New TouchPad owner requests beginner webOS guide and essential app recommendations

Droosh · 08/20/2011, 11:47 AM

I picked up the 16GB version this morning for $99.00! As a former frequent VisorCentral and TreoCentral member I'm psyched to be back with the community.

I did a quick search but I didn't find a good beginners guide to webOS for the TouchPad. Can anyone reply with links?

Also, a link to the most up to date aggregated top apps lists would be helpful as well.

Thanks!

dong1225 · 08/20/2011, 01:35 PM

Another new owner here and I'd like some help too.
Things I'd like to do on TouchPad are:
Tweeting: is Spaz HD really the only free TouchPad optimized twitter app? Why is it so sluggish? (like the rest of the TouchPad I guess..) is Carbon really that better to pay for?

Streaming videos transcoded on the fly: like AirVideo and or StreamToMe on iOS if you guys know those apps. Streaming videos without having to convert first

Basic unzip/unrar support: come on, at least iPad can unzip. Tried to unzip/unrar some files I had and some files I downloaded from internet and it gave me an error along the line of "MIME type not supported" I know what that means but that's a terrible error message to send to most end users. Even "File type not supported" would've been better.

And I don't expect one but if there is, a comic reader would be nice. One that supports zip/rar would be fantastic.

I'm comfortable in jumping into homebrew/system tweaks department so if there are must have tweaks, please let us know too!

mikevember · 01:50 PM

give your touchpad a day or so before you say its slow, its synergizing.

Also, Spaz HD is the only Twitter App optimized for the TouchPad.

PlayOn is a good way to stream media to your touchpad but there is no dedicated app, its a webviewer using Flash.

There is ComicShelf HD for comics http://developer.palm.com/appredirec...g.comicshelfhd

I remember that Internalz Pro had mentioned eventually adding support of .zip/.rar but I dont think it has as of yet.

verno329 · 08/20/2011, 01:42 PM

First thing to do is run the update to 3.02. Makes a huge difference. Then Preware can fix anything else from there. Welcome!

bluenote · 08/20/2011, 01:47 PM

http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touc...oldtimers.html

barrysanders20 · 03:33 PM

Is there a Preware/ Doctor FAQ for the Touchpad?

http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touc...-touchpad.html

mikevember · 08/20/2011, 01:52 PM

Also, I dont know if the Box.net app is still available but try and get the 50GB free if you can by downloading the app and logging in or registering in it.

ariker01 · 08/20/2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrysanders20

Is there a Preware/ Doctor FAQ for the Touchpad?

Please download "Preware Homebrew Documentation" from the App Catalog. this will give you all the information you need regarding Preware and Homebrew.

You cal also just use the Search function on this site. All the information you seek is here.

Thanks!

werkx · 08/20/2011, 02:13 PM

i have a feeling the servers are going to be bogged down today with all the new activations. i'm going to wait a bit with mine. i'm hoping to be in this for the long haul so i got time.

plus, i had a week hands-on with one from july, so i already know i will like it.

ncinerate · 08/20/2011, 02:27 PM

You'll have to do a little work to get it perfect, but here's my suggestions (from a whole morning messing with my new 32gig touchpad).

1: Update the device fully. This means update once to 3.0, reboot, update again to 3.0.2.

2: Get preware installed. Search the forum for a few easy guides on how to do this.

3: Perform the various speed-up tricks listed here:

http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touc...ml#post3027858

I especially recommend the improved touch responsiveness patch listed there, as it really does make a WORLD of difference on quality of use.

4: Install uberkernel and govna from preware, then set it up to utilize the 1.5ghz speed inside govna.

5: Enjoy your super fast updated touchpad.

The list may change as I discover new things to fiddle with. Also, I'll probably be messing around with skins for superNES as well, to make one better suited for the large format on the touchpad.

nappy · 08/20/2011, 02:29 PM

^-- great advice. Preware seems to be a must to get decent performance out of this. I installed the muffle system logging, remove dropped packet logging, quiet powerd messages, and eom overlord monitoring patches and it's running much better than it did with a stock 3.0.2 build.

Titan078 · 08/20/2011, 02:33 PM

Welcome! We can negative at times, but in general you will find a lot of smart commentary here, as well as a ton of fanaticism.

dong1225 · 08/20/2011, 02:33 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions already, and by Synergizing, I guess you mean the cloud syncing service webOS has? *edit anyway I can find out if "Synergizing" is done? It seems a bit faster now but I'm not sure what changed.

I did find out yesterday that the update improved it to a usable state but after being used to my sister's iPad 2 it still feels slow in many places. Can't complain for the $99 price point though.

When I checked PlayON, they talked about subscription plan, do I have to pay for the service? I'm not even sure if the service is still alive but I used to use Orb web streaming service back in 2008 on my iPod, might have to check that out again too.

Once again, thank you guys so much for the quick and helpful responses, this community is looking great so far!

geekpeter · 08/20/2011, 02:34 PM

the best thing you can all do is learn cross platform programming and hope you can keep the touchpad alive making some apps that run on the ipad/android and as a lucky bonus also the touchpad indirectly.

Droosh · 08/20/2011, 03:07 PM

Gotta say I'm loving this device already. The UI is so clean and simple I'm sure my wife and kids will have no problems.
I did install the OS update first thing. I then messed around with it a bit and checked out the app store. Only disappointment so far are the relative dearth of native apps that I use regularly on my Android phone. However, this was to be expected and I can cover most of these bases through the browser. I was pleased to see that Flash is supported.

I also find it a bit sluggish when I want it instantly respond to my touch on the screen. I understand that this may clear up over time or with overclocking/tweaking.
@ncinerate I will do all of your performance tweaks. I'm comfortable installing custom ROMs, kernels, etc. so I should have no problems. Is there any link you guys recommend for any already tweaked ROMs? Has anyone hacked or created a sideloadable Netflix app like they did for unsupported Android devices?

Thanks again! It's great to see that this community is still about the most sincerely helpful and knowledgeable around.

dong1225 · 08/20/2011, 03:10 PM

I'm not sure what exactly happened but the thing is already better then it used to be. I'm more than happy about the $99 purchase I made!
Will be doing all the tweaks as suggested by @ncinerate and see how far I can crank this baby upto!

jhoff80 · 08/20/2011, 03:12 PM

I really wish Graphite had come out for Twitter before this announcement. I've been using Spaz HD, but I really just don't like it. I know it's open-source and anyone can make it better, but it's not really anything specific it does wrong, it's just slow and I just don't like the design of it.

jhoff80 · 08/20/2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo-filter

Deleted folders continue to show up in the picture browser.

How about try updating to the latest software before complaining?

Believe me, I'm fully aware that the OS needs a ton of work. But I can clearly see by this comment that you haven't updated, because there's a clear way to delete folders after the update.

ncinerate · 08/20/2011, 03:19 PM

Absolutely, updating is a critical first step.

Unfortunately, many new buyers won't be doing this first step, so there's going to be a few hundred thousand annoyed people at various OS quirks until the touchpad decides to update itself

.

Much like the palm pre, the touchpad really does shine once it's been tweaked to all hell, but much like the palm pre, the touchpad NEEDS to be tweaked to best enjoy it...

Hopefully it won't be much like the palm pre in it's reliability.

ariker01 · 08/20/2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droosh

Gotta say I'm loving this device already. The UI is so clean and simple I'm sure my wife and kids will have no problems.
I did install the OS update first thing. I then messed around with it a bit and checked out the app store. Only disappointment so far are the relative dearth of native apps that I use regularly on my Android phone. However, this was to be expected and I can cover most of these bases through the browser. I was pleased to see that Flash is supported.

I also find it a bit sluggish when I want it instantly respond to my touch on the screen. I understand that this may clear up over time or with overclocking/tweaking.
@ncinerate I will do all of your performance tweaks. I'm comfortable installing custom ROMs, kernels, etc. so I should have no problems. Is there any link you guys recommend for any already tweaked ROMs? Has anyone hacked or created a sideloadable Netflix app like they did for unsupported Android devices?

Thanks again! It's great to see that this community is still about the most sincerely helpful and knowledgeable around.

Please look into downloading "Preware Homebre Documentation" form the App Catalog. This explains in detail, all you need to know about WOSQI, Preware, Homebrew and test Kernels and Feeds. you will find the process mush easier than Android and much more safe.

Also type in "touchpad" in the search bar of the app catalog. All current optimized apps for the touchpad will populate.

Enjoy!

08/20/2011, 11:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
Droosh Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA Posts: 7 Likes Received: 2 Thanks: 3 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	New TouchPad owner requests beginner webOS guide and essential app recommendations I picked up the 16GB version this morning for $99.00! As a former frequent VisorCentral and TreoCentral member I'm psyched to be back with the community. I did a quick search but I didn't find a good beginners guide to webOS for the TouchPad. Can anyone reply with links? Also, a link to the most up to date aggregated top apps lists would be helpful as well. Thanks!
	Liked by sooby77 and Titan078 like this. Thanked By: Titan078

08/20/2011, 01:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
dong1225 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 53 Likes Received: 9 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Another new owner here and I'd like some help too. Things I'd like to do on TouchPad are: Tweeting: is Spaz HD really the only free TouchPad optimized twitter app? Why is it so sluggish? (like the rest of the TouchPad I guess..) is Carbon really that better to pay for? Streaming videos transcoded on the fly: like AirVideo and or StreamToMe on iOS if you guys know those apps. Streaming videos without having to convert first Basic unzip/unrar support: come on, at least iPad can unzip. Tried to unzip/unrar some files I had and some files I downloaded from internet and it gave me an error along the line of "MIME type not supported" I know what that means but that's a terrible error message to send to most end users. Even "File type not supported" would've been better. And I don't expect one but if there is, a comic reader would be nice. One that supports zip/rar would be fantastic. I'm comfortable in jumping into homebrew/system tweaks department so if there are must have tweaks, please let us know too!
	Liked by Macflyer likes this.

08/20/2011, 01:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
mikevember Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 444 Likes Received: 27 Thanks: 120 Thanked 115 Times in 77 Posts	give your touchpad a day or so before you say its slow, its synergizing. Also, Spaz HD is the only Twitter App optimized for the TouchPad. PlayOn is a good way to stream media to your touchpad but there is no dedicated app, its a webviewer using Flash. There is ComicShelf HD for comics http://developer.palm.com/appredirec...g.comicshelfhd I remember that Internalz Pro had mentioned eventually adding support of .zip/.rar but I dont think it has as of yet. __________________ Did you know I can also annoy you on twitter? @mikevember Last edited by mikevember; 08/20/2011 at 01:50 PM.
	Liked by Soorma likes this. Thanked By: Soorma

08/20/2011, 01:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
verno329 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 95 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 50 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	First thing to do is run the update to 3.02. Makes a huge difference. Then Preware can fix anything else from there. Welcome!
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 01:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
bluenote Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,214 Likes Received: 306 Thanks: 391 Thanked 579 Times in 357 Posts	http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touc...oldtimers.html
	Liked by Thanked By: Newcron

08/20/2011, 01:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
barrysanders20 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 519 Likes Received: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 52 Times in 36 Posts	Is there a Preware/ Doctor FAQ for the Touchpad? http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touc...-touchpad.html Last edited by barrysanders20; 08/20/2011 at 03:33 PM.
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 01:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
mikevember Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 444 Likes Received: 27 Thanks: 120 Thanked 115 Times in 77 Posts	Also, I dont know if the Box.net app is still available but try and get the 50GB free if you can by downloading the app and logging in or registering in it. __________________ Did you know I can also annoy you on twitter? @mikevember
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 02:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
werkx Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 61 Likes Received: 1 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	i have a feeling the servers are going to be bogged down today with all the new activations. i'm going to wait a bit with mine. i'm hoping to be in this for the long haul so i got time. plus, i had a week hands-on with one from july, so i already know i will like it.
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 02:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
ncinerate Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,071 Likes Received: 584 Thanks: 17 Thanked 1,148 Times in 217 Posts	You'll have to do a little work to get it perfect, but here's my suggestions (from a whole morning messing with my new 32gig touchpad). 1: Update the device fully. This means update once to 3.0, reboot, update again to 3.0.2. 2: Get preware installed. Search the forum for a few easy guides on how to do this. 3: Perform the various speed-up tricks listed here: http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touc...ml#post3027858 I especially recommend the improved touch responsiveness patch listed there, as it really does make a WORLD of difference on quality of use. 4: Install uberkernel and govna from preware, then set it up to utilize the 1.5ghz speed inside govna. 5: Enjoy your super fast updated touchpad. The list may change as I discover new things to fiddle with. Also, I'll probably be messing around with skins for superNES as well, to make one better suited for the large format on the touchpad.
	Liked by Droosh likes this. Thanked by dong1225, Droosh

08/20/2011, 02:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
nappy Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2,031 Likes Received: 261 Thanks: 89 Thanked 402 Times in 277 Posts	^-- great advice. Preware seems to be a must to get decent performance out of this. I installed the muffle system logging, remove dropped packet logging, quiet powerd messages, and eom overlord monitoring patches and it's running much better than it did with a stock 3.0.2 build.
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 02:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
Titan078 Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 721 Likes Received: 29 Thanks: 361 Thanked 72 Times in 59 Posts	Welcome! We can negative at times, but in general you will find a lot of smart commentary here, as well as a ton of fanaticism.
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 02:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
dong1225 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 53 Likes Received: 9 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks for all the suggestions already, and by Synergizing, I guess you mean the cloud syncing service webOS has? *edit anyway I can find out if "Synergizing" is done? It seems a bit faster now but I'm not sure what changed. I did find out yesterday that the update improved it to a usable state but after being used to my sister's iPad 2 it still feels slow in many places. Can't complain for the $99 price point though. When I checked PlayON, they talked about subscription plan, do I have to pay for the service? I'm not even sure if the service is still alive but I used to use Orb web streaming service back in 2008 on my iPod, might have to check that out again too. Once again, thank you guys so much for the quick and helpful responses, this community is looking great so far!
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 02:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
geekpeter Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK Posts: 1,532 Likes Received: 191 Thanks: 64 Thanked 119 Times in 105 Posts	the best thing you can all do is learn cross platform programming and hope you can keep the touchpad alive making some apps that run on the ipad/android and as a lucky bonus also the touchpad indirectly.
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 03:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
Droosh Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA Posts: 7 Likes Received: 2 Thanks: 3 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Gotta say I'm loving this device already. The UI is so clean and simple I'm sure my wife and kids will have no problems. I did install the OS update first thing. I then messed around with it a bit and checked out the app store. Only disappointment so far are the relative dearth of native apps that I use regularly on my Android phone. However, this was to be expected and I can cover most of these bases through the browser. I was pleased to see that Flash is supported. I also find it a bit sluggish when I want it instantly respond to my touch on the screen. I understand that this may clear up over time or with overclocking/tweaking. @ncinerate I will do all of your performance tweaks. I'm comfortable installing custom ROMs, kernels, etc. so I should have no problems. Is there any link you guys recommend for any already tweaked ROMs? Has anyone hacked or created a sideloadable Netflix app like they did for unsupported Android devices? Thanks again! It's great to see that this community is still about the most sincerely helpful and knowledgeable around.
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 03:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
dong1225 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 53 Likes Received: 9 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	I'm not sure what exactly happened but the thing is already better then it used to be. I'm more than happy about the $99 purchase I made! Will be doing all the tweaks as suggested by @ncinerate and see how far I can crank this baby upto!
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 03:12 PM	#17 (permalink)
jhoff80 Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Boston-area Posts: 6,973 Likes Received: 116 Thanks: 418 Thanked 1,252 Times in 710 Posts	I really wish Graphite had come out for Twitter before this announcement. I've been using Spaz HD, but I really just don't like it. I know it's open-source and anyone can make it better, but it's not really anything specific it does wrong, it's just slow and I just don't like the design of it.
	Liked by

08/20/2011, 03:19 PM	#19 (permalink)
ncinerate Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,071 Likes Received: 584 Thanks: 17 Thanked 1,148 Times in 217 Posts	Absolutely, updating is a critical first step. Unfortunately, many new buyers won't be doing this first step, so there's going to be a few hundred thousand annoyed people at various OS quirks until the touchpad decides to update itself . Much like the palm pre, the touchpad really does shine once it's been tweaked to all hell, but much like the palm pre, the touchpad NEEDS to be tweaked to best enjoy it... Hopefully it won't be much like the palm pre in it's reliability.
	Liked by

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