So Is It Worth It? ---YOU BET IT IS!

By , posted Saturday, Jun. 18th, 2005
Reader Comments: 12

I decided that I was going to limit myself (at least the first round) to ten programs. I knew that if I downloaded every program (which I certainly would have the right to do), that I would have over 100 programs that would always sit in folders…never being used. My tact was to pick the 10 programs I have always wanted, install each over a period of 10 days and work with them. For me, a slow methodical approach was going to prove to be the most effective means of me getting the biggest bang for the buck!

As I started my process of choosing the 10 programs I wanted the most, I found that it was a tough choice --- there were so many great programs. I decided to get a couple of games; some productivity software and some much needed utilities. In no time at all, I had picked my 10, downloaded and received the codes --- and BTW, all codes (but one) were received within a day.

Knowing that they were really top rated meant to me that I was at least on the right track in building a software library that was not only functional but would be enjoyable. That was important to me. The process could not have been simpler. Download and then click register on a special Pocket PC Magazine web page. Either an email was sent immediately from the Pocket PC Magazine site with the code or a note indicating that the vendor would send the code. Some codes came quicker than others but each code did come and there were no problems. I was very pleased with the ease of the process and I was even happier with myself for sticking to my plan so I would use each and every program I downloaded.

So this is what I decided to download:

1. CalliGrapher 7.5 ($29.95)

I have always wanted to just hand write my notes but have what I write change to typed text. CalliGrapher is natural handwriting recognition software that supports all handwriting styles - cursive, PRINT or MIXed. More importantly, it recognizes my handwriting which has to be the absolute worst in the world. In addition to handwriting recognition, CalliGrapher offers PenCommander, an easy-to-use PC navigation tool; ink color selection and customizable ink width; and a "Quick Correct" window for fast correction as the user writes. This was a great choice for me and one that has been occupying a lot of my time.

2. DVD to Pocket PC ($29.99)

Being able to take movies on the plane, train or automobile and watch them has always been a “want to do” item on my list but I just never did it. With this opportunity to grab what I have always wanted, I now can, with only two clicks, convert the DVD of my choice to a super small movie file. I have converted seven of my DVD’s and have enjoyed watching movies while out on the road. The quality is absolutely incredible; you have to see it to believe it! This was another GREAT choice!

3. MultiIE ($17.95)

MultiIE is a program that breaks the single page limitation of Pocket IE. The ability to have multiple windows open is a wonderful feature while using your iPAQ. Filled with rich features, this program promises to surpass my wildest expectations.

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Boy if the two programs I have _tried_ to use off this CD are any indication, the PPC software market is extremely immature. Program 1: Battery Pack Pro had so many bugs (corrupts Today Screen, causes soft resets every couple of hours, etc, etc,trashed the hardware buttons). That I had to remove it after 2 days use). Program 2, DVD to Pocket PPC, Can't handle movies over 167 minutes long. Has unidentified problems with other DVDs (just quits working) and numerous other errors.

All in all pretty shabby work.

The good news? At least I didn't pay full price for this junk and _maybe_ I'll find some software that does work reliably.

Posted by latenite, Monday, Jul. 18th, 2005

I've spent well over $400 on software over the past year and a half.....I would've bought this package if only it was available sooner!

Posted by David Smith, Saturday, Jul. 2nd, 2005

Check it out. They even have a spreadsheet that allows you to check off the programs you want so you can see if spending the $280 is worth it for you. I have purchased this software collection and can only say great things about it. The registration process is simple and they contact all vendors for you and you get your registration information e-mailed to you.

Posted by jp08361, Friday, Jun. 24th, 2005

I cant tell you how much i have spent but I know its in the hundreds of dollars so for someone new it might be a good fit.

Posted by David Ciccone, Monday, Jun. 20th, 2005

coachdeb

And it is a no brainer even if you are not starting off new. I have a lot of programs, most are pretty good but with this CD, I now have rounded out my "collection" with the programs I have always wanted to get but just never did.

The savings for me was HUGE and the satisfaction was even bigger!!

Posted by Jack Cook, Sunday, Jun. 19th, 2005

Click here and read how it works. It is a RISK FREE OFFER, you really can't lose.

Posted by Jack Cook, Sunday, Jun. 19th, 2005

The CD reads "Demos of the best pocket pc software" are they all just demos or upon trying them do i contact PPC Magazine and ask for the regestration codes of the software?

Posted by Zeritel, Sunday, Jun. 19th, 2005

I'd seen this offer but couldn't make really good use of it because I had an older MIPS-based pocket pc -- a Casio E125. It just would never die! But finally, I couldn't stand not having something new (I gave the Casio to my daughter who is LOVING IT!) so I sprang for an Ipaq 4700 (nice choice, but still not perfect). Anyway, once I had a new target in hand, you better believe I jumped on this deal! I did exactly the same thing Jack did: sat with the software list, added up the total of the ones I'd have purchased anyway, and found that it would have taken me only 8 programs to reach $280. It's a no brainer if you have a new Pocket PC to load up!

Posted by coachdeb, Sunday, Jun. 19th, 2005

I did a quick analysis and it is definitely a good deal for me. There is sooo much!

Posted by Beth, Saturday, Jun. 18th, 2005

I think it is a bargain. I just have not done it because I was not sure. Thanks for the review Jack, I like the way you looked at it. It was very helpful.

Posted by bean_garden, Saturday, Jun. 18th, 2005

I don't know if that was a popular consensus. That certainly was not an issue I have ever heard.

Frankly, I felt it was well worth investigating for our readers. It is a terrific bargain for those that want a library of software that is ALL TOP NOTCH!

Everything in life is a choice. If one decides to get the package, then they will have saved an extraordinary amount of money. If they choose not to get the package...they still save money (because they didn't spend any).

You have to decide if it is the right deal for you...for me, it was!

Posted by Jack Cook, Saturday, Jun. 18th, 2005

This package has been out for awhile. The popular consensus was that it wasn't worth the money and not too many people would spend the kind of money to get it's content.

Posted by JNGold, Saturday, Jun. 18th, 2005

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