Open Home & apps worth it?

[lyphe]

Just curious for an opinion or two ...

I've been tempted to download Open Home from Better Android because of all their cool icons, skins, and other things. At the same time, I see comments about it slowing down the phone significantly or causing all sorts of forced closes, etc.

Are most people using and liking Better Android apps? I've got an HTC Dream, so I'm on the old operating system. Not sure if that makes a difference.

Love to hear some thoughts. Thx & Cheers!

 

[shrink57]

Just curious for an opinion or two ...

I've been tempted to download Open Home from Better Android because of all their cool icons, skins, and other things. At the same time, I see comments about it slowing down the phone significantly or causing all sorts of forced closes, etc.

Are most people using and liking Better Android apps? I've got an HTC Dream, so I'm on the old operating system. Not sure if that makes a difference.

Love to hear some thoughts. Thx & Cheers!

Before I rooted my Droid I tried just about every home replacement and although they made my phone look great and improved functionality there was always a big tradeoff in spped and stability. I used PandaHome more than the others and for me it was the best of the lot but still had issues (lagging, force closing, you name it). I tired and tried, experimented, mixed, matched. I finally gave up.

If you take the path of rooting your phone there are changes you can make on a system level that offer no loss in stability and still improve your phone's looks. That said, rooting is not for the weak of heart and can open a Pandora's box of additional problems.

 

[bytal]

I also have a dream and while I haven't tried the pay-for apps. I've been using panda for a week or so and have had no problems as far as force closures or lag. The only problem I've had with it is it won't let me rename or change the icons for apps on the home screen. By no means a major issue for me.

 

[grainysand]

Before you shell out cash for OpenHope, I strongly recommend you give Home++ a whirl first. It's free, elegant, and doesn't impact your phone's performance at all due to how minimalistic it is.

 

[dittok92]

I've tested some of the home replacements, and the best one I've found so far is GDE. It's a lot smoother and hasn't force closed on me yet. Panda does have a bit more customization, however it wasn't very stable for me and was choppy at points, even with all apps closed.