07-11-2003, 06:00 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 739
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StopTime Wakes Me Up With a Smile
This program has been around since 2001, so I apologize to those of you who already know about it. However, I love it so much, I just had to write a post about it.
StopTime is "a combination stopwatch/lap timer, 4-way configurable up/down timer, alarm clock with calendar display and multiple alarms, voice/memo reminder, and flashlight." And the best part is, it's free.
First of all, as a timer, StopTime works better than some commercial apps I've tried. It infallibly "wakes up" the Pocket PC when it's time for the timer to go off. It also works great as an alarm clock. Finally, an alarm clock on my Pocket PC that I can trust.
The developer has thoughtfully included on his site a collection of .wav files to use with the program, or you can use your own. I think the developer's collection is great, though. I use the trumpet postillion for my alarm clock; it's a wonderful, bright sound that puts me in a good mood. (Or maybe it's just because the sound is coming from my Pocket PC. I love my Pocket PC that much.)
The alarms and timers are highly configurable; for example you can choose to set repeating alarms or have it go off just once. You can also link timers, for example for use in timing a chess game.
The only area in which it doesn't shine is graphically. It's not bad-looking, it's just not pretty and jazzy like some commercial timers. But that's okay. The main thing I'm looking for in a timer is that it be reliable, and StopTime definitely is.
UPDATE: It has been brought to my attention that the developer is on vacation until July 20th, and StopTime is not currently available from his site. In the meantime, you can get it here.
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07-11-2003, 06:56 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 412
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I love it, too.
I use the linked timers for running. Since I use a training plan that focuses on mitigating the risk of injury and ensuring that I can finish the race, I train and run in increments - like run 5 minutes, walk one, run 5, walk one, etc. I can even 'program' it to time my 7 minute warmup, then kick into the 5/1 or 9/1 alerts.
The only down side is that I learned to really, really hate the sound I chose that alerted me it is time to run again... :lol:
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07-11-2003, 08:19 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 327
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I have used this program for over 2 years and have not found any program at any price that does as much as this does for free. It is awesome if you are cooking, and especially baking, for the countdown timer feature alone. The calendar is large and easy to read, and opens up Pocket Informant if you tap on it. I really love this program and is always one of the first ones I install after a hard reset. :mrgreen:
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07-11-2003, 08:37 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 22
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Is this program able to automagically adjust the volume for alarms? That's the one thing I've been looking for in an alarm clock app for my iPAQ - I ALWAYS need another alarm clock (I currently use three different alarms to get up - I'm a rather sound sleeper).
How 'bout any alternative download sources? I'm getting a server error when trying to download from his site. Poop.
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07-11-2003, 08:45 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 90
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>Finally, an alarm clock on my Pocket PC that I can trust.
The irony of this is that something as sophisticated as the Pocket PC can't even function as a reliable alarm clock. My alarm failed this morning because I'd muted the volume on the Pocket PC before I went to bed last night. I've also had times when the alarm just didn't go off, then went off next time I soft reset. Sometimes I think software is getting too smart for it's own good!
My cheap Casio watch wakes me up reliably every morning!
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07-11-2003, 09:44 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 315
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I clicked on the download link and it be broken. :/
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07-11-2003, 10:14 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,468
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Stop Time is quite brilliant (though I'd begun to think I was the only one still using it!).
When I plan my teaching sessions I set the times for each 'task'/lesson unit in Stop Time and it is about the only thing that keeps me under some kind of semi-control...!
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07-11-2003, 11:23 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 761
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Quote:
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The irony of this is that something as sophisticated as the Pocket PC can't even function as a reliable alarm clock.
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You are right, although I found one solution which has been very reliable so far (been using it for months now):
Spb Pocket Plus ( http://www.softspb.com/products/pocketplus/ ).
The repeating and ascending volume alarms are great, especially if you use your own .wav file. It has other nifty little features too. 
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07-11-2003, 11:40 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 156
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I have to agree. Stop Time 2.0 is a great program at a great price. I've been using it since v1.0 and find it to be very reliable. No, it won't overcome some of the PPC sound issues, but it does give you a warning when you set an alarm if the volume is muted. Of course, if you mute the volume after you set an alarm you are out of luck, but the screen does flash.
BTW my (current) favourite alarm sound is a rooster wav that I picked up somewhere.
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07-11-2003, 11:43 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 38
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Be aware that the developer is on vacation until July 20. The download links for his free PocketPC apps are all broken right now.
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Linear Mode
