If this option is checked, however, pressing a hard button will immediately perform its assigned action.

You can assign an application as a direct action for a hard button, which will have the same effect as assigning it in the "Buttons" panel in the system "Prefs". However, other actions that are available in HBX can only be assigned here. Examples/ideas:

• Without this option it is impossible to customize the Fourth button on Treo smartphones.
• Use this option with the "Off" action to turn any hard button into the power on/off button.
• Use this option with the "None" action and the "Force if no actions" option to completely disable a button.