up faster I'd be more inclined to use a 3rd party launcher. Another comment: LOVE this site and the quick, detailed responses! Very helpful to a newbie!

[CorruptData]

Originally posted by wnm
Because if we didn't have 3rd party launchers, there would be not thing to argue about at Cliesource except politics and religion.;)


WNM, you forgot warez...

[CorruptData]

Doesn't using a 3rd party launcher just take up valuable memory?

[wnm]

Originally posted by CorruptData


WNM, you forgot warez...

I was trying not to be inflamatory, but if you insist,

NO WAREZ