eWallet 3.0 Released

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.iliumsoft.com/site/ew/ewallet.htm">http://www.iliumsoft.com/site/ew/ewallet.htm</a><br /><br />Ilium Software has just released eWallet 3.0 for Pocket PCs and the desktop.<br /><br />• New detail fields for important extra info <br />• Icons and card colors now on all handhelds<br />• New AutoPass feature fills in usernames and passwords on web pages for you (Windows PC only) <i>(This is cool - and I hope it comes to the Pocket PC soon)</i><br />• More live URLs <br />• Live phone numbers (if you have a phone-enabled handheld) <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2002/20021227-ewallet3.gif" /><br />Here you can see the new detail fields. In earlier versions, you usually had to have two cards per credit card, as an example. One for the credit card info then another for the online info associated with that card. The new version allows you to put the URL, user name, password and all of those extra 3 and 4 digit numbers in the same card.<br /><br />They have also changed the edit mode to be more database like, similar to how Contacts are layed out on the Pocket PC. Please see the <a href="http://www.iliumsoft.com/site/ew/ew_supt2.htm#upgr">upgrade information here</a>. There are varying prices depending on when you purchased 2.x. It is $19.95 for a Pocket PC only version or $29.95 for the Professional version, which includes a Pocket PC and Windows desktop version, and is available for all Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002 based devices.

[Santa Fe]

How do people feel about paying for an upgrade to software already purchased? Looks a bit greedy to me but then if the upgrade where major maybe it makes sense.

[hhollick]

• New AutoPass feature fills in usernames and passwords on web pages for you (Windows PC only)

I upgraded to eWallet 3.0 yesterday. Very nice improvement and worth the $16.95 for the upgrade, which includes both a desktop and Pocket PC version.

However, the AutoPass feature is a mystery. There is no reference to it in the help file and no information in any of the documentation posted to the Iliumsoft web site. I have an inquiry into their technical support desk.

Heather

[smittyofdhs]

keep in mind that if you purchased since June 2002 you get it for free. Also, don't wait till Jan 17th for your upgrade email. Go ahead and request the info now, they'll send it out. I emailed them this morning for my new code and already got it back. Just send them a copy of your receipt from pocketgear and handango and you'll be set.

So far, I haven't played with it enough to decide if it's worth 17 bucks for the upgrade.

[smittyofdhs]

AutoPass = The Settings tab on the Windows PC version of eWallet also has an AutoPass option for cards that have URLs, usernames and passwords. With AutoPass enabled for the card, eWallet will attempt to fill-in the username and password fields for you when you launch the web page from the eWallet card. In addition to being able to enable and disable AutoPass on each card, you can also control whether the option gets used at all from the eWallet Options menu.

I found this in the help on the PC version. Go into help, go to search tab, search for "autopass"


I still can't get it to work....

[Sven Johannsen]

How do people feel about paying for an upgrade to software already purchased? Looks a bit greedy to me but then if the upgrade where major maybe it makes sense.

Yea, I bought a copy of MS DOS back in ought 6, why should I pay for XP? :)

Seriously, you pay for most significant upgrades to most all PC programs. (There are exceptions of course) It is up to the vendor to decide what is significant, but it is up to you to decide if you need the upgrade. This one looks to me like it addresses some things I would like to see. I'll pay for it, even though my current copy works just fine, and I expect would continue to.

[Santa Fe]

Sven,
Your wonderful view on life is always appreciated and this may not explain my feelings very well but let me try. I have a Campy drive train for one of my road bikes that I purchased in the early '70's. It works wonderfully and can be moved to newer and newer bicycle frames without additional expense. And most importantly it is still supported by Campy (replacement parts and advice). The new ones have better features and cost a lot more so if I want those features I have to pay more. So far we are in agreement.

However I have several software programs that required me to purchase version after version in order to be able to have continued support or be able to move to a different operating system on a different machine. So I'm feeling that there is a bit of greed in software that makes you pay for improvements even if you don't need them. Perhaps this is not the case here, but previous negative experiences make me wonder.

And since I was a very early supporter and purchaser of this software I wonder why I'm being penalized by what looks like an arbitrary cut off date of June 2002. My early vocalized support doesn't count for anything?

[Janak Parekh]

However I have several software programs that required me to purchase version after version in order to be able to have continued support or be able to move to a different operating system on a different machine.
The difference between a bike and software is tremendous, however. You can't assume that the "frame" can just be replaced--software interaction often makes that impossible. A lot of money goes into evolving and maintaining a software product, and they have to recoup the cost somehow. In fact, in the software lifecycle maintenance is by far the most expensive aspect.

And since I was a very early supporter and purchaser of this software I wonder why I'm being penalized by what looks like an arbitrary cut off date of June 2002. My early vocalized support doesn't count for anything?
6 months is pretty typical for a grace period.

If you honestly feel like the price is unfair, then don't buy the product. :)

--janak

[Ed Hansberry]

If you honestly feel like the price is unfair, then don't buy the product. :)
Or stick with 2.0. It still works on PPC's even though it is a few years old.

[Will T Smith]

Sven,
Your wonderful view on life is always appreciated and this may not explain my feelings very well but let me try. I have a Campy drive train for one of my road bikes that I purchased in the early '70's. It works wonderfully and can be moved to newer and newer bicycle frames without additional expense. And most importantly it is still supported by Campy (replacement parts and advice). The new ones have better features and cost a lot more so if I want those features I have to pay more. So far we are in agreement.

However I have several software programs that required me to purchase version after version in order to be able to have continued support or be able to move to a different operating system on a different machine. So I'm feeling that there is a bit of greed in software that makes you pay for improvements even if you don't need them. Perhaps this is not the case here, but previous negative experiences make me wonder.

And since I was a very early supporter and purchaser of this software I wonder why I'm being penalized by what looks like an arbitrary cut off date of June 2002. My early vocalized support doesn't count for anything?

Your analogy to a bike frame is certainly relevant. However, I think you've misapplied it.

Yes, you CAN use your bike frame without additional cost. However, building a new bike AROUND the frame (new features) requires additional expense. I have a rough idea of what price range bike components have and I don't believe that you'll pay ANYWHERE near the cost of a wheel or derailer for your eWallet upgrade.

Eventually, your bike frame will wear out. The version of software you buy will ALWAYS work for the target platform.

The folks at Ilium seem to be fairly gracious regarding upgrade policy. Other companies are real pukes and don't offer ANY upgrade capability. I recently purchased a copy of "Backup Now" and was subsequently surprised that they didn't offer a downloadable upgrade to handle DVD burning. They came out with a new version but offered no upgrade plan to retail buyers. (NERO, please make a backup product !!!!)

BTW, the kings of offering new features for free are:

* Nero, frequent updates and new features
* Pocket Informant, radically new features and innovation in every dose, best PocketPC app hands down.

[Will T Smith]

My only real need over eWallet 2.x is record based (vs file based syncronization). This allows simultaneous changes to both desktop AND PocketPC copies.

The info does not specify if this feature is present. Does anyone know if this new version supports it?

If not, CodeWallet, listen up. You could gain a lot of converts by implementing this. It would require writing an Activesync portal but it would give whoever implements it a HUGE advantage over the other "secure PDA wallet" vendors.

[Rob Alexander]

However I have several software programs that required me to purchase version after version in order to be able to have continued support or be able to move to a different operating system on a different machine. So I'm feeling that there is a bit of greed in software that makes you pay for improvements even if you don't need them. Perhaps this is not the case here, but previous negative experiences make me wonder.


They put thousands of hours into building a newer and better product and all they are asking for is for you to pay something if you want those new features. If you don't want those features, and don't want to pay for them, then don't. They explicitly state on their web site that they will continue to support the older versions, so there's really no reason to feel strong-armed about it.

We always support all versions of any of our software, so you don't need to upgrade your copy of eWallet if you don't want to.

[Janak Parekh]

We always support all versions of any of our software, so you don't need to upgrade your copy of eWallet if you don't want to.
Wow, that's a really nice thing to do. I wish all companies did that... :)

--janak

[Santa Fe]

OK, I give (but will not buy the new version because of the "arbitrary in my view" 6/02 cut off date).

I wonder if there is a catagory of "old guy/early adaptor" that labels me? My first computer used punch cards and I have always fell for the generally true but not always "new is better but cost more" and I guess it is beginning to wear..... :)

[Ed Hansberry]

OK, I give (but will not buy the new version because of the "arbitrary in my view" 6/02 cut off date).
Of course itis arbitrary. What cutoff would you propose? Any date or method chosen is arbitrary as there is no other way to pick a method.

[Santa Fe]

I don't really know but since I've purchased the software three different times I think there would be more loyalty to long time users. But it is their call to pick the date to cut off their free upgrades and mine to decide if it is worth buying and to decide what I think about their policy toward their customers.

[Ed Hansberry]

I don't really know but since I've purchased the software three different times I think there would be more loyalty to long time users. But it is their call to pick the date to cut off their free upgrades and mine to decide if it is worth buying and to decide what I think about their policy toward their customers.

Yup.

Quick question. Should their programmers be paid for doing the upgrades or should they show loyalty to the company and give them to iliumsoft for free?

[Santa Fe]

Ed, I don't want to draw this out but your view is more of an accounting view. My job is to help companies of all types build loyal customer bases. Perhaps that is why we see things differently. Charging loyal customers for an upgrade after only six months runs contrary to building more loyalty. A better business plan is to make such an excellent product that customers rave about it and you get to expand your customer base. Simple to say but only a few catch on. Unfortunately a lot that don’t are in the software business, which will see a significant shake out in the months ahead.

By the way I love the product and have been an early and vocal user through several different (paid for) platforms. But six months?????

[Sven Johannsen]

Hmm, wonder how 6 months got too short. I sort of equate this to a price guarantee. Those are usually 30 days, maybe 60 at most. SantaFe, I have no dispute with your thinking, but they have to pick a date. 6 months for software just doesn't seem all that outrageous to me. They are changing the darn hardware every 12, or less.

In any case, the really good news is, the current version still works fine, and they will continue to support it. My view is more like, I paid for what I got, and got what I paid for. If they now have an improved version, I don't have a problem paying for the improvements. I am gratefull for the ones I get for free. In this case it is going to cost me about half the full price. Don't know if I'd pay the full price over, for the additional features though.

Funny how much I use this thing. You know that section at the top of the XP Start Menu, the frequently used programs? E-Wallet is right at the top. I wouldn't have guessed that, but there it is.

[Sven Johannsen]

My only real need over eWallet 2.x is record based (vs file based syncronization). This allows simultaneous changes to both desktop AND PocketPC copies.

Why not e-mail their support, for a definitive answer, and suggestion. I would imagine the answer is no, primarily because I don't see another AS conduit being written. Of course the internal PIM DBs work that way, and syncing Access tables to a .cdb with the Pocket Access conduit does, but anythng that relies on the Files sync feature of AS is stuck with 'last edited is gospel'.