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Question

PIM Software Review

Jul 21, 2015 5:25AM PDT

Can CNET provide an updated review of EssentialPIM by Astonsoft? The latest review is 2009. I am particularly interested in the desktop/pc version & the android app. I am looking for a personal information manager that doesn't rely solely on Google Calendar or any Google counterparts. One thing that I have noticed so far is that although cloud service is available, it's not available in the android version. I would also like more info on the password portion of the software. How does it stand up to more mainstream apps like LastPass or Keeper?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The thing is, they don't reveal inner workings.
Jul 21, 2015 5:33AM PDT

As the company didn't reveal inner password workings no one can review if it's same, similar, better or worse security than other password managers. For that question you would ask them directly with emphasis on your concerns.

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So CNET reviews are based on product claims...?
Jul 21, 2015 7:29AM PDT

Just a little confused. I assumed that the reviews were based on actual usage and testing. But by what you've indicated it would appear that reviews are simply based on what the product (or in this case, the software developer) claims. For instance, when one does a search on CNET's download site for LastPass the editor's review isn't after actually using the software? While I may accept that CNET doesn't necessarily provide a side-by-side analysis of various products, is it not possible to actually use EssentialPIM and put it's features to a test?

I've already gone out of pocket with other PIM software and I'm just trying to make an informed decision before going out of pocket again.

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I'm going to agree here.
Jul 21, 2015 7:39AM PDT

Given the time devoted to most reviews you can hardly call that analysis. And since it's a closed source app, if they claim to use TIEF2015 encryption you as the reviewer can't check their code to see if it's true.

You seemed to want to avoid the cloud for data storage so maybe the free version is best?
http://www.essentialpim.com/pc-version/pro-vs-free noted it doesn't use any cloud.

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PS. What I'm seeing.
Jul 21, 2015 7:41AM PDT

Is that this sort of review doesn't exist out there. All are done without deep analysis for many reasons. If you are going to call out CNET, be sure to call out everyone else.