I am trying the trial version of both DateBk5 and Agendus. I like the look and feel of Agendus, it feels very polished, and the integration with the contacts is done well. On the other hand, Agendus lacks some of the more advanced features that DateBk5 has, like floating events, templates and custom views. In addition, you cannot mark an appointment as done (with the little check next to it) as you can in DateBk5. But, Agendus has a better look and feel, instead of the cluttered and complicated look and feel of DateBk5. So, which application do you prefer to use?
I tried both and it was driving me nuts because I couldn't decide which to use. First one -- then the other -- then back again. I finally decided to pick one and stick with it. I chose Agendus because I like the way it looks on the screen. You're right that it doesn't use floats, but I don't miss them. I found Datebk to be very complex. I've been happy with Agendus, even thought their support isn't very good.
Originally posted by nabour I tried both and it was driving me nuts because I couldn't decide which to use. First one -- then the other -- then back again. I finally decided to pick one and stick with it. I chose Agendus because I like the way it looks on the screen. You're right that it doesn't use floats, but I don't miss them. I found Datebk to be very complex. I've been happy with Agendus, even thought their support isn't very good.
bArbara
I know how you feel. DateBk5 has more features, but it is more complicated to use. Agendus looks better, yet doesn't have as many features as DateBk5. I wonder if Agendus7 will have some of the features that DateBk5 has (templates, views, floating events, etc.). I guess that I could buy both, but that would be overkill, I am leaning towards Agendus, but the floating events in DateBk5 are useful...
I am currently using the Agendus 7 Beta. One of the key things that was lacking for Smartphones has been added. When you click on a "ToDo" or Meeting with an embedded contact you now have Dial as one of the options.
The Iambic Mail program is fairly good and easy to use.
You can download the Beta for Agendus 7 on their discussion forum.
__________________
Mark
==========================
Palm Personal > Palm V > Palm Vx > Clie 760 > Kyocera 7135 > Treo 600 >Treo 650 > (Maybe i730??)
I use Datebk5, and I have tried Agendus as well. I don't use all of the unique features of db5 (like templates or saved views), but a quick browsing of the users manual gave me enough information to get a lot of use out of the features. I like the Alarm function and the ability to color-code Todo's and Appointments which DB5 allows. And the info syncs up just fine with Outlook (although minus the colors). The author of DB5 has said that he was working on a DB5 desktop component, but didn't give any time period in which it will be completed, if at all. Even without it though, Outlook is pretty useful with db5. I didn't really care for the address book part of agendus or its messaging, so datebook 5 and takephone have been great for me.
__________________
---------------
The same thing we do every night, Pinky...
I use datebk 5 and love it. I am still learning new things I can do.
The thing that swayed me, and keep in mind that I did not try Agendus, was that Agendus seemed to have some features that were ot important to me. Email being one of them (I use Snappermail) and adreess features (I use TakePhone). it just seemed that Datebk was a better match for me.
Both use the built in palm databases with all the benefits and shortcomings, I don't think you will go wrong with either one. And luckily both offer a free trial.
A few reasons why I prefer Datebk5
1. Pimlico's unofficial policy of not charging for updates.
2. Color coding by category and beaming by category works well as a primitive method of calendar syncing with spouse (both are happy 7135 and Datebk5 users) - perhaps Agendus 7 has added this capability but I didn't see it on a quick scan of their site.
3. Strong support and compulsive attention to bug quashing
4. Pimlico's support of the Gorilla haven project
5. Old history but the Agendus registration of domains using the name of datebk5 and redirecting traffic to their site was not very ethical. While everybody can make a mistake and Pimlico accepted their apology and doesn't hold a grudge against Agendus, it is still something that casts a shadow on their reputation in my opinion.
----------
Here is an interesting site with side by side screen captures of Agendus 6 and Datebk5 showing how Agendus 6 has a much richer graphical display. (Presumably Agendus 7 is even richer.) http://www.clieuk.co.uk/torn.shtml
As a satisfied Datebk5 user, the things I find most interesting about Agendus 7 are:
1. The richer addressbook features (particularly if you are not going to use Takephone)
2. The Pro version including an e-mail client with attachment support.
3. Richer graphical displays
4. Less "option overload" - datebk5 might have a higher learning curve due to all of the opportunities for customization. (I still only use a small fraction of DB5's features.)
All in all, they are both excellent but different products.
By the way, my first software from Pimlico (maker of Datebk5) was Quiknote for the Psion about 8 years ago.
I use Agendus but as others in this thread have said, you can't go too wrong with either program. Besides, both offer a 30-day trial period. Try them both and see which one you like most.
I will say that, despite the fact that they go "head-to-head" in the market, there is a slight but significant difference between Agendus and DateBk:
Agendus is more of a contact manager. If you organize your day around meetings and events that are "people-oriented"; then Agendus is more likely the program for you.
On the other hand, DateBk is more of a time manager. If you organize your day around time; then DateBk is probably best for you.
Also, while Pimlico Software, the makers of DateBk, generally has a reputation for better and more friendly support and more bug-free software; Iambic Software, the makers of Agendus, seem to come up with enhancements and upgrades much more often. For example, Agendus 7 was just introduced. Iambic Software has released (at least) two major version updates since DateBk5.1 was released.
And finally, speaking of Agendus 7, the Professional version integrates with Mapopolis (sold separately) so now you can get a map the address for your contacts. Very useful if you travel and/or need directions.
I really like Datebk5, but one limitation that bothers me is its inability to play any of the terrific 7135 alarm sounds. It can only play the standard "palm alarm sounds". Datebk5 allows for the built-in datebook to play alarms, but the datebook alarms don't offer any significant snooze options.
Originally posted by geekdaddy I really like Datebk5, but one limitation that bothers me is its inability to play any of the terrific 7135 alarm sounds. It can only play the standard "palm alarm sounds". Datebk5 allows for the built-in datebook to play alarms, but the datebook alarms don't offer any significant snooze options.
Do a web search on Iambic and the name datebook and datebk... I wouldn't buy it for that alone. Type "Iambic datebook datebk" into google. They seem to be pretty nasty characters as far as companies go.
Originally posted by Quick Do a web search on Iambic and the name datebook and datebk... I wouldn't buy it for that alone. Type "Iambic datebook datebk" into google. They seem to be pretty nasty characters as far as companies go.
How hard would it be for iambic to add the two features:
1. Ability to mark an appointment complete (either checkmark next to appt, or strikethrough the appt text)
2. Ability to set an appointment or todo to repeat until marked complete.
I have never used Agendus, but will check it out after reading this thread.
Datebk5 (and 3 and 4) have been with me since my Palm experience. The author does a great job.
However, on the 7135 there is a problem which ruined my experience with it. When you are on the phone and Datebk5 handled alarms pop up often (especially if 2 alarms popped up), the 7135 gets the wierd marks on the screen and does a soft reset. This causes you to loose all popped uo alarms. You phone call stays OK. You will have to soft reset after getting off the phone.
I have since moved to a treo600 (my company moved to sprint). Datebk5 has added all teh features for the TREO (vibrate, flash, etc). It works well.
I wish this had been fixed, but the author swore that it was a 7135 firmware issue. He couldn't fix it.
Login
Panel
