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Sell me on a home replacement...

Jason8

Newbie
Dec 8, 2009
21
0
Can someone explain to me why a home replacement is the way to go? Currently only using 3 screen, starting to get full, but so far so good. So what other features do replacement homes have that you guys find to be a distinct advantage over the regular home? I kind of like some of the themes out there, but isn't that essentially just a different background with custom icons? In theory can't I just download a custom icon packet (I'm guessing these exist??), and find a background I like and I am good to go? And what's with the docking bar?
 
Well themes can change more than just icons/wallpapers, and some people like that level of customization. I would recommend PandaHome or GDE for the Moto Droid. I tried PandaHome and wasn't that impressed, but I really like GDE (mostly the cube transition). Just try a few out and see what you like.
 
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I'll be back here to sell you on Sweeter Home once Preview 2 is out. Check the link in my sig for some advanced screens - some vid on there too. Effectively you will be able to custom build your own homescreen - almost to the level of creating your own UI...

Preview 1 is on the market now but it's seriously outdated and unstable. P2 (I have a private beta) is stable with a bunch of new features...
 
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It basically comes down to personal preference.

If you're fine with having 3 screens but want to be able to customize icons, then Better Cut is definitely the way to go.

You could also try out UltimateFaves. UltimateFaves v2.1.1 Application for Android | Productivity

They also have a pro version that you need to download from the dev's website via PayPal. It's definitely secure.

Since I downloaded UltimateFaves Pro I don't have any real use for my screens (5). Now the empty screens are filled with what I'm most addicted to...widgets.

If you are looking to try out a new home app, though, I would go with PandaHome (free), dxTop (paid; has been a little unstable lately), Home++ (free), and GDE (paid; my personal fav).

Open Home and aHome, IMO, have been losing steam, and are not as stable or smooth as the other I mentioned.
 
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I'll be back here to sell you on Sweeter Home once Preview 2 is out. Check the link in my sig for some advanced screens - some vid on there too. Effectively you will be able to custom build your own homescreen - almost to the level of creating your own UI...

Preview 1 is on the market now but it's seriously outdated and unstable. P2 (I have a private beta) is stable with a bunch of new features...

I definitely agree!!! Sweeter Home will be what I will use when preview 2 comes out!

I really like the way DxTop switches between screens, but Sweeter Home is WAY more customizable.
 
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I don't understand that as open as android is themes and theme building isn't an integrated part of the OS like it is on the blackberrys. Ok I know you can learn the code and root the phone but really most people will not do that. I think integration of themes into the OS will arrive but when and will creaters be able to sell themes?
 
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Okay, well, I have been playing around with OpenHome quite a bit. I tried DxTop and GDE, and I really didn't enjoy either of those. Panda is just way too unstable for me nowadays, which is sad, because I really liked Panda. So I am gonna stick with OpenHome for the time being, until I have the chance to really see the power that GDE has. OpenHome does everything I need, and honestly, some of the perks of the others don't interest me, as I am simply looking to have a nice, clean, cool theme to be able to rest my eyes upon when I look to my phone. So honestly, I don't think a person can be sold on a home replacement app, as each will do different things. So it really is about what you want, not what we tell you you want.
 
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I tried and liked open home quite a lot, then discovered GDE. GDE has been pushing updates like mad the past few weeks and has become very stable and fast. I wish it had some icon and font packs, but the thing that makes it hard for me to leave is the application dock widget. Cutting down on the number of screens is always nice for organizing icons, and those docks let you have as many iconsas you want within it. All my games sit in one dock that only takes up one row, awsome. The cube effect is also very cool. If only openhome and gde would merge functionality.
 
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I've been using home++ for about a month now and have been having FC problems as of late on my Droid. I love it's added functionality over the stock home set up, but hate how unstable it's become. Anyone else having similar problems??? I'm not sure I want to experiment with other homes if they don't offer some significant advantage. They all seem to have there own advantages and disadvantages.
 
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