RND(tech)

I've got a few more software packages I've been playing with to make my new Tilt look more like an iPhone. These are some nice plugins/themes that make the AT&T (HTC) Tilt look and function much better. Stay tuned for that and my comments on using the Tilt to replace my iPod. I received my 8GB MicroSD card in the mail the other day, but I'm still waiting on the audio adapter for mini jack output. By the way, MicroSD cards are REALLY TINY. Amazing.

On a more functional note, I noticed Internet Passthrough wasn't working via ActiveSync. The default not for modern Windows Mobile and ActiveSync versions is to disable the wireless connectivity when connected to ActiveSync on a host PC. However, it wasn't working without the help of this tip about bypassing LSP (Layered Service Provider) and this AT&T Tilt forum post

For Valentine's day my valentine got me an AT&T Tilt (HTC 8925). Nice. I'm still working out the details, but I plan to use it to replace my iPod. Since it has awesome connectivity to the Internet, it would be great for updating podcasts. Also included is a decent 3 megapixel camera, although I'll probably limit it to 2 megapixels. There's no flash or zoom, so I won't be replacing the still camera. I'm still searching for Micro SDHC cards, but in the meantime, I've picked out the following as must-have apps.

PocketPuTTY:
SSH, Telnet, Serial connectivity! A must have for any command line UNIX/LINUX junky and it's free. Also features tunneling, color terminal and private key authentication!

AOL Instant Messenger:
My phone comes with one, but it only works via the Edge/3G Network. I don't know why, but I insist on using Wi-Fi when available. You should too if you don't have a flat rate data plan. You can still sneak a download of the old 2.0 mobile version at AOL UK for free. Otherwise, it's a paid program now.

Google Maps Mobile:
Why? I don't know yet. I have the TomTom One 3rd Edition. Maybe I'll get lost walking from my car somewhere. The non-GPS based location finder is kinda neat, but obviously not as accurate. It uses your current cell tower proximity and wi-fi network? location to judge your almost-whereabouts.

Dope Wars:
This has been a longtime favorite, even with my short-lived Dell Axim. It was even a favorite on my old Packard Bell 286-SX. Nothing special, but still oddly fun.

PocketMusic:
WinAmp for your PDA. Get it. Windows Media Player has always sucked on mobile devices, and still does with Windows Media 6. I don't know why Microsoft doesn't do something about that. Get the paid version (PocketMusic Bundle) if only to support the developer, but also because it will give you power options to dim the screen while your music is playing.

Egress:
The absolute ONLY decent RSS reader/podcatching client for Windows Mobile. Unfortunately, that also means you have to pay, but get lifetime upgrades. I can't believe Microsoft doesn't have this built in, but then again the Zune can't either. Every other podcast client requires sync from a host PC, but again, I think syncing such content via a data network (wi-fi or cell) is the future. You can also try Pocket Podcasts for Windows Mobile. That one's free, but it will only save content to \My Documents, which unfortunately means your small internal memory storage only. Ouch.

TCPMP:
TCPMP is THE media player for practically every format. This is a must have for video podcasts or other downloaded video content. I haven't played with it much, but you can add plugins for things like AAC audio, subtitles, and Flash Video. It's really hard to find, but Google is your friend.

Resco Explorer:
I haven't installed it yet, but I read it's the best for accessing network drives. It even features an FTP client, ZIP support, registry editor, and encryption. Most of that is already included on the Tilt, but for whatever reason, Windows Mobile doesn't support accessing UNC paths with authentication nicely.

I remember lots of hours spent in front of the NES playing the so-so remake of Operation Wolf. It was a popular arcade game for its time, due to the heavy-duty light gun. The NES version had watered down graphics, but because it was a Zapper game, it was a must buy. Remember how you had to hit the "B" button on the NES controller to throw a grenade? Remember how you used to tie it to the Zapper with a rubber band? Well, I did. Sadly, the Virtual Console revived this game without support for the Wii remote as a psudo-light gun. It was almost an assumed give that it should be this way, but alas it is not. The NES version also supported NES controller-only, via the D-pad and the "A" button and this is the version you'll get if you shell out 500 Wii points in the Shop Channel. Lame.

I recently came by a new Dell Inspiron 1525 that someone I know purchased. It originally came with Windows Vista Home Premium loaded from the factory, but the owner (like many others) preferred Windows XP Professional. With a little help from the links below, you can install all of the necessary drivers needed to get this laptop working with Windows XP!

First off, you'll need the SATA drivers on a USB floppy. There are other means of satisfying the Windows XP installer's lack of SATA drive support, but you're own your own past this link:
SATA controller: Intel Corporation 82801HBM/HEM (ICH8M/ICH8M-E) SATA AHCI Controller (rev 02)

Once XP is installed, I went straight for the wireless card driver:
Dell Wireless 1390 (Broadcom BCM 4311) Windows Update has the Creative Labs Webcam (built in to the top of the screen) and the Marvell Yukon 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller drivers. If you need the wired ethernet controller driver before the wireless, you can try the Marvell site and search for the Yukon family driver. It will have the driver, plus other utilities if you need support for things like 802.1q VLANs, etc.

Finish out the drivers, chipsets, and Dell hotkey support with:
SIGMATEL STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio Chipset Conexant D330,HDA,MDC,v.92,modem Touchpad Intel GM965 (Video Card) Dell Quickset Ricoh R5C833 (Flash Drive controller)

This particular Dell Inspiron didn't have bluetooth installed (the BIOS showed no card, even though there was an LED for it), but if your's has the Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module, you'll need the XP Downgrade patch to enable Bluetooth and then the actual Windows XP Driver