Need a Word Processor - Guess I'll Have to Break Down and Pay!!!

[shawnc]

I'm going to try to stay calm and get through this post :) . I've ranted enough the lack of a BASIC word processing software on the PPC. I was HOPEFUL that M$ would see the error of their ways and fix the problem with the 2003 update. No such luck.

I've read the recent posts on Textmaker and while it seems like a decent package, many of the posts that I read indicate that it is very "buggy". Add that to the fact that it is $50. No PPC software should be $50 IMO. :evil: .....(OK, calm down).

So my question is this, is there anyone using another word processing software that will permit them to retain basic formatting (bullets, font selection, tables, etc. I'm an accountant for crying out loud, not a secretary. Most of what I do in word is VERY basic and I can't BELIEVE that Pocket Word can't handle it. :evil: ). Also, if anyone wants to share their recent experience with textmaker, that might be helpful (though I'm still going to have a tough time spending $50 on ANY PPC software). I get the impression that they were releasing updates that were resolving many of the issues some users were having.

I hate the idea of having to purchase something that I was lead to believe was included on my PPC. But at this point, there doesn't appear to be another solution.

Thanx,

[Janak Parekh]

Shawn,

I don't know of other good word processing solutions, but do realize TextMaker has a trial, so you can give it a shot without actually paying up-front for it.

--janak

[shawnc]

Janak,

I actually did try the trial back when they first came out with textmaker and it caused all kinds of problems with my PPC. I attributed to my lack of understanding but have since come to realize that it likely wasn't me. Because of that experience I'm a little leery about reloading it again until I hear from recent users about their experiences.

Thanx for the suggestion.

[dh]

I bought Textmaker and while it certainly has many good features it does seem to cause conflicts with other programs. I have found that the only way to start it is to soft reset first, otherwise it tends to freeze my Axim. Once it is running, it seems to be fine.

I'm awaiting my WM2003 upgrade (Dell charged my credit card a couple of weeks ago, but no sign of it) and hope that things will go better then.

I've found that I use the Notes part of PI more than Textmaker, although it obviously lacks all the features. Come to think of it, enhancing PI Notes to be a real word processor would be a great add on for WebIS.

[shawnc]

I bought Textmaker and while it certainly has many good features it does seem to cause conflicts with other programs. I have found that the only way to start it is to soft reset first, otherwise it tends to freeze my Axim. Once it is running, it seems to be fine.

dh,

This is the type of comment I read over and over again as I was searching through past posts. I think that since most of this sitte's members are fairly technical, this type of conflict is more of a minor annoyance than anything else. But for me, I'm always nervous that something more sinister is going on inside my PPC that will eventually cause problems beyond my ability to repair.

Thanx for the comment. It is this type of problem that will likely stop me from purchasing textmaker.

[SoftMaker]

I've read the recent posts on Textmaker and while it seems like a decent package, many of the posts that I read indicate that it is very "buggy". Add that to the fact that it is $50. No PPC software should be $50 IMO. :evil: .....(OK, calm down).

TextMaker is not buggy at all. If people report problems, we investigate them and fix them. For this to happen, please report problems to [email protected] instead of dismissing TextMaker as buggy without substantiating it.

We have released FREE service packs for issues that were fixed in the past. They were not a result of some "general bugginess" but fixing working with other apps or hardware (Fitaly, some external keyboards come to mind) or finding out about some weird MS Word document that a customer had problems with.

I don't want to get into another discussion about price, so I'll leave it at this: A copy of Microsoft Word for Windows retails for several hundred US$. Why do you think that TextMaker, a product with a similar amount of work involved AND with a MUCH smaller potential customer base, should be priced at LESS than a quarter the price of MS Word?

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[IPIPAQ]

Hi All,

Firstly, Textmaker is indeed a very powerful and amazing piece of software. 49$ is a good and honest price.

However, it is buggy. On my IPAQ (PPC 2002) the latest version is so obviously buggy that Iam amazed it got out of the door at softmaker. These problems have already been reported to Softmaker some time ago.

I guess others have also done this so its not just dismissing it out of hand these are comments from people who have already invested their 49$.

Softmaker have followed up on bugs by responding to my emails. Ok nothing has happened yet and I guess their looking into it.

Point is again there are some quite obvious stability problems that I wonder how these were not found before the software was shipped.

Please softmaker fix these stability issues and I would recommend Textmaker (and its desktop equ.) to anyone.

[SoftMaker]

However, it is buggy. On my IPAQ (PPC 2002) the latest version is so obviously buggy that Iam amazed it got out of the door at softmaker. These problems have already been reported to Softmaker some time ago.
OK, show of hands. Who has significant bugs in TextMaker (and what are they?), and who does not?

Of course, everybody who has issues is more vocal than those that have no problems, but I am reading most support e-mails (though not answering them personally) and so I knew pretty well if there were some significant surge in problems. There is none.

IPIPAQ, can you give me your e-mail address so that I can directly look at what you reported?

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[shawnc]

TextMaker is not buggy at all. If people report problems, we investigate them and fix them. For this to happen, please report problems to [email protected] instead of dismissing TextMaker as buggy without substantiating it.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

Always good to see the software developer come to this site and share their opinions. Its good business and shows that you care. Having said that, may I suggest a slightly LESS antagonistic tone. I don't know what you are looking for in terms of substantiating that textmaker has bugs. Do a search, you will find many of this community have said the same thing. Even as I read your response to another post in this thread, you appear to be combative and defensive. Try resolving problems without attacking the messenger.

I don't expect you to engage in a debate about price, it is your right to price it as you see fit. As it is my right to voice my dissatisfaction with your pricing and choose NOT to purchase.

If I was on the fence about purchasing textmaker, your response and tone would have me looking for a more consumer-friendly vendor.

[SoftMaker]

TextMaker is not buggy at all. If people report problems, we investigate them and fix them. For this to happen, please report problems to [email protected] instead of dismissing TextMaker as buggy without substantiating it.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

Always good to see the software developer come to this site and share their opinions. Its good business and shows that you care. Having said that, may I suggest a slightly LESS antagonistic tone. I don't know what you are looking for in terms of substantiating that textmaker has bugs. Do a search, you will find many of this community have said the same thing. Even as I read your response to another post in this thread, you appear to be combative and defensive. Try resolving problems without attacking the messenger.

I don't expect you to engage in a debate about price, it is your right to price it as you see fit. As it is my right to voice my dissatisfaction with your pricing and choose NOT to purchase.

If I was on the fence about purchasing textmaker, your response and tone would have me looking for a more consumer-friendly vendor.
Sorry if I offended you. I am following discussions in many online forums, and I pride myself in at least reading nearly all support inquiries sent to SoftMaker. That (and my constant use of TextMaker) gives me a pretty good image where TextMaker is stability-wise, and the contrast of you saying that TextMaker is "very buggy" (your words) makes me a bit combative.

Try the trial version and come to your own conclusions; it wouldn't be fair, for example, to take messages about beta versions or people running the not-WM2003-enabled version on Pocket PC 2003s, and assume that bugs mentioned there relate to current software.

You'll find quite a few people for whom we prepared their personal service pack because they reported a bug. We go the extra mile for customers that have problems, investigate all bug reports, and have even repaired defective documents for customers (which happens once in a moon...).

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[faustus67]

Well, I've been using TextMaker almost exclusively now for 6 months on both my PPC and my PC. I had a slight problem with the install, about which I emailed TextMaker and got a response withing three or four hours. No further problems running it on my iPAQ 3950 from the SD card and on my desktop machine running XP Pro. There are no conflicts with any of the fairly large number of programs I have installed on both machines; I have not noticed any bugs nor has TextMaker caused my machines t crash. I was very impressed with their support and feel that 50 euros for both the PC version and the PPC version is a bargain. This is probably more true because I write a lot of documents (academic papers, usually) and use the programs a lot. If you need to use this for the occassional letter and such, then sticking with Word is probably a better idea.

Dave R

[shawnc]

I write a lot of documents (academic papers, usually) and use the programs a lot. If you need to use this for the occassional letter and such, then sticking with Word is probably a better idea.

Dave R

Dave,

I'm a grad student and my primary motivation is being able to write/edit assignments for school. As I'm certain you can appreciate, Word simply won't do for this type of writing.

Thank you for your comments. I was hoping to hear from some of the many people who are likely NOT having problems with textmaker. Your comments are very helpful.

[Stephen Beesley]

I write a lot of documents (academic papers, usually) and use the programs a lot. If you need to use this for the occassional letter and such, then sticking with Word is probably a better idea.

Dave R

Dave,

I'm a grad student and my primary motivation is being able to write/edit assignments for school. As I'm certain you can appreciate, Word simply won't do for this type of writing.

Thank you for your comments. I was hoping to hear from some of the many people who are likely NOT having problems with textmaker. Your comments are very helpful.

Well I have been using TextMaker on my Jornada since the beta programme first went public and have found it a great addition to my PPC. I cannot remember experiencing any any conflicts for other programs, but that of course is just my experience.

I have used it pretty extensively for working on fairly complex word documents (legal papers with lots of footnoting and text formatting) and found the round tripping to be pretty much spot on. Sure there are a few things that annoy me (the bulleted lists seem to be one area that I have problems) but generaly it is great value in my book.

The only real thing I wish they would change is pureley asthetic and that is that the visual elements (menu bars etc) are quite old fashioned looking now (very Windows 95 :D) and I would love to see it with a more up to date look. That said I have been really happy with the programme and don't think my PPC would be anywhere near as useful without it/

Just my €0.02

[SoftMaker]

The only real thing I wish they would change is pureley asthetic and that is that the visual elements (menu bars etc) are quite old fashioned looking now (very Windows 95 :D) and I would love to see it with a more up to date look. That said I have been really happy with the programme and don't think my PPC would be anywhere near as useful without it/

Just my €0.02

Goldtee
You do know that TextMaker supports multiple UI personalities (PPC, Win98, Win95, Win 3.1, Ctl3D, even OS/2)? See Extras>Preferences>Look & Feel.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[shawnc]

For example I might be copying stuff from a draft done in Pocket Word to a final doc in Textmaker while running MSM messenger or Media Player in the background.Goldtee

Goldtee,

Forgive me, I took this quote from another thread :oops: . My question is why would you begin the draft in Word instead of entering in Textmaker directly. Do you find Textmaker to be more difficult, or less user friendly, than Word? Just curious.

[faustus67]

I write a lot of documents (academic papers, usually) and use the programs a lot. If you need to use this for the occassional letter and such, then sticking with Word is probably a better idea.

Dave R

Dave,

I'm a grad student and my primary motivation is being able to write/edit assignments for school. As I'm certain you can appreciate, Word simply won't do for this type of writing.

Thank you for your comments. I was hoping to hear from some of the many people who are likely NOT having problems with textmaker. Your comments are very helpful.



Glad they're helpful! You really do need TextMaker for academic-type stuff. Formating (in-line quotes), footnotes, headers and the bibliography being the main reasons for it. TM does cost a bit, but for what it does (especially since you can get both the PC and the PPC version on sale now) it really is worth it. Wouldn't dream of going back to Word on either of my machines!

Dave

[Stephen Beesley]

The only real thing I wish they would change is pureley asthetic and that is that the visual elements (menu bars etc) are quite old fashioned looking now (very Windows 95 :D) and I would love to see it with a more up to date look. That said I have been really happy with the programme and don't think my PPC would be anywhere near as useful without it/

Just my €0.02

Goldtee
You do know that TextMaker supports multiple UI personalities (PPC, Win98, Win95, Win 3.1, Ctl3D, even OS/2)? See Extras>Preferences>Look & Feel.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

Yes I have seen that preferences and I think it is a great start, but I would love to see WinXp in there as well :D

[Stephen Beesley]

For example I might be copying stuff from a draft done in Pocket Word to a final doc in Textmaker while running MSM messenger or Media Player in the background.Goldtee

Goldtee,

Forgive me, I took this quote from another thread :oops: . My question is why would you begin the draft in Word instead of entering in Textmaker directly. Do you find Textmaker to be more difficult, or less user friendly, than Word? Just curious.

The main reason I do this is becuase most of the time I tend to do my early drafts using Transcriber which does not work as well in TextMaker. You cannot use all of the guestures etc. Then I tend to do an outline in Textmaker and copy over chunks of text into the correct place in the outline.

I will also use Pocket Word for jotting down any quick thoughts I might have (again using Transcriber) for later insertion into whatever I am writing.

Basically I use the two pieces of software for different stages in the writing process.

[dh]

Textmaker is on sale for $34.95 right now so this would be a good time to get it.

[shawnc]

Textmaker is on sale for $34.95 right now so this would be a good time to get it.

David,

Are you certain? I just checked and their website lists the regular price. While I'm still not happy with having to purchase, I've gotten enough positive feedback that I would probably make the purchase for $35. If you could provide a link to where you see the sale price, that would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thanx,

[SoftMaker]

Textmaker is on sale for $34.95 right now so this would be a good time to get it.

David,

Are you certain? I just checked and their website lists the regular price. While I'm still not happy with having to purchase, I've gotten enough positive feedback that I would probably make the purchase for $35. If you could provide a link to where you see the sale price, that would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thanx,

This was just a direct offering to people who downloaded the trial before. Place a regular order and make a note "special price $34.95" in the comments box.

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[Skoobouy]

I love TextMaker! Too bad I don't have a PPC at present (luckily I still have my registration info).

Using it was a delight; I loved the 'personalities' (especially Windows 3.1 3d--reminds me of home several years ago). Once you find a good button configuration, it becomes indispensible. I used it mostly for taking class notes because Pocket Word doesn't register CTRL+b, i, u, etc. for formatting shortcuts. However, I also wrote some assignments.

One suggestion: Downloadable button configurations and corresponding page-formats. "Seminar notes," "Letter," "Resume," "Paper--University," etc. So you can select a profile and have the buttons you need right on the screen.

[pocketpcfox]

Another reason not to get a new laptop...

I've used textmaker right from the start, on a jornada 548 and now an ipaq 2210... not a single instance of conflicts/crashes. Darn program even made me buy (eventually) two foldable keyboards since it was just so convenient on the job, in class, even around the house in terms of saving space (I live in a small apt in a big, expensive city).

Anyhow, I've used it to death and never had a single crash.

Price-wise? Well, let's pitch-in. It's great software.

[robclif4d]

I've been using TextMaker since the day it was released. I use it on my iPaq 3955 from the SD card to take notes in meetings and write papers for my MBA. I've never had any problems and would recommend it highly.

Rob

[stevenmh]

Is the $35 sale still going on?

What's the anticipated release date of PlanMaker and DataMaker? I was planning on waiting and buying all three together when they became available, but I may go ahead with PlanMaker if it's still on sale.

Thanks.

[SoftMaker]

Is the $35 sale still going on?

What's the anticipated release date of PlanMaker and DataMaker? I was planning on waiting and buying all three together when they became available, but I may go ahead with PlanMaker if it's still on sale.

Thanks.
No, the sale was over three days ago, and that was for TextMaker -- PlanMaker is not even in public beta yet, so you'd need to hold your breath a little longer .... :D

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[stevenmh]

Oops...meant to say I might go ahead with TextMaker if it's still on sale. But I guess I'll just wait until the whole package is ready and get it at once.

Thanks.

[Bandung]

I love Textmaker because it is stable (The latest release has been rock solid), it is incredibly feature rich and it makes managing my files that much easier. I even changed the default file associations to launch TM. Why? Because I can't take the risk of Pocket Work once again mangling the formatting on a word doc that I've downloaded to my PDA.

I use to have problems with some of Calligrapher's gestures not working within Textmaker but all of these problems have been fixed. (Combination of TextMaker updates and Calligrapher's upgrades I guess)

There have been precious few software packages where I was willing to lay out $50. TextMaker is one, Primer (for pdf files) and PocketTV as the first media player software to support the Jornada 720.

TextMaker has made my PDA more productive and useful. If it were embedded in the ROM, I would gladly pay the extra amount, just to have it. I don't care if Pocket Word is free. Anything that mangles your original formatting does not belong on one's machine.

Incidentally, I use the *.tmd file format rather than *.doc. I do my *.tmd to *.doc conversions on the desktop using the desktop version of the software.

I don't even use Pocket Word as my text editor anymore. Instead I have a Pocket Notepad app which I have subsequently replaced with Vim ( because I do write code occasionally. When it comes to editing and doing complex searches, this programe is amazing. The learning curve in order to master some of the more sophisticated features is steep, however.) So if you want a top shelf text editor for free, get Vim and for an iron horse document editor, TextMaker.

[hamishmacdonald]

TextMaker is an excellent program. I used it last year to write an entire novel.

I didn't experience any bugs in the program at all.

My one huge complaint is that Textmaker-generated files cause the Macintosh version of Word to crash. The company I write freelance for is all Mac-based, so this makes TextMaker useless to me. The developers have acknowledged this issue and have apparently come up with a fix for it. Six months later, though, I'm still waiting on them to release it!

[WyattEarp]

TextMaker is a great program. This coming from a person who refused to even load Word for Windows due to the lack of compatability with it's PPC equivilent (as they call it :? ). Anyway like many others I also read complaints about incompatiblity and bugs with TextMaker. When I tried it, it worked flawlessly. So much that I purchased both the Windows and PPC versions and use nothing else when at home. Documents for work I just save them in Word format and that's it. TextMaker is a Word replacement for the PC and PPC, not even an alternative because there isn't anything else out there that even comes close for both devices. But that's my opinion and experience. You should really try it yourself regardless of other peoples opinions, comments and or experience as you should with any software your looking at. What works for one person may not work for another that's the beauty of being able to try before we buy :D

[applejosh]

Talk about bring a thread back from the dead... 8O

[SoftMaker]

TextMaker is an excellent program. I used it last year to write an entire novel.

I didn't experience any bugs in the program at all.

My one huge complaint is that Textmaker-generated files cause the Macintosh version of Word to crash. The company I write freelance for is all Mac-based, so this makes TextMaker useless to me. The developers have acknowledged this issue and have apparently come up with a fix for it. Six months later, though, I'm still waiting on them to release it!
We are busy testing, but if everything goes OK, there will be a new service pack next week. Sorry for taxing your patience...

Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH

[hamishmacdonald]

HAZZAH! The service pack is released, and as far as I'm concerned, the program is perfect again. I get my "smart-quotes" back, and my documents won't be manged by or hang in PocketWord anymore.

Thanks very much to the SoftMaker team!