Using Launcher Pro/ADW over TW

[turbotooslow]

Hey all, I have a question about choosing to use a different launcher over TW (or any stock UI for that matter):

When you download a launcher and start using it, what happens to TW? Does it become "bloatware" and just run in the background, or does it not affect the phone at all?

This is sort of a noob question I realize but it's been picking at me since I used Launcher Pro on my Fascinate when I had it.

Thanks!

 

[delco714]

good question, I wish to know the answer as well! If I pick up a Charge I wont be using TW Launcher since I am not a fan of widgets. If I want to know the weather I'll look out the window, if I want the weather for tomorrow's forecast I will check it when I want it! I will use the fb app when I feel like reading my friends' gripes, etc. If I want to know Pfizer or Apple's stock or the Oil per barrel pricing stock, I will check it.. etc

 

[geochemical]

I just added Launcher Pro and as far as I can tell, TW does not run in the background. My battery life increased dramatically (almost doubled), and I like the fact that the home screen now rotates with the orientation of the phone.

 

[ncbryan]

When you install LP to your phone, the next time you click on an icon, it will ask you if you want to open it in LP or TW. You can at that time select either and also check the box to use that same method as default. I am running straight LP now and although it did take some getting used to at first to get around how the whole LP worked, it is fully operational now. The only way you can tell my phone isn't on stock, is that it is speedy switching from screen to screen and when I select a button, it opens faster than with TW.

 

[ellje]

I actually somewhat assume that TW is running in the background.

I was given the advice of disabling all widgets on TW prior to changing to launcher pro. From what I understand, any widgets that you had running on TW will be running in the background with LP if not previously disabled.

 

[barrycinti]

I actually somewhat assume that TW is running in the background.

I was given the advice of disabling all widgets on TW prior to changing to launcher pro. From what I understand, any widgets that you had running on TW will be running in the background with LP if not previously disabled.

With Launch Pro running widgets are not available, right? If you want a weather/clock display you would get one from the Market?

 

[delco714]

I've read elsewhere that LP acts as a portal and TWLauncher and the widgets if enabled are still draining the battery.. wish this wasn't true though.

 

[deadpenguins]

When you use a launcher, it merely "masks" the stock UI so it is still running in the background. However, it will have very minimal affect on battery life. I personally love LP for the huge performance increase (no lag) and it has tons of nifty features to make your friends jealous .

If I pick up a Charge I wont be using TW Launcher since I am not a fan of widgets. If I want to know the weather I'll look out the window, if I want the weather for tomorrow's forecast I will check it when I want it!

I'm not sure what you meant by this, but you can always take widgets off of your homescreen with your stock UI (or move them, or swap them out for others, etc.). You actually should take all widgets off your stock UI homescreens before running LP so they aren't running in the background. LP also comes with a handful of its own widgets that you can ultilize at will (and they won't lag out your homescreens). If you buy launcher pro plus you get extra features like being able to resize your widgets and tons of other cool stuff too! Definitely worth it IMO.

Before you download any launcher though, I recommend downloading Home Switcher first. It allows you to switch between your UI's with one click of a button (and lets you easily set your default as well).

 

[Beezzy]

I use Launcher Pro, you can use ADW themes so none of my icons look like TouchWiz icons, I downloaded the Honeycomb theme pack it the icons look really good on the Super AMOLED + display. There are some things that I REALLY love bout Touch Wiz that go stay with whichever launcher you choose. Like the Drag down quick settings from the Notification bar and the ability to take screen shots without root is awesome. Kinda like the best of both worlds.

 

[markkitos]

I use Launcher Pro, you can use ADW themes so none of my icons look like TouchWiz icons, I downloaded the Honeycomb theme pack it the icons look really good on the Super AMOLED + display. There are some things that I REALLY love bout Touch Wiz that go stay with whichever launcher you choose. Like the Drag down quick settings from the Notification bar and the ability to take screen shots without root is awesome. Kinda like the best of both worlds.

how do I get to use the ADW themes with LP
I have downloaded both ADW & LP but like LP better - the free version not paid

 

[delco714]

to deadpenguin, thanks for the info. I wasnt sure you could disable all widget. I probably would be fine with TW as long is it doesnt lag or anything as long as there is no widgets.

 

[JHRIII]

I've been using LP on my OG Droid and A500 tablet, and will soon have it on a Charge. When playing with the Charge in the store today, my old Droid using LP had less lag than the Charge with touch wiz. And having a scrollable lower dock is the dogs bollocks.