After doing the rounds installing Auto Nooter on several NookColors, I thought I'd make a quick list of apps that are essential to have for any new installation. I'll update this list as needed, but hopefully it will provide new rooted users a good jumping point to get a nicely functioning device.
This list is geared towards the new rooted NookColor user who runs stable builds / auto nooted builds. If you just bought a Nook Color and haven't rooted yet, go see Guide to Nook Color Rooting. Many of these apps below will fix problems with the stock rom.
The list isn't really targeted for the Nookie Froyo bootable SD card, so if you have one, take what you will.
If you're a hip person and run custom roms or the like, you may find these useful, too! (Using ClockWorkRecovery or other roms is currently not documented in the Nook Color rooting guide. Don't attempt unless you're able to fix if things break.)
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Home Switcher - Say you accidentally set your home to not Softkeys before you got a launcher? Go grab home switcher and fix it!
ADWLauncher, or other Home screen. You need some place to run everything from. ADW Launcher is a great first step, and you can always change later.
AppBrain - An app market add-on that manages your apps for you. Much more comprehensive than current market.
Fancy Widget - Gets you started with an all-in-one clock widget you can add to your launcher, since ADW doesn't give you one by default. Add Fancy Home from the widgets menu for the comprehensive widget.
SoftLocker - Keeps wifi from bugging during a sleep by forcing sleep mode to only turn off screen. Yes, this will drain more battery, but the NC battery is huge, and not having to forcefully reconnect at every wake is worth it for people dealing with bugs. You may have to relaunch SoftLocker at reboot to get it to work properly, but that's a one-time thing per session.
DolphinBrowser HD, Miren Browser, etc. - There are plenty of better web browsers than the built-in one, mostly supporting multitouch, tabs, and more.
Root Explorer - Costs $4 at the time of this post. If you're going to spend any money on an android app, this should be it. A file management tool that is a million times better than others, since you can do a lot of simple root activities on device quickly without needing adb. It's really a very good and important to have app.
Astro File Manager - Another good file manager, but doesn't support Root. It's really good for simple file system management where you don't want to run the risk of breaking anything. Also, it can somehow install apk packages in the worst of conditions where other installers fail.
Titanium Backup - good for backing up data, or wiping data from a buggy app that keeps crashing
Thumb keyboard - $1.65 at time of posting. possibly the best keyboard for the nook. Beautiful display, customizable key and row height. Make sure to suppress full screen in options. Any keyboard requires some setup process to install via Terminal. See Replacing the Default Keyboard (You can use the terminal app below. Your app location should be /data/app/com.beansoft.keyboardplus.apk . Copy that to /system/app and use NookColor Tools to set the keyboard. This will make the market think the app isn't installed, but it works!)
Disk Usage - shows a visual representation of disk space at a glance. great app for finding where your space went!
GScript - lets you automate scripted commands. good for devs.
Android Terminal - lets you enter commands directly. good for devs.
adbwireless - adb connections over wireless. very convenient.
ROM Manager - An important app if you're using one of the newer experimental builds running from ClockworkModRecovery. If you don't know what this is, forget I even said anything about this app... Or read this link if you're really interested in some cutting edge build stuff, but ignore it if you just want a working device and you've auto nooted.
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Any apps you'd like to recommend for this list for the newbies out there? Post below what you think is important for people to have. This is for essentials, only, not optional apps like games or live wallpapers.
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Great list, here's a few more.
Miren browser - polished 3rd party browser with some awesome features. Slick menus and swipe to go forward and back sold me.
Thumb keyboard - possibly the best keyboard for the nook. I'm currently using the honeycomb skin and it looks fantastic. Customizable key and row height. Perfect for my huge thumbs.
Astro - file manager, compression handler, app installer,image and sound player....all around a badass app essential to any android device.
Also wanted to mention that root explorer is excellent. Forget logging on your computer to modify a file. I changed my nook hardware keys in a minute or so using root explorer. Great app.
Dont forget rom manager and the knowledge of howto make a nandroid with it
Nookie Froyo 0.6.8 (zoom2)/Tapatalk Pro
DROPBOX...Move .apks, music, movies, new flashables, ANYTHING, from phone, PC, or another Nook to yours. Should be 2nd on list beside Root Explorer (IMHO).
Sent from my PC36100
Great list. Consider adding Tasker. Total device automation.
Can anyone recommend a good ram manager? I have autokill but I notice it does not kill everything and says my ram available keeps going down until I reset my nook. (gradually but still kind of annoying)
darkhunter139 said:
Can anyone recommend a good ram manager? I have autokill but I notice it does not kill everything and says my ram available keeps going down until I reset my nook. (gradually but still kind of annoying)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on the stock os 1.1 (Eclair 2.1) you may want to look into Advanced Task Killer. If you are on Froyo or higher you shouldn't use this. Android will do a good job taking care of itself.
That said, I reboot my Android devices once every couple of days. I notice that keeps it running pretty well.
I actually have been using advanced task killer on froyo. Will that hurt anything?
I found WiFi Explorer (FREE) or Pro ($1.60) very useful to move files between my computer and NC without a cable.
Besides some of the other great apps people have said I would add 'Pulse' as an RSS reader. It looks so good and a great way to get your news!
lyam23 said:
Great list. Consider adding Tasker. Total device automation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tasker turns a smartphone into a SMART phone.
I thought about getting it to try to enable a numeric lock code, and trying on my DX, it does work with one of the Locale plugins, but it's a bit flaky. I was gonna set the Nook so that if it was within range of my WiFi at home or at work, it would not have the lock code, but everywhere else, it would be enabled.
darkhunter139 said:
I actually have been using advanced task killer on froyo. Will that hurt anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes....You are running froyo...android 2.2 and above optimizes running apps/services...don't mess with it...keep one around if you have to kill a rogue app on the fly, but dont let it run continuously....
Sent from my PC36100
mazook98 said:
DROPBOX...Move .apks, music, movies, new flashables, ANYTHING, from phone, PC, or another Nook to yours. Should be 2nd on list beside Root Explorer (IMHO).
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lyam23 said:
Great list. Consider adding Tasker. Total device automation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
plus one for both of these
Tapatalk or XDA devs Android app for reading this site, duh! hehe
Two great app to how!
I would only add two additional apps to this great list...
Sqlite Editor and Task killer, great apps to have on a newly rooted nook color!
I would strongly recommend the following:
Moon+ Reader for reading ebooks
Perfect viewer for comics
Epistle for taking notes (synchronises with dropbox)
I use ATK a lot on my DroidX with Froyo, if not it just keeps on getting slower and the battery drains quickly. What happens is some apps keep transmitting even though you closed them. For example, USA Today app I believe keeps sending fresh news articles even after you close the app as it's still running. So keeping it alive when you may not look at it until a few days later is wasteful of battery life and slows other stuff you want to do. Was it works with 2.1, I don't think so, I believe ATK is just as relavent now than then.
The app you really need to get after Angry Birds is Paper Toss.
File Expert?
I use File Expert for managing my files on my nook. It's free, has an option to run as root, and has a built in network interface that works out of the box. Plus having a back button right on the UI makes it easier than using any of the soft keys hacks... I can't post links, but the package is called "xcxin.filexpert" on the market.
Yea, I could go through each and every post of every thread, bt instead of taking several days to do that, figure I will take the shortcut and get with you guys first.
I will be getting my Thunderbolt by Tuesday, and want to jump right into customizing (a little bit, no unlocking!), and downloading and installing the apps I need!
So my question to everyone, (coming from an Imagio), what apps do you recommend? What widgets? And what about different clocks and other things?
I notice there are some with text clocks and calendars, I would really like that. Is that something easy to install?
And what about modding so that I can throw alot of stuff on the SD card instead of stacking up my phones memory? Any suggestions there?
Same question regarding performance, there are several apps that run in the background, and I hear that they are not able to be shut off (except for what the XDA wiz kids have come up with) in order to save battery life. Is that correct? If so, can I shut them down or remove them?
What about skype, does it come with it installed or not?
Thats all I got for now, I am sure there will be more! So any advice and suggestions would be great.
You guys really helped make my Imagio last this long, looking forward to working with you guys on a brand new phone.
Brightness Level widget, LTE OnOff
Veridor said:
Brightness Level widget, LTE OnOff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with both of these as they will help you with your batt life a bit.
As for the text clock/calendar, that is also a must have for me (Minimalistic Text) all of these are easy to install just look for them in the market.
Beyond that, i don't do much more to my phone beside using Launcher Pro and the widgets that come with it.
Clock/Weather Widgets: Beautiful Widget or Fancy Widget
Calendar: Agenda Widget
Home screen replacement: ADW or LauncherPro (I prefer ADW)
SMS Replacement App: Handcent SMS
Clock replacement: Alarm Clock Plus*
Ringtone finder: Zedge
Wallpaper finder: Flikie
Email replacement app: K-9 Mail
Browser replacement: Miren Browser
File Browser Replacement: OI File Manager
Weather app: Weather Bug or The Weather Channel
Hope these help!
JerryA said:
And what about modding so that I can throw alot of stuff on the SD card instead of stacking up my phones memory? Any suggestions there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install everything in your internal memory. It's MUCH faster than the SD Card. For media (MP3s, videos, etc.) you don't have much of an option unless you unlock it - those go on your SD Card. And even if you unlocked it, I'd still recommend you put them there.
JerryA said:
Same question regarding performance, there are several apps that run in the background, and I hear that they are not able to be shut off (except for what the XDA wiz kids have come up with) in order to save battery life. Is that correct? If so, can I shut them down or remove them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstall as much of the pre-installed software as you can that you won't use. That said, you'll be stuck with most of the bloat. However, it's not really a problem - it's pretty smooth and performs pretty well, stock.
Lastly, BEWARE of anybody who tells you to install a tool like Advanced Task Killer. This tool will NOT speed up your phone - it will just slow you down a bit (probably not enough for you to notice) but it will drain your battery even faster than normal. The battery life on this phone is bad enough - you don't need to make it worse!
For best results and maximum customizations, I suggest you root your phone, if not to load a custom-super-themed-decked-out ROM then at least to load a standard debloat-deodex ROM.
nerozehl said:
For best results and maximum customizations, I suggest you root your phone, if not to load a custom-super-themed-decked-out ROM then at least to load a standard debloat-deodex ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must disagree, honestly. Stock Sense, while it is a bit bloated, it is by no means laggy. If somebody isn't comfortable with rooting, and doesn't have a pressing need to root, then I don't think they should root their phone. It adds risk, headaches, and concerns to make something, that is already fast, faster. If somebody should root their phone, it should be for more of a reason than, "well, it seems like a good thing to do".
[edit] Although, you are right. If you want "best results and maximum customizations", then yeah, rooting is required. But it didn't sound like that the OP wants. It sounds like the OP wants to know how to customize it well without rooting. That's my interpretation, and why I disagreed with you suggesting the the OP root and flash roms.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Jaxidian said:
I must disagree, honestly. Stock Sense, while it is a bit bloated, it is by no means laggy. If somebody isn't comfortable with rooting, and doesn't have a pressing need to root, then I don't think they should root their phone. It adds risk, headaches, and concerns to make something, that is already fast, faster. If somebody should root their phone, it should be for more of a reason than, "well, it seems like a good thing to do".
[edit] Although, you are right. If you want "best results and maximum customizations", then yeah, rooting is required. But it didn't sound like that the OP wants. It sounds like the OP wants to know how to customize it well without rooting. That's my interpretation, and why I disagreed with you suggesting the the OP root and flash roms.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea, its not that I don't want to, because I really would love to, but the wife was pissed that I unlocked my Imagio, and blames that on the problems I have had, so a deal was made, I take my kids upgrade, transfer to mine, and get the new Thunderbolt provided I DONT unlock, root, jailbreak, or do anything that allows me to customize it beyond what the original design allows.
Yea, fine, sounds fair. So what I am looking for is just those things that I can download and install that are 'authorized', so to speak, from Verizon and HTC.
Maybe when she upgrades she will want to see what can be done (she is due in a few months) and thats when I will have to 'show' her!
Thanks again guys for all your help, one more day!
Heres the jist of the ones I use on a regular basis:
Utilities
Amazon App Store
Titanium Backup (requires root)
Root explorer (requires root)
Shoot Me (requires root)
QR Droid
Recalls.gov (I got kids lol)
Fancy Widget Pro
iCorps (Marine Corps App)
Social
Facebook
Foursquare
Skype
eBuddy
WordPress
Ventriloid
XDA
SMS
Handcent usually
Trying out chompSMS atm
Entertainment & Themeage
Zedge
Pandora
HBO Go
Soundhound
Finances
USAA
PageOnce Pro
Ing Direct
Progressive Insurance
Shopping
Key Ring
ShopSavvy
Amazon.com
Kayak
Craigsphone
News
NYTimes
Engadget
Health & Fitness
CardioTrainer
Libra (Weight Log)
Games
Robo Defense
Farm Frenzy
Flight Control
Collapse
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Seasons
Angry Birds Rio
Doodle Jump
Fruit Ninja
Words Free
So I'm itching to load the first ROM to my Rezound, I was kind of waiting on Cyanogen but it seems like it's still pretty far away from everyday use. I've used CM in the past and loved it. I'm not a huge fan of Sense ROMs but I'm getting use to it. I DON'T like how on Sense the background stays still when you scroll left and right to different apps & how it does that spinny thing if you flick it to fast. (I get dizzy and fall down a lot..LOL) Are there any ROMs out there that have the scrolling background and NO spinny thing? I really hate re-doing my phone every time you load a ROM. Any advice on a good way to make the transition easier would be appreciated. What is your app reload stratagem like? I usually just re-download all my apps. Thanks!
I'm pretty sure you can turn off the fast flicky thingy...Not sure off the top of my head where that setting is, but I think I've seen it somewhere.
That being said, I'm using Xtreme Outcast's http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1507670
It has sense removed and the UI is very sharp and nice on the eyes.
Seems like a new rom comes out every day, so you need to just pick one and try it out. Once you get the hang of it, it takes only minutes to flash a new one, so just try out a few of them and see what you like (always backup before trying a new one).
As far as your apps are concerned, you can either manually re-download them from the market (not bad if you don't have a ton of apps) or use a backup app (like titanium, or one of the 100 others out there).
trud9340 said:
I'm pretty sure you can turn off the fast flicky thingy...Not sure off the top of my head where that setting is, but I think I've seen it somewhere.
That being said, I'm using Xtreme Outcast's http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1507670
It has sense removed and the UI is very sharp and nice on the eyes.
Seems like a new rom comes out every day, so you need to just pick one and try it out. Once you get the hang of it, it takes only minutes to flash a new one, so just try out a few of them and see what you like (always backup before trying a new one).
As far as your apps are concerned, you can either manually re-download them from the market (not bad if you don't have a ton of apps) or use a backup app (like titanium, or one of the 100 others out there).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks trud9340, I didn't see Xtreme Outcast in the ReZound ROM list. Cool so it's De-Sensed! I'm gonna try it, I'm getting things backed up with Titanium now. I've been using Titanium for a while now but have never used it to restore apps after a ROM install, just mainly used it for backing up apps and restoring app if an app update was flaky! Here goes!
It sounds like your issue is with the launcher. Have you tried out any others, like ADW, LauncherPro, or GO? They give you the options to do what you are wanting without having to change your current ROM.
xblue95 said:
Thanks trud9340, I didn't see Xtreme Outcast in the ReZound ROM list. Cool so it's De-Sensed! I'm gonna try it, I'm getting things backed up with Titanium now. I've been using Titanium for a while now but have never used it to restore apps after a ROM install, just mainly used it for backing up apps and restoring app if an app update was flaky! Here goes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't restore data from one ROM to another though, from what I've read that can introduce problems.
I use AppMonster Pro for my app back ups. It's really great and it's so easy on the eyes when you want to restore. Then it gives you the option of installing from sd or from Market. Also, as soon as you download a new app it backs it up. I love that.
+1 for xtreme outkast ICS ROM. Been using it since it came out and it's definitely the closest I've gotten to ICS on the Nexus. Looks sexy and runs really smooth. If you're looking into one without sense I'd definitely go with it.
So, i'm running Eclipse 2.0 on my DX2 right now, and i flashed it after trying CM7. CM7 was great, but felt sluggish at times (admittedly I don't believe that I had the "allow purging of assets" enabled at the time either). So after flashing the brand new Eclipse 2.0, I felt like Eclipse was so much more complete, even though it is blur-based. Now, however, after about 3 weeks it's getting sluggish at random times for no reason. There's no apparently eating up the CPU. I always have 80+ MBs of RAM (I'm running Supercharger V6 with the middle (unleaded?) option for 512mb devices selected). I can't seem to pinpoint the problem. So here's where I pose 2 questions:
Eclipse or CM7DX2 (and your reasoning, if you can)
And any ideas on the sluggish performance? I've had this happen on previous ROMs too (older Eclipse models and stock gingerbread w/ bloat removed). I always SBF and wipe data/cache before each fresh ROM install.
Thanks!
Eclipsed from my DX2
Boardwalk30 said:
So, i'm running Eclipse 2.0 on my DX2 right now, and i flashed it after trying CM7. CM7 was great, but felt sluggish at times (admittedly I don't believe that I had the "allow purging of assets" enabled at the time either). So after flashing the brand new Eclipse 2.0, I felt like Eclipse was so much more complete, even though it is blur-based. Now, however, after about 3 weeks it's getting sluggish at random times for no reason. There's no apparently eating up the CPU. I always have 80+ MBs of RAM (I'm running Supercharger V6 with the middle (unleaded?) option for 512mb devices selected). I can't seem to pinpoint the problem. So here's where I pose 2 questions:
Eclipse or CM7DX2 (and your reasoning, if you can)
And any ideas on the sluggish performance? I've had this happen on previous ROMs too (older Eclipse models and stock gingerbread w/ bloat removed). I always SBF and wipe data/cache before each fresh ROM install.
Thanks!
Eclipsed from my DX2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I'm really surprised to hear Eclipse is running sluggishly. I've been running it for a while now and it's completely reliable, the epitome of a "daily driver". Are you running any funky apps or getting apps from fringe markets?
I've found either one can get sluggish, especially if you have a ton of apps loaded.
What I've been doing now is rebooting daily. I'm also running Fast Reboot Pro, which is really more of a "soft" reboot - it doesn't really reboot the phone, per se, but instead it "simulates" a reboot by stopping many services and programs that wouldn't be running at start up.
I myself have a lot of apps installed. I should probably go and remove them, but for some reason, I like to have them loaded (mainly games) just in case I want to play them. OCD anyone?
In any case, I was running CM7 and I'm now running Eclipse 2.1. I've found that I've had the problems in either one which required a reboot. I just switched to Eclipse 2.1 because I found it a wee-bit more stable (no Superuser issues like in CM7) and Eclipse 2.1 has a even more Motoblur crap removed. It's just as responsive as CM7 IMHO.
But, in any case, a daily reboot will fix things and I'm hearing from many that this is almost global across the board with any ROM for the DX2. I think what really hurts the DX2 is the 512mb of main memory. Just pitiful compared to other phones out there.
I've also found running V6 Turbocharger scripts (the latest) helps as well. I've enabled options 6 and 20. Now, this is fine for Eclipse, but you don't want to run it with CM7. At least, that's what I've been told.
Anyways, when I find things get sluggish, I run the Fast Reboot Pro AND, since I'm running Go Launcher EX, I'll got into the "Running Programs" tab in the app drawer and close all the apps in there as well.
If that doesn't help, I then run V6 TC and run option 18 (which recoups RAM and kills lag). If that doesn't help, then I will reboot.
I also forgot to mention, I also use an application called Autostarts. It allows you to choose which apps start up based on a system event (during startup, after startup, USB connection/disconnect, WiFi status change, etc). I've found that a LOT of apps that I've installed start up on some various events. Many games apparently like to connect when they sense there is a data connection present, so I've turned those off. I only want the apps running when I actually launch them. With Autostarts, I have been able to finely control what apps start and when, which has helped as well.
go into BSR and wipe cache and dalvik cache
lemme know if that clears up Ya,lag
it worked for someone else and I've used that method before to clear up lagging issues...
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk
also, you know eclipse has a 2.1 version out now correct?
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk
iBolski said:
I've found either one can get sluggish, especially if you have a ton of apps loaded.
What I've been doing now is rebooting daily. I'm also running Fast Reboot Pro, which is really more of a "soft" reboot - it doesn't really reboot the phone, per se, but instead it "simulates" a reboot by stopping many services and programs that wouldn't be running at start up.
I myself have a lot of apps installed. I should probably go and remove them, but for some reason, I like to have them loaded (mainly games) just in case I want to play them. OCD anyone?
In any case, I was running CM7 and I'm now running Eclipse 2.1. I've found that I've had the problems in either one which required a reboot. I just switched to Eclipse 2.1 because I found it a wee-bit more stable (no Superuser issues like in CM7) and Eclipse 2.1 has a even more Motoblur crap removed. It's just as responsive as CM7 IMHO.
But, in any case, a daily reboot will fix things and I'm hearing from many that this is almost global across the board with any ROM for the DX2. I think what really hurts the DX2 is the 512mb of main memory. Just pitiful compared to other phones out there.
I've also found running V6 Turbocharger scripts (the latest) helps as well. I've enabled options 6 and 20. Now, this is fine for Eclipse, but you don't want to run it with CM7. At least, that's what I've been told.
Anyways, when I find things get sluggish, I run the Fast Reboot Pro AND, since I'm running Go Launcher EX, I'll got into the "Running Programs" tab in the app drawer and close all the apps in there as well.
If that doesn't help, I then run V6 TC and run option 18 (which recoups RAM and kills lag). If that doesn't help, then I will reboot.
I also forgot to mention, I also use an application called Autostarts. It allows you to choose which apps start up based on a system event (during startup, after startup, USB connection/disconnect, WiFi status change, etc). I've found that a LOT of apps that I've installed start up on some various events. Many games apparently like to connect when they sense there is a data connection present, so I've turned those off. I only want the apps running when I actually launch them. With Autostarts, I have been able to finely control what apps start and when, which has helped as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree wholeheartedly with the above statement, they are nearly equals in every respect except for SU and most of the time it depends on the user. You will have your own opinions of what you like and dislike in a ROM.
I have always liked Cyanogenmod and I have nothing against Eclipse, it was something that really saved the X2 for me, I was super POed when I found that there was so little to be done with my phone last August when I upgraded to it.
IMHO I would stick with Eclipse just because it is more stable, Cyanogen was a great release from the norm of Moto based ROMS but it is missing a few things since we cannot build it specifically for our phone as easily as everyone else.
Personally though, I hate you guys for being able to flash things right now and I really, really cannot wait for this F-ing soak to come through so I can either join you on 2.1 or have a really fancy paper weight.....
I've been running Eclipse for months, 2.1 for a few weeks now, best version yet. I run it with the build prop mash up, its always fast and responsive. However there are a couple things I do to help ensure that.
1. I schedule "Clear cache for user & system apps" in TB to run daily at 4:30 AM while I'm sleeping which is 30 minutes after my daily backup runs. After the cache clean it reboots. When I get up at 5:30 its usually quick and responsive all day.
2. Use the Moto performance manager built into Eclipse parts, schedule things that you don't want or need running in the background to auto-end (kills the app 2 minutes after the screen shuts off) This really helps with battery life as well, I can usually get 20+ hours of light/moderate use and it helps manage those apps that like to turn themselves on in the background.
3. I use Avast for security, but I also use the firewall feature to restrict network access of games & apps that don't need it.
4. I keep any apps/games I don't use regularly uninstalled, which I can quickly restore from TB if I need them. That seems to really help to as my wife had every free app of the day from amazon installed on hers and it was constantly locking/freezing. she cleaned most of them up and did the auto-end trick and hers has come back to life.
These are just suggestions but I've been using them for months now and they really work well to maximize the X2 as much as we can given the restrictions we have on it. Goodluck.
iBolski said:
I've found either one can get sluggish, especially if you have a ton of apps loaded.
What I've been doing now is rebooting daily. I'm also running Fast Reboot Pro, which is really more of a "soft" reboot - it doesn't really reboot the phone, per se, but instead it "simulates" a reboot by stopping many services and programs that wouldn't be running at start up.
I myself have a lot of apps installed. I should probably go and remove them, but for some reason, I like to have them loaded (mainly games) just in case I want to play them. OCD anyone?
In any case, I was running CM7 and I'm now running Eclipse 2.1. I've found that I've had the problems in either one which required a reboot. I just switched to Eclipse 2.1 because I found it a wee-bit more stable (no Superuser issues like in CM7) and Eclipse 2.1 has a even more Motoblur crap removed. It's just as responsive as CM7 IMHO.
But, in any case, a daily reboot will fix things and I'm hearing from many that this is almost global across the board with any ROM for the DX2. I think what really hurts the DX2 is the 512mb of main memory. Just pitiful compared to other phones out there.
I've also found running V6 Turbocharger scripts (the latest) helps as well. I've enabled options 6 and 20. Now, this is fine for Eclipse, but you don't want to run it with CM7. At least, that's what I've been told.
Anyways, when I find things get sluggish, I run the Fast Reboot Pro AND, since I'm running Go Launcher EX, I'll got into the "Running Programs" tab in the app drawer and close all the apps in there as well.
If that doesn't help, I then run V6 TC and run option 18 (which recoups RAM and kills lag). If that doesn't help, then I will reboot.
I also forgot to mention, I also use an application called Autostarts. It allows you to choose which apps start up based on a system event (during startup, after startup, USB connection/disconnect, WiFi status change, etc). I've found that a LOT of apps that I've installed start up on some various events. Many games apparently like to connect when they sense there is a data connection present, so I've turned those off. I only want the apps running when I actually launch them. With Autostarts, I have been able to finely control what apps start and when, which has helped as well.
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Click to collapse
iBolski, the similarities between yours and my "phone management" techniques scare me lol.
pretty much everything you have said I do as well, including leaving games installed just in case I wanna play one day lmao
I just wanted to add to the point you made about rebooting once every day, this is something that it's not only recommended for the Dx2 but for ALL, Android powered phones in general, I do believe it is also written in the "manual", that comes with the devices, kinda like how a PC needs a reboot once in a while, Android benefits from a reboot once a day as well, allows it to drop system caches that have built up and are hanging around and such,
that fast reboot app I have also used in the past, but nothing compares to an, accrual power cycle of the device, I will even go ahead and wipe cache from Android recovery as well once every couple days,
our set UPS are most likely extremely similar and I've found I get pretty damn near the most I can get out of this x2, I feel like the only thing else I could benefit from is a new kernel, as I've pretty much tweaked this thing to the max I can get while locked down
ashclepdia said:
iBolski, the similarities between yours and my "phone management" techniques scare me lol.
pretty much everything you have said I do as well, including leaving games installed just in case I wanna play one day lmao
I just wanted to add to the point you made about rebooting once every day, this is something that it's not only recommended for the Dx2 but for ALL, Android powered phones in general, I do believe it is also written in the "manual", that comes with the devices, kinda like how a PC needs a reboot once in a while, Android benefits from a reboot once a day as well, allows it to drop system caches that have built up and are hanging around and such,
that fast reboot app I have also used in the past, but nothing compares to an, accrual power cycle of the device, I will even go ahead and wipe cache from Android recovery as well once every couple days,
our set UPS are most likely extremely similar and I've found I get pretty damn near the most I can get out of this x2, I feel like the only thing else I could benefit from is a new kernel, as I've pretty much tweaked this thing to the max I can get while locked down
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Click to collapse
I think we're so similar due to the fact that I've seen you tell people to do this, so I'm just following your instructions. Scary, huh?
Also, Orange Terror gave a great tip that I didn't even know existed in Titanium Backup Pr. Goes to show you can always learn something new since I've used TBU for about two years now. I've gone in and set up a schedule to clear user and app cache and reboot the system every day around 4 am. At 3 am, I have it backup and upload to my Box account. Now I don't have to worry about doing that myself or missing a backup.
But I think the big thing that has helped me out now is also the Autostarts app. Going through and having it ensure certain apps don't launch under various scenarios has definitely caused my phone to be MUCH more responsive now.
Like you, it's allowed this crap X2 to actually be functional, along with Eclipse 2.1 and/or CM7. With DZK and Nitro, I'm not sure where this phone would be. Probably thrown against the wall and shattered into a million pieces!
iBolski said:
I think we're so similar due to the fact that I've seen you tell people to do this, so I'm just following your instructions. Scary, huh?
Also, Orange Terror gave a great tip that I didn't even know existed in Titanium Backup Pr. Goes to show you can always learn something new since I've used TBU for about two years now. I've gone in and set up a schedule to clear user and app cache and reboot the system every day around 4 am. At 3 am, I have it backup and upload to my Box account. Now I don't have to worry about doing that myself or missing a backup.
But I think the big thing that has helped me out now is also the Autostarts app. Going through and having it ensure certain apps don't launch under various scenarios has definitely caused my phone to be MUCH more responsive now.
Like you, it's allowed this crap X2 to actually be functional, along with Eclipse 2.1 and/or CM7. With DZK and Nitro, I'm not sure where this phone would be. Probably thrown against the wall and shattered into a million pieces!
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Click to collapse
Amen to that. Thanks to Nitro, DZK and anyone that has contributed something.
I've been trying to start synching to box through TBU recently, but I can't schedule it to run automatically and when I try to run it manually after an hour its at like 20%, and I'm doing it on wifi. And it won't upload to my dropbox account at all, just sits there. Any suggestions?
iBolski said:
I think we're so similar due to the fact that I've seen you tell people to do this, so I'm just following your instructions. Scary, huh?
Also, Orange Terror gave a great tip that I didn't even know existed in Titanium Backup Pr. Goes to show you can always learn something new since I've used TBU for about two years now. I've gone in and set up a schedule to clear user and app cache and reboot the system every day around 4 am. At 3 am, I have it backup and upload to my Box account. Now I don't have to worry about doing that myself or missing a backup.
But I think the big thing that has helped me out now is also the Autostarts app. Going through and having it ensure certain apps don't launch under various scenarios has definitely caused my phone to be MUCH more responsive now.
Like you, it's allowed this crap X2 to actually be functional, along with Eclipse 2.1 and/or CM7. With DZK and Nitro, I'm not sure where this phone would be. Probably thrown against the wall and shattered into a million pieces!
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Click to collapse
lol
well I know quote a few people seem to trust my set up lol
that auto starts app sound like it worth checking into also, thanks for the tip!
Thanks for all the responses guys! It's great to see some insight as to what everybody does on their daily schedule.
1. Yes, i do know there is 2.1, I just haven't had the time/availability to upgrade (until tonight, so i'll probably be doing that).
2. I'm admittedly bad at keeping a LOT of apps installed feeling like i'll need to use them, probably would be better off if i just kept them either frozen or only kept a backup.
3. As with you, iBolski, i've been running option 6 in V6 and that definitely helps a lot.
4. I'll have to try the nightly cache clearing, i usually just manually do it when i feel the phone is laggy.
Also, what launchers do you guys use? Just outta curiosity. I personally use LauncherProPlus. Yeah, the development is dead, but I've been using it since my OG Droid days, and it's served me excellently ever since. I don't need beauty in a launcher, just raw speed and a small footprint.
Thanks again!
Boardwalk30 said:
Thanks for all the responses guys! It's great to see some insight as to what everybody does on their daily schedule.
1. Yes, i do know there is 2.1, I just haven't had the time/availability to upgrade (until tonight, so i'll probably be doing that).
2. I'm admittedly bad at keeping a LOT of apps installed feeling like i'll need to use them, probably would be better off if i just kept them either frozen or only kept a backup.
3. As with you, iBolski, i've been running option 6 in V6 and that definitely helps a lot.
4. I'll have to try the nightly cache clearing, i usually just manually do it when i feel the phone is laggy.
Also, what launchers do you guys use? Just outta curiosity. I personally use LauncherProPlus. Yeah, the development is dead, but I've been using it since my OG Droid days, and it's served me excellently ever since. I don't need beauty in a launcher, just raw speed and a small footprint.
Thanks again!
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Click to collapse
just a tip for when you update to 2.1
you really shouldn't need to wipe data, I haven't wiped data once when updating from 2.0> 2.xand I have had zero issues,
also, nitro has added a couple features/options to the stock eclipse launcher which are nice, u can choose amount of home screens, infinite loop, uninstall app when u long press then hold it over the trash can for a second (pretty useful, no more needing To go into manage apps to uninstall apps)
if ya wanna venture from that I recommend adw ex or go launcher ex(nitro has an eclipse theme in the market for go launcher in case ya wanna support him (it's like a buck) and wanna keep an eclipse theme with a different launcher that has more options)
either that or just do a quick market search or Google search for "light weight launcher" to get some nice options, there's an almost endless list of launchers to try, I've spent hours trying different launchers and still haven't touched half of them lol, there is so many choices it's crazy, there is something for every type of user, from minimalistic launcher to fancy ones like spb shell and such
Boardwalk30 said:
Thanks for all the responses guys! It's great to see some insight as to what everybody does on their daily schedule.
1. Yes, i do know there is 2.1, I just haven't had the time/availability to upgrade (until tonight, so i'll probably be doing that).
2. I'm admittedly bad at keeping a LOT of apps installed feeling like i'll need to use them, probably would be better off if i just kept them either frozen or only kept a backup.
3. As with you, iBolski, i've been running option 6 in V6 and that definitely helps a lot.
4. I'll have to try the nightly cache clearing, i usually just manually do it when i feel the phone is laggy.
Thanks again!
Also, what launchers do you guys use? Just outta curiosity. I personally use LauncherProPlus. Yeah, the development is dead, but I've been using it since my OG Droid days, and it's served me excellently ever since. I don't need beauty in a launcher, just raw speed and a small footprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Go Launcher EX myself. Have been since I ran an LG Vortex (now THAT was a SLOW phone but man, as far as music goes, it never skipped unlike the X2. Sad since it's an ARM6 600mhz single-core phone AND it had an unlocked bootloader so I could overclock the thing!).
For launchers I started with pro launcher. Then ended up with go launcher for a while. Now I am using adw ex. However I really like the new work nitro did with pro launcher. I would of stayed on it except for the 3D app drawer. Don't get me wrong it looks awesome and I used to use similar app drawer with the shell launcher but it triggers my vertigo.
Boardwalk30 said:
Thanks for all the responses guys! It's great to see some insight as to what everybody does on their daily schedule.
1. Yes, i do know there is 2.1, I just haven't had the time/availability to upgrade (until tonight, so i'll probably be doing that).
2. I'm admittedly bad at keeping a LOT of apps installed feeling like i'll need to use them, probably would be better off if i just kept them either frozen or only kept a backup.
3. As with you, iBolski, i've been running option 6 in V6 and that definitely helps a lot.
4. I'll have to try the nightly cache clearing, i usually just manually do it when i feel the phone is laggy.
Also, what launchers do you guys use? Just outta curiosity. I personally use LauncherProPlus. Yeah, the development is dead, but I've been using it since my OG Droid days, and it's served me excellently ever since. I don't need beauty in a launcher, just raw speed and a small footprint.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use ADW EX, it has been the most consistently bug free for me depending on the settings you use it can be lightning fast or just as bad as a stock launcher, but generally it is much faster than the stock ones and it is more user friendly.
Love all the insight here. I was running cm7 for a while but now on eclipse 2.1 and I haven't wanted to go back to cm7 yet. I also usually use adw ex but have been sticking with stock launcher. This go around. I reboot my phone at least once a day. I haven't tried any scripts yet but I haven't felt the need to iether. I try too keep as few apps running as possible. I also found that after I get done charging my phone I will reboot. Seems to give me more free ram. 185mb right now.
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
CM7 rocks. Once CM9 becomes stable and a beta it will most likely be the best ROM on the X2.
Sent from My Rooted MB870/DROID X2 Running CM7
I must say, after upgrading to 2.1, uninstalling 34 apps (mostly large games) that i seemingly never used, and installing the build.prop mash up, i haven't had any issues yet so far! 2.1 seems to be quite the upgrade from 2.0. Thanks to everybody who posted their experience/ideas!
I started experiencing even more lag lately and it would immediately show up even after reboot. This started happening after I set up TBU to do a nightly cache clean and reboot.
What I finally figured out was, V6 Turbocharger scripts mem settings were not sticking! They were reverting back to the default for whatever reason. It was funny because the Lag Nullifier was still active.
So, I unturbocharged and everything via the scripts and set it back up to use local.prop and that seemed to fix everything.
Another thing I did was install Autostarts to tell it what apps should NOT start when certain system events occur (during startup, after startup, media change, etc).
I also used the Motorola Performance Manager to set up most apps to be killed two minutes after the phone goes to sleep.
I reinstalled Widgetlocker and things have been running smooth all day where as before, after playing many games (like Templerun, Fruit Ninja, Sims Free to Play, etc), I would notice lag would seep in and would require a reboot to fix it.
Now, with my set up (TBU clears cache and reboots nightly, Autostarts, Motorola Performance Manager, V6 TC), things are running smooth, smoother than they have before.