I'm happy this isnt my checkbook
Written: Nov 15 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to use; free
Cons: no desktop syncing; no password protection; no real way to backup data
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| drdavec1's Full Review: MyCheckbook |
MyCheckbook is a freeware program for the Palm OS that lets the user keep a checkbook register on the Palm. While it is decent (and free), I don't use it or recommend it. It is very easy to use but lacks a few key features that I feel are necessary in a checkbook. Sit back as I try to convince you why Ultrasoft Money is FAR superior.
How it works
MyCheckbook is a cinch to use. To enter a new transaction, simply fill out the form that is always at the bottom of the screen. There is a space for a)check number(or transaction type e.g. ATM); b)To (who the deposit is to/from); c)Amount and d)Balance. Once you enter a staring balance, my checkbook will automatically figure out the balance after each transaction.
MyCheckbook then takes each transaction and puts them in a list like you see in the sample screen above. Again it is extremely easy to use. There are some downsides... For example it does not password protect your data. Second, it can track only one bank acocunt at a time. And third, it does not sync with any desktop financial suite. I will explain these points in detail.
PROS
•Ease of use- Again, described above. Really this is as simple as it gets.
•Fills in forms- You can choose an option whereby MyCheckbook will "guess" the To (payee) form as you enter in each letter. It is not as advanced as other programs, but it is better than nothing.
CONS
•No passwords- If I have my financial data on my palm, I'd want to secure it. I do so with ultrasoft Money. Now certainly I don't recommend keeping your account numbers even if it is password protected. However, what if you lose your Palm? Do you really want that info out in the public? i don't.
•No real way to backup data- One problem is that if you have to hard reset or your batteries die, so does your checkbook data. nobody would want to risk that. Now you can export your register into a memopad entry, but there is no way to import it back into this program in case of an emergency.
•No syncing with desktop financial programs- As a big user of Microsoft Money, I love the fact that Ultrasoft money syncs my data with my PDA. I don't have to enter data twice. What I enter into the Palm goes to the Desktop and vice versa. I really recommend that you read my Ultrasoft review if you use Microsoft Money at home.
•Only tracks one account- Not a huge deal, but I use several accounts and track them on my PDA. MyCheckbook only tracks one account.
A Bit of praise for the maker
I love freeware and the programmer should be praised. For a free program, this is a good one. I still feel that Ultrasoft money is worth the $35 it costs. However MyCheckbook certainly fills the needs of many (as evidenced by the high rating it has received on epinions.)
VERDICT
My verdict is that this program is far from perfect. Ultrasoft Money is much better. However, this is also free so I can't fault anybody for using it.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
drdavec1
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: dave
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 44
Trusted by: 96 members
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