Spb Software House Releases Spb Time

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/about/pressreleases/2004/may18.html?en' target='_blank'>http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/abo...4/may18.html?en</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040518_spbtime.gif" /> <br /><br />"We think that even when a Pocket PC is idle it should be attractive. We also think that when a Pocket PC is just sitting in your cradle it can be useful. Let it be a clock. Let it be a very beautiful clock. And let it be brand new, every day. The main aim of Spb Time is to make you feel like you are holding a real watch in the palm of your hand."<br /><br />This program isn't just a pretty face - it's also packed with useful features:<br /><br />• Fully skinnable watches - comes standard with 4 very nice skins<br />• Screen Saver with 3 different modes and user-definable timeout period<br />• World Clock with up to 4 cities worldwide; World map can be zoomed and panned<br />• Stop Watch with the ability to record unlimited lap times &amp; export to CSV<br />• Powerful, customizable alarms for both watch and stopwatch<br /><br />You want screenshots? We've got your <a href="http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/time/screenshots.html?en">screenshots right here</a> (make sure you check out the Legends Skin 8O). Spb Time <a href="http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=13956&amp;associateid=204">can be yours for only $9.95.</a> [Affiliate]

[Jason Dunn]

...and in 30 minutes we'll publish a full review of Spb Time by Anthony Caruana! :-)

[OSUKid7]

Nifty. Spb has some pretty cool programs, but I'm not sure if I'm willing to spend $10 to see the time and use a stopwatch.

[EricMCarson]

It sure seems like you're reviewing a ton of Spb products lately... On top of which, I agree that $10 seems like a ton for a relatively simple piece of software.

[Jereboam]

I'm on a bit of a roll today after buying Pocket Plus too...but this is exactly what I have been looking for for ages, stopwatch, timer, countdown and something for my Pocket PC to display whilst in the cradle...and my does it look great. Good little app and well done to the developer again.

The Aqua skin is worth downloading from the Spb site, it's the best of the bunch so far.

Well worth my $10...

We all know of the connection to Spb here, but I personally have found no bias towards their products in reviews excepting that PPC Thoughts visitors may get to hear of new products first...

Ultimately we can all make our own minds up, by using the free trials or reading other reviews...

And there can be no denying that Spb software is of high quality.

J'bm

[Jereboam]

And the first review, I now see, was at pocketnow (http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=390) so...

J'bm

[Jason Dunn]

It sure seems like you're reviewing a ton of Spb products lately...

Well, it just happened that Spb chose to release two new products within a one week period, so yeah, if you call two "a ton", then I guess we're guilty as charged. :wink:

[huangzhinong]

a 1.5MB timer/clock? Except looks better, stoptime 2.0 is much better than this one.

[Jason Dunn]

We all know of the connection to Spb here...

Everyone knows that I no longer work for them though, right? I still have a good relationship with Spb, but other than the advertising they purchased (which some other developers do as well), I have no financial interactions with them.

The reality is that Spb does something that very few developers do: they contact sites like Pocket PC Thoughts several weeks in advance and tell them that they have new software coming out, and provide a RTM build of the software for review. That allows us to get the review written and edited in time for publication on the date when the software is released. Very few developers give us that type of advance warning, so we're certainly more disposed to reviewing products by developers that take that extra step to make our life easier. :-)

[William]

... looking for for ages, stopwatch, timer, countdown and something for my Pocket PC to display whilst in the cradle...
Perhaps not as goodlooking as Spb, but Jonathan Sachs' StopTime has been available for ages... for free.
http://home.comcast.net/~jonsachs/#StopTime%202.0

[dma1965]

Try as I will, I have yet to find ANY time program at ANY price which comes close to the features and funtionality of Stoptime 2.0 , which we all know by now is freeware. Eye candy is cool on the Spb program, but what matters most to me is functionality and size, and Stoptime just walks all over this in those regards. 0X

[Zack Mahdavi]

I used to use BigTime (http://www.bigclock.de/) for the Palm OS all the time back in my Palm days. When I switched, I never found a stop watch program that I liked. I've been using StopTime, but it doesn't seem to be as useful as I would have hoped.

I'm going to give SPB Time a shot, and see how it performs. We'll see.. :)

PS... one thing I hate about SPB Software House is that they don't offer CAB downloads on their web site... 8O SPB, PLEASE OFFER CAB DOWNLOADS!

[dommasters]

Who does their graphics and can we hire them :0) Their icons in Pocket Pluus and the clocks in "Time" are fab. Do they use freelancers ?
Dom[/code]

[mrkablooey]

It sure seems like you're reviewing a ton of Spb products lately... On top of which, I agree that $10 seems like a ton for a relatively simple piece of software.

As was suggested, I'm sure many/most of us know the "relationship" with Spb. That being said:

1) This site reviews PPC products and software
2) Spb has released some nice software recently

I don't think there's any lean towards reviewing Spb software over others. Hell, even the 50% off Belkin deal got front page press, and I don't know many people who like Belkin products. :wink:

As for the $10, it's a tough decision. I like the software--the screen saver part is pretty cool. And hey, it's only $2 more than those PocketInformant icon sets (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28059) :twisted:

[Unwired]

Aaaaaaaaah, I've been looking for something like this for a very long time.

I know a bunch of you guys talk about the freeware that can do the same or better, and yes it also LOOK likes it's free.

Now this one looks like a million dollar, and it only cost $10. :devilboy:

I say spb are in a streak, I just switched to Today Plus 2.0, and now this...

w00t!

[surur]

Spb has created a new category of software purchases: W?BIP (Why? Because Its Pretty). I dont really need the software, but as soon as I saw that Legend screen-saver, I just had to buy it. Who would not love to have such a beautiful clock on their desk?

Still, its expensive for what it does (although not in real terms) but I guess the artists have to eat too...

Surur

[disconnected]

I've been looking for an analog clock with a variety of skins, so I think I'll try this. Does anyone know if it supports VGA and 2003 SE? (Not that I have either yet :) ).

[SassKwatch]

as soon as I saw that Legend screen-saver, I just had to buy it. Who would not love to have such a beautiful clock on their desk?

This old fogey wouldn't have that anywhere near his ppc!

But they've included a bunch of other skins that are just perfect for old fogeys, so this may just take the plunge.

[Jason Dunn]

Spb has created a new category of software purchases: W?BIP (Why? Because Its Pretty).

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that way. ;-) I can appreciate that other people prefer freeware options, and that's great, but I'd never use any of the freeware timers I've seen simply because I find the UI to be, well...a bit repulsive. :worried: No offence to the developers out there who make these apps, I think it's fantastic that they do, but when people complain about a $10 price tag I don't think they understand exactly what it takes to do a commercial application like this. Obviously need a talented graphic designer to create all that UI for you, you need the developers to create it, and when you're selling something, you need a sales/marketing/technical support team as well.

There will always be free versions and commercial versions of applications, and we're all free to chose which one we'd prefer to use. That's the beauty of a free market. ;-)

[dommasters]

Spb has created a new category of software purchases: W?BIP (Why? Because Its Pretty).

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that way. ;-) I can appreciate that other people prefer freeware options, and that's great, but I'd never use any of the freeware timers I've seen simply because I find the UI to be, well...a bit repulsive. :worried: No offence to the developers out there who make these apps, I think it's fantastic that they do, but when people complain about a $10 price tag I don't think they understand exactly what it takes to do a commercial application like this. Obviously need a talented graphic designer to create all that UI for you, you need the developers to create it, and when you're selling something, you need a sales/marketing/technical support team as well.

There will always be free versions and commercial versions of applications, and we're all free to chose which one we'd prefer to use. That's the beauty of a free market. ;-)

Agreed ! Am I the only person that thinks this is cheap at the price ? 10 dollars hardly breaks the bank does it ! I think it is worth a little more given the degree of polish.

[mrkablooey]

Am I the only person that thinks this is cheap at the price ? 10 dollars hardly breaks the bank does it ! I think it is worth a little more given the degree of polish.

Don't forget your PPCT subscriber discount. :D

[darrylb]

This old fogey wouldn't have that anywhere near his ppc!

But they've included a bunch of other skins that are just perfect for old fogeys, so this may just take the plunge.

While not quite an old fogey, I far prefer the Aqua theme.... seems the best of the bunch.

[juni]

I'm very much pleased that such a reputable software house has realized the importance of skinning (modificating the UI) a product. This clock looks awesome :)

[Jereboam]

Well, hey, if it's pretty enough for Juni... ;)

Hopefully this means some new skins...?

Other than that, I would say that I am aware of StopTime, have tried it, and while it is an excellent app, it didn't quite do it for me and also, one of my criteria is that an application not only functions well but is aesthetically pleasing. Many freeware applications (quite understandably) are a little rough around the (gui) edges, while other freeware applications like WisBar are designed to be skinnable and can draw on the talents of skinners like Juni, Lightman and many others. Horses for courses...

A good piece of software which will be actively developed, supported and enhanced, from a reputable developer, that is also fully skinnable, which does what I want and more besides, is easily worth $10 (even with my subscriber discount, EU VAT brings it back up to the same price as without the discount in the US).

Especially with VGA to become more prevalent, appearance will be even more of a factor as to which applications I purchase.

J'bm

[karinatwork]

I downloaded and installed the trial yesterday, and I think this program is very useful and very nice. I think I am going to keep it and uninstall Conduits' Timekeeper. I like the fact that Conduit gives you skins for the stop watches (a kitchen timer, for example, that comes in very handy). But in the end, Spb Time is much more useful (and pretty).

Now this morning, I have been awakened by a beautiful MP3 song (100 Years, 5 for Fighting), but then when I wanted to disable the alarm, I was staring onto these two UGLY buttons on the screen, "dismiss" and "snooze". YUCK. This is such a beautiful application, would it maybe possible to make those buttons look nicer too? Especially because it is the first thing I'll be looking at after waking up... :D

Just a suggestion. Otherwise, the program ROCKS. :way to go:

K.

[Raynne]

Does the program have to run in the background in order for the alarm to work?

[ctmagnus]

Now this morning, I have been awakened by a beautiful MP3 song (100 Years, 5 for Fighting)

Are your volumes (system and WMP) all the way up as well?

[ctmagnus]

Does the program have to run in the background in order for the alarm to work?

Nope. Alarms work fine after the program is shutdown.