TCPMP Open Source Media Player, AWESOME!!!

For anyone who plans on watching their DVD movies on their Palm, here's what I've done on my T5 recently.

From PalmInfocenter, I was informed that there is an open source, and free, media player that plays the following file types:

Audio codecs:

* Mpeg 1 LayerIII (mp3)
* Ogg Vorbis
* Musepack
* Adpcm, uLaw

Video codec:

* DivX
* XviD
* Mpeg4-SP (plus B-frame support)
* Mpeg1
* M-JPEG

Here's the URL for TCPMP: http://tcpmp.corecodec.org/

As for ripping your DVD's, I downloaded/installed Pocket DVD Studio for Palm (http://www.pqdvd.com/download/index.html) along with the Xvid and Divx codecs that can be downloaded from the same page.

I then picked a DVD from my collection (in this case, Tora Tora Tora) and ripped it. I wanted to use the smallest footprint possible so as to install it into the T5's internal flash memory area instead of an SD card. The size of the final rip was 107mb, just small enough to work. The output preferences were minimal (12fps, mono audio). Very minimal...

As for video and audio quality, that can be controlled in the preferences of Pocket DVD Studio. It's a very intuitive program. Have fun with it.

Graffiti 1 on the T5!

If you're having a hard time relearning/migrating/adjusting to Graffiti 2 on your T5 as I was, here's a Brighthand post with a link to download and install updated files to your T5. It works great for me. I just installed the two files onto the SD card, used Filez to copy them into internal RAM, did a soft reset and presto!!! No more G2!!!

Just click onto the title of this post and you'll be transferred to it!

Proporta Screen Protector: On

The Proporta screen protector has arrived and is on! Here's my experience with it so far.

Since, I'm a perfectionist, application took a little while (I'm pretty picky about bubbles, dust and stuff underneath). After some experimenting, I managed to get particles of dust and lint on the clingy-side of the protector and found that water and a mild dish detergent (in this case, Dawn) along with ordinary paper dinner napkins dried (dab, don't rub, as it may scratch the protector) off the protector very well, leaving virtually no lint. This gave me enough time to wipe the T5 screen and apply the protector with ease.

During application, I particularly liked the "clinginess" of the protector as opposed to other "cheap" ones that have adhesive on them.

As for writing on it, it does have a nice feel. Not too slippery and not too grippy. It has a wonderful balance for sure. Great job Proporta!

As an added bonus, Proporta provided a Promo Code that can be passed on to friends and colleagues for 10% off Proporta hardware (excluding PDA's and GPS equipment) and 20% off all Proporta software (including their famous TomeRaider e-reference viewer). Because I see all who read this blog as friends and colleagues in the PDA world, here it is: PASSITON10

Overall, Proporta satisfied my need with this great product. Awesome job, Proporta!!! Check them out at http://www.proporta.com

Update Time:

Aeroplayer Musings:

It’s been a while since I’ve used Aeroplayer to listen to music (family time has really taken up my recreation time lately but that’s okay.). The last time I listened to music on my Palm, I was using my Tungsten T. Man, was I surprised! I had a few moments this afternoon to kill, so I plugged in my earbuds and listened to some of my favorite U2 songs! I just had to write about it.

In my opinion, I think the T5 has a vastly improved audio output than my “old” Tungsten T. The volume seemed amplified a lot more than the T|T. The sound seemed very crisp and sharper, too! I’m not an expert audiophile, but I did hear a considerable improvement. I’m not sure what pa1mOne did, but it’s wonderful to hear the improved quality of the audio. Great job, pa1mOne!

T5 Cradle:

I have one on order and it should be here any day now. I was getting tired of plugging in the T5 every time I had to do a Hotsync. Just a small gripe for pa1mOne here. They should have included one with the T5 package, but I’m sure it’s part of their marketing idea to sell it aftermarket. I’ll just use the current USB cable for my laptop at work and keep the cradle at home with the desktop.

Proporta Screen Protector:

I have one on order and it should be here by the weekend. Will let you know how it works. Thanks to rt for suggesting it on the blog. I had the Fellowes “universal” protector on it but I decided on changing protectors for a couple reasons. First, they had to be custom cut for the T5 and they scratched easily. I’ll update my experiences with the Proporta when it’s installed.

BackupBuddyVFS Pro Update:

It continues to work like a charm.