The user interface of mobile devices has been targeted around usability for years…until the iPhone came and introduced stylish user interfaces. Dynamo is intended to replace the standard task manager – but can it stack up?

Essentially, the program presents the running programs as a list of little thumbnails that are arranged on-screen and get updated automatically:
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Single applications can be closed with a tap at the top-right icon:
2a Dynamo review   the iPhoneish task manager for PocketPC

All applications can be closed at the same time by opening the menu:
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The same menu can also be used for setting a few options – the look of the program can be customized(icons, background color,…):
4a Dynamo review   the iPhoneish task manager for PocketPC 4b Dynamo review   the iPhoneish task manager for PocketPC 4c Dynamo review   the iPhoneish task manager for PocketPC

Dynamo works best when a hardkey is assigned to it – that way, the start menu doesn’t obscur the open applications. However, the integrated button assigner doesn’t work:

Also, the program has issues with the landscape mode of my ipaq rx4240:
5a Dynamo review   the iPhoneish task manager for PocketPC

This review looked at version 2.0 of the program on a HP ipaq rx4240, a cab file is available from Aspecto Software. The program needs about 2MB of RAM and can be installed onto an expansion card!

Overall, Dynamo is a great application that really makes your PocketPC look cool(if you can live with the landscape mode quirks). The program seems to be freeware…if you already have the .NET CF installed and a hardkey to spare, give it a whirl by all means!


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  2. The HP ipaq rx4240 review – system specs
  3. CEdit review – the syntax highlighting source code editor for PocketPC
  4. The big StyleTap review – Part 1: Introduction
  5. Microsoft; please do something about PocketPC backlight control