What’s In Your eWallet?

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This week Iliumsoft released the latest version of eWallet: 6.1.  They added several nice features and expanded significantly on customization options. There is also a myriad of additional services available, with more coming soon.  In other words, this already indispensable program just keeps getting better.

I must confess, for years I ignored wallet programs; thought of them as overkill for something as simple as keeping a list of ID’s and passwords. I also worried about security, fearing that any hacker would deem these programs and their files as a big flashing neon sign pointing “HERE THERE BE GOODIES” for data worth stealing. My passwords were kept in a basic spreadsheet with the words “encoded” just by showing a letter or two, only a reminder for me since I tended to use the same few words practically everywhere. My credit cards were kept in my wallet (the real one) and I kept no list of those.

Well, time passes and keeps on passing; I’ve gotten older and maybe even wiser. These days one must register everywhere, so my brief list of ID’s and passwords has now more than 100 entries, just when my memory is starting to falter. On the wiser side, I now change passwords regularly, at the very least the key ones: e-mail, banking, personal accounts, payments and the like. My Pocket PC has also become my constant companion and it is extremely convenient to have everything in one place. Just sitting in a doctor’s office filling out forms is enough to make you dig in your purse for a while looking for insurance information, referral addresses and phone numbers, medications taken, etc, etc. My PPC holds all of that, most of it in one program: eWallet.

Trying to be organized (a life-long struggle), I’ve made lists all my life. Software has made things easier and mobile, and another of Ilium’s programs, ListPro (review on that coming up soon), holds everything from shopping lists to the contents of my libraries (books, music, movies, etc). If you are familiar with ListPro, think of eWallet as the same approach with a lot more customization and graphical interface, heavy security, and the ability to be synchronized everywhere. The features are legion and this is not meant to be a manual, only a review, so please take a look at the documentation for all details. There are other programs with similar features, but for flexibility’s sake my money remains with Ilium.

Get On With It!

Where to start? OK, for newbies everywhere: a wallet program keeps information about your documents (credit cards, bank accounts, personal ID’s, passports), login ID’s and passwords, plus almost anything you can think of, especially private data that requires protection (ie: information on insurance, mortgages), but not necessarily (ie: measurements, prescriptions, serial numbers). This data is easy to categorize and find, customizable up the wazoo (usually to match the look of actual cards), and above all centralized and secure. Files can be kept synchronized across several platforms and devices.

Where Do I Stash eWallet?

Your choice, main memory or a storage card. By default it creates a basic “My Wallet” file on your main documents’ folder, but you must decide first how you are going to synchronize the files before you choose where to keep those. If you are using ActiveSync (or Vista’s Windows Mobile Device Center), the wallet files must be kept in main memory. Using the more thorough synchronization tool provided, SyncPro, gives you the option of keeping these files in the same storage card where you installed the program, just remember that AS/WMDC can’t touch them there. Of course if you don’t care to sync, the files can go anywhere.

On start, eWallet will always open the last active file. Closing a file brings you to the file list. On the PPC, eWallet will always show you all its files together, regardless of their location. On the image above all files (except for “My Wallet”) are on main memory, but in a custom folder. The program itself is installed on my Advantage’s microdrive (a non-removable hard drive). As you can see, the files are tiny, even with customization. Although these test files don’t have too many items, the default file is pretty average and still under 100K.

Show Me What eWallet Does!

The first window you see after installation on the PPC is a warning that the default wallet file has no password. This file includes samples, tips and descriptions, so it’s very easy to modify in order to add your own stuff. If you do, by all means add a password. A hint is optional, but wholeheartedly recommended. You are paying for good encryption, so if you forget your password it’s bye-bye file. It’s your choice if you keep all your data in one file organized in categories or use separate files. Separate files of course can have different passwords (or no password at all for those without private information). Even though the password screen only shows numbers, you are not limited to those and can use the built-in keyboard for alpha.

The samples give you a good idea of what the program can do regarding categories, icons and customizations. They also include several tips.

As you can see next, passwords can be shown or hidden at the touch of a button (very useful if you are in a public place with nosy Klingons around). Other fields can also be selected to work hidden.

I won’t even try to describe the many customization features, it would take the rest of the night…at least.  Here are just a taste of my favorites: Apart from colors, gradients, and provided icons, you can use any picture as background, either insert it or link to it. I copy things like company logos or favorite backgrounds to a specific folder so I can use them on any other card. Fields with hidden properties can be set to hide or show by default, or remember how you left it.

The customization can stretch to include all types of cards or data, and the details are not limited to those shown in the card. Additional fields and comments are a click away.

Where Do You Start?

I go straight for the options of course! The main menu item only covers basic things like turning the automatic backup on/off, background color and gradient options. The many customizations are found within the submenus or directly through click-and-hold from any location.

On the security settings, there’s a difference between not having a password and selecting the option that a password is not required. In the first instance, you will be reminded every time you open the file that it remains unprotected. To avoid that reminder, use the “do not require” option. Do remember that passwords apply to whole files, not individual categories, so keep private things together and protected.

Although the category editing only lists name, the default type of card, and the icon shown in the menu, any category can hold any type of card, this setting only applies to the default template shown when you add a new one.

And then there’s the templates! Lots of them built-in, all customizable. You can also create more from scratch, or use any existing card as the basis for a new template.

How About Synchronization?

Good ol’ crappy ActiveSync/WMDC can keep the wallet files sync’d, but only by file, not by item. If you update one item on the PPC and another on the desktop (both items in the same file), when you sync next you’ll lose one of those changes, which one depends on your prioritization rules.

The built-in tool, SyncPro, is the only method that allows item by item synchronization. Either you are very careful on how and where you update, or stick to SyncPro and remove the files from the AS/WMDC batch. SyncPro also allows synchronization with as many devices as you want, no limitations. SyncPro doesn’t replace AS/WMDC, only handles the synchronization itself and only for the wallet files. The connection must be established first as usual.

SyncPro is only managed from the desktop. eWallet automatically detects any devices partnered with the PC, and you can add any number of servers, etc. You can even synchronize wallet files in the same PC with each other, effectively combining them. Individual wallet files can also have different sync rules.

In addition to your own server(s), you can also sync with Iomega’s iStorage. You’ll need to create an account, but then your data can be accessed online with any device that has eWallet installed.

Is It Safe?

The encryption is “government-level (FIPS) 256-bit AES”, basically the same type banks use to protect online transactions, so it’s quite good. The same encryption is used on all devices and online servers.

Apart from security from hackers, please remember that all gadgets will eventually break or are lost, data or media can get corrupted. Please make frequent and redundant backups just in case. eWallet gives you the option of exporting all your data to a plain text file, a low tech backup can be simply printing that file and placing it in a safe.

Should I Upgrade?

The new version has some nifty new features on top of extended customization options:

* You can now create shortcuts to existing cards, which can be placed in multiple categories without having to copy the whole card and without needing to update each copy. Use shortcuts for example to group your most used cards together without breaking your original classification.

* The search is much improved.

* Fields can be changed, not only the label, but the type of field, to anything you need (ie: date, value, link).

* Many fields can be hidden, not only the PIN or password fields.

Don’t forget to upgrade all your copies of eWallet, files won’t work with the old one!

What Happened with FlexWallet?

FlexWallet and eWallet have merged, so there won’t be any more FlexWallet versions. The upgrade and data import should work easily enough, even if you have an older copy of FlexWallet. If you’re switching platforms, you can find details on what is different here, and special instructions on how to import your data here. eWallet provides the option of viewing cards the FlexWallet way if you prefer (linear format instead of cards).

Freebies!

eWallet comes with some handy utilities and downloads. There’s the tool to import data from other wallets, free icon packs and card backgrounds. The PC version includes AutoPass that still has some limitations, but allows you to select a link from a card in your wallet and have it fill the form details (like ID and password) that go with it. Alas, it only works on the PC and only for Internet Explorer. As a feature it can be turned off altogether if you rather not use it.

Another useful utility is PassBuilder, a generator that can figure out passwords for you based on the criteria you specify. I particularly like the warped dictionary option, it’s a lot of fun. Just keep hitting “Generate” until you get one you like.

Favorite Features?

I find the program very useful in a practical way, and very flexible for my inner techie (who’s a customization freak). So many options! Please keep in mind that I have never used anything else, so I am not comparing features here. Trying to stay neutral, I think everyone will find valuable the following:

* Ability to sync with any number of devices and PC’s, even servers, without the standard limitations of ActiveSync/WMDC that remain stuck at two.

* URL’s, phone numbers, emails, etc, are all live, just click and it activates accordingly, opening the link, calling the number, you get the idea.

* Any file can be linked or attached to a card, making it protected also. Keep in mind though that synchronization only works with linked data (not attachments), and only as long as the files exist in both locations to begin with.

* As much as the tutorials and help files are pretty thorough, my favorite source of tips is on the Ilium web site, where the help area is completely searchable. There’s also a downloadable pdf manual.

Pet Peeves?

Not many, but I can nitpick:

* So many options, but you can’t change the fonts? What gives?

* AutoPass for the PPC, please! Ditto for other browsers. Most of us haven’t used IE in years!

* When you upgrade, regardless of where your existing files are located, eWallet creates a default wallet in the main directory. For a program that can find its own files so easily, I wish it could realize I moved or deleted the default wallet and at least ask me if I want it again and where to place it. It’s an upgrade after all.

* If you are using ActiveSync to sync, the files remain listed as unresolved while the program is open. That is not a problem, except that after you close eWallet it doesn’t sync automatically, you have to either do it manually or wait until the next automatic refresh and then press the Resolve link, even when there’s no conflict. If you forget and unplug the PPC, the last changes are not sync’d. I wish closing the program would trigger a sync on its own. Something also triggers the option to ask for a resolution when there is no conflict. This doesn’t happen in Vista’s WMDC, but that’s probably because the option to leave things unresolved no longer exists, you can only pick what takes precedence, the PC or the PPC.

* SyncPro could be made more user friendly, especially since most users have a basic 1-device, 1-PC deal.

* The wallet properties don’t show the space available in the drive, not even those saved in main memory.

* Although you can e-mail a wallet, there’s no way to sync from mobile to mobile unless you have a PC with partnerships established. Everyone outside of Windows is out of luck for now.

Coming Soon to an eWallet Near You

Other goodies peeking over the horizon:

* Web Companion - All your data only a login away. More information and invitation to the beta testing available here.

* iPhone and Blackberry versions.

How Much eWallet Do I Need?

eWallet is available in two modes: Mobile (Pocket PC or Palm) and Windows. It can even be installed in U3 drives. The basic package costs $19.95 and covers one platform. The “Professional” package gives you a desktop+mobile deal for $29.95. If you are a registered owner, the U3 version is free. The unrestricted trial period is a whole month, plus another month of money-back guarantee after purchase. Ilium also offers a “Suite” set for $64.95 that includes eWallet, ListPro, NewsBreak and Keep Track, all Pro packages.

Upgrades are free within the version number (6.0 to 6.1 for example) and for 90 days for all, otherwise you get a discount and can upgrade for $10 (one device) or $16.95 (Pro package). This discount is also extended to owners of other wallet software and your data can be easily imported into eWallet with the provided wizard. See details on upgrades here.

Stop the presses! Right now, with the launching of our very own My Today Screen Software Store, you can get any software with a 20% discount until the end of the month (use coupon “MyTodayStore”), and even get a bundle of eWallet+ListPro (mobile only) for $29.93.

Important: If you share files across several platforms or devices you must keep all in the same version because upgraded files will no longer be compatible with the older version.

This review has covered mostly the Pocket PC version. The functionality is exactly the same in both PC and PPC platforms, only the menus and toolbars are slightly different and the options for synchronization are only found on the PC. There are useful tutorials available in both, just look under Help. It may be more convenient to set up your cards and accounts on the desktop, then use the PPC to view and update, but I’ve worked either way with similar ease.

I run eWallet in four places: Windows XP SP2, Vista Home Premium (laptop), iPaq 2210 (WM2003, SP1) and HTC Advantage X7501 (WM6). Data is kept synchronized in all four, including the wallets. Screen captures in this article are mostly taken from the Advantage or the laptop.

Whew! OK, that’s it, I’ve babbled enough. There’s plenty more to discover if you take the time to play. Take a look on Tips and Hints too. And please share with us your experience with wallet programs!

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