Resco Explorer - The Review

[BrentDC]

This is an unofficial user review of Resco Explorer for Palm OS by Resco Mobile solutions.

The following review is broken up into parts, such that each part covers a different aspect of Resco Explorer.

Resco Explorer is a swiss-army-knife type application for Palm OS. It brings to the table many features only available before in a multitude of software programs.


File Manager

At the heart of Resco Explorer is its file manager. All the other functions Resco Explorer can take on, somehow relate to this top-notch file manager. It supports all basic operations like Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete, ect., but also supports more advanced ones like compress/decompress (Zip)/View/Duplicate, ect. The file manager features a double paned view, like that similar to Windows Explorer on Desktop PC's.



Personally, I hardly ever use the double pane viewing mode (the pane separator can be dragged all the way to the left, then toggled with the bottom left button on the bottom-toolbar when needed), but I know some people swear by it. When viewing the top-level root of your device (like "My Computer" on Windows PC's), you will see all connected volumes plus Control Panel, Secure Files, Documents, and Applications (more about all these later).



I like how all the Internal Volumes (ROM, RAM, and Builtin) are separated so you cannot easily be confused as to where a file belongs.

One of the nicer features when viewing the RAM drive is the "Structured RAM View" - it allows you to see your RAM like it "was supposed to be". Where each application is listed, and its databases are in an expandable tree. It gives more the feel of order, very much unlike what the Internal Memory really looks like (all the files just clumped in one spot).



Resco Explorers File Manager is also "Powerful". Meaning that that when other file managers fail to copy a file to internal memory, Resco Explorer will not. A perfect example of this was trying to install "FastDIA" - a system tweak that will raise/lower the DIA immediately instead of seeing the regular animation on devices like the TX. Obviously, HotSync failed to install this file, because it overwrites some other file always in use by the system. Countless other file managers also failed to install the file from the expansion card, but Resco Explorer was up to the task. On countless occasions I've taken advantage of this feature, and it is just another reason this software is better than the rest.

One of the things that I really like about Explorer is that it identifies applications and the files these applications can handle by icon. So that if a TXT document is defaulted to open with Documents To Go, the Documents To Go icon will appear next to that file type. This is a feature we are accustomed to seeing on our desktops, but is sorely lacking in some free alternatives like FileZ.



A major selling point to me when I purchased Resco Explorer, was its ability to Compress and Decompress ZIP Archives. In fact, although you can actually "decompress" ZIP archives, it is more handy to just work right with the ZIPs. Palm applications can be installed from ZIPs, documents launched, images viewed, ect. This integration is something I use constantly because I compress almost all my lesser-used files on my expansion card to save space, Without Explorer, this would not be possible. Although, one of Resco Explorers limitations in regards to ZIP archives, is its inability to open ZIP files that are within another ZIP. I can't say this is an extremely bothersome thing to me, every one in a while I will find the need for it, and have to go through the extra step of decompressing the first archive, then opening the subsequent one. Maybe this is something Resco could fix in the future.


Context Menu

Some people may not think this feature deserves its own section in this review, but I certainly think it does (and after all, I am the one writing it!). I absolutely love the context menu in Resco Explorer, and all other Resco Products for that matter. It can be initiated in two ways:

1. A press-and-hold of the screen
2. Press and hold of the center button on the five-way with what you want already selected

Depending on what you selected to bring a context menu of, you will get a list of actions to take



If you're thinking "That looks like a right-click on my PC", then you are correct, that is exactly what it is. I have no idea why none of the builtin applications take advantage of this, and why very few 3rd party ones do, but it really an essential feature of Explorer to me (and could be of other applications).

One of the very important features, that seems to only be available in the context menu, is the "Install To Ram" option. As indicated above, Explorer will install files other file managers will not, but only using this.


Control Panel

Explorer's Control Panel (accessible from the "Device" view) has a lot of goodies inside. Some of the more useful are:

• Associations - This is a list of all file types, and what application has registered to handle them. For example, a TXT document can be opened with Documents To Go, Memos, and Resco Explorer itself (we'll get into further detail on what Explorer can open later in this review). You can edit any entry, and "Default" a different application, or add ones not currently in the list. You can also delete associations completely, so no application is registered to handle it. Remember, all your changes will be undone by the next soft-reset, so you will want to use another tool Explorer offers - its Associations Doctor.

• Alarms - This shows a list of all alarms that are scheduled to take place. These alarms are not just the alarms in the sense of going off and creating a sound, but that, and anything that happens on an automated basis. This would include things like Scheduled Backups, DST changes, and obviously regular Alarms.

• Network - Along with things like Ping and Trace, there is an option in this panel to set the time of your Palm OS device to an Atomic Time Server. I already have this capability with NVBackup and Palmary Clock Wireless, but I thought it was worth mentioning for people who don't use these programs, and didn't know this very well-concealed feature was available in Explorer.

• Notifications - Although this might be a feature for a more experienced Palm OS user, this can be tell you which applications register for which System Notifications.

• Saved/Unsaved Preferences - These two panels list both the Saved and Unsaved Preferences separately. This can be an extremely useful way to delete application data, delete leftovers from known Creator IDs, or do all kinds of crazy stuff. (for example, deleting a certain Unsaved Preference that stores the default screen calibration data, could be something someone would want to do if they've replaced their device with another device of same model, and can't get the screen calibrator to work because the screen is very mis-calibrated from the previous device).

Documents/Applications

As of version 4.xx, the Documents view is new and improved. Previously the sub folders of Images, Documents, and Music would show these respective items in RAM. But now it lists everything, including all of the specified type of files that are on your expansion card. I was quite shocked when I saw this, especially considering the speed in which it takes. I have a 2GB SD Card, and it takes 2-3 seconds to list all my images! (and I have 300+ images). The same holds true with Docs or Music. I could see this coming in quite handy for organizing these oft used files.


Wireless

Please note the following section does not cover the newly implemented Bluetooth Networking and File Transfer support. This is only do to the fact that I do not own a single Bluetooth device other than my Palm TX.

Along with version 3.xx, Resco adds support for the File Transfer and Samba Protocols (also called FTP and SMB respectively). I use FTP in a limited fashion, actually only with my DriveHQ FTP account (and yes, I did have a DriveHQ account before Resco started advertising them in their products). But I use SMB on almost a daily basis. I do not HotSync anymore, so this is my most common way to transfer files back and fourth between my computer. I also believe this is probably the best and fastest way to accomplish this. All the same features that you use in the regular file manager to manipulate local files, are available to Network files/folders. In fact, Network volumes are displayed just like local ones, and are interfaced in the exact same manner - a seamless integration. An issue I have with Explorers SMB support is it not "remembering" my wireless drives. Meaning, I don't know if it is because my IP address changes or another reason, but sometimes when I go to view a Network share, Explorer gives me a DNS Error. I have to go reselect the Share in the Info->Browse dialog to get them working again. This is probably my biggest issue with Explorer, and wish it could be corrected if possible.


File Launching/Explorers Supported Files

Explorer can open certain file types itself, or directly launch files to be opened by other programs. It can open the three big image formats - BMP, JPG, and GIF. Although this in no way is going to replace your dedicated image viewer, it can be useful when previewing images, especially on a Network or within a ZIP archive. Explorer also has the ability to open and edit TXT files (as briefly referred to above), and can open any file in its Hex Editor. The Hex Editor has a bunch of different views, Text, Hex, Binary, and with Palm Database files (PRC/PDB), it will show a "Database" view. And if you are looking at a tAIB, abmp, or Tbmp file within a PRC/PDB, it will display it as an image. I find this especially handy when creating themes and such, because I don't have to use slightly less reliable tools like BIRD and TbmpEdit (but of course is I want to edit something I will have to use them).

Explorer will also allow you to launch files directly to be opened by whatever you have selected to launch them. This is similar to what PalmOne files does on the Tungsten T5, Palm LifeDrive, or downloadable through the MyTreo/Addit Application on newer Treos. There is a complete list available on the Resco website that shows which applications support direct file launching from an expansion card, while anything else, Explorer will temporarily copy that file to RAM.




Launcher/Backup

I've grouped these two utilities together because I view them more as extras - in the fact they won't replace your applications that are dedicated to take on this task on your device (on my device that is Appshelf and NVBackup).

Along with all the other features Resco includes with Explorer, there is also a basic launcher. It is available from the main device view, and is also a pre-Favorite in the favorites (that is another great feature - the favorites). It won't replace AppShelf on my device, but does act as an OK launcher in a pinch (the "Explore" context menu entry here is also worth noting).

There is also a basic Backup solution integrated in Explorer. It will not do scheduling, which is its major drawback, but it is like the launcher, something you could use in a pinch.


Secure Files

As of Explorer 2008 (4.xx), you can now Password Encrypt files in the new "Secured" folder in the Device view. (it is actually just a shortcut to a folder "/Secured" that Explorer makes on your expansion card). I've had limited time to test this, but Resco claims you can launch Files and everything from this folder. I can imagine I will put this new feature to good use.


Conclusion

I already made up my mind on Explorer about a year ago, and purchased it after trialing it for only a few days. I think you may already know from my review that it is one of my most favorite applications, and I'd be lost without it. The few issues I found with (and I had to look very hard), were outweighed 100 to 1 by its plethora of features, and utilities only available before by a whole host of applications or not at all.

[jigwashere]

Thanks for the review, Brent! Nicely done. I have to admit, I'm still undecided about this. I used a trial version of Resco Explorer to put phoneinterfacelibraryhack.prc into "RAM", but other than that, I don't have an immediate need for it. The ability to secure data on the external card and still have access to it is very intriguing. I have zip ability with unicmd, but never use it. I have backup ability. No problems with associations. I don't really need the network piece, either. I installed the trial again and will try to make more use of it.

[Ohappydaye]

Thanks Brent. I appreciate you taking the time to do this. This app looks really nice, but I think it's over kill for me. FileZ serves my needs very well, but if I ever need to branch out I'll be sure to pick this up as I do love the Resco "family." Resco Backup has saved me NUMEROUS times!

[wozofoz]

Thanks for the Review Brent, very well done

You know this but for others reading this thread who don't:
I don't own a Chunky Computer and I use my TX for everything.

To put it simply, RE has the power to allow me to organise the card (Desktop to me) and do almost everything that needs to be done, quickly and efficiently
This means RE is an essential app for me, one that must be on my TX.

Originally Posted by BrentDC

Resco Explorers File Manager is also "Powerful". Meaning that that when other file managers fail to copy a file to internal memory, Resco Explorer will not

Don't you mean RE will Mine does, have you updated?

All the best, woz of oz

[jigwashere]

Originally Posted by BrentDC

Meaning that that when other file managers fail to copy a file to internal memory, Resco Explorer will not.

Originally Posted by wozofoz

Don't you mean RE will

Read it again -- when other's fail, RE will not (fail).

[wozofoz]

Originally Posted by Jig

Read it again -- when other's fail, RE will not (fail)

Yeahhh, I guess. Certainly, reading it with your Post in mind it does read ok but I must admit on first read it sounded more like:
......Meaning that that when other file managers fail to copy a file to internal memory, Resco Explorer will not. (copy a file to internal memory as well)

Still Brent goes on to show an example of how RE can do it so all is explained in the end

Words and languages can be such fun can't they
Except in the case of the Babel fish of course

"Meanwhile, the poor Babel fish, by effectively removing all barriers to communication between different races and cultures, has caused more and bloodier wars than anything else in the history of creation"

All the best, woz of oz

[cyberdude2]

Brent,

Thanks for the great review!! I too find RE 2008 a necessary app on my TX. RE is one of my most used apps and will continue to be so.

[BrentDC]

@Everyone

Thanks. I was glad to do the review

@woz

Sorry to cause the confusion with "to fail or not to fail" I felt that if I suffixed fail at the end of the sentence, it would sound redundant.

[Hook]

I've been trying out RE and have one really strange thing going on. When I open an mp3 file by pressing the center button, RE starts trying to beam it via IR. I can't figure out for the life of me why it is doing this. mp3 is properly associated with mOcean, the player I use, which I don't think even has an IR transfer function. Any ideas on what is causing this?

[r0k]

It was Resco Explorer 2008 that allowed me to put aside Zlauncher in favor of the much smaller footprint Treolauncher. Everything that Treolauncher lacked, Resco Explorer handles. In fact, RE will allow you to make it the default launcher.

And the support is responsive too. I downloaded the prc which means I missed out on the BlueFTP file. I asked about the problem and Jan let me know what I was missing. Now I can browse my phone from my Macbook...

Like you can with win mobile devices and even dumb phones like the Mot Razr. Sorry Palm, but the bluetooth stack on my Treo 650 smartphone is dumber than a dumb phone. And no you can't blame Verizon because it is a Verizon Razr that I can browse via bluetooth...