[Windows Phone 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] vetvito:
What I am looking for info on:

-I use Android's file system to store non-market/root APK's to reinstall apps after wiping/updating the phone and such. I would like to unlock my WP for things like screenshot utilities; how does that whole scene work in a quick summary? I know about Chevron, but how are these apps distributed, updated etc.?

*No, you will be stuck at your pc for deploying XAPs. However Dotcomp says there is a way to deploy XAPs from IE.

MS security is a complete joke, you can just download the XAPs from MS.

-How are non-native apps with scrolling smoothness these days in Mango? I cant stand the lag and stuttering in Android.

* Well get used to it, its the exact same on WP7. However there aren't many apps with long scroll list, most take advantage of Metro.

-Can you download from IE to the file system with homebrew? How about natively?

*NO, and no

-How does Skydrive work for installers/loading installers, PDF's and other non-Office files? Can you browse it like a filesystem, as I currently use it as a Network Drive on my PC anyways.

*Skydrive was a afterthought on this OS, my opinion. Works great for Office documents, OneNote, and pics. That's it.

-Does the universal volume setup become an issue? I use my phone as my PMP with headphones all the time, then I need it to be on vibrate for class and in general, also alarms randomly, and occasionally I play games with the media on. Will I be missing alarms or leaving the ringer on in class if I don't pay close attention or is it mainly just when going headphones to media? I dont quite understand how it works specifically.

* Depends on you. I'm used to multiple volume settings, so its a pain to me.

-Quick ways to toggle WiFi and screen brightness with homebrew?

* If you can call a wifi icon on homesreen quick, then yes, other than that NO.

-Back up options for app settings and things if a wipe happens?

*If on the go, NO. If at your PC, http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=19341502#post19341502

-Do you find yourself ever getting annoyed with the animations or the app list for less used apps that still get accessed once in a while?

* Actually the animations are what make this phone. They're pretty quick and elegant. I like the live tiles, but they ruin the glance and go concept, because I have to wait on it to flip.

The app list is horrid.

-How bad is board reader for browsing forums or the free reddit apps? They dont have great ratings.

*Board Express made by Tapatalk, is nothing like Tapatalk on Android or IOS. It is like a sick joke. The browser is faster on WP.

-Am I going to be panning a lot in IE without text reflow? I usually browse/do everything in portrait and dont like landscape much FYI.

* Double tap usually makes the text readable, but if the site has text and pictures you want to see, you're SOL.

Also if you like to read comments, or deal with a HTML5 website, you will find yourself having to load the full website a lot. I can't even get the smartphone version of mobile sites, IE9 doesn't render some correctly.

Anything you really miss about Android or iOS?

YES! GOOGLE APPS! GAMES!

Youtube on Android is the greatest, Lazytube comes close but you have to pay for it.

Im used to sitting on my couch and flinging websites and videos from my phone to the TV(google tv), impossible on WP7.

Custom SMS, ringtones, and email notifications. You can do custom ringtones but its a hassle.

I can say I like the Email on WP7, however its not instant like on IOS or Android.

Oh, there is no auto update option. If there is a app that needs updating you have to open the market and tell it to update.

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All of that being sad, you could still be Happy using WP7. It just totally depends on what you use your phone for.

:cool: my lady took over the vibrant, lol.

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Another thing, some people say they get tired of flashing custom roms on Android. The exact same

OPTION

is avaliable on WP7. You don't

HAVE

to flash either.