My Tungsten T5

I've Moved.

2007-10-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

This blog has relatively been inactive for a while as I've acquired my own domain. Please visit my site at dwayneyamato dot com forward slash blog for all of my updated happenings. Thanks.

My Current Applications

2006-03-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a current list of applications that are on my T5. It's a pretty stable combination, so far.

AeroPlayer	5.5
AlwaysOn	1.2
Avantgo	6.0 (3027)
BackupBuddyVFS	3.3
Bible+	3.1.36
Crazy Daisy	1.01
Cubis	1.11
Documents To Go	7.006 (945)
FileZ	6.8.3
Handmark MPG	2.1.1
Handmark Solitaire	3.07p
HandyShopper	2.9b
Metro	5.3.9
Moon Phase	2.7
My Little Tank	1.05
My Roots	3.04
mySkin	1.5
PalmPDF	1.1a
Pinballs2	1.04
Pinballz	1.7
Pocket Quicken	2.5 (0130)
SFCave	0.04
SkyChart 2002
SoftReset	1.0.3
SolFree	4.5
TCPMP	0.72RC1
TealPhone	4.51
Tetris	1.3.0
TMP Calendar	1.17.1
Tradewinds	1.00
Uninstall Manager	2.76
WordComplete	3.1
Yahdice	2.01
ZAP2016	1.7

Almost a year in review...

2006-01-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, it doesn't seem that long ago since I received my T5 in the mail. I've gone through more ups than downs with this one and am glad to share with you my recap.

My Top 3 Ups:

1) The best one would have to be the firmware update. It dramatically improved the memory problems that faced the majority of T5 users. After installation, I experienced a virtual elimination of crashes. Awesome, Palm!

2) Since podcasts have consumed my commute to and from work, I've been using Aeroplayer to listen to them (I have an FM transmitter connected, not my earphones). I purchased the lifetime registration for both mp3 and aac codecs and it works flawlessly.

3) Finally, I'd have to say that TCPMP is the best media player for playing vidcasts, home movies and converted DVD's. Perhaps, I'll post more information on converting movies/videos to work with the Palm in a future post.

My Top 3 Downs (Industry-related):

1) The stability and executive changes at Palm have concerned many in the Palm world. I hope that Palm will hang in there and continue to make great products for the PDA world for many years to come.

2) Some say the PDA is dead/dying. With the advent of smartphones, many are converting to such a device. At this time, I am not. I'm considering the purchase a Bluetooth phone and "mate" my T5 with it. Keep the Palm PDA Alive!!!

3) Palm going to the darkside with Microsoft and the Treo 700w. NOOOOOOOO!!!!!....

Well, I'm sure I'll post some more later. But, for now I think I've said enough. I'll have more updates as soon as I have some free time from family and work. Take care to all of you T5 owners...

I registered Aeroplayer!!!

2005-10-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

I took the plunge and payed for the lifetime registration for Aeroplayer (both mp3 and AAC formats). I think it's the best audio player out there and have enjoyed the ease of use and the many skins out there (Velo's Blackhide is my skin of choice by far for both Aeroplayer and Launcher X!!!).

I'm on Palm Addict!

2005-10-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

I did a quick search on Technorati and noticed that Palm Addict wrote about this blog! I think it's pretty neat to be recognized by the such a reputable site. I'm honored to have been noticed. Thanks Palm Addict!

Fair Use DVD converter

2005-10-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, a simple way to rip/convert/shrink your DVD's to fit your SD cards! There's a Light and Full version. The Light edition seems to work fine for me but the Full edition adds features that fine tunes your DVD conversions. It's a great one, try it out! I've gotten Bourne Identity to fit in a 150mb space, awesome!

Firmware Update Summary

2005-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

This update has been around for several months now and it really has improved the stability of my T5!!! Awesome job Palm(one) for providing us this update.

Now, I've gone from several crashes per day to one per week! No more memory issues of the sort. My T5 is a happy camper!!!

TWiT Podcasts

2005-06-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

The former hosts of "The Screen Savers" on G4/TechTV (Leo Leporte, Kevin Rose, Patrick Norton, Yoshi, etc.) host this weekly podcast on anything Tech.

I downloaded their mp3's, converted them to Ogg Vorbis and listen to them on my T5 using Aeroplayer. Great content and entertainment.

With this being my first real experience into podcasting, I have to say it's refreshing from radio. I even burned a couple episodes onto CD to listen to in my car on my commute to and from work. It's a great way to pass the time away...

Update 092005:
I went ahead and purchased the lifetime registration for Aeroplayer (MP3 and AAC) and am looking forward to years of great podcast listening.

Media Adventure Continues

2005-05-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on my media happenings. Not much new, but I thought of posting something since it's been a while...

I've been using TCPMP (currently v 0.65) exclusively to watch my movies and it's the best open source media viewer out there!!!

As for programs that rip and convert files to AVI, I've used FairUse LE (works great) and Pocket DVD Studio Demo (okay but a little sketchy).

In addition, I'm tinkering with Gordian Knot but haven't had the time lately to do so. Our two-year old is always a higher priority.

That's about all for now. More next time!

TCPMP Open Source Media Player, AWESOME!!!

2005-04-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-04-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

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:

2005-04-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Future Projects with my T5

2005-03-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a partial list of "enhancements" to my T5 that I'd like to do:

-Purchase a Bluetooth adapter to Hotsync via Bluetooth. I think wireless synching is the way to go...

-Find a dependable backup program. I'm currently evaluating BackupBuddyVFS Pro and considering it as a viable purchase. No fatal crashes have occurred with this one so far.

-Expand my use of email using Versamail.

-Install family photos into the Media conduit on the T5. There are so many pics to choose from.

-Work with video and convert a DVD movie to the SD card for viewing. Perhaps using the Kinoma EX Suite 3.0 or similar. Any ideas that are affordable/cheap/free and dependable out there?

More later...

Update: 03/31/05

-Purchased BBVFS Pro yesterday!!! I think it'll help with my backups as it has been extremely stable during the trial period.

A little bump in the road... (DIA crashed)

2005-03-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, but I experienced a slight crisis with the T5 this afternoon.

For some reason, the DIA area went completely white (blank) after installing a game (Astraware Cubis). Everything else on the screen remained "normal" and seemed to work properly. Strange event for sure.

Here's what I ended up doing:

1) I deleted Cubis using Uninstall Manager (plus a soft reset) and it still didn't restore the DIA.

2) Thinking it was a problem with SkinDIA, I tried to restore the default DIA scheme (plus another soft reset), but it didn't restore the DIA, either. Hmmmm...

3) I was lucky enough to have installed BackupBuddyVFS Pro (trial version for now) and ran a backup yesterday to my SD card. Because I couldn't think of any other possible reason that caused the DIA to disappear, I did a Hard Reset and restored the T5 to its previous backup. IT WORKED!!! The DIA was restored.

Now, because I'm here at work, I have to sync it up at home (or this weekend sometime...) as my most up-to-date data is stored on my desktop at home. After that sync, it should be back to normal.

As for what caused the DIA to crash, I have no idea. I know there are a few people out there who have experienced similar crashes to the DIA. I'd like to hear from you. Perhaps, we could share notes and find a common denominator as to the cause(s). Or, perhaps, it was a one-off occurance...

Update (03/19/05):
I did a hotsync at home and all is well with my data and PIM information.

My T5 Rocks!!!

2005-03-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give everyone an update on my T5 "adventure," so here goes...

This is probably one of the smoothest upgrades compared to all of the other Palm devices that I've owned (starting with the Palm III many years ago).

Besides the list of programs on my previous post, here's one listing additional programs that have been installed but haven't fully been tested/used:

-Adobe Reader v3.05 (build 20030923)
-MPG (Gas Mileage tracker) v2.1.1
-TealPhone v4.15
-Crash v2.14
-SkinDIA v1.33 (Registered)
-Velo's Blackhide LauncherX and DIA Skins
-Moon Phase v2.7
-SkyChart
-TimeCalc v1.5
-SolFree v4.3 (Solitaire Games)
-Yahdice v2.01
-Pinballz v1.70
-Pinballz2 v1.04
-Tetris v1.21
-Tradewinds v1.0
-Zap2016 v1.70

Although I don't plan on using Versamail and Blazer, they are installed but not configured.

As for the leather case, I chose the Krussel leather case.

I'm currently using the universal screen protector from Fellowes that needs to be custom cut. Because they're not specifically made for the T5, I'm considering the one's made byBoxwave, Brado, Martin-Field and Proporta. Any suggestions?

Thanks to all of you at the Brighthand Forum. You've really helped with all of us Palm users out there! Keep up the great work!

So far, so good!!!

2005-03-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

After an overnight charge, I had a couple hours to do the following:

1) Installed PIM data from my T1 (Datebook, Contacts, Memos, ToDos, Notes).

2) Installed updated versions of the following programs:
-Aeroplayer v5.2
-Agendus v9.03
-Avantgo v5.7 Build 35
-FileZ v6.6
-LauncherX v1.1.1
-Pocket Quicken v2.03 (build 0083)
-TealPhone v4.15
-Uninstall Manager v2.70

3) Various Games

At this time, I would say it was an extremely smooth process to get everything that I wanted installed and to a point of "functionality" that I was satisfied with. It did take some time (2-3 hours) but I strongly believe that taking it step-by-step and getting it right the first time worked for me.

Overall, I would have to commend pa1mOne for this device. I know it's only day four with my T5 but based on my previous experences with other devices, this one's going to be a great one for me.

It's here, it's here!!!

2005-03-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

I'm charging it up now and will start the process of installing all PIM data and third-party programs. I hope a systematic install will prevent conflicts from occuring as I've heard they have happened. Wish me luck.

New tips/ideas?

2005-03-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

I currently use the following on my T1:

Aeroplayer v5.2
Agendus v7.01
Avantgo v5.7 Build 35
Docs-to-go v5.004
FileZ v6.6
LauncherX v1.1.1
Pocket Quicken v2.03 (build 0083)
TealPhone v4.15
Uninstall Manager v2.70

Has anyone experienced compatability issues with these programs on the T5? I'm already in the process of upgrading Agendus to v9.03 as there were issues with previous versions.

If you have, please provide your comments. Thank you for your input.

My T5 is in the mail!!!

2005-03-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Having used several PDA's in the past (Palm III>Handspring Visor>Handspring Visor Platinum>Palm Tungsten T), I've decided to make the jump to the Tungsten T5!

I'm hoping for the best transition with this device and have heard many praises (and frustrations) with it on many of the forums and message boards.

With that aside, I'd like to post my experiences in this blog to everyone who has this PDA, too. I hope that my postings will help all of you "users" out there and that our experiences are positive and fun!

Just a few more days until the blessed arrival...