Converting 3100 To En, But Keeping Jp

[jsvariable]

Hello.

First off, I realize that there are other postings about converting a 3100 to English, but please allow me to explain myself fully instead of just directing me to one of those previous posts...  (Also, PLEASE excuse the length of my post!)

As I implied, I have searched through these forums for the information that I seek, but all of information basically just says "use the backup from Trisoft".  I went on over to Trisoft, and saw the file, but there really isn't an explanation of EXACTLY what it does, and therein lies my problem.

I bought the 3100 first and foremost so I can use it as a Japanese/English dictionary/tool.  (I married a Japanese woman, and I feel that I owe it to her and her parents to learn their language (more than I already have)).  Anyway, I have owned several Seiko Denshi Jisho's (electronic dictionaries), but I have LONGED for something that would allow me to enter Japanese (Kanji specifically) via handwriting recognition (Anyone who has tried learning Japanese will know how much looking up kanji by radicals/stroke count sucks!   )   After looking at all the options I had, mainly: getting a Japanese Pocket PC and having to buy some good dictionary packages, getting a Canon V80 Dictionary (It has handwriting recognition, but it geared towards Japanese/Chinese translation), and getting the 3100 (which had TWO great dicitonaries, and was basically a mini computer which lends itself to being able to mould it into whatever I need), I decided to go with the 3100.  It has Japanese handwriting support; I love how it already comes with the Koujien and Genius dictionaries; and having a BS in comp. sci., the fact that I was going to have to play around with the thing to get it to do exactly what I want, didn't scare me off.

So, I've ordered one from PriceJapan, and it should get here soon.  Now I'm just looking to what I need to do to convert the thing from Japanese based GUI's to English based one, while still keeping Japanese handwriting recognition and the dictionaries.  

As I said, I have seen the afore-mentioned Trisoft backup mentioned all over there place.  If I go ahead and go with that option, will I still keep the Japanese fucntions that I want?

Additionally, in the customization section on this site, and on Meanie's site, I have seen detailed steps for converting a 3000 to English while keeping Japanese functionality.  From my, albiet limited so far, understanding, it seems the 3000 and 3100 are mostly equivalent.  Can I use those same instructions to convert the 3100?

Anyway, that's my question.  What is the best way to go about converting the 3100 to English, while keeping Japanese input/handwriting support and the dicitonaries.  

Many thanks for any help you can provide!
joe


ps.  Is all the software pre-installed on the 3100 also available on the CD that comes with it?  I'm wondering this because I'm hoping that even if I screw the thing up once or twice, I'll still be able to restore EVERYTHING.

[jsvariable]

I just noticed I posted this in the wrong Forum....

Anyway, I also read a lot more on Meanie's site, and I've found out that the instructions he gives are also compatible with the 3100.  So, I've found my answer.  

[tml]

Can I use those same instructions to convert the 3100?

Yes (at least I haven't noticed anything yet that would let me think otherwise). It's a matter of installing the ipk provided by meanie. This package basically leaves the japanese settings (which is one line in a conf file) in effect but replaces the japanese message catalogs AFAIK.

Is all the software pre-installed on the 3100 also available on the CD that comes with it? I'm wondering this because I'm hoping that even if I screw the thing up once or twice, I'll still be able to restore EVERYTHING.

I haven't investigated this in great depth but my impression was that yes, the CDs contain all the files.

[Stubear]

All you need to do to get English menu's rather than Japanese ones for almost all applications is to remove that application's .qm file in /home/QtPalmtop/i18n/ja

This removes the Japanese translations for that application and forces it to use the default English menus & mesages.

You can further remove or comment out the Name[ja]= entry in the application's .desktop  file found in /home/QtPalmtop/apps/<folder> - where <folder> is the name of the tab the icon appears on (usually Applications)

That is what my script does and it leaves you with a zaurus with English menus (about 90%) and full Japanese support.

If you decide to go with the Cacko rom then you get Enlgish menus and can add the Japanese support ipk to get Japanese input back.

Stu