MDA compact II Games - General Topics

Hi guys,
(I have searched for this and similar topics so my apologies if I'm duplicating)
Bought my Compact about a month ago with T-mobile UK and am only just opening my eyes to its possibilities!
Thanks for all the information on web n walk etc.... i'll be signing up tomorrow!
I have just been on pocketgear.com and have seen all the games a pocket PC can use..... so I downloaded a trial version of a poker game (as is fashionable these days it seems!), but once transferred to my phone it wouldn't work.
Got the error message '[game] is not a valid pocket PC application'
So I tried Bookworm... and got the same message.
Am I doing something wrong, or is it because I downloaded it from an American Website to an English phone?
Any (and I do mean any) help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I haven't tweaked my phone in any way or improved it at all, so any further hints and tips would be appreciated too!
Cheers
J

When you DL software for your device, make sure that you DL software that is designed for your device. If you DL Pocket PC 2003 Software, and you are using a Windows Mobile 5.0 device, the software may NOT work on your device - also, if you are using a older device, you need to be aware that some software is designed for certain types of processors - so if you are using a PDA with an ARM processor, you have to DL software that will run on an ARM processor - not software that is designed for a MIPS processor. The newest devices all use the same processor (as far as I know) - but if you DL older software to run on the newer device, you will have to use software that was originally designed for anARM procesor. This may seem a little complicated, but the best way to find out how this works, is to go to a software distro site (like Handango), and download the different versions of the same software, and then install them. Hope that helps!
Black-wolf

Well, I think it is just plain bad luck. I've downloaded and install.. quite a large amount of software/games to test on my MDACompact2 and most of the software that said to be meant for WinCE, WM2003, SE, etc works well with WM5. I can say, in my experience, the chances of getting one not working in WM5 is like. 20% or less. So, keep trying

Hi onemanfloats!
Did you download an exe file an copied it directly to the device?
If the download is an exe that means it is an installer and needs to be run on you PC while the device is synchronized. Most PPC programs are distributed this way.
Also programs for PPC some times come as cab files. Those you have to copy to your device and tap on them in the explorer so they will install.
As for processor type - don't worry, all devices sold today come with ARM, or ARM compatible (like OMAP) processors, and most of the new software supports only that type.
As for OS, I'm not sure if your device is running Windows Mobile 5 or Windows Mobile 2003, but as far as games and ordinary programs go, if it works on 2003 it usually works on 5 (2005).
The only problem is with some utilities which are very OS dependent.
Finally let me recommend you this site:
http://www.pocketpcfreeware.com
Tons of free stuff for you device.
Good luck.

ms should make pda's error msg
tell the user that it's a pc application they are trying to
run on the pda
tons of ppl get confused but this

The "not designed for" message on WM2003 only meant that the application perhaps didn't support screen rotation, and other resolutions than 240x320

It's a bit off topic, but the warning "This program may not display correctly..." pops up on every program whose installation cab supports OS lower the 4.21 (that's WM 2003se in plain English ).
According to MSDN that's because the OS assumes the program inside can't support VGA, screen rotation and square.
It's pretty stupid design since a lot of programs try to be backwards compatible, at least to WM 2003, and the message just scares users.
It's a good thing they got rid of it in WM5.

cheers guys,
just got back from a tiring weekend in snowdon and read your replies.
Will digest in the morning and see what I can do!
Thanks again for your help!

Related

O2 xdaII mini

Dear friends ,
thanks for accepting me to be a part of this forum.
i have just been given a o2 min xdaii.
this is a upgrade to what i was using before ,and belive me i am lost with the jargon cab ,arm ect.
what i would like to know that other Pockect pc hp,bell ect use similar software application if so how can i use them,what are the parameter i should see to use before i download and apply so that they can be used by me.i would not like to be locked up and not be able to nothing about it.
so before i can try i would be much OBLIGED if you can brief me as to what critera i should adhere to.
it would be of great help to me
thanks
Hi rmelco1!
First, welcome to the forum!
Now a couple of basic terms:
CAB - a file which contains a program installation and can be run on the device by clicking it from file explorer. Usually apps will come with desktop installer that will transfer the cab automatically.
ARM - The standard of the processor. Once there were others (MIPS, SHA) but today only ARM is left, so any app from recent years would likely to have only ARM version.
Now here is what you need to check for compatibility:
1) That the app is for ARM processor.
2) That it is for Windows Mobile 2003SE or earlier. (WM 2002 apps will run on your device, but WM5 apps won't)
3) How much storage and program memory the app requires. You can go to Start->Setting->System->Memory to see how much you have.
4) Processor speed. Some apps like Skype are dependent on high processor speeds and if I am not mistaken your device has 195MHz processor. It will run the 'slow' Skype version though.
Well that's about it.
Good luck.
thanks a lot i am much at ease now.i am forwarding to u the details what should i make out it .and what can be done to enhance it
windows mobile 2003 Second edition
version 4.21.1008
romversion.1.11.00wwe
rom date.3.4.05
radio versio 1.11.00
ext rom versio 1.11.922
speed 416 MHZ
ram size 64mb
flash size 64mb
i am using a opera 8.6 bowser for web surfing.
my phone a times become dead slow and hangs up .and then i have to soft reset it .the sound is not to good but ok .the camera bad and no radio .but i still nice using it after nokia phones .
thanks once again
much obliged
rmelco
levenum said:
Hi rmelco1!
First, welcome to the forum!
Now a couple of basic terms:
CAB - a file which contains a program installation and can be run on the device by clicking it from file explorer. Usually apps will come with desktop installer that will transfer the cab automatically.
ARM - The standard of the processor. Once there were others (MIPS, SHA) but today only ARM is left, so any app from recent years would likely to have only ARM version.
Now here is what you need to check for compatibility:
1) That the app is for ARM processor.
2) That it is for Windows Mobile 2003SE or earlier. (WM 2002 apps will run on your device, but WM5 apps won't)
3) How much storage and program memory the app requires. You can go to Start->Setting->System->Memory to see how much you have.
4) Processor speed. Some apps like Skype are dependent on high processor speeds and if I am not mistaken your device has 195MHz processor. It will run the 'slow' Skype version though.
Well that's about it.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are a couple more tips for you:
1) You should put your device type and ROM version in your signature (see this post for example). That way when you have a question you won't have to retype the info.
romversion.1.11.00wwe
rom date.3.4.05
radio versio 1.11.00
ext rom versio 1.11.922
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2) Check out the Magician forum, you'll find a lot of stuff specific to your device, and of course there is a link to the wiki on the main page.
3) Note that when you click on the X you don't actually close the app, but minimize it. I suspect that is why your device becomes slow after a while (memory is all used up). To really close the program go to Start->Settings->System-Memory->Running programs. You can also get a program like SK Menu or MagicButton that let you close apps directly.
And finally check out this site: www.pocketpcfreeware.com
Good luck!
[
thanks a lot pal i will do as nessary . will be in touch with you if u dont mind
thanks
regards
raaj
quote="levenum"]Here are a couple more tips for you:
1) You should put your device type and ROM version in your signature (see this post for example). That way when you have a question you won't have to retype the info.
romversion.1.11.00wwe
rom date.3.4.05
radio versio 1.11.00
ext rom versio 1.11.922
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2) Check out the Magician forum, you'll find a lot of stuff specific to your device, and of course there is a link to the wiki on the main page.
3) Note that when you click on the X you don't actually close the app, but minimize it. I suspect that is why your device becomes slow after a while (memory is all used up). To really close the program go to Start->Settings->System-Memory->Running programs. You can also get a program like SK Menu or MagicButton that let you close apps directly.
And finally check out this site: www.pocketpcfreeware.com
Good luck![/quote]

difference between smartphone and PPC software tat i don understand..

Can a PPC software use in a Window mobile based smartphones?
are they functioning like in the PPC?
Can the *.cab file used for PPC use in smartphones?
I was just about to answer you, but then I go to the last line of your message.
We do not deal with WAREZ and craks here.
and
sthg about software tat i don understand..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is something that I don't understand
ok, prehaps i shouldn't ask it tat way... actually the main thg is i just wanna know if there is any possiblity tat we can use PPC softwares on Window mobile based smartphone?
That would depend on the software and the device.
Some will run, some you won't be able to use without touch screen and some will need extra components.
you can try...it's all winCE...
I know some of my old smartphone software works o.k. on my PPC, but PPC is like smartphone's bigger brother: with extras (touchscreen, others, etc.)
The screen is broke on my smartphone now but I seem to remember installing some stuff meant for PPC on there back in the day with varying results. I think some did work, but not a lot worked nicely.
AFAIK you need to port, change a few things (like have no touchscreen input) for a reliable result.
it being winCE is not always enough
binary files are spc for the cpu they were compiled for
but if they have the same cpu and the same libs
it would work
another matter is .net and java they are not written for a spc cpu but for the framework
http://mobile-enthusiast.blogspot.com/2007/01/how-to-run-pocket-pc-applications-on.html
Rudegar said:
http://mobile-enthusiast.blogspot.com/2007/01/how-to-run-pocket-pc-applications-on.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent article. Note that, however, it states all PPC apps run on a Smartphone w/ SPHelper ("Does this mean that they will run the same software? / Yes and no. All Windows Mobile devices (Smartphone, PPC, PPC phone edition, etc) can run the same actual executable code (.exe files) as long as it has been written for a Windows Mobile device. However if you actually try to install PPC software on a Smartphone (or vice versa) using Activesync, you might get an error message stating the device is incorrect and it will refuse to do anything."). This is, however, not really the case. See my related articles and hacking reports - in the articles I've posted in the last 2 weeks, I've posted a LOT of info on interoperability issues.
As a rule of thumb, about 10% of native (NON-Compact Framework-based) PPC programs can be hacked to work on a QVGA Smartphone. On a 176*220 one, even fewer.
bjy8138 said:
Can a PPC software use in a Window mobile based smartphones?
are they functioning like in the PPC?
Can the *.cab file used for PPC use in smartphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you don't miss ANY of my articles. They are ALL in this very "General" forum.
I've published a LOT of information on these subjects, listing all the compatible software and how they can be hacked.
there should be a special forum for them since there are soo many they cant be sticky
some might get pushed far back
Rudegar said:
there should be a special forum for them since there are soo many they cant be sticky
some might get pushed far back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that's a problem.
I'll some time collect the links and put them all in the Wiki so that they are easy to find.
off topic
I'll some time collect the links and put them all in the Wiki so that they are easy to find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something like that'd be good, I think we all appreciate informative articles and in-depth tests ...thanks!

UpToDate App: Speeding up the turtle of all turtles

Hey everyone,
Does anyone use an application called "UpToDate?" It's basically a huge medical textbook for physicians to look up stuff when they get stuck.
I noticed that it takes a little while to load (although I admit it's faster than the online version)... I was always wondering if there was a way to make the initial load even faster on WM5/6 devices. I found myself using apps like Skyscape less often after falling prey to this mighty application...
I've tried UpToDate using multiple Pocket PCs and ROMs. The best time I have so far on a WM5/6 device is 6 seconds, using an iPAQ hx4700 with one of Sanjay's/PDAViet's/Kozhura's WM6.1 ROMs.
My xv6800 (HTC Titan) takes 8 seconds and I get 9 seconds with a WM6 xv6700 (HTC Apache) at 520 MHz.
Maybe I'm being too obsessive about this. The way the WM version of UpToDate works is weird... It uses Sentry 2020 to extract some gigantic .RAW files into "virtual" SD cards. If there's any way I can permanently force this extraction process ahead of time, I'm sure that this app will load much faster. I'm wondering if a lot of physicans/med students are also thinking along the same lines as I am.
If anyone has tried any extreme, chaotic measures with this application and WM5/6, I'm all ears. If not, then I'll just leave it running in the background. Or perhaps I can put it on a RAM drive? That might be difficult because the installation process dumps files into the Windows directory, too.
I'm guessing that UpToDate was probably designed for WM2003 but was never optimized to match the ROM-based system of WM5/6. Oh well, if you feel like talking about this app, please fire away. Thanks again to Rudegar and demstav for shedding some light on this earlier on. And of course, a big thanks to all of you at XDA Devs because you all simply rock

Visual Studio requirement question

I'm a little bit confused and I hope that someone can answer my (I assume)
easy question:
Which edition of Visual Studio is needed for Windows Mobile 6 SDK
development? I'm already considering to update to VS 2008 but I'm not
sure if the Standard Edition is sufficient or if I need the Professional Edition
(which is considerably more expensive).
My confusion arises from the fact that on the download page
for the WM 6 Pro SDK it's stated that VS 2005 Standard and newer are
working. However, on the product comparison page (comparison of
editions), at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/cc149003.aspx
under "Smart Device Development" it is stated that the emulator and the
project templates are not part of the Standard edition.
Well, now I'm really confused. I hope someone can shed some light on this.
Sorry, if this question has already been answered somewhere on the forums -
I didn't find any accurate answer (the sticky thread "Development Resources for Windows Mobile" only tells me that there is a trial edition available for download - but that doesn't answer my question). And all other questions
similar to mine seem to have been answered with something like "... get VS 2008 ... " - but without mentioning any specific edition.
Michael
i'd prefer Visual Studio 2008 Professional, works with EVERY Device
*edit* : oh and with Standard Edition, yuou cant work for SmartPhone
if you haven't installed the wm sdk
smart device is .net apps
.net apps using the compact framework
dont require the wm sdk at all
you only need the sdk if you write pure c++ win32 or old microMfc using c++
Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately the limitations suck.
Since I'm also planning to code plain Win32 it seems I'd need the
Pro version if I'm planning to upgrade to VS 2008.
I just visited the WM SDK download page again and just recognized that
they didn't write VS 2008 Std. but VS 2005 Std.
So, my new question: can someone tell me whether VS 2005 Standard
is sufficient?
Michael
worked just fine for me with 2005 and sdk wm6 std and wm6 pro
Thanks again for the quick and accurate help. Seems like now comes the
tricky part - finding someone still selling VS 2005.
Michael
^ You could take a look at using SharpDevelop..
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/mobile/WiMoSansVS.aspx
[deXter] said:
^ You could take a look at using SharpDevelop..
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/mobile/WiMoSansVS.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already looked into that, but there are two problems: first, I'd like to program
in C++ and second, as far as I know when using SharpDevelop I've no debugger
at hand.
Thanks for that hint anyways.
Michael
Embedded C++ 4.0 will still work with WM5/WM6. And can be downloaded free. If you stick to good old Win32, no ATL or MFC, it will create one single executable, with no extra runtime baggage. All the DLLs it needs are already on your device. It may complain that the generated executable will not run on your target device, but it will, it's lying. Target for ARMv4 and there is a good chance it will work. The emulators in the WM5 and WM6 SDK's now actually run the ARM executables direct, so you can test your app to a release level without having to load it on the device.
If you keep main menu options down to one or two, it will appear like all other WM6 apps with the menu options connected to the left and right menu buttons. More than two and the menu appears as the older WM2003 control bar.
Thanks again people for all the help and suggestions. Fortunately (after
many hours of searching) I finally found someone selling VS 2005 Std.
Michael
As mentioned above, the Standard versions of VS2005 and VS2008 cannot target mobile/smart devices.
You will need the Professional Version.
You get what you pay for.

Recieved a New (secondhand) HTC Cruise..

Hiya's, I found this site while looking up info on the HTC cruise as I have just received a hand-me-down Cruise from a friend (had a very old nokia..). This is a major upgrade for me (it has a 2 camera's unlike my nokia which has none). I am keen to get the most use from the phone as possible and at the moment it seems to be going ok but having read a couple of the forum messages it seems that there are various upgrades that can make it a better phone.
I have been accused of being a semi-ludite when it comes to using technology so would appreciate any advice on what can be upgraded as far as the operating system and other programs are concerned. I have used the CoPilot program this morning and think is is the greatest thing since individually sliced and packaged cheese..
The settings on the phone indicate it is ROM 1.26.710.1 WWE (date 12/17/2007), Radio Version 1.58.21.23 and Protocol Version 25.65.30.04H.
If any advice is forthcoming, please keep things as simple as possible or I will have to get one of my neighbors kids to come over and explain..
Cheers
Ian
Welcome to the wonderful world of a touchscreen windows mobile device.
Of course there are a lot of things you can improve, thousands of programs are waiting to be installed and so on.
IMHO the most important thing is: If you are satisfied with your current system DO NOT change it. If everything is running smooth there is no need to flash a new operating system or radio. If you notice slowdowns during using the device or if the radio in your area is not running perfect you should flash the latest upgrade from HTC. They are offering WM 6.1 (WM = windows mobile, the operating system) and a new radio. Its very easy to flash but you will loose all your data on the device.
If you don't like your today screen, you can check some replacements, Mobile Shell is one of it:
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/mobileshell
And if you like this shell you can change its look with upgrades like this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3904948&postcount=2513
Of course you can flash one of the Roms created by one of the devs. You will find an overview here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=521961
But you should be aware that many of these roms are using stuff from other devices like Manilla, this might cause problems. And you have to be very careful if flash a self created rom, its not that easy like flashing an original HTC rom.
Last but not least you have to think about the way you want to use your device. If you just need a phone you need nothing else. If you want to read ebooks like wikipedia you need a reader and so on. Here you can find tons of programs for your device:
http://www.handango.com/homepage/Homepage.jsp?storeId=2218
You will also find a lot of freeware apps here:
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
And a very important thing is: Backup your device often if you are trying different applications, you are having a windows device
For a list of recommended software check my signature.
All are freeware except iGO, and easily found on this forums (or links from here lead to authors pages).
And welcome to Polaris owners club...
Thanks very much for the replies..
It seems to be going ok at the moment. I am not too sure whether it is slow or not (nothing to compare..) but opening an application only takes a couple of seconds so I am happy with that. I have been using it primarily as a phone (of course) but have been using the camera like mad. I even made one of my friends give me a video call..very cool...I have tried to use the voice commander application but it doesn't seem to want to do anything and eventually just says "Goodbye" and closes. I am going to look at the list of applications at some of the website that are list above and see what is available.
Cheers and thanks again..
IJ

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