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View Full Version : WebIS Releases Pocket Informant 2007 Rev 3


Darius Wey
04-17-2007, 09:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.webis.net/products_info.php?p_id=pi' target='_blank'>http://www.webis.net/products_info.php?p_id=pi</a><br /><br /></div><i>"We are proud to announce the release of one of the top rated and sought after applications on Windows Mobile! Pocket Informant 2007 Rev 3 has been released and with it comes a new level of ease of use and productivity for Windows Mobile users. Pocket Informant 2007 Rev 3 introduces a new Today plugin to start users off with basic abilities such as displaying appointments and individual tasks along with their category colors. It brings automatic filter schedules for Custom Views and categories. A completely reworked Contacts search and many major improvements to one-handed use and interface changes to make features more accessible. For heavy contact users Rev 3 also brings in a "Show Appointments with this Contact" action which displays all appointments that has that contact as a meeting participant. Finally Rev 3 introduces Windows Mobile 6 compatibility."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20070417-pi2007rev3.jpg" /><br /><br />Rev 3 of <a href="http://www.webis.net/products_info.php?p_id=pi">Pocket Informant 2007</a> has just been released with a new Today plug-in, automatic filter scheduling, optimized contact searching, and enhanced one-handed navigation. If you're a registered Pocket Informant 2007 user, this is a <a href="http://www.pocketinformant.com/products_info.php?p_id=pi&tab_id=upgrade">free upgrade</a>. If you've yet to try or buy, head over to our <a href="http://software.pocketpcthoughts.com/product.asp?id=1025">affiliate software store</a> and grab a copy at the discounted price of $24.95.

Frankie1
04-17-2007, 07:11 PM
I never thought I'd be saying this about an application (being that I used to be a dedicated user of Pocket Breeze; who many said had to many options) but this application just seems like it extremely elaborate in many ways. Does anyone use this applicaion that think differently?
I may just be speaking out of pure ignorance, because I've never really used this app. I'm just going by the specs sheet and the snapshots.

seaflipper
04-17-2007, 07:23 PM
I never thought I'd be saying this about an application (being that I used to be a dedicated user of Pocket Breeze; who many said had to many options) but this application just seems like it extremely elaborate in many ways. Does anyone use this applicaion that think differently?
I may just be speaking out of pure ignorance, because I've never really used this app. I'm just going by the specs sheet and the snapshots.

I have used this product on and off with different devices. It is a very powerful program, it has so many features that I think it can be a bit daunting at first.

However, once you get up and running with it you just can't beat the functionality and options it provides over the built in PIM's.

Frankie1
04-17-2007, 08:19 PM
I never thought I'd be saying this about an application (being that I used to be a dedicated user of Pocket Breeze; who many said had to many options) but this application just seems like it extremely elaborate in many ways. Does anyone use this applicaion that think differently?
I may just be speaking out of pure ignorance, because I've never really used this app. I'm just going by the specs sheet and the snapshots.

I have used this product on and off with different devices. It is a very powerful program, it has so many features that I think it can be a bit daunting at first.

However, once you get up and running with it you just can't beat the functionality and options it provides over the built in PIM's.



with that into consideration; is it a resource hog? Because I just installed WM6 on my universal and I'm not sure if it's worth it to install an app like that. I'm a semi-busy person but I think one can get to a point where we find ourselves spending more time preparing than doing (not that that's a bad thing) but when you're constantly pressed for time it becomes an issue, I'll give this program a try simply because I'm an enthusiast; but I really think the built in PIMs, although not elaborate, gives us an expediant way of managing our time.

wonkman
04-17-2007, 08:32 PM
It's not a resource hog and you only need to use the features that you find useful.

PI is the best mobile PIM available, beats Agendus IMO, is updated frequently and is reasonably priced.

Thanks WebIS for another update.

jgrnt1
04-17-2007, 08:40 PM
Frankie1,

I've used it on 5 different devices for the past five years. It's the first app I install when I get a new PPC (PocketBreeze is the second app). I couldn't imagine using a PPC without PI. I know I don't use all of its capabilities, but even if you need just simple appointment, task and contact management, PI does these so much better than Pocket Outlook that it's worth a try. There is a free, 15 day trial, so give it a shot.

On a VGA device, like your Universal, it's even better. The mini-text style on the month calendar is great. Since I switched from an iPAQ 4700 to a Cingular 8525, I only miss my VGA screen for two things -- PI's month view with mini-text and Mobipocket Reader.

edit -- in all fairness to the program, mini-text functions fine on a QVGA device, but I don't find it legible enough to be useful (sorry, Alex).

cab124
04-17-2007, 11:01 PM
The mini-text style on the month calendar is great.

I never knew about that feature. I just tested it out. Cool!!

I tested out PI a couple of times before I actually decided to start using it. At first, the complexity seemed daunting and I found myself preferring the "elegant" simplicity of Pocket Outlook. It takes a little bit of study to really understand how PI works. But, for me, the investment in time to learn it is paying off. I find myself progressively taking advantage of more and more of the features that are absent in PO. I am slowly becoming hooked.

scmidlap
04-18-2007, 01:03 AM
How do I get the mini text on the month view? I have a X50v.

WyattEarp
04-18-2007, 02:12 AM
PI has and extrodinary amount of features but half of them are "set it and forget it" features. PI is by far the superior product over everyone out their. I have used PI since my first PPC and have installed it on everyone since. My iPAQ came with it pre-installed which was the best thing that happened to the PPC.

aquanaut
04-18-2007, 08:39 AM
A loyal PI fan since the days of my first ppc, the pocket loox, I used tAgenda on my today screen until I bought my TyTN 9-months ago. PI is easily the most sophisticated user interface for the PocketOutlook. And each version offers more capabilities that I can understand might overwhelm most users all the while keeping speed and size lean and mean. Great app indeed...

tAgenda isn't compatible with WM5... so, gave pocketbreeze a try... WOW! After a month a month I found that I stopped using PI for nothing more than to create voice message notes.

For several years PI has maintained it would stay away from producing a today screen plug-in. With this new release, PI now has today screen plug-in. First attempt is pretty underwhelming, but Alex has the resources and talent to make it right. A couple of years ago I would have been delighted... now, it's just extra code on my device.

Cheers

Frankie1
04-18-2007, 01:48 PM
I downloaded and installed it yesterday and I noticed two things.
1. It had many, many usefull features.
2. The interface was extremely messy

I'm not the neatest person in the world but I don't want to bing that undesirable characteristic to my PPCs especially not my Vodafone v1640 running WM6. I might install it on my O2 Xda exec or my PPC 6600, heck I might even test it out on my 2032SP Toshiba, but definately not my v1640.
The interace is extremely messy albeit functional, I just think they can work on the graphics and the layout. The layout was just unbearable. I think I'll stick to the built in PIM. I love supporting 3rd party application venders for Windows Mobile based devices, but it all of the apps by Web IS suffer from the poor interface design.
Just my Opinion.

jgrnt1
04-18-2007, 02:51 PM
How do I get the mini text on the month view? I have a X50v.

Assuming you're running a current build of PI and WM5, when in the month view, tap MENU ==> CONTENT STYLE and choose Mini-Text Detail or Mini-Text Wrapped. If you're not in the month view, the Mini-Text choices are grayed out.

If you're running WM2003SE, I think you access the Content Style menu directly through one of the icons along the bottom.

scmidlap
04-19-2007, 12:16 PM
thanks jgrnt1 I have enabled the mini text in month view. THis is great

alex_kac
04-20-2007, 07:40 PM
Frankie1,
edit -- in all fairness to the program, mini-text functions fine on a QVGA device, but I don't find it legible enough to be useful (sorry, Alex).

I agree. That specific feature is designed for VGA devices. We have several things that are there for use on QVGA, but are really designed for VGA just because the resolution is there. But I know people who use Month View Zoom (show a week at a time in MV) with larger text on QVGA - even square screen devices. It is quite usable then.

alex_kac
04-20-2007, 07:42 PM
For several years PI has maintained it would stay away from producing a today screen plug-in. With this new release, PI now has today screen plug-in. First attempt is pretty underwhelming, but Alex has the resources and talent to make it right. A couple of years ago I would have been delighted... now, it's just extra code on my device.

Cheers

The Today plugin with PI 2007 Rev 3 is not designed to supplant Pocket Breeze. It is mean as a basic version to supplant the built in plugin with better integration - no more. We even mention SPB Diary and SBSH Pocket Breeze in the docs under the section for the Today plugin.

alex_kac
04-20-2007, 07:48 PM
I downloaded and installed it yesterday and I noticed two things.
1. It had many, many usefull features.
2. The interface was extremely messy

I'm not the neatest person in the world but I don't want to bing that undesirable characteristic to my PPCs especially not my Vodafone v1640 running WM6. I might install it on my O2 Xda exec or my PPC 6600, heck I might even test it out on my 2032SP Toshiba, but definately not my v1640.
The interace is extremely messy albeit functional, I just think they can work on the graphics and the layout. The layout was just unbearable. I think I'll stick to the built in PIM. I love supporting 3rd party application venders for Windows Mobile based devices, but it all of the apps by Web IS suffer from the poor interface design.
Just my Opinion.

Actually, we put a huge amount of thought and design into the user interface design. The only area of our interface I do not care for is the settings. Other than that, I feel the application is very well designed. It is an opinion of course and the fact is that people have different views on interface.

As an example, I abhor Vista. I feel it is cluttered, obnoxious, and hard to use. On my dev machine I use Windows XP cleaned up. I am a Mac user and also clean that up as well. But I see people who love Vista.

I will mention that PI 2007's interface is at a place where its inbetween touch screen and one handed interface design. Its meant to try and make things workable for both, but its genesis is in touch screen interfaces.

Finally, you do know that you can actually customize PI's interface to where its far simpler and less cluttered than initially? Some will say that it should be that way on first run. I agree and we're doing that in a future release (actually a lot more in terms of UI, but that's 6 months away) but we can't just change it in mid-release as that would upset too many people.

alex_kac
04-20-2007, 08:23 PM
I downloaded and installed it yesterday and I noticed two things.
1. It had many, many usefull features.
2. The interface was extremely messy

I'm not the neatest person in the world but I don't want to bing that undesirable characteristic to my PPCs especially not my Vodafone v1640 running WM6. I might install it on my O2 Xda exec or my PPC 6600, heck I might even test it out on my 2032SP Toshiba, but definately not my v1640.
The interace is extremely messy albeit functional, I just think they can work on the graphics and the layout. The layout was just unbearable. I think I'll stick to the built in PIM. I love supporting 3rd party application venders for Windows Mobile based devices, but it all of the apps by Web IS suffer from the poor interface design.
Just my Opinion.

While I do think it may be just a difference of opinion in interface design, I think it would be fruitful if I could have you give me examples of what you feel is bad in the UI design now.

I've been working on the PI 2008 specs for a month or so now and in these specs is a pretty massive UI overhaul to take care of next generation requirements, but while I'm not about to tip our hand on what we're doing I would like the feedback so we can make sure we get all sides.

Two ways you can do this - post your comments here:
http://www.pocketinformant.com/Forums/index.php?showtopic=11113

or go here and create a case for what you feel are issues with the UI:
http://bugz.webis.net/

Frankie1
04-20-2007, 09:14 PM
I downloaded and installed it yesterday and I noticed two things.
1. It had many, many usefull features.
2. The interface was extremely messy

I'm not the neatest person in the world but I don't want to bing that undesirable characteristic to my PPCs especially not my Vodafone v1640 running WM6. I might install it on my O2 Xda exec or my PPC 6600, heck I might even test it out on my 2032SP Toshiba, but definately not my v1640.
The interace is extremely messy albeit functional, I just think they can work on the graphics and the layout. The layout was just unbearable. I think I'll stick to the built in PIM. I love supporting 3rd party application venders for Windows Mobile based devices, but it all of the apps by Web IS suffer from the poor interface design.
Just my Opinion.

While I do think it may be just a difference of opinion in interface design, I think it would be fruitful if I could have you give me examples of what you feel is bad in the UI design now.

I've been working on the PI 2008 specs for a month or so now and in these specs is a pretty massive UI overhaul to take care of next generation requirements, but while I'm not about to tip our hand on what we're doing I would like the feedback so we can make sure we get all sides.

Two ways you can do this - post your comments here:
http://www.pocketinformant.com/Forums/index.php?showtopic=11113

or go here and create a case for what you feel are issues with the UI:
http://bugz.webis.net/

Wow,
I'm extremely impressed by the fact that you've taken time to respond to to my opinions about your product, this concern by developers isn't typicall, to say the least. I will give your product an indepth presonal review, I would like to take screen shots and do side by side comparisions, but I would not have a means of presentation; being that I do not have a presonall web site/ftp server. I would will try to find a means of presentation. If you are so personally involved with what users have to say about your product then I guess you deserve at least that much.
Thanks again.