Which Wallet Are You Into? CodeWallet v3.6, eWallet v3.1.0T and FlexWallet v1.7 Compared Head to Head [Archive]

Doug Raeburn

08-29-2003, 05:30 PM

If you need to store any sensitive information on your Pocket PC, such as credit card and bank account numbers, passwords and the like, an electronic wallet program is an absolute must. In this comparison of the three leading electronic wallet products, we address an important question... not "what's in your wallet?" but "what wallet should be in your Pocket PC?" <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-0.jpg" /> <!>As we all know, privacy issues and identity theft have become an enormous concern. Some steps that people commonly take include shredding documents and dealing with only well-known Web retailers. But if you're a heavy Pocket PC user, the information stored there can be yet another concern. While you can password protect your PDA, many people resist doing so because it slows down the use of a device to which they want immediate access. So are your choices limited to password protecting your Pocket PC or leaving sensitive information off of it? No, because there's a third alternative... an electronic wallet program. From bank account information to PIN numbers to passwords to credit card information, an electronic wallet can store all kinds of sensitive information. And since it has its own password protection and data encryption, you can keep the stored information private without having to resort to a main password on your Pocket PC. There are a number of players in this market, but the most popular include CodeWallet Pro from Developer One, eWallet from Ilium Software and FlexWallet from Two Peaks Software. So which of these big names has what it takes to rise above the rest? The Comparison All three of these products are available as Pocket PC versions with a companion desktop version. The desktop versions provide similar functionality with easier entry, and also allow for synchronization with the Pocket PC. With three products, however, there's a lot of information to cover, so I'm going to review the Pocket PC versions only. When a particular feature of the Pocket PC version requires the use of the desktop version, I'll make note of it. Note that all three products use the terminology "card" when referring to an entry for a credit card, contact, etc. I'll use that terminology throughout the comparison. The products in this comparison consist of CodeWallet Pro version 3.6, eWallet version 3.1.0T, and FlexWallet version 1.7. Views When you first open any of these programs, you'll see a listing of the categories that have been set up. There are some differences between the programs in how they display these lists. All three can display data in a list or tree view format and also in an icon view format. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-1.gif" /> Figure 1: CodeWallet's list view CodeWallet: CodeWallet's main view is the list view for all categories shown in Figure 1. Unlike eWallet and FlexWallet, CodeWallet doesn't offer an icon view in the "all categories" view. You can expand or collapse individual categories as desired. Tapping on one of the cards in a particular category will open the card in view mode. Additional options are available through a tap-and-hold menu. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-2.gif" /> Figure 2: Category dropdown To view cards in a particular category in an icon view, use the Category dropdown at the top of the list. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-3.gif" /> Figure 3: Icon view The "My charge cards" category is displayed in Figure 3. The currently displayed category is shown as the name on the Category dropdown. The dropdown also allows you to navigate directly to the cards in another category without having to return to the main "All Categories" screen. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-4.gif" /> Figure 4: eWallet's list view eWallet: The list view in eWallet is very similar to that of CodeWallet. Again, you can expand and collapse categories and tapping on a card takes you to the card's view mode. A tap-and-hold menu can be accessed from the list view... this menu offers more options than the comparable menu in CodeWallet. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-5.gif" /> Figure 5: Icon view for categories Through the View menu, you can choose either list view or icon view. Figure 5 shows the main category list in icon view. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-6.gif" /> Figure 6: Icon view for cards The "My Cards" category is shown in icon mode in Figure 6. To return to the main category screen, tap on the "OK" button. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-7.gif" /> Figure 7: FlexWallet's list view FlexWallet: The basic functionality of FlexWallet's list view is similar to that of the other two products, with a list view and tap-and-hold menus. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-8.gif" /> Figure 8: Icon view for categories FlexWallet offers a slightly easier method of switching between views as compared to eWallet. Rather than using a menu, you tap on a button on the toolbar. Figure 8 shows the main category screen using the icon view. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-9.gif" /> Figure 9: Icon view for cards The "Credit Cards" category is shown using the icon view in Figure 9. As with eWallet, you return to the main category screen by tapping on the "OK" button. Views - conclusions: When comparing the list and icon views of the three programs, the result was a three-way tie. Each program has features that the others lack. FlexWallet offers an "all category" icon view and can switch between list and icon modes with a toolbar button, but its tap-and-hold menu has limited choices compared to eWallet. eWallet also has an icon view for all categories and has the most complete set of choices in its tap-and-hold menu, but choosing between list and icon modes is a bit less convenient than with FlexWallet. CodeWallet has the best navigation between categories in icon view with its category dropdown, but it lacks an icon view on the "all category" screen and the choices on its tap-and-hold menu are limited when compared to eWallet. In this facet of the comparison, none of the programs stood out. Creating Categories CodeWallet:New categories can be created in CodeWallet through a tap-and-hold menu on the wallet. You can also create a new category by tapping on the New command in the toolbar while the wallet is highlighted. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-10.gif" /> Figure 10: New category screen Figure 10 shows the New Category screen in CodeWallet. On this screen, you can input the category name and select an icon. You can also assign a default card type for the category. Security will be covered in more detail later in the review. However, note that CodeWallet offers an option to encrypt and password protect any cards in the category. You may not want to encrypt the entire wallet, just the sensitive categories, and that's how you specify which categories to protect. Both eWallet and FlexWallet provide a similar option. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-11.gif" /> Figure 11: Pick a category name If you tap on the "Recommend category name..." button, CodeWallet will display a list of commonly used categories, allowing you to choose a category with an appropriate icon already connected to it. eWallet: As with CodeWallet, you can tap and hold on the wallet name in eWallet and choose to create a new category from the menu. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-12.gif" /> Figure 12: Create a category or a card In addition, if you tap on the New button in the toolbar from the main category view, eWallet displays a dialog allowing you to specify whether you want to create a new category or a new card. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-13.gif" /> Figure 13: New Category screen The New Category screen is similar to that in CodeWallet. You can name your category, select a default card type and specify an icon. eWallet, however, lacks the category name recommendation feature provided in CodeWallet. FlexWallet: FlexWallet offers the easiest method for creating a new category through its "Create a new category" link at the bottom of its main category view. You can also access the tap-and-hold menu from the wallet in list view. Another method is to tap and hold on a blank space in the main category listing while using icon view, which brings up yet another menu from which you can create a new category. Finally, if the wallet or any category is highlighted, tapping on the New button will create a new category as well. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-14.gif" /> Figure 14: New category screen Once you get to the New Category screen, things should look familiar. FlexWallet shares the same features here as eWallet and CodeWallet, lacking only CodeWallet's category name recommendation feature. Creating Categories - conclusions: Overall, only minor details distinguish the three products in the "category category", so it's another three-way tie here. Creating Cards CodeWallet: With CodeWallet, card creation is initiated by using the tap-and-hold menu for the desired category, or by tapping the New button while the desired category is highlighted. While in icon view in a selected category, tapping the New button will start the New Card process. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-15.gif" /> Figure 15: Select card type Next, a screen appears that allows you to select the category for the card. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-16.gif" /> Figure 16: New credit card input screen CodeWallet's default card forms include a wide variety of useful fields for data entry. All of the fields are free format, so you can enter anything you'd like in any format. While this is generally a good thing, some input masks for standard format fields such as amounts, telephone numbers and dates would be helpful. If a field entry is longer than can be displayed on the screen, it scrolls sideways. There's no provision for zooming in to see the entire contents of the field. Additional tabs allow you to create a note and attach an image or a sound to the card. CodeWallet also offers field display options, including "Hide field names", "Show field names", "2 lines per item" and "Field names on left". <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-17.gif" /> Figure 17: Card view The finished card is shown in Figure 17. I inserted a scanned card image from one of the three or four credit card solicitations that I receive every month from a particular credit card company. (So now we have the answer to "what's in your wallet?"). If no image is inserted, the card is displayed using a plain background of a selected color. There's also a "Show PIN" button on the toolbar. A PIN isn't automatically displayed, to protect against someone looking over your shoulder to see the number. This important security feature is shared by all three programs. eWallet: To create a new card in eWallet, tap and hold on the desired category and select the "New Card..." command. Another means is to use the "New" button while the desired category is highlighted. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-18.gif" /> Figure 18: Select card type eWallet then displays a list of available templates for the new card. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-19.gif" /> Figure 19: New credit card input screen eWallet's card input screen is shown in Figure 19. All of the fields are free format, with no input masks for dates or telephone numbers. Long entries wrap (as in Card Number above) so that you can see the entire entry, a very useful feature. The fields are broken down into Card Face fields, which are displayed on the card graphic when viewing, and detail fields, which are displayed underneath. Notes, settings, sounds and graphics are set using additional tabs. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-20.gif" /> Figure 20: Dropdown list for credit card type For a few fields that have predefined values from which to select, such as Card Type in Figure 20, eWallet provides a dropdown list. And if your card isn't one of the types they provide, you can still type in your own value. A unique feature of eWallet allows you to change a field name on the fly, while in the card editor. To do so, tap and hold on the desired field and select "Rename Field" from the menu. This great feature is somewhat offset by the sparse set of fields in eWallet's standard templates. When I started this review, I decided to create a number of test cards that would be entered in all three products. I'm the most familiar with CodeWallet, so I created the test cards using that program. When I went to enter the test cards in eWallet, I was surprised to find that many of the fields available in CodeWallet weren't available in eWallet's standard templates. Another issue cropped up when I was working with Contacts. eWallet's Contact template includes fields named Telephone 1, Telephone 2 and Telephone 3. Well, I want to know which number is home, which is work and which is mobile. Sure, I can change the field names or create a new template, but that's an extra step that the other programs don't require. It appears that Ilium decided to rely on their template and field name flexibility rather than trying to come up with more comprehensive standard templates. I feel that eWallet should have much more complete templates out of the box. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-21.gif" /> Figure 21: Card view The completed card is shown in Figure 21, using the same scanned image. To show the PIN number, tap on the "Show" button next to the PIN field. Even without the scanned card image, eWallet's card displays are shown in a card format, making them more attractive than the displays in the other products. Detail fields, if any, are displayed under the card display on the Details tab. FlexWallet: As with creating categories, FlexWallet offers the widest range of options for creating cards. Both categories and cards include a "New Card" command in their tap-and-hold menus. Another method is to highlight a card in the desired category and tapping on the "New" button. Yet another method is to tap-and-hold on another card or on the empty space when a category is displayed using the icon view. And there's still more... again when a category is displayed using the icon view, you can tap on the link at the bottom of the icon list "Create a new card in this category". <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-22.gif" /> Figure 22: Select card template After you tell FlexWallet to create a new card, it displays the Card Template screen shown in Figure 22. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-23.gif" /> Figure 23: New credit card input screen Figure 23 shows FlexWallet's credit card input screen. The depth of available fields in the default templates in FlexWallet falls in the middle... more than eWallet, but fewer than CodeWallet. Some of the standard fields used by FlexWallet are a bit unclear, however. For example, in the Contact template, the available phone number fields are labeled as "Work", "Mobile" and "Home", rather than "Work Phone", etc. Then the first line of the Work Address is labeled as such, but the second and third lines are labeled simply as "Work", just like the Work phone number. I understand that they're going for short field labels for better display, but such labeling could be confusing for some users. As with the other products, you can enter notes and modify the settings for the card. In addition, FlexWallet allows for attachments. You can attach an image, a sound or a document. However, unlike the other programs, the image doesn't display when viewing the card... instead, you can open it up in an editor/viewer. And you can play an attached sound, but not automatically. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-24.gif" /> Figure 24 : Zoom window FlexWallet's fields scroll from side-to-side when they're too long to be displayed, rather than wrapping as in eWallet. However, if you wish to see or edit the complete entry, you can tap on the magnifying glass in the editor's toolbar, and the currently highlighted field will be displayed in a zoom window, where it can also be edited (Figure 24). FlexWallet provides some minimal input masks, such as automatically placing the $ in front of dollar amounts. It doesn't have dropdown lists like eWallet, but you can pull up a date picker by tapping on the Calendar icon in the editor toolbar. This date picker not only allows you to select a date, but it also presents options for the date format. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-25.gif" /> Figure 25: Card view The credit card view is shown in Figure 25. You have control over the text color and the background color, but that's about it from an appearance standpoint. As I mentioned earlier, attached graphics are not displayed in the view mode. FlexWallet provides the "Show/Hide Pswds." button to display passwords, PIN numbers, and the like. Creating Cards - Conclusions: This category highlighted some of the areas in which these programs differ most. The bonuses for eWallet include the ability to rename fields on the fly, automatic word wrapping in fields, and dropdown lists on some types of fields. Minuses include the limited number of fields included in some standard templates, along with some generic field names that would require renaming right off the bat for most people. The list of pros for FlexWallet include a wide variety of methods for creating cards, a zoom window for field editing, a date picker and some input masks. The list of cons consists of some limitations in their standard templates, along with some field names that seem unclear and ambiguous. Also, the card displays for FlexWallet are somewhat drab, since it doesn't use an attached graphic in the display. CodeWallet's greatest strength is the rich detail in the fields included in its standard templates. And wherever possible, fields in CodeWallet have clear and explicit labels. Another strength is its field display options. As for weaknesses, the CodeWallet editor lacks word wrap, dropdowns, zoom windows and other conveniences. But those weaknesses aside, CodeWallet's comprehensive template content results in the best "out of the box" user experience, and puts it on top in this category. FlexWallet is close behind, with a less comprehensive package, but still good standard templates, and conveniences such as a date picker and a zoom window. A bit further behind is eWallet. While it has some great features such as automatic word wrap and renaming fields on the fly, as well as the most attractive card view, its limited standard templates and overly generic field labels result in the least positive "out of the box" user experience. Find Function <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-26.gif" /> Figure 26: CodeWallet - Find screen CodeWallet: The Find function in CodeWallet is brought up with the Find button in the toolbar. Enter the desired text, press Go, and you're presented with a list of matches. Tap on the desired card in the list and it opens in view mode. To see the next match, select "Find Next" from the Tools menu. If you want to go back to the list, close the card and tap on the Find button again. The list from the earlier find is still there. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-27.gif" /> Figure 27: eWallet - Find screen eWallet: In eWallet, the Find command is found in the Tools menu on the main category screen. Enter the desired text, press OK, and the first match is displayed in view mode. Select "Find Again" from the Tools menu to see the next match. I prefer the lists that CodeWallet and FlexWallet present over the "browse through the matches" approach in eWallet, especially when you're dealing with lots of matches. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-28.gif" /> Figure 28: FlexWallet - Find screen FlexWallet: The Find function in FlexWallet works much like that of CodeWallet... enter the desired text and it returns a list of matches. Tap on a listed card and the card opens in view mode. However, FlexWallet lacks a "Find Next" or "Find Again" command. Instead, you close the matching card and you're brought back to the list, to select another card. One other thing to bring up with FlexWallet is that it displays a message box that tells you the number of matches found, a box you have to close. If they feel that this number is important, it should be displayed somewhere on the results screen, rather than as an annoying popup. Find Function - Conclusions: eWallet's browser approach to its Find function isn't as powerful and versatile as the list approach used by the other products, so I rank eWallet last in this category. The choice between FlexWallet and CodeWallet in this category is a matter of preference. FlexWallet doesn't let you browse the results in a view, but it makes it very easy to get from a viewed card to the results list. CodeWallet allows you to browse the results once you choose a starting point, but it's a bit more cumbersome if you want to work strictly from the list. The overall feel is close enough that I rank FlexWallet and CodeWallet as a tie for first in this category. Security The three products have much in common when it comes to security features:<ul><li>128 bit encryption<li>Option to require password to access the wallet<li>Option to require password to access cards in a category<li>Option to automatically lock the wallet when inactive for a selected period of time<li>Numeric passwords</ul>CodeWallet and eWallet use the common RC4 encryption algorithm, which basically makes them as safe as a Web browser. FlexWallet goes a step further... from their Web site: "Your data is encrypted using Blowfish, XOR, and the Tiny Encryption Algorithm, which together provide redundant, multi-level protection. The Tiny Encryption Algorithm is one of the fastest and most efficient cryptographic algorithms in existence." There is no mention of any measurable benefits with the use of the multi-level protection, so it's difficult to say that this is a specific advantage. Returning to the security feature comparison, CodeWallet and eWallet go beyond the previously mentioned features to offer some not available in FlexWallet:<ul><li>Alphanumeric passwords for greater password security<li>Option to lock the wallet for a specified number of minutes after a specified number of failed password attempts</ul>Finally, CodeWallet has one feature all to itself... a timer on its password entry screen and change password screen. You have 30 seconds to enter your password, and 60 seconds to change it. If the timer times out, it counts as a failed password attempt. One other security issue that I stumbled over... since all three programs can lock automatically after a prescribed length of time, what happens if you're in the middle of entering a new card? eWallet - Bye, bye, card... when you reopen the program, you're back at the main category screen and the card is gone. CodeWallet - Automatically saves the card and closes the editor. FlexWallet - Remains in the card editor when you reopen the program. This is just an FYI... I'm not factoring this in to the ratings. Security - Conclusions: All three products are quite secure. However, FlexWallet lacks alphanumeric passwords and protection against failed password attempts, so it gets third place in this category. eWallet and CodeWallet have almost identical security features, with the exception of CodeWallet's timer on the password screens. Close enough to be called a tie for first place. Custom Forms and Templates All three products provide some capability of creating your own forms or templates. But the implementation differs greatly. CodeWallet: The good news is that CodeWallet has very powerful capabilities in the area of custom forms. The "not so good" news is that it requires the use of a custom card form definition file. Here's a sample to create a card: ; *************************************** ; form for tracking frequent flier miles ; *************************************** <MyForm> ; Declares the start of a new form layout Frequent Flier ; Type of the form 1000 ; ID of the form (unique, starting at 1000) 2 ; Number of fields above header line 1 CWF_UPPERALL Airline ; Field ID, Type, Field Name 2 CWF_DEFAULT Member ID ; Field ID, Type, Field Name 3 CWF_PIN PIN ; ... 4 CWF_DEFAULT Telephone ; ... 5 CWF_URL Web site ; ... 6 CWF_EMAIL Email ; ... 7 CWF_DEFAULT Total miles ; ... 7 CWF_DEFAULT Expires ; ... <EndForm> ; End of this form layout Looks suspiciously like programming code. It's fortunate that CodeWallet's standard card forms are so robust, because this approach for custom cards isn't for the casual user. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-29.gif" /> Figure 29: eWallet - Tools menu eWallet: eWallet leverages its ability to rename fields as its approach to creating templates. To create a new template, it's recommended that you create a card with a template that has content that's close to your desired new template. Modify the field names as desired and then use the "Save to Template" command in the Tools menu. Sounds like a good approach, but it needs a little more work. I was surprised to find that you can't add or delete fields in a template, only rename them. That seems to me that this would be a fundamental capability of a template editor of this type. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-30.gif" /> Figure 30: FlexWallet - Manage Templates screen FlexWallet: FlexWallet implements a very powerful and highly sophisticated template creation scheme, and keeps it easy to use in the bargain. To start, select "Manage Templates" from the Tools menu on the main category screen. FlexWallet displays the Manage Templates screen shown in Figure 30. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-aug03-wallets-31.gif" /> Figure 31: Template Editor To illustrate the use of the template editor, I created a copy of the Contacts template. FlexWallet doesn't allow you to edit templates that have cards based on them, because it would damage the integrity of the cards' data. You can add a new field, edit an existing field, and move fields up and down. When adding a new field, you can select a field type. A field type of Password/PIN disguises its data when appropriate, while a field type of Web Address treats its entry as an URL. Custom Forms and Templates - Conclusions: Both CodeWallet and eWallet have enough drawbacks to their template approaches to merit a tie for second place in this category. While CodeWallet's solution is powerful and flexible, the need to deal with a script file to manage your templates will probably scare off many people who aren't comfortable with code. With eWallet, the inability to add or delete fields in templates makes it less powerful than the other two products, and while its template approach is easier to use than that of CodeWallet, FlexWallet's solution is better still. What can I say? Two Peaks hit the ball out of the park with FlexWallet's template manager. It's as powerful as CodeWallet's definition file approach, which makes it more powerful than eWallet. Yet it manages to blow away CodeWallet in ease of use, and even tops eWallet in ease of use. Very impressive work! Odds and Ends Here are a few remaining items that require little description: Backups: CodeWallet and eWallet support them, FlexWallet doesn't. Exports: CodeWallet and eWallet can export your data as plain text from either the Pocket PC or the desktop application. FlexWallet exports only from the Pocket PC, but supports both plain text and XML (a popular standard for data exchange). Icons: CodeWallet comes with a wide standard assortment, but doesn't support adding icons. eWallet comes with a more limited collection of standard icons, but you can expand the icon collection using .ico files. FlexWallet's standard icon assortment is somewhat limited, and it doesn't support adding icons. Specifications CodeWallet: CodeWallet is compatible with Pocket PC 2000/2002 or later, as well as Pocket PC Phone Edition. It requires approximately 600K of storage space. The desktop version of CodeWallet is compatible with Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/Tablet PC. eWallet: eWallet is compatible with all Pocket PCs, including Windows Mobile 2003. It requires approximately 600K of storage space. The desktop version supports Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. FlexWallet: FlexWallet is compatible with all Pocket PCs, including Windows Mobile 2003. It requires approximately 500K of storage space. I was unable to find specific support information about FlexWallet's desktop version. Where To Buy CodeWallet: The <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=13488">Pocket PC version of CodeWallet</a> can be downloaded from Handango, and sells for $19.95. A 30-day trial version is available. The <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=66053">Mobile Sync Pack</a> includes both the Pocket PC and desktop versions of CodeWallet, and can be downloaded from Handango for $29.90. eWallet: The <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=9440">Pocket PC version of eWallet</a> is available for download from Handango, and sells for $19.95. A 30-day trial version is available. <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=15458">eWallet Professional Edition</a> includes the Pocket PC and desktop versions of eWallet. You can download it from Handango for $29.95. FlexWallet: <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=50259">FlexWallet</a> can be downloaded from Handango, and sells for $19.95. At the time of this review, Two Peaks is offering the desktop version of FlexWallet at no additional charge, which is a savings of $5.00 over the bundled price of $24.95. Conclusions Let me start off by saying that these three products are remarkably well matched. If you need the protection that such a product offers, you can't really go wrong with any of them. And I found nothing sufficiently compelling to recommend that owners of any of these products switch to another. To be as fair as possible to the products, I thought it would make sense to list two sets of final rankings, based on the types of users that are likely to buy such a product. Many people will buy the product and use it pretty much "out of the box" without customizing it. Others may have many specialized templates that they wish to use, so the ability to customize takes precedence over the basic product. For the "out of the box, little or no customization" user: I would recommend CodeWallet for this type of use. This recommendation is based mostly on its superior standard card templates. Based on the assortment of templates included and the comprehensive field collection in each, my guess is that the majority of users would find no real need to create customized templates. CodeWallet offers strong performance in all categories, with the exception of customization. Security is particularly strong. FlexWallet is a close second. Its standard templates are quite strong, although not quite at the level of CodeWallet, so the out of the box experience should be quite positive. The main drawbacks here are the lack of password failure lockout, and the fact that the displayed cards are rather plain, something to consider when many products are touting custom themes and skins... appearance does count. Despite its excellent overall performance, eWallet's standard templates seem sparse and incomplete and it uses generic fields where specific fields would be more appropriate, which is not good news for those who want to use the product as is without customization. Aside from this, however, eWallet shines, with great input screens, topnotch presentation and excellent security. For the "needs to or wants to customize" user: FlexWallet is the overwhelming favorite for this type of use. Its template manager is both powerful and the easiest to use of any of the customization approaches offered by these products. I would rank eWallet and CodeWallet at a tie for second place for this type of use. eWallet's new field rename and save as template features are a good start, but they fall a bit short in convenience and power as compared to FlexWallet. And it would be difficult to come up with appropriately customized templates when the ability to add or delete fields is not offered. On the other hand, CodeWallet is plenty powerful in the customization area, but ease of use in this area is a significant drawback. The custom card definition files aren't extremely complex, and should be a breeze to use for anyone with any coding experience. But some people would look at the code and be immediately intimidated by it. So if easy template creation is your goal, there are better choices than CodeWallet. So, to wrap up, if you're looking to get the most out of a wallet product out of the box, without the need to customize, look at CodeWallet first. If customization is a high priority for you, you should strongly consider FlexWallet. And although it wasn't my first pick, eWallet is still a strong performer and a solid choice. eWallet, FlexWallet and CodeWallet... choose your favorite, and then don't leave home without it.

townsendtribe

08-29-2003, 05:40 PM

I switched from eWallet to FlexWallet a few months ago. I have to say that I like it better, but find it still lacking in appearance. For me, I like an app that works well and looks great. I like the way FlexWallet works, but wish they would spice up the interface, it looks so retro-Windows 95'ish. Why does it have to be so "White Box with icons" bland?

PeterLake

08-29-2003, 05:57 PM

My only comment is that this review was very well written.

petvas

08-29-2003, 06:12 PM

The review was great!!!
I own both eWallet and Codewallet. I prefer Codewallet because of the default templates and the customization it offers...
The only function I miss is the ability to import information from a file...

dean_shan

08-29-2003, 06:15 PM

I use FlexWallet. Got it when they were having a $5.00 special on it. I am very happy with it.

townsendtribe

08-29-2003, 06:17 PM

You know what would have been great? The ability to export to some common file format for when I switched to FlexWallet. Re-inputting all that data was a pain.

But then, why would one company want to make it easy to switch to another company's product? Oh well, it still would have been nice. :)

Ed Hansberry

08-29-2003, 06:40 PM

Great review. I've been a huge eWallet fan since 1999 and still use it. This review basically met with my expectations - each one is slightly different and after seeing all of the features, none of them really have anything compelling that would make the general user switch once you had settled in on one.

One area these products are all missing the ball on is record level syncing instead of file level.

townsendtribe

08-29-2003, 06:45 PM

One area these products are all missing the ball on is record level syncing instead of file level.

I would have to agree... I know both eWallet and FlexWallet have free desktop companion apps (I haven't tried CodeWallet). Why can't we sync the records like we do with our other apps?

Sven Johannsen

08-29-2003, 06:45 PM

But then, why would one company want to make it easy to switch to another company's product?

Not much insentive there, but how about switching from another companies product. Import capabilites would be worthwhile.

Good review. I'm an E-Wallet user from way back. Does what I need it to do and does it reasonably intuitively. Sometimes I go for the less configurable to keep me from spending more time configuring than actually using ;)

dhettel

08-29-2003, 07:01 PM

Ok so once I create a custom template with eWallet. Is their a trick to setting it up as the default template? Or must I pick it from a list each time I create a new card?

Thanks
David

Doug Raeburn

08-29-2003, 07:04 PM

Ok so once I create a custom template with eWallet. Is their a trick to setting it up as the default template? Or must I pick it from a list each time I create a new card?

Thanks
David

If you create a category and assign that template as the default for the category, you won't have to select it from a list.

Jacob

08-29-2003, 07:07 PM

Ok so once I create a custom template with eWallet. Is their a trick to setting it up as the default template? Or must I pick it from a list each time I create a new card?

Thanks
David

That's a property of the category - you should be able to select the new template as a default.

I think it prompts you to choose the type whenever you create a new card, but the default should be selected - so if you want the default just tap OK.

W.R.T the review - Very good review. I disagree with the comment that eWallet had worse default templates - I actuall found that they were better than FlexWallets, at least the ones that I used. I found fields missing in Flexwallets where ewallet had them. Maybe they've updated them though.

Doug Raeburn

08-29-2003, 07:17 PM

W.R.T the review - Very good review. I disagree with the comment that eWallet had worse default templates - I actuall found that they were better than FlexWallets, at least the ones that I used. I found fields missing in Flexwallets where ewallet had them. Maybe they've updated them though.

It's possible that it's changed since you looked at them... I found that eWallet suffered by comparison to the other 2 products particularly in the Credit Card and Contacts templates.

Vincent M Ferrari

08-29-2003, 07:22 PM

I bought Flex Wallet when it was $4.95 with the Desktop, and it's the first one I've ever found intuitive enough to use regularly. :wink:

It's a well done program which I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for an electronic wallet of some kind...

SQLDba

08-29-2003, 07:23 PM

With these programs so close together in features and functionality - maybe the deciding factor should be support after the purchase. Certainly something to consider.

And I am not talking about how fast they respond to emails - specifically, I mean what is their policy with regard to upgrades?

I am not sure about the other two titles - but the thing that bugged me about eWallet is that ilium provides 6 months of upgrade support after purchase - meaning if they come out with an upgrade in 8 months - you get to pay a little something to get it.

While I don't think that you should buy once - get it free forever - I do think that 6 months is a ridiculous timeline. Heck if they started writing a new upgrade to eWallet on the day I purchased it - I doubt it would be out of beta within 6 months.

I would rather see free upgrades within version - and then you pay more to get the 4.0 version of the software. Seems just a bit fairer in my view.

brianchris

08-29-2003, 07:25 PM

I use FlexWallet, and need customazation, and therefore my findings agreed with this reviewer's that FlexWallet is best for customization.

HOWEVER.....there is a large limitiation in the custumazation feature of FlexWallet, and that is once you create a new templete, and use it in just one card, you can not go back and modify that templete ever....you have to copy it, and edit from there. Now I understand the reason for this limitation is "what to do with displaced data?" How about placing it in the notes field of all cards using the template?

Another BIG problem with FlexWallet is, CodeWallet Pro (and perhaps eWallet, but I haven't tried that one) allowed you to right click (on desktop, tap and hold on PPC) *any* data on the card and copy it for use in other applications (either on the desktop or PPC). In FlexWallet, once viewing the card containing the data you want to copy, you have to 1) click edit, 2) find the field of data you're interested in, 3) highlight it all, *then* tap and hold (or right click) and select copy. WAY too many steps....needs to be much easier as this is a common task for me (and most other users, right?).

YES, record level syncronization would be to die for (in any of these apps, but especially FlexWallet). Honestly, the first to PPC Wallet to offer that better be prepared for a lot of income :)

I know, it seems like I'm trashing FlexWallet in this post, but FlexWallet is still (at least for the moment) my favorite of the three. If they could fix those two rather large issues, Flex Wallet would be close to flawless IMHO. I'm hoping (actually holding my breath :wink: ) that FlexWallet will be improved to address these features.

-Brian

EddieH28

08-29-2003, 07:36 PM

ok, lets say i have ewallet and i want to switch to either codewallet or flex wallet. how do i transfer the data from ewallet into these programs, or do i have to re enter them from scratch in the new app?

whydidnt

08-29-2003, 07:38 PM

The reviewer is right, there isn't enough difference in these products to warrant changing from one you're using. I have used Code Wallet for some time now and it works fine, though I wish it was easier to design or edit the templates.

I tried Flex Wallet, but their just wasn't enough differnce to get me to change from Code Wallet, PLUS Two Peaks software is on my Banned List of Software Companies ever since they gypped me on Trip Tracker. I bought Traveller from them just 30 days before they released Trip Tracker, partially because of their "FREE lifetime upgrade" policy. They upgraded the software, changed the name and wanted me to pay more money to get the upgrade. Dirty rotten tricks in my book!! :evil: I'll be damned if I'll pay for an upgrade or any other software from them EVER again.

Whydidnt

Doug Raeburn

08-29-2003, 07:39 PM

ok, lets say i have ewallet and i want to switch to either codewallet or flex wallet. how do i transfer the data from ewallet into these programs, or do i have to re enter them from scratch in the new app?

Unfortunately, the latter is the situation. Unlike PIMs, there's no standard format for the wallet data. So you have to re-enter from scratch. :cry:

Jason Dunn

08-29-2003, 07:41 PM

I switched from eWallet to FlexWallet a few months ago. I have to say that I like it better, but find it still lacking in appearance. For me, I like an app that works well and looks great. I like the way FlexWallet works, but wish they would spice up the interface, it looks so retro-Windows 95'ish. Why does it have to be so "White Box with icons" bland?

Heh. That's pretty funny, because of the three, I think FlexWallet has the best UI, and that attractive UI was one of the reasons I switched.

I just wish they'd fix some of the glaring UI bugs in FlexWallet, especially on the desktop version (which I use 10+ times a day). :cry:

One of the things work noting is that FlexWallet employs an XML data schema that allows you to import/export your data easily. What I've begged for, and haven't seen yet, is for DeveloperOne and Ilium to incorporate the same XML data schema for their import/export. That would allow customers to switch to a different product very easily. That's not normally what developers want mind you, but there's just as good of a chance of a FlexWallet customer jumping to eWallet as vice-versa. Having to re-enter 180+ cards manually from CodeWallet to FlexWallet really, really, really sucked. :evil: Thankfully my loving wife helped me with it. :-)

rmasinag

08-29-2003, 07:42 PM

I haven't bought a program like this. Imagine if my boss finds out my access code data for work is a Pocket Word file. :twak:

I have a challenge for you guys who own electronic wallets. I'm primarily going to use such a program for you guessed it....passwords and door incodes. And maybe 2 credit cards.

Which program would be the best in allowing me to access my passwords and pincodes the fastest, and the same time not create a single icon for each and very password/pincodes. :?:

Much appreciation would be greatly appreciated :wink:

T-Will

08-29-2003, 07:46 PM

I use FlexWallet, I got in on that deal where it was like $3.73 or something like that. Nice little program that works great!

Jason Dunn

08-29-2003, 07:51 PM

HOWEVER.....there is a large limitiation in the custumazation feature of FlexWallet, and that is once you create a new templete, and use it in just one card, you can not go back and modify that templete ever....

I agree, this drives me crazy. I think the field name should be an alias for a fixed field name that the user would never see. So if I changed the field name from "Dog Food" to "Cat Food", only the alias changes - it's still field87 in the real card.

Another BIG problem with FlexWallet is, CodeWallet Pro (and perhaps eWallet, but I haven't tried that one) allowed you to right click (on desktop, tap and hold on PPC) *any* data on the card and copy it for use in other applications (either on the desktop or PPC). In FlexWallet, once viewing the card containing the data you want to copy, you have to 1) click edit, 2) find the field of data you're interested in, 3) highlight it all, *then* tap and hold (or right click) and select copy. WAY too many steps....needs to be much easier as this is a common task for me (and most other users, right?).

This one KILLS me on a daily basis. :evil: It also frustrates me that I can't edit the notes section by just typing into it like I could with CodeWallet Pro. I have to right-click, go into properties, switch to the note tab, then change the text. WAY too much work. :?

There are a half-dozen other UI bugs that need squishing in the desktop client, like not being able to see the passwords, even after turning off the feature that protects them on the desktop. FlexWallet is also slow to open on the Pocket PC when you have 150+ cards like me....I have to wait 3-5 seconds after entering my password before the wallet will open. :sleeping:

I really like most of how FlexWallet works, but it could be SO much better with just a few tweaks.

Jason Dunn

08-29-2003, 07:52 PM

ok, lets say i have ewallet and i want to switch to either codewallet or flex wallet. how do i transfer the data from ewallet into these programs, or do i have to re enter them from scratch in the new app?

You have to re-type them, or at best, do a LOT of copy/pasting. The problem is that while FlexWallet supports import/export based on XML, DeveloperOne and Ilium haven't followed suit, even though I've practically begged them to...

Jason Dunn

08-29-2003, 07:54 PM

I have a challenge for you guys who own electronic wallets. I'm primarily going to use such a program for you guessed it....passwords and door incodes. And maybe 2 credit cards.

FlexWallet. It's great for using on a Pocket PC for one reason: the password prompt has nice, big buttons that you can mash with your fingers, and one-handed navigation is a breeze. If you're starting from scratch, go FlexWallet. And hey, since you're a subscriber, you can use that 25% off coupon. :mrgreen:

Ed Hansberry

08-29-2003, 08:19 PM

Which program would be the best in allowing me to access my passwords and pincodes the fastest, and the same time not create a single icon for each and very password/pincodes. :?:
Any will do that. eWallet will allow you to create a new Password card. The username becomes the card name, then enter the password. Simple.

dma1965

08-29-2003, 08:37 PM

I have used e-wallet since way back in my Palm days and find it to be the most robust of the three. It is quite intuitive to me and they have excellent support. I have tried all three, and like e-wallet best of all. One thing I have found, however, is that if you use custom icons with the Pocket PC version it substantially slows down the startup on my handheld. I use it to keep literally hundreds of passwords, CC info, and software reg codes. It is easily one of the most used apps on my device.

Hugh Nano

08-29-2003, 08:40 PM

Great review! I love this sort of side-by-side comparison--very helpful when deciding which of several similar applications to buy.

You mentioned you couldn't get OS info on FlexWallet's desktop version. Their desktop client works only with Windows 2000 and XP--the main reason I have not yet switched to it from my very old version of eWallet. I much prefer FlexWallet's UI and presentation of info. I do not understand why they can't come up with a desktop version that is compatible with older OSs like mine (Win98SE). And the excuse they used to give--that the older versions of Windows don't support 128-bit encryption--is bunk: both eWallet and CodeWallet have come out with desktop versions that run on earlier versions of Windows and have 128-bit encryption. Why can't FlexWallet? Pure laziness is my best guess.

I'm not about to go out and spend $200+ on a Windows upgrade just to be able to run an eWallet program on my desktop--besides, my old laptop wouldn't survive an upgrade to XP. All I can do is wait and put up with eWallet's (to me) annoying UI and "cards" until TwoPeaks realizes that users like me, who prefer FlexWallet to the other ewallet solutions, might actually be willing to pay $5 or so for a desktop version that actually works with their OS! I hope that is soon... Are you listening, TwoPeaks?

Jacob

08-29-2003, 09:05 PM

W.R.T the review - Very good review. I disagree with the comment that eWallet had worse default templates - I actuall found that they were better than FlexWallets, at least the ones that I used. I found fields missing in Flexwallets where ewallet had them. Maybe they've updated them though.

It's possible that it's changed since you looked at them... I found that eWallet suffered by comparison to the other 2 products particularly in the Credit Card and Contacts templates.

My main problem with FlexWallet was that their bank account and credit card templates didn't have URL/username/password fields so I could keep my online banking account info with them, where eWallet had these fields.

dhettel

08-29-2003, 09:06 PM

Ok so once I create a custom template with eWallet. Is their a trick to setting it up as the default template? Or must I pick it from a list each time I create a new card?

Thanks
David

That's a property of the category - you should be able to select the new template as a default.

I think it prompts you to choose the type whenever you create a new card, but the default should be selected - so if you want the default just tap OK.

W.R.T the review - Very good review. I disagree with the comment that eWallet had worse default templates - I actuall found that they were better than FlexWallets, at least the ones that I used. I found fields missing in Flexwallets where ewallet had them. Maybe they've updated them though.

That's what I thought too. But if you look at the properties for a category, I have NO custom templates listed! It appears to me that only the default (built in templates) can be used as default. I have even tried to save a custom template as the same name as a default and I can't do that. Tried to do this over the weekend. Seems like the usefulness of custom templates is very limited.

David

Jacob

08-29-2003, 09:08 PM

That's what I thought too. But if you look at the properties for a category, I have NO custom templates listed! It appears to me that only the default (built in templates) can be used as default. I have even tried to save a custom template as the same name as a default and I can't do that. Tried to do this over the weekend. Seems like the usefulness of custom templates is very limited.

David

That's very unfortunate. I'll try to make a note to check that out.

I have only really customized the existing templates so far, but I just thought that was such an obvious thing for custom templates.

I would contact them to find out if there's anything special you have to do or at least to see if they are going to fix it.

dhettel

08-29-2003, 09:18 PM

That's what I thought too. But if you look at the properties for a category, I have NO custom templates listed! It appears to me that only the default (built in templates) can be used as default. I have even tried to save a custom template as the same name as a default and I can't do that. Tried to do this over the weekend. Seems like the usefulness of custom templates is very limited.

David

That's very unfortunate. I'll try to make a note to check that out.

I have only really customized the existing templates so far, but I just thought that was such an obvious thing for custom templates.

I would contact them to find out if there's anything special you have to do or at least to see if they are going to fix it.

Well that was my thought too, but I've tried and get:

Sorry, unable to deliver your message to [email protected] for
the following reason:

552 Quota violation for [email protected]

A copy of the original message below this line:

David

Dr. Smooth

08-29-2003, 09:41 PM

A favorite password manager from my Palm days was "Strip". It allowed for arbitrary hierarchies of passwords. This made for much better organization of things like Web site passwords and logins, etc. With eWallet, I end up with about 50 items in a single folder, making navigation more tedious.

szamot

08-29-2003, 09:58 PM

CodeWallet Pro is where is it at for me, I see no compelling reason to change. It has served me well over the years.

Ilium Software

08-29-2003, 10:24 PM

Hi Everyone,

I agree that the article was very well written. Can't agree with all the conclusions but then again I'm a bit biased. :)

I'd like to answer some questions for people:

Custom Templates and Default Card Type
You cannot currently choose a custom template for the default in a category, but all the default function does is highlight the template. You can still choose any template available. We've had quite a few requests for this however so it's on the list of high demand changes.

Email Issues

Sorry, unable to deliver your message to [email protected] for
the following reason

Yeah...that would be a massive influx of virus emails (we weren't infected ). We fought with our provider for quite awhile and finally fixed the problem. You can always feel free to call our toll-free support line if you can't get through however. The number is:

888-632-5388

When the call picks up dial zero for the main tech support line and you go straight to a live person M-F 8a-6p ET.

Windows Compatibility
We don't generally list every Windows OS but you can use eWallet on anything Windows 95+ including ME/NT/2000/etc etc etc.

Other Features
Just want to plug a couple of things not listed in the review. Live URLs, automatic desktop username/password entry for websites, live phone numbers, live email. All these things are very useful and are in place on nearly every card. Also, while I personally use a Pocket PC (iPAQ 3800 series), many of our users have multiple devices. So when you have a Pocket PC and your unlucky personal assistant has a Palm, you can still use eWallet on both devices and even sync to the same wallet. We also have Windows Smartphone, HPC, and Palmsize PC versions.

Tell Us What You Want!
Tell us what you want to see. We make our updates based on the amount of noise our customers make. Custom icons was the #1 request before version 2.1 so we added them. Custom templates was #1 before 3.1 so we added it. If you have an idea, suggestion, annoyance, let us know. You can even email me personally ( [email protected] ) since I'm the guy who gets them to the developer.

And finally, thanks for all the kind words from the eWallet users out there, and also for the constructive way everyone has taken part in the discussion.

Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
[email protected]
+1 (888) 632-5388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

PeterLake

08-29-2003, 11:02 PM

Having to re-enter 180+ cards manually from CodeWallet to FlexWallet really, really, really sucked. :evil: Thankfully my loving wife helped me with it. :-)

Wow! I can barely get my wife to look at my PPC when it is playing home videos of our kids! Don't tell me that she likes to cook, too.

disconnected

08-29-2003, 11:39 PM

I'm still using the version of eWallet that come with my iPAQ 3630. I've thought about upgrading to a later version, but so far I've been too lazy to look into it. I don't mind paying for the new version, but does anyone know if it's changed very much over the years? Also, if I upgrade, will I have to re-enter data?

bazza

08-30-2003, 12:13 AM

Great review! I have used all three and settled with Flex Wallet!

Having to re-enter all the information if you change is vvvvvvery painful!!

dhettel

08-30-2003, 12:38 AM

Hi Everyone,

I agree that the article was very well written. Can't agree with all the conclusions but then again I'm a bit biased. :)

I'd like to answer some questions for people:

Custom Templates and Default Card Type
You cannot currently choose a custom template for the default in a category, but all the default function does is highlight the template. You can still choose any template available. We've had quite a few requests for this however so it's on the list of high demand changes.

Email Issues

Sorry, unable to deliver your message to [email protected] for
the following reason

Yeah...that would be a massive influx of virus emails (we weren't infected ). We fought with our provider for quite awhile and finally fixed the problem. You can always feel free to call our toll-free support line if you can't get through however. The number is:

888-632-5388

When the call picks up dial zero for the main tech support line and you go straight to a live person M-F 8a-6p ET.

Windows Compatibility
We don't generally list every Windows OS but you can use eWallet on anything Windows 95+ including ME/NT/2000/etc etc etc.

Other Features
Just want to plug a couple of things not listed in the review. Live URLs, automatic desktop username/password entry for websites, live phone numbers, live email. All these things are very useful and are in place on nearly every card. Also, while I personally use a Pocket PC (iPAQ 3800 series), many of our users have multiple devices. So when you have a Pocket PC and your unlucky personal assistant has a Palm, you can still use eWallet on both devices and even sync to the same wallet. We also have Windows Smartphone, HPC, and Palmsize PC versions.

Tell Us What You Want!
Tell us what you want to see. We make our updates based on the amount of noise our customers make. Custom icons was the #1 request before version 2.1 so we added them. Custom templates was #1 before 3.1 so we added it. If you have an idea, suggestion, annoyance, let us know. You can even email me personally ( [email protected] ) since I'm the guy who gets them to the developer.

And finally, thanks for all the kind words from the eWallet users out there, and also for the constructive way everyone has taken part in the discussion.

Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
[email protected]
+1 (888) 632-5388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

What I would really like to see is that eWallet save a copy of the wallet in a folder that doesn't get deleted if I delete my sync folder, when creating a partnership, or recreating one. Also it would be nice to sync to more than one device. Have the eWallet in two folders that will sync.

Sorry but I can think of no reason why I shouldn't be able to use a custom template, as a default template. Any idea as to when we may see a patch for this? I hope you don't make us wait for a new release to get this.

Thanks
David

cludwig

08-30-2003, 12:44 AM

I use eWallet on my PocketPC phone device (love clickable URLs with password fill-in, love phone dialling!) and sync with 2 PCs (one at work and one at home).

I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have to figure what changed between one of the desktops and the PPC every time I get the "1 file unresolved" and the culprit is "mywallet.wlt." It's a fact of life when you use the dekstop and PPC versions as much as I do that there will be records changing in both. At one point CodeWalletPro offered this feature, now they seem to have dropped it... boy I'm glad I didn't switch!

Hi Everyone,
(stuff deleted...)

Tell Us What You Want!
Tell us what you want to see. We make our updates based on the amount of noise our customers make. Custom icons was the #1 request before version 2.1 so we added them. Custom templates was #1 before 3.1 so we added it. If you have an idea, suggestion, annoyance, let us know. You can even email me personally ( [email protected] ) since I'm the guy who gets them to the developer.

And finally, thanks for all the kind words from the eWallet users out there, and also for the constructive way everyone has taken part in the discussion.

Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
[email protected]
+1 (888) 632-5388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

Autarch

08-30-2003, 01:03 AM

Excellent review. I have CodeWallet and have been very pleased with this software. It's interesting to me that almost all of the discussion on this review have addressed UI issues, especially templates and custom cards. Security was the primary concern for me when choosing which wallet software to get -- otherwise we could all just keep this info in Notes or Word documents with as many graphics or scanned images as needed to make it look nice.

The three packages' encryption algorithms seem essentially equal, at least as far as we know. FlexWallet's lack of alphanumeric passwords is a big deficiency, IMO. I also think CodeWallet's timers are a valuable addition.

quidproquo

08-30-2003, 04:17 AM

I used to use E-Wallet when I had an iPAQ but the version I had only works with the iPAQ as it came bundled with the PDA - so when I installed it on my T-Mobile - it said it was only for iPAQ.

So, when I sold the iPAQ....E-wallet went with it.

And then I bought FlexWallet when they had it on sale for $4.95 and I got both desktop/PDA version.

Very nice - I like FlexWallet just fine - although I felt that EWallet did have a bit more fluff on the graphics for the cards - but overall not a lot of difference. I am happy about the $4.95 price tag!

kiwi

08-30-2003, 05:17 AM

hi guys,

yeah, actually the eWallet style of software is particularly why I own a PPC device :-) (along with PocketMaps)

I must admit I am a GUI type person and find I like the *look* of the eWallet style of cards better than codewallet. I did not try flex wallet.

If I ever switch to Palm or MobilePhone/Smartphone I am glad there is software for me to use for this functionality!

ctmagnus

08-30-2003, 05:40 AM

Excellent review! :way to go:

I took advantage of the most excellent deal on FlexWallet that was offered here and therefore use it as my ewallet software. However, I've had problems with it crashing on the desktop end, particularly after I create a new card. It will function for several sessions (viewing/editing/creating cards), then I try to create a card and when I click OK, it crashes. PPC end is fine. Has anyone else noticed this?

sripathi

08-30-2003, 12:12 PM

One of the things work noting is that FlexWallet employs an XML data schema that allows you to import/export your data easily.

I don't see any import option for Flexwallet, only export option available. I think all of them should support importing csv or some other file format for importing. Or they should have a better interface for the desktop versions to ease data entry. Its taking so much time to enter data into these programs, I never able to use them because of that. For desktop I use http://www.ivory.org/whisper.html, but unfortunately they don't have a ppc version.

And the most important feature missing is record level syncing, without out it the usability is some what limited for me.

Bob Anderson

08-30-2003, 08:35 PM

And the most important feature missing is record level syncing, without out it the usability is some what limited for me.

Here's to that!!! All of these apps need that functionality.

This review was the first review that I felt was truly unbiased and well-rounded (with regard to the "wallet" software packages. Often times reviewers seem to focus on their "favorite" and it shows up in their writing, and when that happens you really begin to doubt the quality of the reviews... in this instance that wasn't a concern at all.

(Should I have expected anything less from Pocket PC Thoughts reviewers?)

Doug Raeburn

08-30-2003, 09:45 PM

And the most important feature missing is record level syncing, without out it the usability is some what limited for me.

Here's to that!!! All of these apps need that functionality.

This review was the first review that I felt was truly unbiased and well-rounded (with regard to the "wallet" software packages. Often times reviewers seem to focus on their "favorite" and it shows up in their writing, and when that happens you really begin to doubt the quality of the reviews... in this instance that wasn't a concern at all.

(Should I have expected anything less from Pocket PC Thoughts reviewers?)

Thanks, Bob! When doing a comparison like this, it's always a bit tricky to maintain an unbiased eye, so to have someone say that he feels I was successful at doing so is quite a compliment.

topps

08-31-2003, 04:23 PM

Excellent review. I have CodeWallet and have been very pleased with this software. It's interesting to me that almost all of the discussion on this review have addressed UI issues, especially templates and custom cards. Security was the primary concern for me when choosing which wallet software to get -- otherwise we could all just keep this info in Notes or Word documents with as many graphics or scanned images as needed to make it look nice.

The three packages' encryption algorithms seem essentially equal, at least as far as we know. FlexWallet's lack of alphanumeric passwords is a big deficiency, IMO. I also think CodeWallet's timers are a valuable addition.

For similar reasons, I was actually a little disappointed with the review, I'm sorry to say. A lot of time was spent on things like view formats and things that were not significantly different for the three apps - this could have been cut down a lot and covered by the comment that all three are quite similar.

I would have preferred to see more on things like the desktop interface, the sync capabilities with the desktop versions. I too am frustrated that none of these apps do proper synchronisation at record level - my wife and I both use eWallet - it would be great if our respective changes could be merged on the desktop.

I also agree with the above comment re security - it is a bit pointless having 3 different types of encryption and multilevel security if you then only allow numeric passwords - brute forcing this is so much easier that it makes the multilevel approach pointless.

jratner

08-31-2003, 07:34 PM

[quote=Jason Dunn]

And the most important feature missing is record level syncing, without out it the usability is some what limited for me.

I have been using Applian's Virtual Wallet for a few years now, and while it uses AS file sync between the desktop and PC versions, it does offer record level sync. Rather than storing all the information cards within a wallet file, each card is a seperate file within a wallet directory. This method yields larger wallet sizes, and does not resolve changes made on both the PC and the PPC at the same time, but otherwise keeps individual cards in sync.

Doug Raeburn

09-01-2003, 04:05 AM

For similar reasons, I was actually a little disappointed with the review, I'm sorry to say. A lot of time was spent on things like view formats and things that were not significantly different for the three apps - this could have been cut down a lot and covered by the comment that all three are quite similar.

I would have preferred to see more on things like the desktop interface, the sync capabilities with the desktop versions. I too am frustrated that none of these apps do proper synchronisation at record level - my wife and I both use eWallet - it would be great if our respective changes could be merged on the desktop.

Reviewing 3 products in a single review is quite a daunting task. Adding the desktop versions to a single review would increase that to 6 products, taking it from daunting to nearly insurmountable. Not to mention taking an already extremely long review and making it much too long for a single article.

I decided to tackle the Pocket PC side of things, since after all, these are Pocket PC applications, first and foremost. A follow-on piece on the desktop versions is planned.

In a comparison review like this, I wouldn't dream of taking a shortcut like saying all the products are quite similar... that would be quite unfair to the products that weren't covered in depth.

Sorry you were disappointed... we do what we can, but you can't please everybody.

Ilium Software

09-02-2003, 02:21 PM

I'm still using the version of eWallet that come with my iPAQ 3630. I've thought about upgrading to a later version, but so far I've been too lazy to look into it. I don't mind paying for the new version, but does anyone know if it's changed very much over the years? Also, if I upgrade, will I have to re-enter data?

If you are upgrading from version 2.0 that came with your iPAQ, new features in eWallet 3.1 include:
On All Devices...
Customizable field labels
Custom card templates
New card templates including email and ISP
New Details Pane with extra fields for almost every card type
URL, Username and Password fields for nearly every card type

On the Desktop and Pocket PC...
Live URL fields throughout
Live email links

For Desktop Only....
AutoPass, automatically enter username and password on web pages

For Palm OS....
Card icons for every card
High-Res Device Support
Enhanced credit card graphics

Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
[email protected]
+1 (734) 973-9388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

Ilium Software

09-02-2003, 02:25 PM

What I would really like to see is that eWallet save a copy of the wallet in a folder that doesn't get deleted if I delete my sync folder, when creating a partnership, or recreating one. Also it would be nice to sync to more than one device. Have the eWallet in two folders that will sync.

The backup is something we have explored. Currently there is a Make Backup function built in to eWallet in the File Menu on the desktop (save the backup anywhere you like with this feature), and on the PPC you can click and hold to create a copy of the file. We've considered some automated backup features but we've received input from many customers that they don't want us to do this automatically. It's a tough call!

Sorry but I can think of no reason why I shouldn't be able to use a custom template, as a default template. Any idea as to when we may see a patch for this? I hope you don't make us wait for a new release to get this.

Not sure when it will be changed but I'll certainly let the developers know that they should look into this.

Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
[email protected]
+1 (734) 973-9388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

disconnected

09-02-2003, 04:27 PM

Marc,

Thanks for the answers. But can you also tell me if my current data will be maintained if I upgrade, or will I have to re-enter it?

Ilium Software

09-02-2003, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the answers. But can you also tell me if my current data will be maintained if I upgrade, or will I have to re-enter it?

Upgrading will not change any of your data. All that changes is the program itself, not the data files.

topps

09-04-2003, 08:10 AM

Reviewing 3 products in a single review is quite a daunting task.

Sorry, did not mean to complain. It was obviously a lot of work to do...but sometimes when we do put a lot of work into an evaluation, we tend to want to show people how much work it was, rather than attending to distilling our findings into an efficient report...I know...I do it all the time...bad David!

Adding the desktop versions to a single review would increase that to 6 products, taking it from daunting to nearly insurmountable. Not to mention taking an already extremely long review and making it much too long for a single article.
I agree it would have been quite a bit more work to look at these aspects. But I feel there was enough duplication in the original article that tight self-editing could have trimmed it a bit and left room for a section on the desktop stuff.

On this part, I am probably expecting too much anyway - to my mind, the most useful things to hear about would be whether these products offer things like record level sync - but the posts in the subsequent discussions suggest that they are all quite deficient in this regard.

I decided to tackle the Pocket PC side of things, since after all, these are Pocket PC applications, first and foremost. A follow-on piece on the desktop versions is planned.

I certainly agree with this - it would not be appropriate to spend lots of space on the desktop stuff, for exactly the reasons you mention.

In a comparison review like this, I wouldn't dream of taking a shortcut like saying all the products are quite similar... that would be quite unfair to the products that weren't covered in depth.
It's just that the differences that you found seemed to me to be quite minor. It did tell us that you did spend lots of time really testing and using these programs, not just taking a quick look see and giving first impressions. I do appreciate that - I just thought that you would have seen more differences with some of the other areas while you were taking this in-depth look...again, the discussion comments suggest that these products are again similar in these other areas, in which case there would not be much point in you commenting on them.

Sorry you were disappointed... we do what we can, but you can't please everybody.
Don't take my ramblings too much to heart - it's easy to criticise but hard work to get this stuff out there. Just ignore curmudgeons like me.

Will T Smith

09-05-2003, 05:57 AM

One area these products are all missing the ball on is record level syncing instead of file level.

I would have to agree... I know both eWallet and FlexWallet have free desktop companion apps (I haven't tried CodeWallet). Why can't we sync the records like we do with our other apps?

Agreed, the first one who implements this would have a purchase from me. The irony is that the Palm version of eWallet DOES have record syncing. I guess an ActiveSync conduit is a serious pain in the ass to code.

Jason Dunn

09-05-2003, 03:41 PM

I guess an ActiveSync conduit is a serious pain in the ass to code.

Yup. I have yet to find a developer who has said it was easy - most will groan when you mention it. When you consider how powerful ActiveSync conduits are, and what they can allow you to do as a developer, Microsoft really screwed up by making it so difficult. :?

petvas

09-05-2003, 04:46 PM

Active Sync is changing and next year we can expect to see great things...

famousdavis

09-05-2003, 09:08 PM

Active Sync is changing and next year we can expect to see great things...

Whaddya mean? Tell me more!

I saw in some other thread a screenshot of ActiveSync in Windows Longhorn, but beyond that, I don't know of anything coming down the pike prior to the release of Longhorn -- which is due in 2005 at best, yes?

Jonathan1

09-10-2003, 06:21 PM

I would like to suggest a tip to anyone who is anal about security. Always keep the data files for these apps and any sensitive information in RAM. Storing it in Flash ROM or a storage card results in easy access to anyone who may "lift" your PDA. So even if you password protect your PDA a hard reset leaves these files in ROM and the storage card. If this device gets pawned off or passes hands that data will always be "out there" With computing power always increasing, the ability for someone to brute force their way into an encrypted file becomes more likely.
Best practice would be to use an app such as Nice Start that allows the PDA to be locked out after X attempts and hard rest after Y number of attempts. In addition to that make sure the time that it takes for one of the above apps to time out is less then whatever your system password is. So if I set my PDA to auto lock after 15 minutes set Codewallet to auto lock after 5. Personally I always set it to lock after 5 and my PDA to lock after 30 minutes. I’m not as concerned about the PDA locking because anyone who lifts your device won’t know that its set to lock after 30 and most likely will lock themselves out of the system after they stop playing with it.

TopDog

09-18-2003, 09:56 AM

I'm still using version 2.0 that came with my iPAQ once upon a time, it still works perfect, but now on my Dell Axim...

I guess that the one thing I like most about it, is that it's installed on my SD-card, and I can just move it from PPC to PPC without reinstalling it!

It supports all my needs and I see now reason to upgrade or change to any other provider, guess I'm not very demanding :-)

dleewo

01-17-2004, 09:26 PM

One area these products are all missing the ball on is record level syncing instead of file level.

I would have to agree... I know both eWallet and FlexWallet have free desktop companion apps (I haven't tried CodeWallet). Why can't we sync the records like we do with our other apps?

Check out ckdWallet for record-level syncing.

http://www.CKDSoftware.com/ckdWallet

PPCMD

01-24-2004, 11:11 PM

Nice reveiew and I am in the market now for a ewallet app. SplashData has forsaken us to work on SplashPhoto and now SplashMoney leaving SplashID in the dark.

I tried to use CodeWallet but the installed got messed up and had to remove then reinstall again only to be locked out. I don't want to enter alot of entries via my PPC to demo and on Code Wallet I got locked out of the desktop and not the ppc side. Security is key and so is the interface.

One question though is most of these apps are a good 6-7 months old. When will they be launching updates for these dinosaurs especially Code Wallet.

One thing I need is the ability to enter my SplashID data since I don't want to type it all over again.

Passwords Plus coverted it just fine but the app is really to new and too low end for a user experience just yet.

mrkablooey

01-25-2004, 06:27 PM

Thanks for resurrecting this thread as it was written before I got my PocketPC. I use FlexWallet which I got on their $5 sale and like it quite a bit. It does what I need it to do. :)

mountainguy

01-25-2004, 09:58 PM

I, too, am glad for the resurrection of this subject. I used ewallet, but it was good to read about the other ones and the features that they each have. It was an incredibly thorough and complete job. Thanks for all your work, Doug. It was helpful to me!

Vincent M Ferrari

01-25-2004, 10:11 PM

Thanks for resurrecting this thread as it was written before I got my PocketPC. I use FlexWallet which I got on their $5 sale and like it quite a bit. It does what I need it to do. :)

FlexWallet was the first ever wallet program I stuck to using. Sure the $5 price helped (that's when I bought it and haven't looked back at it since), but truthfully, I've used Ewallet and just didn't care for it.

I'm happy that I found a Wallet I can agree with Flex really is the cream of the crop.

ctmagnus

01-25-2004, 10:48 PM

I use FlexWallet and got it when it was $5 minus some Handango discount. It has some niggling annoyances, but compared to eWallet and CodeWallet, I'll take it any day.

I really don't like that "show password" button that eWallet has beside all hidden fields. It's far too easy for someone to pick up your PPC, open eWallet and hit that button, imo. At least the other two have buttons that are less obvious, even if they open up the whole wallet.

Lex

07-02-2004, 12:06 AM

Hope this isn't improper posted here but I need to hear from the 'wallet app' users.

I keep passwords and account numbers in a Pocket Excel spreadsheet encrypted with Resco Explorer. It takes quite a few taps to get to the encrypted sheet. Open Resco, locate sheet, decrypt, open sheet, scroll to line.

If I switched to a wallet app I'd have a boatload of text re-entry ahead, but if I could get to my data quicker it might be worth it.

Advice? Thanks !

Steven Cedrone

07-02-2004, 01:13 AM

Hope this isn't improper posted here but I need to hear from the 'wallet app' users.

I keep passwords and account numbers in a Pocket Excel spreadsheet encrypted with Resco Explorer. It takes quite a few taps to get to the encrypted sheet. Open Resco, locate sheet, decrypt, open sheet, scroll to line.

If I switched to a wallet app I'd have a boatload of text re-entry ahead, but if I could get to my data quicker it might be worth it.

Advice? Thanks !

Most of these wallet apps have a desktop version. It's not too bad getting your data into the app...

Steve

Lex

07-02-2004, 02:04 AM

Thanks Steve. I guess my main question is whether it takes as many taps to get to my data with a wallet app as with my encrypted Excel sheet.

Janak Parekh

07-02-2004, 03:07 AM

I think the best thing for you to do is to try out one of the free trials. I suspect it'll be less taps, but it's something you should be comfortable with. :)

--janak

Tomcat

07-02-2004, 11:46 AM

Hi,

what do you think of the new wallet software "visKeeper"?
(www.visKeeper.com)

The picture password login is more secure than 4-digit pins
and the program is easy to use and fully customizable.
A PC version is also available and "sync"ing.

What are your opinions?

Vially

02-08-2005, 06:16 PM

Hi,

what do you think of the new wallet software "visKeeper"?
(www.visKeeper.com)

The picture password login is more secure than 4-digit pins
and the program is easy to use and fully customizable.
A PC version is also available and "sync"ing.

What are your opinions?

Anyone ? :)

Islanti

02-08-2005, 06:40 PM

Hi,

what do you think of the new wallet software "visKeeper"?
(www.visKeeper.com)

The picture password login is more secure than 4-digit pins
and the program is easy to use and fully customizable.
A PC version is also available and "sync"ing.

What are your opinions?

Anyone ? :)

At work we use eWallet 4 for the multi-user and PalmOS support. If I were using an open source project, though, https://sourceforge.net/projects/passwordsafe/ is better than VisKeeper in my experience.

IowaArchitect

02-09-2005, 05:28 PM

I have a ton of passwords/accounts etc. stored in Excel for now - and I can sync with my PPC. I would like to use a regualr password manager program but do ANY of them come with CSV import or any other import function. I checked out flex wallet - but the import seems to be for previous versions of flex wallet - not "external" data.

THANKS

Tomcat

02-10-2005, 09:52 AM

I have a ton of passwords/accounts etc. stored in Excel for now - and I can sync with my PPC. I would like to use a regualr password manager program but do ANY of them come with CSV import or any other import function. I checked out flex wallet - but the import seems to be for previous versions of flex wallet - not "external" data.

THANKS

visKeeper (PC version) should import from CSV.
Try it (www.visKeeper.com) :-)

Ilium Software

02-15-2005, 07:48 PM

I have a ton of passwords/accounts etc. stored in Excel for now - and I can sync with my PPC. I would like to use a regualr password manager program but do ANY of them come with CSV import or any other import function. I checked out flex wallet - but the import seems to be for previous versions of flex wallet - not "external" data.

THANKS

eWallet has a utility that will import from CSV once you have it in one of the supported CSV formats.