[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ypsmav:
For those like me that could be confused about the latest builds when searching for a new ROM, I’d like to share what I found after a long search.

There are several different branches of development. Higher number doesn't mean a newer version.

6.5 Builds:

These builds have the 'Start' and 'Ok' buttons on top.

a) 219xx = COM2, WM 6.5.0

The latest build is the 21916.

These builds don't include finger friendly buttons, but it's the most stable, less memory demanding, fast and the one which is giving no problems with WM6.1 software. All programs I works perfect (activesync, Tomtom, games, etc.) including those for older WM versions.

The development of the WM 6.5 is finished.

6.5.x builds:

These builds have big Start and Ok buttons at the bottom of screen, and much more finger friendly.

Main programs works work ok but some old programs have position problems.

b) 230xx = COM3, WM 6.5.3

The latest build I found is the 23153.

This is branch used by the 'official' 6.5.3 devices.

These builds include finger friendly buttons, start button at the bottom and eye candy appearance.

I'm using (cooking) these builds for everyday use and they are stable and showing very good performance.

Last build was just released by DFT.

c) 290xx,

New branch.

The latest build I found is the 29022

It has good Ram management, it's stable and quite fast.

IE has flash support.

I've been using this branch for a few weeks with good results.

This branch is the only one active recently.

d) 216xx

The latest build I found was 21690

HTC branch development.

Good Ram management, stable and very snappy.

e) 236xx

The latest build I found is the 23699.

It seems to be very fast and stable.

f) 282xx

Latest build found was 28245

Apparently the latest builds are very stable and faster than other 6.5.x builds.

g) 24xxx

Latest build found is the 24635.

Seems to be fast, stable & visually appealing. Battery consumption seems very good as well.

Possible HTC branch

h) 235xx = COM5 [Discontinued]

The latest ROM I found is the 23569.

This is a development branch, finger friendly with new Outlook Interface and threaded email. It's not as stable as the COM2/3 builds.

The development on this branch seems to be finished.

i) other branches 6.5.x:

I found the 22047, 25028

Manila 2.5 builds (HTC Sense):

The latest one found is the build 2.5.2021 with manila home 2022.

Sense 2.5 is really great, even if it consume a lot of resuorces from your phone.

When selecting a ROM you will find:

- LEO Manila 2.5: It include all tabs (ereader, docs, footprints), but it's very slow on the blackstone.

- Rodhium Manila 2.5: this one is optimized for our old (slow) processor, it works on landscape mode, but it does not include eReader, docs and Footrint tab and some of the animations have been removed (music and pictures tabs on landscape). (note: you will find some hybrid versions based on the Rodhium manila with the missing tabs added. E.G: NRGZ28)

For the differences between Manila 2.1 and 2.5 check this post.

Manila 2.1 builds (HTC Sense):

The latest one found is the build 2.1.38411.0

Not as nice as the 2.5, but it's much faster and uses less memory.

HTC Packages:

From LEO: 3.14 (From TMUS HD2 including Manila 2.5.2018) .

From Rhodium: 2.10 (From ATT Tilt 2 including Manila 2.5.2013) .

From Oboe (Com3): 1.18 including Manila 2021

From Huasan (com3): 1.27

Pls feel free to comment about your experiencies on the different branches, and we will update the post.

:)

Also I had a few questions/answers:

a) Does anyone know which is the WM6.5 build that is included on the devices which appear on the 6-oct? and which is the one found in the latest LEO?

Reply post #8: in Austria Samsung OMNIA II with WM 6.5 build 21856.5.0.65

b) Seen a lot of discussion about ‘page pool’. Is it something that normal users have to know, or is it just for cookers?

Reply post #8: Yes, you can improve the speed of the rom you're about to flash, but it will reduce the program memory

c) Why Manila (HTC TouchFlo/ Sense) can not be found as a Cab?

There are some developers which have created some instalable CABs, but as a general rule if you want to update your manila you need to flash a new ROM with the Manila version you want.

Rgds