Order TextMaker Exclusively through Pocket PC Thoughts

[Jason Dunn]

<a href="http://www.softmaker.de/tmppc_en.php4">http://www.softmaker.de/tmppc_en.php4</a><br /><br />On December 3rd, the whole world will be able to order TextMaker, the first word processor for the Pocket PC. Today only, Pocket PC Thoughts readers are the only ones that can order the application - and at $5 US/5 Euros off the normal price! You net price will be $44.95 for the electronic version of TextMaker. You say you want an alternative to Word on the desktop? Get the desktop+PPC bundle for $59.95, a full $10 off the normal price. HPC users? You're included too - $59.95 for the HPC+desktop version, $10 off the normal price.<br /><br />In addition, the developer has agreed to give Thoughts a generous affiliate bonus, so you'll be supporting our work as well. What is TextMaker? What does it offer? Keep reading.<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/dunn2002/textmaker.gif" /> <br /><br />TextMaker is everything we wished Pocket Word could be. Let's face it: Pocket Word is really Pocket Notepad (if that). We've long known that in terms of document fidelity, Palm's Documents to Go application was a better solution than what we had on the Pocket PC. No more - TextMaker allows a remarkably higher level of document fidelity to be maintained on the Pocket PC, and allows for a richer level of editing than anything we've had previously. If you create documents on your Pocket PC, or edit Word documents via email, TextMaker is a must-have application.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.softmaker.de/tmpdetail_en.htm">list of features is impressive</a>. Here are a few of the more notable ones:<br /><br />• Documents can be opened and saved in numerous formats – e.g. TextMaker for Windows, Pocket Word, Word for Windows, RTF, ASCII, Unicode<br />• Search/replace text and formatting<br />• Calculations in text and tables<br />• Outliner<br />• Multi-language spell-checker and hyphenation<br />• Insert images in numerous formats (BMP, 2BP, TIFF, PCX, GIF, JPEG, TGA, PNG, PhotoCD, IFF, IMG, PBM, PPM, PGM)<br />• Insert drawings (lines, rectangles, circles etc.)<br />• Text, tables, images etc. can be placed in "frames" – the surrounding body text is automatically wrapped around them<br />• Integrated dBase compatible database (for mail-merging and address lookup)<br />• Documents can be encrypted and protected against reading/changing them<br /> <br />Other sites have written reviews on the beta, so <a href="http://www.softmaker.de/tmppress_en.htm">give them a read</a> for further details.<br /><br />Remember, this deal only lasts 24 hours, so order it today!

[T-Will]

If I buy the Pocket PC version do I get the HPC version for free, or vice-versa? Or are each of these versions separate?

[Venturello]

I dont want to sound like a cheap person, but shame the price. Sure, looks great. Sure, does something that no other program does, but it sounds very expensive for me. Word is not what I would like it to be but its enough.

Even so, looks wonderful and I guess many professionals will appreciate it - brings the pocketpc more near to the laptop replacement it could be.

If it was 20$, maybe 30$, I would buy, as I've had with pocketinformant and many other great software out there.

[SoftMaker]

If I buy the Pocket PC version do I get the HPC version for free, or vice-versa? Or are each of these versions separate?
TextMaker for Pocket PCs and TextMaker for Handheld PCs are separate pieces of software. We had one or two inquiries as to whether it is possible to order them together, so while this doesn't warrant giving the bundle a separate SKU, it is possible to order them together.

In the past few cases, we simply offered the additional software for a surcharge of $25.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[mookie123]

Question:

1. does it support direct printing from PPC printing? (via 3rd party? future plug in?)
2. is there a manual somewhere that one can download to see the feature in more detail. (eg. list of greek characters and math symbols)
3. will there be a product FAQ page?
4. what will the purchase give in term of future upgrade? (knowing the price is a long term investment)
5.Is there product webforum/newsgroup?

thanks.

[heyday]

I'll wait fot the demo....

[Janak Parekh]

I dont want to sound like a cheap person, but shame the price. Sure, looks great. Sure, does something that no other program does, but it sounds very expensive for me. Word is not what I would like it to be but its enough.
I think your last sentence says it right there. Consider that you're getting a full-desktop-featured word processor here for a fraction of what MS Word or other desktop equivalents cost, and then it doesn't look so bad.

It's definitely not for everyone, although I suspect a large portion of PPCThoughts readers would be interested in it. I certainly am, currently debating whether to buy a copy :)

--bdj

[mookie123]

well at $45-50 I will definitely make sure first that the software has what I need and actually work as promised smoothly without glitch. at$30 I'll be less stringent and can handle a few flaky performance, but not at $45.

[SoftMaker]

Question:

1. does it support direct printing from PPC printing? (via 3rd party? future plug in?)
2. is there a manual somewhere that one can download to see the feature in more detail. (eg. list of greek characters and math symbols)
3. will there be a product FAQ page?
4. what will the purchase give in term of future upgrade? (knowing the price is a long term investment)
5.Is there product webforum/newsgroup?

thanks.
1. Currently, TextMaker does not support printing as printing is pretty much non-available on Pocket PCs. We are looking at ways to add printing and/or faxing to future versions of TextMaker (roll our own, FieldSoftware, Truefax etc.)

2. We are putting the finishing touches on our first version of the English-language manual right now. It will be a free download for all users.

3. An FAQ document is included in the install.

4. Generally, the way we handle updates is this: service packs (which fix bugs and add minor enhancements) are free for downloading, upgrades (which add significant features like shapes support, redlining, completely new import filters) are available for a fee.

5. We don't have a newsgroup right now but plan on setting up a forum. In the meantime, we monitor many of the major forums. Also, remember that e-mail support is free as long as a product is available.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[mookie123]

ah,

thanks for the prompt answer.
I look forward to download the manual.

mk

[Jaap van Ees]

I tried both beta's and was very impressed. I found out I have good use for a serious wordprocessor on my Pocket PC. Plus I liked the discount and the opportunity to support this great site! So I ordered Textmaker yesterday. Now what happens? When do I get the chance to donwload the final program?
:P

[SoftMaker]

I tried both beta's and was very impressed. I found out I have good use for a serious wordprocessor on my Pocket PC. Plus I liked the discount and the opportunity to support this great site! So I ordered Textmaker yesterday. Now what happens? When do I get the chance to donwload the final program?
:P
We are currently going through the stack of orders, both from Pocket PC Thoughts readers and otherwise, and will have all orders processed in about 2 hours time. Check your e-mail then. I am sorry for the delay, credit card authorization is still a manual process here--this will change soon.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[Jaap van Ees]

That's okay guys. Just wanted to know what to expect. Thanks! :way to go:
And congratulations on the new release!! :beer:
Jaap

[SoftMaker]

That's okay guys. Just wanted to know what to expect. Thanks! :way to go:
And congratulations on the new release!! :beer:
Jaap
Thanks, it's a great relief that TextMaker is finally out.

Oh, check your e-mail, and happy downloading.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[Jaap van Ees]

Alright!!! :silly:

[pschultz]

When will the demo version be available for download?

[SoftMaker]

When will the demo version be available for download?
Early next week, I think. We are currently testing it.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[Mark R Penn]

1. Currently, TextMaker does not support printing as printing is pretty much non-available on Pocket PCs. We are looking at ways to add printing and/or faxing to future versions of TextMaker (roll our own, FieldSoftware, Truefax etc.)

Truefax please, please. You already know I want that!!

Also, what about HP's new (free) printing solution for PPC? It supports fully formatted word doc's via Westtecs Clearview, so it's ahead of the rest already.

I dont want to sound like a cheap person, but shame the price. Sure, looks great. Sure, does something that no other program does, but it sounds very expensive for me. Word is not what I would like it to be but its enough.

Even so, looks wonderful and I guess many professionals will appreciate it - brings the pocketpc more near to the laptop replacement it could be.

If it was 20$, maybe 30$, I would buy, as I've had with pocketinformant and many other great software out there.

If you compare the cost with Clearview, which gives NO editing or creation capability at all (view only), Textmaker is great value for money.

Mark

[Duncan]

Also, what about HP's new (free) printing solution for PPC? It supports fully formatted word doc's via Westtecs Clearview

Can I point out an obvious (if slightly awkward) solution to the TextMaker printing problem?

TextMaker can save to Word for Windows format, Clearview can then read that format, the HP printing utility can then print it! Not the most elegant of solutions but it should work!

[Duncan]

There's an even simpler solution - I just looked at the documentation for the HP printing solution and it can print rtf files directly - so since TextMaker can save to rtf format...

[Mark R Penn]

TextMaker can save to Word for Windows format, Clearview can then read that format, the HP printing utility can then print it! Not the most elegant of solutions but it should work!

Yes that would work, but it's a bit expensive, just to add printing to a word processor. After all, Clearview becomes pretty redundant now Textmaker is out!

There's an even simpler solution - I just looked at the documentation for the HP printing solution and it can print rtf files directly - so since TextMaker can save to rtf format...

Sounds good. I suspect some formatting will be lost, but I'm about to try it. Will report back.

Mark

[Mark R Penn]

Well, good try, better than Pocket Word (notepad lite) as it retained all the tabs, images, font formatting etc, but - no tables.

Oh well, it was worth a try.

Mark

[Khufu1]

I never recieved a confirmation email from these guys for my order and don't have anything to show for my order after two days. I also have had no reply from their sales support email. I must be fair in stating that I only emailed them two hours ago so I am not concerned...yet.

Anyone else had any ordering problems?

[Mark R Penn]

Well, I'm wondering if they either have server problems, or are taking an overdue holiday after completing the retail release of Textmaker, because it took some time to recieve the confirmation e-mail (but I did recieve it), and I've now sent 2 e-mails to support (the first on
4th December), and have had no reply at all.

Given the unique and long overdue nature of the product, it would seem reasonable to think they must have been completely overwhelmed by the number of orders recieved in a short time.

I intend to give them a couple more days, and then try the phone. At least they give a phone number, so credit where credit is due.

Mark

[Khufu1]

Just an update. I got a personalized message in response to my earlier question to customer service stating that it takes 1day+ for the charge to clear and a nice apology.

I also got my product key and download instructions.

I didn't check what timezone they are in but I guess that they may be off approx. 12 hours there and that is the delay in processing along with a non-automated process.

I suppose that is one of the reasons developers do Handango. Anyone out there know what Handango's cut is? Just curious. My guess would be that it is minor extortion in exchange for 24-7 merchant services, file hosting, key distribution, and advertising.

Anyone out there work with Handango on the selling side?

Thanks,
-Drew

[Mona13]

Did you order the PPC & Desktop? I only ordered the PPC because I need it to work with Word because that is what I use at the office.

I ordered it Thursday and haven't received anything yet.

I'm really anxious for it, hope the e-mail arrives soon.

[analyzer]

I am a greek ppc user using an ipaq 5550. I downloaded the textmaker and found a great disadvntage for me. Ok for the doc reading (actually i was impressed).Since i tried to edit a doc file using greek language. I use Greek keyboard Sunnysoft InterWrite v6.3.
It was a disaster. Only chinese characers as #@#$%% was on the screen :(
What can i do?
Is there any other software - real word processor?????
Help

[SoftMaker]

I am a greek ppc user using an ipaq 5550. I downloaded the textmaker and found a great disadvntage for me. Ok for the doc reading (actually i was impressed).Since i tried to edit a doc file using greek language. I use Greek keyboard Sunnysoft InterWrite v6.3.
It was a disaster. Only chinese characers as #@#$%% was on the screen :(
What can i do?
Is there any other software - real word processor?????
Help
TextMaker works just fine with Greek characters. Did you read the file \My Documents\SoftMaker\World Languages.tmd ?

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[analyzer]

yes but couldnt understand what i have to do?
could you tell me the steps?
and i should buy extra software the penreader greek language extender :(((
Too bad support

[SoftMaker]

yes but couldnt understand what i have to do?
could you tell me the steps?
and i should buy extra software the penreader greek language extender :(((
Too bad support
It's actually quite simple. If you want to edit Greek documents, go to Extras>Preferences and set the default code page to Greek.

To enter any Greek characters, you need add-on software like PenReader or Sunnysoft. But you already have the latter, so you are ready to go.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[analyzer]

extras-prefernces- there are english uk and english us ONLY.
but i have greek keyboard installled end works fine with all other programs.
So whats the simple method????

[SoftMaker]

extras-prefernces- there are english uk and english us ONLY.
but i have greek keyboard installled end works fine with all other programs.
So whats the simple method????
Go to Extras>Preferences, then switch to the "General" tab. Here you'll find "Default encoding", and you can switch it to Greek. You might have to scroll the dialog down.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[SK6inva]

Costomer support, does it exist? I have attempted for the course of a week to contact their customer support via BB's, E-bay, and their forums and contact info. NO RESPONSE?

Any assistance in this matter would greatly be appriciated.


Regards,

SK6