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- 03-19-2009, 03:12 PM
Thread Author #1
Theme Review: iVista 2 by Z Man Designs!
Hello and Welcome!
****Disclaimer: This is an end user review only and as thus I cannot guarantee individual satisfaction of any product I review, only a thorough viewpoint from an unbiased third party. This products' capability to win you the prize, impress your mate or woo your boss is not implied or expressed!****
All reviews are based on testing executed on a Blackberry Storm 9530 OS updated from RIM (which is 4.7.75 current; no beta, cracked, or leaked OS) with 45mb free file memory (a few apps have been deleted, such as the sample pics, to gain memory), and 2-3 current profiles installed. This is to emulate as close as possible an experience most end users will have.
Introduction
Following is a thorough review from an end user standpoint of the iVista 2 by Z Man Designs. We'll Explore its overall quality, capability, fit and finish, highlight its successes and take a look at any possible bugs or compatibility issues. A link to each app reviewed is included in the review!
Rating System
Ratings in catagories are assigned marks from 0 to 5 for satisfaction, with 0 being abysmal and 5 being absolutely outstanding. The scores are then tallied at the end for a total cumulitive score and verdict! Scoring categories are uniform allowing for differing product. This is to be as neutral and unbias as possible.
iVista 2 by Z Man Designs Overview
Direct Link to Reviewed APP!
iVista 2 - Themes BlackBerry Software - Crackberry Store
The iVista 2 theme is touted as a hybrid of the best of iPhone icons and the clean professional layout of the Vista OS. Its target user seems to be the no-frills type that requires plenty of home desktop icons and prefers the iPhone icon feel and look, as well as the Vista layout. Billed as a theme that works best for the professional on the go with a creative approach for the every day user. At first glance, it looks very tidy. There is a definite uniqueness to the theme with well designed icons, and a bold layout. In theory it sounds quite capable, impressive and original. In practice, however, it attempts to juggle a few too many applications and features. In an attempt to do everything possible it is quite capabale of doing many things adequately, but nothing specific spectacularly.
In portrait mode the home desktop features date and signal status on the far top status bar. There are no less than 12 changable icons that permanently display on the home desktop in 3 dock areas: 6 on the top dock, 1 on the right dock, and 5 on the bottom dock. The right dock features several static icons that are not changeable that include a large time dial at the top right which is clickable to access clock settings, a battery meter directly below the clock displaying with %, a media icon/"widgett" that accesses the media folder, and a message icon that displays unread messages. In the small portion of the center screen a hidden "today" calendar displays when appointments become pertinent. The sound profile icon is located at the bottom right corner where it would be located on a "Vista" desktop taskbar on a Computer.
In landscape mode icons display in the non optional (as of yet) storm layout.
In both portrait and landscape mode the "touch highlight" is a white border with a highlighted background within the border of the selected icon (differing from the solid blue of the standard Zen theme built in) by design of the theme
Overall Quality Review
The iVista 2 appears to pack a metric ton of features and function for the business professional, at first glance. It has bright and pleasing colors, a strict no nonsense layout, and potential to be one of the best themes available. It looks to be an all-in-one theme upon previewing, however, something is lost in translation. In an attempt to be a jack of all trades, it is master of none.
Upon downloading and running it through the gauntlet the details emerge! On to the facts!
Capability:
Rating: 3 of 5
What looks on paper to be the K.O. blow this theme would be packing, in effect, becomes its Achillies' heel. It has so much going on that it is dragged down by its inability to focus and execute. Having 12 changeable home desktop icons is AMAZING, yet, having them all on a fixed permanent display is confusing. Add to that the 4 large fixed icons on the right dock, and the "today" display in the center, the home desktop for this theme is downright confusing. Alone, all of these features are outstanding. When they all co-exist permanently on the home desktop, the crammed-in cluttered feel is a big distraction.
At a whopping 1.2mb file, this theme is by far the largest i have tested and runs a fair amount slower than the other themes tested. Whether or not the file size or the desktop layout causes this is unknown. The end result is this theme is sluggish to switch screens and applications. Scoring a 3 out of 5 mainly due to how much it can do, and the fact that all those "can do's" slow it down and clutter it up. This theme could make HUGE leaps of capability with one MINOR tweak: Make the top and bottom docks sliding hidden docks and 90% of the clutter on the home desktop would vanish when not in use!
Compatability:
Rating: 0 of 5
Scoring an embarassing 0 out of 5, this theme has BIG compatability issues. Upon use this theme causes "app Error 523" and locks up the phone. This occured on numerous occasions. The theme causes a white frozen screen immediatly after unholstering from a standard OEM BB holster.
Because of all the features it is touting, it runs slowly. While a battery pull or quick-pull are usually advisable when switching themes to maximize performance, some themes packing top notch features don't always need it and have no issues switching over. This theme runs overly sluggish when switched to, if no hard reset is executed: so always remember to execute a reset. In addition, it is a memory hog. Executing a hard reset and running at 46mb file free memory this theme drags file free memory down to 32mb within 1 hour of operation. Half of that hour the phone was in the OEM BB holster. This pattern repeats itself as I reset and operate the phone throughout the day as I use it.
Warning! Until further notice this theme causes "App Error 523" on MY Storm 9530 (4.7.0.75 official OS)! Your results may vary, this is an account of what it did on MY PHONE. Install at your own risk. This theme caused white screen lock and app error lock on MY STORM. These issues are being looked into by Zman and there may be an update shortly!
Fit and Finish:
Rating: 3 of 5
This theme scores a standard 3 of 5, managing to do that on the shoulders of the excellent design of the icons and color pallet. It has a clean unique style and it is very obvious the designer payed great attention to the detail of the borders, icons, background and alignment. What hinders the fit and finish here is the over abundance of icons on the home desktop that are permanently displayed. The theme feels overly busy and chlosterphobic, and many of the icons are small and hard to access easily. Because the home desktop has fixed icons, user backgrounds are largely moot, as they are mainly obstructed. With all this theme can do it becomes a bit too busy on the desktop, not lending itself to an intuitive feel. However, by simply making the top and bottom dock sliding hidden docks, this theme would make a GIANT leap in terms of fit and finish, becoming VERY user intuitive, background user capable, sleek and uncluttered. With that one SIMPLE change, this theme would easily be closing in on that 5 of 5 here!!
Successes:
Rating: 2 of 5
This theme could be capable of so much! The attention to detail in the finish of the icons and graphics are superb! It has a hidden today field, and 12 changeable desktop icons. Scoring a 2 out of 5 here, which is mediocre, what hinders this theme from hitting that big 5 is the "jack of all trades, master of none" desktop, and havign too many hindrances to overcome. By fixing compatibility and addressing those lock up issues and revising that top and bottom dock by making them sliding and hidden, this theme would vault ahead in the successes category!
Quirks and bugs:
Rating: 0 of 5
Scoring an abysmal 0 of 5, this is where this theme fell down hard, and dropped out of the race behind its peers. It runs slowly even on an optimized storm with 48-49mb of file free memory, logmaid, and quickpull installed to clean up and reset when needed. It leaked file free memory by nearly 14mb over the course of an hour. This was a common occurance, as the phone was reset half a dozen times to confirm. When using the home icon menu or "applications" menu the phone locked out "options" after a few icons were moved not allowing it to open; this happened on several sporadic occasions.
Warning! Until further notice this theme causes "App Error 523" on MY Storm 9530 (4.7.0.75 official OS)! Your results may vary, this is an account of what it did on MY PHONE. Install at your own risk. This theme caused white screen lock and app error lock on MY STORM. These issues are being looked into by Zman and there may be an update shortly!
The theme displays a blank white screen for 3-4 seconds after being unholstered from the OEM BB holster sporadically that i have not seen with any other theme. The 7th changable icon on the desktop, located on the right side dock directly under the message fixed icon, does not display the "touch highlight" border all other icons do.
This app error lock up and the white screen lock upon unholstering is ungainly. I thoroughly hope this will be addressed with an update
Another note: I have to pull the truck over here and stop for just a second to draw your attention......
There is one specific thing that bothers me about this theme: An icon that is a direct link to the designers web site is included in the theme. Now, this in and of itself is not an issue. What is an issue is this icon cannot be deleted from the menu, or the applications screen in options. While i greatly appreciate the work you put into this theme (after all i payed $6 for it) i do NOT appreciate not being able to remove this icon. I may be alone in being annoyed directly by this, nonetheless, it must be said.
The tally:
Total Rating: 8 of 25
The Verdict:
Scoring an ungainly 8 of 25 this theme has some issues!! It has the capability to do so much, yet is hindered by a host of things. Its premise is admirable; its delivery is poor. As it stands it is bugged, slow and ungainly. Z Man Designs very obviously has a capable winner on its hands, but must address core issues with app errors, lag and lock ups to make this theme a contender! With the proper training and dieting this could be a heavy-weight hitter that is as nimble as a lightwieght!
Final Thoughts:
Looks smart, looks fun, has the goods....... falls far short on delivery. As it stands, i wouldn't recommend this as a purchase, because the theme has big issues with error, lock ups, lag and suffers from an identity crisis. It could be so great........ unfortunetly it isn't in the current incarnation.
Although i DO like this theme for many reasons, in its current form I would not recommend this theme for purchase. I sincerely hope it gets revised/reworked/debugged soon. With a few revisions it could be amazing.
Direct Link to Reviewd APP!
iVista 2 - Themes BlackBerry Software - Crackberry Store
In conclusion, I hope everyone got something from this review! It always takes a good bit of time to put a program through the wringer from all angles to test its capability and durability, and then write up a full review that is informative and easy to understand.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome!
Thanks For stopping by!
MrCbrLast edited by MrCbr; 03-20-2009 at 05:34 PM.
- 03-20-2009, 01:15 AM #2
So far you're the only one with a 523 error that I've heard of using iVista 2
Seeing as you're my only report so far in the 2 weeks it's been out, what I don't appreciate is you adding in big red letters "do not install" all over the place. You need to make it very very clear that in a lot of installs you're the ONLY one to have this error.
The review I don't mind because everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But the big red letters are LIES to EVERYONE except you!Last edited by thezman; 03-20-2009 at 01:29 AM.
- 03-20-2009, 07:24 AM #3 I would like to add that this theme also is a memory hog with the Bold. Version 1.2 fixed many of the issues but it still is "troubled". I mentioned this on another thread and ZMan chastized me for calling the theme "troubled". The icons are hard to see on the Bold and the Weatherbug icon does not update on the home screen. I had to delete the theme mainly due to the memory issue. Maybe another update will fix this theme but it was unusable for me as it is.
Originally Posted by thezman 
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com - 03-20-2009, 07:38 AMThread Author #4
I'm disappointeds you posted this without using the search feature as i did to find no less than one other post and more if you look. Originally Posted by thezman
That's pretty diheartening.
In addition, callign a customer a liar is bad form. i spent a good amount of time figuring out that it was YOUR pp that causes this, not another. I payed for the app, and i have found posts by others having this issue.
What's worse is all the posts about how poor the app performs speed-wise, the memory leak, and other issues, and now your post quoted.
I'm disinclined to buy any of your products again with that kind response, and i'll recommend others to avoid them now. - 03-20-2009, 07:38 AM #5 Oh I think you'll be pleased with the results of v1.2 coming out today Originally Posted by tellsells
I know we've had our disagreements tellsells, but you've been honest in your opinions and I do appreciate that. Thank you. I'll see if I can't sneak a screenshot in here of the upcoming release.
- 03-20-2009, 07:39 AMThread Author #6
This makes things even worse, Zman. Originally Posted by tellsells
Is this the action you take whenever anyone has issues with this app?
Bad Form. - 03-20-2009, 07:47 AM #7 Originally Posted by MrCbr I'm sorry if it came across as me calling you a liar. What I was directing that towards was that I felt your statement is incorrect - as I have tons of customers without issues. I'm not sure what caused the error in your case, but I am looking into it. My goal is always to improve my products, that's why there's free updates to customers. I didn't mean to come off as rude (poor choice of words perhaps - I will be more careful in the future) and definitely appreciate the business. It may be too little too late, but hate seeing somebody dissatisfied. Originally Posted by MrCbr
Last edited by thezman; 03-20-2009 at 08:27 AM.
- 03-20-2009, 05:32 PMThread Author #8
Understandable. I see your points ane have revised the review to include... Originally Posted by thezman
The noted lock up and app error are on MY phone and results on other phones MAY differ.
Regardless of how you came across, I remain neutral and recognize a valid point when i see one.
Review amended accordingly to reflect grammar choice, verbage and impact. - 03-20-2009, 07:19 PM #9 Z-I Just checked and there is no new Bold update. I was just curious to see if this new version improves on memory and with Weatherbug updates capability on home screen. You earlier said it would be out today. When do you expect it? Originally Posted by MrCbr
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com - 03-20-2009, 10:11 PM #10 Working on the update now HOWEVER due to an unforeseen circumstance I will be unable to post it tonight. Mobihand is upgrading their servers and they aren't allowing anyone access to make product changes until they finish. Originally Posted by tellsells
So instead I try and post some screenshots tonight on this forum topic http://forums.crackberry.com/f131/an...-2-yet-180631/ - 03-24-2009, 12:03 AM #11
1.2 is great...but the font style is not. I can barely read my calendar entries, and my vision is good. That type font is not good, for text that small.
- 03-26-2009, 10:36 AM #13
I changed the default wallpaper (suggestion from CB member), and it looks fine, now. I always loved the theme, just couldn't work with the font..or I guess it was the wallpaper.
- 03-26-2009, 12:36 PM #14
I purchased this yesterday for my Bold and first off... I REALLY love the theme. I think it's really great and it does everything I would want it to do.
And after a battery pull once you first switch to the theme - it operates relatively fast, which is good.
My biggest problem with the them is that it causes memory leaks like a mo-fo. Now, mostly all my themes suffer from memory leaks (besides the default OEM ones) but this brings it up to a whole new level. Not running any applications - My Bold lasted for 5 hours before I had to restart the sucker. And with a soft reset, it only got back 20 MB free (usually, on every other theme, I have 36-42)... And then, after that soft reset - it only lasted for another hour before my Bold screen faded to white, started tiling the icons, and then graphical pixelations to an all out BlackBerry fritz.
I really hope this theme is updated to fix these memory issues, because I absolutely adore it - however, it's un-usable on the Bold (for me at least) when the memory-usage is so horrible. - 03-26-2009, 01:20 PM #15 What OS are you running? Originally Posted by Nabiscuit
- 03-26-2009, 01:28 PM #16 I have been using the updated Bold theme for the past 3 days. The original version zapped my memory more than the new version. I am on OS .216 and I used to hover at 40-45 MB before this theme was installed. When I updated to the new version, my memory went down to around 28 MB at the end of the first day. For some strange reason, since then it has stayed between 38MB and 42MB, but only after I did a second battery pull two days ago. Originally Posted by Tlynnsmith
This theme is certainly a "hog" but I have not had the memory leak that you discuss.
You might want to try one more battery pull and see how it goes. - 03-26-2009, 01:34 PM #17 That wasn't me, tellsells. I was asking the member who complained of memory leakage about the OS version. Originally Posted by tellsells
- 03-26-2009, 01:36 PM #18 Sorry, I mis-read it. Hopefully they can be helped by the post though. Originally Posted by Tlynnsmith
- 03-26-2009, 01:38 PM #19 No problem... Originally Posted by tellsells Sorry, I mis-read it. Hopefully they can be helped by the post though.
- 03-26-2009, 02:01 PM #20 I'm running .247 Originally Posted by Tlynnsmith
I've just never seen graphical glitches like that on a Blackberry... And I've had three of 'em. I'll try two battery pulls. - 03-26-2009, 02:08 PM #21 I'm on .237. My screen froze twice (after the initial install), and I had to do a battery pull. Right now, it's all good. Originally Posted by Nabiscuit
- 03-27-2009, 05:25 AM #22 So, I did two battery pulls and it seems like the theme is running fine. I'm still getting a really fast memory leak, but it looks like it will last a day before I have to do a battery pull. Originally Posted by Tlynnsmith
Thanks for the help.
Also, this is a little off-topic, but is there any way to allow read messages to be read through the Today preview pane? I've never seen a theme allow that and I've never known why. I think it's always nice to have a quick preview of the last 5 emails/SMSs on your home screen. Almost as a reminder of what you have to write back to. Plus it just looks cool as **** when that preview pane is full.
Anyway, just a question. Thanks again. I really hope there will be an update to this theme in the future to address the memory leaks... But I'm gonna rock the theme for a whole week and see how well I fair with it...
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com - 03-28-2009, 11:24 AM #23 My Thoughts
This is my first theme on my 8900 (running .199) and so far I like it, but it has some things I wish would change in the next update. First, I have great eye sight, but the font is very small, to include the bottom dock icons. I'd like to see it a little larger if possible. Next, even though my 8900 has a hefty size of on-board memory, this theme seems to drop it from where it usually hovers after a days use of 135MB to 128MB...which is not bad considering the amounts, but I wish it wasn't such a memory hog. As for battery life, I've only had the theme active for about a day (most of which was overnight), so it's hard for me to know if the theme will affect it or not. Another thing I noticed was the reactionary time from app to app is a bit slower then with the embedded themes. I mean its not crawling, just doesn't have the same snap that I'm use too. I also wish I could disable the calender widget, since I don't use it. And since I have birthdays on my contacts info, it shows those when I hover over the calender...which can be annoying. Now, on to the things I like...
I like the layout and the ability to customize nine icons on the home screen...awesome! Even though I use QuickLaunch (which I love), I love how I can get to the apps I use the most and still have room to add a few more. Even though there is a lot going on the home screen, IMO it doesn't seem cluttered and in fact is well placed. I also like how the background can be user set. Last, I have read how some themes take longer to load after a battery pull. Well to me, this theme takes about the same amount of time to load as does the embedded themes take.
To the developer, good job and I look forward to the next update.
Edit (3/30)- I've found the battery indicator only displays in increments of 10 and most times, it's hard to tell what the battery sits at from the indicator. So, I use QL to check it. I would like to see that fixed, if possible as well.
Next, my memory has settled down too. After a few battery pulls, I have found my memory to be back to normal. So on my 8900, this theme IS NOT a memory hog as I once thought. Great news!Last edited by sag7392; 03-30-2009 at 11:01 AM.
RISKS- If you never try anything new, you'll miss out on many of life's great disappointments.
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