RNS::’s HiLauncher was the first application that attempted to bring a Windows-like start menu to Palm OS handhelds. HiLauncher recently was updated to version 3.4 – let’s see how well the program has survived the bites from the teeth of time.
When starting up HiLauncher for the first time, you can either make the program auto-generate a menu or start from scratch:
The program’s main screen is well-done; each menu item has a number indicating the sequence in which it should be looked at.
Setting up the trigger is very easy – binding the program onto the Treo’s launcher key unfortunately disables the list of recently-used programs.
Once the trigger is defined, the menu must be created. HiLauncher allows nested menus; each item can have its own foreground and background colors:
Menu items can do a variety of things – dial numbers, trigger actions, display information….and, last but not least, launch applications. The images below show a few of the possible settings:
Unfortunately, the ‘last-used’ icon is not as smart as it should be – it’s name does not change, and multiple instances cannot be cascaded in order to create a ‘last-used’ menu:
After the basic configuration is done, the menu can be tested:
HiLauncher has a few configuration options that allow you to customize the menu’s appearance:
This review looked at version 3.4 of the program on a Treo 680. HiLauncher must be installed to RAM and needs about 150k of free space.
In the end, HiLauncher remains what it has been in the ages of the IIIc – a super-solid, stable and fast application from an experienced Palm OS house. While the application lacks a few features found in competitor’s apps(e.g. plugin support, background images), the truly insane speed achieved by lean, no-frills code definitely is worth it. Free trial available; full version costs 20$ with free updates for a lifetime!
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Tam, you wrote:
Unfortunately, the ‘last-used’ icon is not as smart as it should be – it’s name does not change, and multiple instances cannot be cascaded in order to create a ‘last-used’ menu
…which is not true
The tips within the program (available with the “i” icon in the “Design the Menu” screen) say:
“Recent App.” – launch most recently used application. You may put several items of this type in your menu to get a list of most recently used applications. If an item has no caption, the recently used application’s name will show up in the menu.
The same applies to the “Redial” items, which is described just below that quote in tips.
Interesting review, anyway!
Hi RNS::,
sorry – will update the review soon!
Best regards
Tam Hanna