DroidWars: Home Replacements – Q1, 2010
App: dxTop by Access Lane, Inc.
Price: $2.99
Features: Vertical swiping, 4 or 5 screens, app categories, dual drawers, themes.
Tested: 03/10/10, Nexus One | Version: 2.6.4
dxTop (I pronounce it “dextop”) is a long-time favorite of mine. Only when the release of Android 1.6 broke the home replacement did I stray. I wandered back in preparation for this post and was happy to find that dxTop now works flawlessly on my Nexus One.
It’s just as light, convenient, and fun as it was before. But there’s more to it now: You can locate some very sexy themes and icon packs from within your settings menu, a fifth screen (center) is available, and the options are more advanced overall. The devs still have an eye out for hackers and allows trackball screen shots and root themes for tabs.
What makes dxTop stand out from the others (Sweeter Home now includes the feature) is that it allows vertical panel positions and absolute positioning. What I mean by that is not only that the screens are arranged in the shape of a diamond, but that you can access any of your four default screens with a single swipe: up for the top screen, left for the left screen etc.: current position is not a factor in how you reach your destination panel. That is, unless you enable the recently added fifth screen, which sits in the center of the diamond. With this option checked, you’ll need to swipe down and to the left to get from the top panel to the left panel. It’s really not as confusing as it may sound and makes for an excellent organizational system. I keep my social apps on one panel, utilities on another, and so on. dxTop is super fast, looks hot, and is all about getting things done. Whether you want to view your apps by categories or have a separate drawer for running apps, dxTop delivers. So, you have 7 screens? Pshaw! I have useful screens!
![SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]](http://www.droiddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DD.png "SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]")
No mention of SlideScreen? You can get simpler than that.
I like SlideScreen as an app, not as a home replacement.
Bah! SH2 with the Treking theme from genei09 and I'm geeked to go.
John, if you want the cream of the crop then head over here and try HelixLauncher v1.1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=645683
Awesome droidwar John. There are so many out there and i have tried them all on my droid. Though I have specific ROMS on that I use, the one home replacement I have alway installed is Home ++ for when i travel…I have specific things i need at my fingertips loaded there.
This was a hard one, well done John!
Dental floss is actually very difficult to use, thank-you-very-much.
GDE home should have been on that list .. especially over outdated app like DXtop
Nice article… w/ so many options out there, it's good to see someone keeping a list, and checking it twice. One program that has escaped your list a couple of times now is GDE. I used that for a while, and found it to be every bit in the same league as Panda and OpenHome. Plus, the Obsidian theme is excellent.
Now HelixLauncher in the market ver 1.2 and free. 7 screens, configurable bottom tray for 4 app shortcuts and live wallpaper support+ screens preview. Only 800kb
I'm using it now. I love it but I have had some quirky behavior swiping between screens.
I will check it out. Thanks.
I agree with some of the others. GDE is far superior to most of the others mentioned. It offers plenty of customization and theme choices. While it's not free it seems to be the most stable option from those that I've used on both my Nexus One, MyTouch and Cliq.
I was recently using open home on 2.1 moto droid, it was great but very laggy, after reading this review, and trying out home++ my phone is fast simple and effective. This review was very helpful thanks!
I was recently using open home on 2.1 moto droid, it was great but very laggy, after reading this review, and trying out home++ my phone is fast simple and effective. This review was very helpful thanks!
I was recently using open home on 2.1 moto droid, it was great but very laggy, after reading this review, and trying out home++ my phone is fast simple and effective. This review was very helpful thanks!