ultrasoft money- the BEST checkbook program for the Palm
Written: Nov 12 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: syncs perfectly with Microsoft Money, Password protected, uses bills and deposits, very customizable
Cons: need Microsoft Money on desktop, cost
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| drdavec1's Full Review: Ultrasoft Money Pocket Edition |
Keeping a checkbook accurate is a pain right? Not anymore! With Ultrasoft Money for the Palm. you can sync data between your PDA and Microsoft Money. Ultrasoft Money is programmed so well that you could swear it was made by Microsoft (it isn't). Ultrasoft Money is a beautiful PDA representation of Microsoft Money... it allows you to track all of your accounts (up to 15!) and your bills. No longer will you have to keep a receipt and remember to enter into the register when you get home. With Ultrasoft Money, you can enter in a transaction as it happens... it elimnates the possibility of forgetting or losing a receipt. In this epinion, I'll walk you through the features that make Ultrasoft so perfect, highlight the pros and cons (if I can find any cons) and then sum up why you should buy this. Clearly to benefit from this program, you need Microsoft Money on the Desktop (any version will do Basic, Deluxe...it even works with the new 2001 edition.)
SETUP
Setup is an absolute breeze. Just download the file from a Palm website (PalmGear or Ultrasoft's own site for example). The Setup installs the files on the desktop and asks you to sync the Palm. The first hotsync installs the program file for Ultrasoft Money, which is 274 KB onto the Palm. A large program, but it is certainly a powerful one. Sync one more time and Money installs your accounts from the Desktop into your Palm PDA.
HOW IT WORKS
When you install money onto your Palm, you have the option to install your favorite accounts (in Microsoft Money you can choose certain accounts as your favorites) or all of your accounts. Ultrasoft Money also downloads all of the categories for payments/deposits (ex- food:dining out) that are in your Microsoft database. Ulrasoft Money also obtains all of your Payees into the Palm.
When you have a new transaction, it works just like Microsoft Money. you choose the Date, Check Number (if there is one, Payee, Amount, and Category.) Next simply hotasync and the data gets entered directly into Microsoft Money and looks no different than any other transaction) If you track a budget, you will love this program as you can choose your category right from the Palm.
Unlike Pocket Quicken, not only can you download transactions from the PDA to the computer, you can do so in reverse as well. You literally can walk around with an up to date checkbook registry... which has its advantages.
PROS
•Syncs perfectly with the desktop Microsoft Money- I must emphasize this again, for this is where this product shines. Every trasnaction you enter into the Palm is automatically entered into the Desktop when you hotsync. Every transaction you enter into the Desktop is entered into the Palm. there are many solid financial programs for the Palm... however this is the only one that works with Microsoft Money For example, "My Checkbook" is great..it's free. However, you have to enter transactions twice. First into the Palm and then into the Desktop. This is too tedious for me. I like doing things in one step.
•Work with the Bills and Deposit List- Users of Microsoft Money should be very familiar with this feature. In Microsoft Money, you can setup recurring payments and bills and be reminded of them monthly or whenever they occur. In Ultrasoft Money you have the same list on your Palm and can enter payments when they are made... this will naturally update your desktop data
•Password protected- If you are going to walk around with your financial info, its best to secure it. Ultrasoft Money has an option to secure your data with a password
•30 day trial period- Money provides a free 30 day trial period. One warning however... once you try this you will be hooked! The only thing you can't do in the 30 day period is sync from Palm to desktop.
•optional alarms for upcoming bills- That's right you can have your Palm sound an alarm to remind you when a Bill is overdue... I don't use this but it can be a nice reminder,
CONS
I put this section here merely to balance this out.. really I think this is almost a confree program!
•Cost-The program costs $35. This is a lot of money, especially when you consider the cost of Money for the desktop. however, it is a price that is fair considering how powerful and well made ultrasoft money is.
VERDICT
The verdict is,.... try this out if you have Microsoft Money and a Palm. it is unbelievably good. Literally this Palm program is one of the best made programs out there. Never again will you forget a transaction or kick yourself over a lost receipt. Ultrasoft Money will make you a better organized person and make you and your checkbook hapopy :)
Recommended:
Yes
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drdavec1
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Member: dave
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 44
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