Pocketblinds
Stardock (http://www.stardock.com)
for AXIMUSERS.COM
February 26, 2003
By Starscream
Stardock is probably most noted for its PC shell replacement program Windowblinds in which you can revamp the look of your whole desktop. I myself haven't tried this program, mostly because its not free, but judging from the number of skins available for this program, its pretty popular...if you're into desktop customization and such.
Pocketblinds is such a program just for the PocketPC, and works with WindowsCE 3.x or greater. This little program that "PocketBlinds integrates directly into the OS by extending the Windows CE GWE(Graphics, Windowing, and Events) subsystem, so it is fast and small." and isn't supposed to be a memory hog. There are quite a few skins for Pocketblinds readily available at many websites dedicated to PC customization (most notably Wincustomize.com).
Like any other PPC program it installs via Active Sync and there shouldn't be any sup rises or complications. Once installed, just transfer browse to the skins folder and transfer what your heart desires! I did try to install PB in a few different locations. The first time I installed it to "Default" (which i believe is main memory). The 2nd time I installed it to "Built in storage". I received a few errors and PB wouldn't load correctly. So I believe it is best to install to the default location. I did not, however, try to install to my SD card. My guess is that I would get the same results. I'm also guessing that since PB is a shell replacement that it needs to be installed into main memory.
The skins are well done, and definitely add eye candy. The best are very clear, clean and ALOT spiffier looking than the pixelated look that the normal interface provides. Some of my favorites are the WinXP Luna themes, Logika, and Interceptor. The skins affect the launch bar, the new-bar, and the volume window. If you have a today screen background this will remain, as well as the start menu background. The up side to this is you can have the BG of your choosing, and this leaves you with more customizing options. The downside is if you are into having a complete theme, you pretty much have to make your own backgrounds.
One problem with Pocketblinds is that if you have an app running such as the switcher app that comes on the Dell Axim CD, this interrupts the skin and causes a nasty looking gap in the middle of the launch bar. Other such apps that run in the launch bar will also cause this. Although, Pocketblinds has included in their program a little switcher of their own. When you tap the middle button (of the 3) it will bring up a switcher-like menu in which you may switch-to or close. My only complaint about this is that the "desktop" is not the today screen. If you happen to have the settings "window" open it will cycle through the open windows every time you tap the desktop selection. Occasionally using this will also cause the device to hang for a few seconds. There is also a nifty little icon added to the right side of the new-bar that allows quick access to PB config, and you may also unload PB from the icon as well.
Uninstallation could be better. After "successful" uninstallation, I still had to navigate to the skins folder and delete all the skins manually.
Overall this is a pretty nifty program and great for a change of pace. It still needs development, especially for their switcher application. I've always enjoyed customizing, getting skins, making skins, and theming, so Pocketblinds is probably the best bet for the Pocket PC for shell replacement; after all, it IS free.
::STARSCREAM RATING SYSTEM::
Ease of Use: 9/10
System Integration: 6/10
Eye Candy: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Overall: 8.8/10
Pocketblinds gets an 8.8 out of 10 on the SSRS
Linear Mode
