Sign Up Events - App Review

Tracking leads at trade shows and events can be a real chore.

This App makes it easy and visually pleasing.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The first thing you need do is set up the system for the information you wish to capture.

Typically this would cover First Name, Last Name, E-mail, Phone number, comments... it really is up to you to use the 7 fields as you think fit.

There are options to require all fields to be completed, hide configuration (if it it's not you or your staff handling the process, this is a must), as well as hiding unused fields.

You can also opt to have the information automatically e-mailed to a given address, as well as downloaded(this consists of csv and text files that you e-mail).

In addition you can have a background consisting of and picture(s) you choose.

Cost
The App costs $6.

Indispensability
Capturing leads is undeniably indispensable; this seems a painless way to achieve the objective.

Dependability
The App only works on an iPad running iOS 7.1 or later.

There doesn't seem to be a way to delete the default picture (although you can add your own).

Security
If you're using the App where the data capture is left to individuals, better make sure that your iPad is physically secured. As a suggestion, make sure that the bottom left of the screen is not touchable; it will stop smart snoopers.

ACIDS Test Rating:

So easy to capture visitor information.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Sign Up Events here and support for the App here.

abcNotes - App Review

I can hear you saying 'oh no, not another notes App'.

This one is different in that it is really a sticky notes App with lots of options and synchronisation.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
If you start off by pressing the + to create your first note, you will see how easy it is to use.

Set the colour, font, and an excellent slider to set the font size. There is then a slight glitch in that you need to go to Settings/Notifications/abcNotes and allow notifications.

Your notes can be scaled and rotated (using 2 fingers), moved by dragging, you can even have usable check boxes.

The real power of this App is that by allowing iCloud synchronisation, you can see your notes across multiple devices. Note contents can also be easily be e-mailed.

Cost
The version tested is the free 'lite' version; there is a fuller offering at $3.

Indispensability
If you use this App, it will rapidly become your de facto sticky notes App.

Dependability
The App is simple to use and simply works.

Security
There isn't the option of a password, which would be a good addition.

ACIDS Test Rating:

If you use(d) Post-It notes, you must have this App.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get abcNotes here and support for the App here.

My Measures & Dimensions - App Review

How many times have you measured something, written the dimensions on a scrap of paper and then... lost the paper, forgotten which dimension is which, couldn't read your writing...

This App could well do away with all that frustration.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
You start by tapping the + icon and taking a photo of whatever it is you want to measure.

At the bottom of the screen you will see icons; only the Arrow will work in the free version (although it does far more than just create arrows). Pinch to show the item you are measuring, then add dimension, change the colour, choose the units, access tools, add text, show angles, erase (delete an object).

You can create folders which easily lets you organise work into projects.

The fact is that instead of a scrap of paper, you have an annotated photo/drawing, and confusion is avoided.

Cost
The App costs $9.

Indispensability
If your business needs a foolproof way of sharing measurements that are not always of similar items (so that you know your 'system' for recording the information) then, this App is probably what you have been waiting for.

Dependability
The App works but it is obviously down to you to get accurate measurements.

When sharing your projects, the process seems a little slow but, it works.

Security
There are no apparent issues as this is a standalone App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Great for retaining pictorial records of measurements; avoids confusion.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get My Measures & Dimensions here and support for the App here.

Who Uses My WiFi? - App Review

The App names says it all... well nearly, there is another arrow to this particular bow.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The main screen contains two main items:

Network Monitor
Press this and bring up your current connection point, as well as past connection points. tap on this and get a list of connected devices, together with their IP and MAC addresses (previously connected devices are in pale text).
It's a good idea to check the IP address of your used devices (Settings/Wi-Fi on iOS devices) and then give them a friendly name. You will now be left (or hopefully not) with connections that you haven't authorised.

Key Generator
This is the 'other' part of the App, which is an excellent way to generate keys; you'll not have to think about avoiding obvious passwords.

Cost
The App costs £1.

Indispensability
If you are concerned about who is, or might be, piggybacking onto your wi-fi, this is a simple way of checking it out.

Dependability
You need to hit refresh to check on current connections and are then informed of how long ago the last update took place.

Security
This App serves to enhance your security, rather than the other way round, as is so often the case.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A very useful tool.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Who Uses My WiFi? here and support for the App here.

E-mail for Business - App Review

Don't let the App name put you off... it is not only for business.

If you are looking to create E-mails that look good, contain the information you want to share, then take a look at E-mail for Business.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The first thing you need to do is enter your 'standard' data. This includes: name, job title, company, slogan, e-mail address, web site, logo, portrait (your picture), signature, social media addresses (Facebook, Linkedin, Google+, Twitter), Physical Address, contact numbers (business, Fax, Free, Mobile. You don't need to complete each item, and you can create multiple profiles, which you then name.

You can also elect whether or not you choose to advertise for the developer by turning a footer message on or off (more straightforward that Apple's pre-emptive 'sent from my iPhone/iPad).

You are now ready to send either a letter or note.

Simply pick one of these and then choose one of the standard layouts. You can then simply edit the default content. Your personal details will be taken from the profile that you have chosen.

It's as easy as that and you can then e-mail or print your document.

Cost
The App costs $5.

Indispensability
Obviously, you've been sending e-mails and letters for years but, this App allows your text to stand out.

Dependability
The App works just as described. A small niggle is that if you use a field then, you cannot change its name; this is particularly relevant to 'cell' and 'toll free' where the US versions cannot be altered.

Security
Apart from the ability to post to Facebook and Twitter to promote the App, it is standalone.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Helps make your communications stand out.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get E-mail for Business here and support for the App here.

Stock Grader - App Review

The developer states 'Stock Grader is personal analyst in your pocket. Using nearly a dozen financial criteria and advanced computer algorithms, Stock Grader digs deep into your stocks, automatically grading them to help you make confident, informed investment decisions'.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
There is a + at the top right of the screen to 'add' a symbol. Simply press this and enter the ticker symbol.

You will then be presented with a list of potential results; pick one of the these to get to the meat.

The screen gives you an overall rating, with subsidiary ratings and details for:

Profitability (Profit Margin %, 5 Year predicted EPS Growth %)
Efficiency (Return on equity %, Return on assets %)
Liabilities (Debt ratio, Debt/equity)
Valuation (P/E, P/B, P/S)

Cost
The App costs $2.

Indispensability
The App indeed gives you a quick grading for the stock. Unfortunately, you cannot store stocks, so you can only investigate one at a time.

Dependability
The App is designed for the iPhone but works fine on an iPad in 1x and 2x modes.

Not every stock is covered so you might get the warning message: 'not all necessary data is available for [Ticker] at this time. Stock Grader graded [Ticker] based off data it was able to fetch'.

Security
There are no apparent issues as this is a standalone App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Perhaps a first pass filter.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Stock Grader here and support for the App here.