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Try Launcher Pro, if you haven't tried it or another home screen replacement already!

If you're hesitant to replace the stock home screen, as I was, you should at least try out launcher pro to see what you are missing. Scrolling is buttery smooth, both between home screens and on the app drawer. RAM actually INCREASES from using Launcher Pro (with a rooted, but stock froyo phone, stock home screen kept me around 200-225mb RAM...launcher pro gets me between 220-250 mb RAM). Finally, and probably most importantly, there are a TON of features to try out in terms of usability, personalization, notifications, etc...
Also, in case you didn't know, it's free. Give it a shot and potentially enjoy a better g2x experience!

I've been using it ever since I've gotten the phone. It's the smoothest launcher out there imo, and makes it impossible to go back to stock.

I agree on using launcher replacements, especially if you actually delete the stock launcher and add the replacement to system apps like I do. I my self use ADWLauncher, used it since it first came out.

Launcher Pro used to be the fastest/smoothest launcher on the G2X but ADW took the crown with it's last update. Try ADW and see for yourself. Many have tried ADW and agreed. I will test Launcher Pro again once a new update is released.
Here is my review on the top 4 launchers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068898

jrwingate6 said:
Launcher Pro used to be the fastest/smoothest launcher on the G2X but ADW took the crown with it's last update. Try ADW and see for yourself. Many have tried ADW and agreed. I will test Launcher Pro again once a new update is released.
Here is my review on the top 4 launchers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068898
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried LP today actually because they just released the new update. Is your review of all the launchers relevant for the latest version of ADW?
Edit: sorry, I see it is very relevant to the latest version of ADW!

Erislover said:
I tried LP today actually because they just released the new update. Is your review of all the launchers relevant for the latest version of ADW?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.

jrwingate6 said:
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to each his own...everyone has their own personal preference. my advice is for everyone to just try each home replacement and see which one you like best.

I have tried them all, and personally I think Go Launcher is the best. It does everything the other ones do, but the ability to put folders in the app drawer sold me. I also use Go Contacts, Dialer, and SMS. Great devs.
Sent from my HTC vision using XDA Premium App

I see Launcher Pro is 0.8.6. I'm looking up the new features now. I have the latest but it gets updated so frequently that I lose track of new features sometimes.
[Update]
Icon Packs!
I haven't used ADW Ex in a while. What features are in the latest update?
Out of Launcher Pro and ADW Ex, I really like ADW Ex the best. Seems they have a lot more control over icon sizes, themes, homescreen tranistions, etc. Launcher Pro, while has most of those things, really stands out with the Paid Version and their Widgets. I can't find full screen scrolling widgets for Twitter and Facebook that are easy to use. The Cool with with LP Pro, is I can back it up on my SD card, and now every time I download the free version, I can restore my settings from SD and immediately have my Facebook and Twitter widgets placed, logged in, and updating within seconds. I don't have to fool with signing in each one EVERY TIME I flash a new rom.
So LP Pro for me. I am really glad they introduced Widget Themes and Icon Pack Support so I can change it up once in a while.

One nice thing about ADWex is the mix and match part of the theme section. I can use an icon set from one theme, a dock bar from another and a hidden dockbar from yet another. Alternatively, all icons from all themes are always available regardless of what theme set you're using.
Sent from my LG-P999

While it's absolutely cool to discuss which home screen replacement app is the best, the only reason why I posted this thread was to encourage users who HAVEN'T tried out any of these apps to take the plunge, so that their g2x experience is enriched a bit.
like tq745 says above, to each his own, but you really should try them out and see how much better android is with them.

What if we don't like them how can we return stock?

Sorry double post

Sk8trfred said:
What if we don't like them how can we return stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just uninstall it's like installing a different browser!
As for me, I love lp. I would like the themes of adw but the scrolling apps at the bottom of lp are something I love.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

jrwingate6 said:
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).

jlevy73 said:
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a ADW thread. Then I emailed the DEV to confirm.

jlevy73 said:
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just try the new adwex on fast profile. Ftw
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

jrwingate6 said:
In a ADW thread. Then I emailed the DEV to confirm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll have to give 1.3.3 a shot when I get back home.

Whoever recommended Go Launcher is on to something. I'd always been turned off by the icon when I saw it in the market (silly, i know) but it has some of the most diverse options and is the most featured amongst the free options.

hiko36 said:
Whoever recommended Go Launcher is on to something. I'd always been turned off by the icon when I saw it in the market (silly, i know) but it has some of the most diverse options and is the most featured amongst the free options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its good for sure. Once it gets hw acceleration ill check it out again.
Till then the speed of adw is wow.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Is LauncherPro Plus worth $3.50?

Do you find yourself using the added features (widgets specifically)?
Edit: I've spent the past two days playing with and customizing Go Launcher EX and really really like it. It has all the features of Launcher Pro and then some. Using a 5x5 grid for apps is really nice too.
I'd be interested in downloading more widget and icon themes/packs if anyone knows a good resource.
I will probably give ADW a go this weekend.

Think of it this way, its probably cheaper than a happy meal. Why not give it a shot? The worst that could happen is you dont like it. But the money still goes to an amazing developer and makes it so more amazing developers continue to bring us great apps.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

I honestly haven't had one regret with app purchases. Titanium seemed steep at $6, and I haven't used it yet, but if it works, it should be well worth it.

LauncherPro hasn't been updated in 3 months and it's been force closing and hanging on reboot with alarming regularity, both on my old DInc and my Charge. I had to switch to GoLauncher, which has an unfortunately large memory footprint, but at least doesn't crash quite as much. I wouldn't give him my money just yet.

What is this "paying" you speak of?
Sent from my Droid Charge running GummyFroyo 1.9.1

I think at one point it was worth it. I had purchased it when i had my Droid incredible and it ran great. There is more functionality added with the pro version than just the widgets, I really liked the gesture commands on the dock shortcuts.
It didn't run so well for me on the Charge though. I was getting constant redraws and the gesture commands that worked so well on the DInc were slower to pop up on the Charge. Unfortunate but it's good to have choices...
I switched to Go Launcher EX - just seems to work better on the Charge for me, and as stated above Launcher Pro is really slow with updates. LPP is still a really good launcher, but it may just be falling behind. Maybe the re-write the dev is doing will be worth the wait but for now check your options.

Not to mention that Go-Launcher Ex gives all the pay-only features of LauncherPro for FREE
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App

lane32x said:
Not to mention that Go-Launcher Ex gives all the pay-only features of LauncherPro for FREE
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Careful with Go-Launcher...ive heard something about data collection with the launcher, I think what freaked most people out is that it is coded in china, and it sends data back? I don't remember exactly, just I know don't use it...might want to research that one... I think the saying goes "You get what you Pay for & Nothing comes for free"
I own both Launcher Pro and ADWex, both awesome in there own right, with each other having a few feature that are needed in the other. As for Launcher Pro it was a day one purchase when it was released from beta and launched as Launcher Pro and Launcher Pro Plus.
The Dev for launcher pro is in the process of doing a rewrite from scratch with it. It's a slow process...
Would I recommend Launcher Pro Plus, I would then, and I still would now.
And for the person that inferred getting it for free...shame on you! If you didn't mean it that way I apologize in advance, if not then well hopefully the guilt consumes you...

If you use the app, its worth $3.50 to compensate the developer for their time. Pay it forward!

It was worth it on the Fascinate but now with the Droid Charge, Go Launcher EX and ADW now appear to have more features.
norm883

I love LP+, but (as mentioned) I do have constant redraws and it's been crashing a lot. Never had either issue on my old Droid Eris.
Also, LP+ has lost it's functionality to display Gmail unread counts on the dock. Google changed somethings in the latest Gmail update that broke it. I alerted Fede that madmack, the dev for NoLED was able to fix Gmail notification issues via new APIs that he's applied to NoLED. So far, no changes to LP+ though.
Honestly, I prefer LP+ to ADW and GO, but these redraws and crashes need to stop. Here's the BIG issue... Fede began work on the LP rewrite during the last week of September 2010. We're almost in September 2011 without release of the rewrite. In that time, we've seen both Gingerbread AND Ice Cream Sandwich. Additionally, Fede just released UberMusic (which is the prettiest music app available, but it needs the features that PowerAmp has to make it legit). In any case, I'm personally concerned that Fede is working his day job and then spending the majority of time on UberMusic. There's no guarantee we'll ever see this rewrite. We're getting into a "Duke Nukem Forever" type of situation with this.
I may make a switch to GO soon though. They're super active and are developing an entire suite of apps to compliment each other. Plus, it's free.
I understand the privacy concerns, but they are legitimately funded by VC and Paul at MoDaCo pulled apart the apps and hasn't found anything to cause alarm, in his opinion (which I consider to be an authoritative opinion): http://android.modaco.com/topic/342722-goapps-investigating-the-privacy-claims/

ADW EX is my favorite. Never did care for LaucherPro

my 4 cents (2 for each issue)
I like LauncherPro and paid for it. The speed up features on it seem to make the Charge go faster...
If you like an app, buy it. 3 bucks isnt much and worth it. Do I download apps to try the "extra" features? Yes I do. If I find them useful I buy it. If I don't use them either I use the free version or uninstall it.
The exception would be that 3d launcher that I saw awhile back. It was something like 20$. I wouldnt buy that one, but I also don't think I would really try it much either. 20$ is too much for a replacement launcher.

I haven't noticed any lag. When in browser, after pressing home button it takes a few seconds for the home screen to come back. But honestly I couldnt live without LP+. The Widgets included are unmatched in Android Market. I know not many people like sense, but the people, calendar, and Facebook widgets are like sense, but better.
EDIT
I guess this was what people are calling screen redraw. Sorry, I didn't realize this was a big issue over here. I had screen redraw issues on other phones worse
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App

LauncherPro is due for an update, no arguments there, but the Plus widgets are still hands-down the best out there. Facebook, Twitter, Messaging, Gmail, Email, Calendar... totally worth the price.
And even though LauncherPro hasn't been updated since May, ADW is even worse -- it hasn't been updated since December. Even the paid ADW EX was last updated less recently than LauncherPro.

The lag and redraw is pissing me off with LP +. I bought it for my Tab and am using on the charge but keeps force closing. I do like the widgets but the facebook widget shows all the game crap and doesn't give an option to hide it like pure messenger widget. I hope it gets updated and fixes the issues the we are having.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App

After 2 days with Go Launcher, I'm a convert. I'll give LauncherPro another shot when the rewrite comes out.

Falcyn said:
LauncherPro is due for an update, no arguments there, but the Plus widgets are still hands-down the best out there. Facebook, Twitter, Messaging, Gmail, Email, Calendar... totally worth the price.
And even though LauncherPro hasn't been updated since May, ADW is even worse -- it hasn't been updated since December. Even the paid ADW EX was last updated less recently than LauncherPro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a really huge fan of ADW EX, and it is well worth the money ($3.28 USD). Even though ADW EX hasn't been updated in a while, who cares? It runs great, has a boat-load of features, and I can't think of much reason for an update. I think there's a darned good reason why almost all the ROMs I have used in the past have had ADW or ADW EX pre-installed by the developers. That seems like a pretty good sign of quality for me.

[Q] Gingerbread Launchers

Hi All, I'm currently running Wolf's Gingerbread rom and absolutely loving it. However I'm not too fond of the stock GB Launcher. My previous favorite was ADW Launcher EX, as it had lots of customizations available, however I've found that since updating to GB, a lot of the exclusive widgets don't show up in third-party launchers.
What is the best alternative to the stock GB launcher that will give me all the available widgets. I prefer the vertical scrolling app-drawer, as opposed to the 'page-style' in GB personally... Suggestions?

I really like SPB shell, It brings alot of widgets. Downfall is it is 15 dollars :\

Thanks, I'll look into that one. It looks like a nice 3D layout. As long as it's smooth, I'd be willing to give it a try.
(makes me wish the google return policy was 24hrs not 15 minutes )

Spb does not support some stock SE widgets like timescape etc. I don't think there are any 3rd party launchers that do, sorry...
Sent from my X10a using The Force

Eddie_Brock said:
Thanks, I'll look into that one. It looks like a nice 3D layout. As long as it's smooth, I'd be willing to give it a try.
(makes me wish the google return policy was 24hrs not 15 minutes )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smoothest launcher ever. U can always try a cracked apk .....if u like it buy it. The cracked version won't last as it looks for a purchuse but u can test it for yourself
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

mrloltime said:
Smoothest launcher ever. U can always try a cracked apk .....if u like it buy it. The cracked version won't last as it looks for a purchuse but u can test it for yourself
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol that's easy to disable..

mrloltime said:
Smoothest launcher ever. U can always try a cracked apk .....if u like it buy it. The cracked version won't last as it looks for a purchuse but u can test it for yourself
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did find a 'free' version, but I didn't install it as the Permissions were extensive and it came from an unreliable source. I may get brave and try it out, but having the new SE weather widget and all the rest of the new ones at my disposal would be nice.
I just assume the 3rd-party launchers will get updated with access to the exclusive widgets, but I could be wrong.

I couldn't get SPB Shell to work on my phone. After patching it as indicated in the readme, it refused to open. I might need a different version...

I'm still on 2.1 - getting ready to use WB's rom. I'm currently using Go Launcher Pro. It's been fairly cool and has a lot of features and fairly configurable. I can get the default widgets to work with it as well. I have Timescape running on my main screen, and the power control widget on another.
I will try Go Launcher on 2.3.3 after I upgrade, and see if widgets stop working.

Keep us updated.
Personally, using 3rd Party Launchers on 2.1 (and 2.2 wolfbreak), I had no issues accessing all of the widgets, but for some reason on Gingerbread, only the stock launcher seems to have access to them all.

Is there still no way to 'unlock' all of the Widgets from the stock launcher to third parties?
I'm surprised no one else has wanted ALL of their widgets in other launchers like ADW or GoLauncher.

Which Launcher Do You Prefer?

What launcher do you guys prefer to use? Any comments on battery life, options, other things you like or don't? Answer the poll too, I'm just curious as to what my fellow Infusers use.
I am running CM7 with Go Launcher EX over the top. As far as other launchers go, I have used LauncherPro, ADW, and Zeam launcher in the past. Go Launcher just seems to give me the best battery life, and still gives decent options for themes to match the theme of the ROM. I like the ability to hide apps in the app drawer, and I like how the Go themes theme the app icons as well.
Are there any launchers that have shown you better battery life than Go Launcher?

tried all of em, none really seem to impact battery life that much. The infuse can run all of them pretty well so it's just a matter of preference. Because of that I don't see a point in running zeam. The slightly less memory footprint doesn't affect the phone in any significant way, and you are losing customization options because of it.
Go Launcher has been my go-to launcher, its filled with features and is free. It is set to stay in memory and uses (very) slightly more resources than the others.
However I switched to ADW EX lately simply because I prefer the way it scales dock icons better. However I always wind up switching back and forth between launchers so i may find myself back on GO. Since the inclusion of ICS-style folders though it's been real nice and worth the money.
Launcher7 has been my most recent experiment, I used it on an off in the past but im really giving it a shot as a launcher right now. It's pretty smooth and solid, don't have any real problems with it (aside from it being hard to properly implement widgets)
the tweaked TW4 launcher is very nice and very smooth, but also very unstable in my experience. If it crashed less often it would probably be my main launcher.
The stock TW3 (AT&T version, Rogers version puts these ugly boxes around the icons to try to mimic iPhone) works, but like zeam is pretty barebones. Does the job though and if you aren't looking to really customize anything then it's probably the best option.
SPB Shell...tried it and don't really see what's so great about it. Far too expensive as well.
ICS Launcher works, but I personally don't like the "faked" ICS features. Just makes the whole experience feel cheaper.
I can't even vote for one in particular, they are all good and have their strengths and weaknesses. Currently im on ADW EX/Launcher7 right now but that doesn't mean I particularly like them more than the others.

I agree with zeam being underpowered, and ICS launcher being cheap and gimmicky. Both didn't impress me.
I like launcherpro, but for some reason it eats the crap out of my battery.
Go launcher is my go to, seems to have the best battery life even though i know it's more cpu intensive than the others. Also, has similar customization abilities to launcherpro which I like.
Haven't played around with ADW much, and to me, Launcher7 just isn't anywhere near where it would need to be. Just doesn't compare to the smoothness of an actual WP7, and there are still a lot of inconsistencies. If it was as smooth, I would accept the reduced customization, but since it isn't, it's a no-go.

From browsing XDA the last few months, ADW and GO seem to be the most popular, but I prefer Launcher Pro. If GO launcher had better tray options I would probably use that though.

Like many of you ... I've tried them all. I still switch around to different launchers ever couple of weeks. However, the launcher of choice for me is still launcher pro. Its the smoothest one of the bunch even tho the developer stopped supporting it.
My experiences has been different than some of the others. launcher pro actually gives me the beat battery life and go/adw gives me bad battery life.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

+1 for go launcher.

Launcher pro is my favorite!
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App

ADW EX
Zeam
LauncherPro
In that order.

ADW Ex right now.
Used to be on Go Launcher Ex, but I experienced a lot of slowdowns.. Might try it again after a new flash though.

dustinhayes93 said:
Launcher pro is my favorite!
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

I love adw personally nothing else compares in my opinion.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

In this order:
ICS Stock
SPB Shell 3d
Go Launcher
i hate adw with a passion. just thought you should know ...
<(^.^<)
(>^.^)>
yep.

Why do all launchers have some kind of lagging ?
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

devgee said:
Why do all launchers have some kind of lagging ?
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find that a lot of times, what is experienced as 'lag' is actually just the animations some of the launchers provide. Those tend to take a little bit to complete, and unless you disable them or speed them up, they become an annoyance.

i have used launcher pro since my first android(first day) so much that i forgot how to use TW ..lol its smooth for me and the customization is also really nice imo.. no battery issues for me with launcher pro!!

I have tried many launchers (and still hunting in free time)
Till now for me whenever I install a new launcher every time i have to set back to "Nemus Launcher"
It is free on android market
Small Size 1.5mb
Simple and nice interface
15 dock option
Customizable grids, App locker.
Ability to add customizable folder under application menu.

ndhanta said:
I have tried many launcher (and still hunting)
Till now for me whenever I install a new launcher every time i have to set back to "Nemus Launcher"
It is free on android market
Small Size 1.5mb
Simple and nice interface
15 dock option
Customizable grids, App hider.
Ability to add customizable folder under application menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Upon your recommendation I just installed Nemus, and so far I like it
Thanks
x

Welcome ExPeRiMeNt
If someone keeps his expectations low, he will not regret after installing this launcher ​

I really liked FTL as a lightweight launcher

Well i recently started using balancer launcher, and it seems pretty stable and it gets the job done. The launcher has a built in file browser that you can get to by pressing the "menu" soft key that is all the way to the left next to the "home"soft key. Its a small size only 1.86 mb. it is fairly simple, but it has some features others dont have (file browser), its smooth and doesnt effect my battery...at least that i can notice. I believe it is relativly new so it can only get better
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA

Do you like/use go launcher ex?

I'm too scared to root and I wouldn't know the first place to start to mod my SGS2 Skyrocket, so I looked into some themes via google play.
Go Launcher EX is pretty sweet IMO... I won't pay for themes obviously, but they have a few really cool themes for lock screen and the home screen.
Im using the sms theme, the home theme, and lock theme.
I'm pretty happy with the way it works on ICS (stock) on my skyrocket.
So, do you like/use go launcher ex?

shawnj0 said:
I'm too scared to root and I wouldn't know the first place to start to mod my SGS2 Skyrocket, so I looked into some themes via google play.
Go Launcher EX is pretty sweet IMO... I won't pay for themes obviously, but they have a few really cool themes for lock screen and the home screen.
Im using the sms theme, the home theme, and lock theme.
I'm pretty happy with the way it works on ICS (stock) on my skyrocket.
So, do you like/use go launcher ex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it, but it drained my battery more quickly that other launchers. I'm using ADW EX, and I like it.
Don't be afraid to root, and install a rom. I would spend a good while reading the stickies, and tutorials before doing anything. If you have questions, just ask.

I use Go Launcher Ex as my primary launcher on both my Nook Tablet and my Skyrocket (As well as Go SMS for SMS) and I love it. There are a lot of themes that are available for free, though I usually modify the themes (using the preferences) to use parts of different themes.

I used to use Go Launcher, and it was pretty good, but now I've moved on to bigger and better things (I'm a Nova Prime user right now.) If you're looking for a good lockscreen, I can't recommend anything other than Widgetlocker. By far the best lockscreen I've found yet. I think it's like, 99 cents in the Play Store, but it's well worth it!

RAM hog
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda premium

I seriously dislike Go Launcher. It's a resource hog, it's laggy, and it's not nearly as robust as Apex or the S3 launcher.
Seriously, just root.. follow all the instructions carefully and everything should be fine.
Do these things, in this order:
1) root
2) flash CWM Touch 6.0.1.0 (available here)
3) make a nanbackup
4) flash CM9 Chimera v2.2 (available here)
5) install Apex launcher
6) profit greatly

I use to use Go Launcher the first weeks I was using my phone then after testing out other launchers I stuck with Apex, another good one is Nova. Since I use CM9/AOKP I just use their themes and make it fancy looking :silly:

Using go launcher and I think it's fine, I found the organization of it was better than other launchers I tried.

I would never use go launcher on ics. Apex is far better. Or nova
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah I un installed the applications related to the go launcher and needless to say I saved about 3-400 MB of ram. Needless to say I won't bother using that again.
I'm not quite comfortable rooting just yet. Maybe when I get bored of the phone as I typically get with any phone.
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2

shawnj0 said:
Yeah I un installed the applications related to the go launcher and needless to say I saved about 3-400 MB of ram. Needless to say I won't bother using that again.
I'm not quite comfortable rooting just yet. Maybe when I get bored of the phone as I typically get with any phone.
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either way, I would still suggest either Nova or Apex. If you're not willing to pay money, I'd go with Apex, as it'll have a couple more free features that you're used to from Go Launcher, but if you're okay dropping a few bucks on a launcher for your phone, both Apex and Nova are pretty much equal. I just like the look of the icon and the name of Nove Launcher, so that's why I went with it over Apex.

enterflux said:
Either way, I would still suggest either Nova or Apex. If you're not willing to pay money, I'd go with Apex, as it'll have a couple more free features that you're used to from Go Launcher, but if you're okay dropping a few bucks on a launcher for your phone, both Apex and Nova are pretty much equal. I just like the look of the icon and the name of Nove Launcher, so that's why I went with it over Apex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to root to get those launchers right?
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2

shawnj0 said:
I have to root to get those launchers right?
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Root helps them integrate a little bit better, but they're just ICS launchers.

enterflux said:
Nope. Root helps them integrate a little bit better, but they're just ICS launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without root, you can't install widgets straight from the app drawer in Apex.
Or lots of other neat tricks.

I tried GO for about a week after getting my phone. As others have said, it's a RAM hog and a battery-drainer. I've also tried 360 Launcher, and am not a big fan of it for similar reasons. Apex Pro is my launcher of choice, as it's versatile, not very memory-intensive, and not much of a battery drain at all. I had intended to try Nova, but Apex has just been so good for me that I never saw a need to.

aycockonxion said:
Without root, you can't install widgets straight from the app drawer in Apex.
Or lots of other neat tricks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, then I guess he should go with Nova, as I haven't had any problems with it without root

I went with apex. I haven't checked how much memory it's using but I do enjoy their free themes. I'm not one for widgets yet, I'm still an android noob, but I am definitely loving my s2. Makes me wonder if I should've gotten the s3. But for the headache and money and effort to get the s3, its not worth it to me.
The s2 is quite the phone. Android customization ability over apple proprietary operating systems any day, IMO.
Sorry that was OT. However, I like apex. Currently using the Plate Theme 4 with a stolen blue background from another theme. It's lovely!

Based on this thread, I've looked at both Nova and Apex (in the market, not on my phone). Both look great, though I'm not sure that I like the idea of paying for unread notifications...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against it; just seems a bit odd to me. That's one of the features that I would use most. I can't see any of the other paid features that would be a ton of use to me (provided I could replace icons on either free version, Go has some good themes, but the theme builder being partially in Chinese with no way to change it is a huge turn off).

Go does have one feature I really like that Apex and Nova lack and that is the ability to resize homescreen icons, not just in the dock. Not as important on my Skyrocket, but would be nice to have on my wife's Note since the icons look too small to me on that large screen. But, like others mentioned, it is a resource hog plus runs in the background even when it is not the default launcher (I mean, WTF?!), but the kicker is it cannot use icon packs that I have purchased in the past which work on ADW, Apex, and Nova.

shawnj0 said:
I went with apex. I haven't checked how much memory it's using but I do enjoy their free themes. I'm not one for widgets yet, I'm still an android noob, but I am definitely loving my s2. Makes me wonder if I should've gotten the s3. But for the headache and money and effort to get the s3, its not worth it to me.
The s2 is quite the phone. Android customization ability over apple proprietary operating systems any day, IMO.
Sorry that was OT. However, I like apex. Currently using the Plate Theme 4 with a stolen blue background from another theme. It's lovely!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about Apex, but I know Nova can use Go Launcher themes. That opens up a lot more customization for you.
liquidzoo said:
Based on this thread, I've looked at both Nova and Apex (in the market, not on my phone). Both look great, though I'm not sure that I like the idea of paying for unread notifications...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against it; just seems a bit odd to me. That's one of the features that I would use most. I can't see any of the other paid features that would be a ton of use to me (provided I could replace icons on either free version, Go has some good themes, but the theme builder being partially in Chinese with no way to change it is a huge turn off).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have just accepted having to pay for quality apps that are basically system parts. I've payed for PowerAmp, Nova Prime, and Widget Locker and I find it extremely worth it. They're all quality apps that run smooth and integrate perfectly. Now, for random other apps, I'm a total cheap-skate and I hate paying for anything.