PaperHelper - App Review

People love their iPads... and many of them wish that you could share a screen with more than one App.

This is especially useful when researching using that gigantic library, the Internet. The problem is that you research in the browser and then need to swap to your note taking system.

PaperHelper effectively enables the screen to be split between notes input and research.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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When you first use the App, it's important to have your iPad in landscape mode; this way you will clearly see the screen split in two with the left-hand side being a text editor, and the right-hand side a browser.

There are 3 controls that you need to get familiar with immediately; this will ensure a more beneficial experience. The first 2 are at the bottom corners of the screen; these are used to make either the text editor, or the browser, into a full screen (there are opposite arrows to reverse this process). The other control is the two way arrow at the top of the screen (just to the left of the line splitting the editor/browser). This control allows you to choose whether the editor is on the left or right (in my view, for right-handed people, it should be on the right).

The editor allows you to format your text with fonts, sizes, colours, alignment; it is very fully featured. In addition you can directly email, print, record voice, draw (using many colours, widths), access your dictionary, set a reminder, add detailed citations (directly from browsed pages), and save your work, including to the ubiquitous Dropbox.

It's probably best to touch the cloud icon and download your free PaperCloud service on your PC or Mac.

Cost
The App is a very inexpensive $1; amazingly good value for all you get.

Indispensability
The App is aimed at students but, is useful to anyone who researches and takes notes; it saves much time, and frustration, at not having to flick between applications.

Until iOS allows the screen to be split between Apps, this is the solution.

Dependability
This App is, not surprisingly, designed for the iPad; the smaller screen of other iOS devices really not being up to the job.

The browser seems slower than Safari but is still much faster and more convenient than using a browser and taking notes in another App.

There is the occasional crash but, the App does not lose data.

Security
There is the possibility to use Dropbox (and saving to any folder), as well as PaperCloud.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Research on an iPad without flicking between Apps.

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

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

Wanted Poster Pro - App Review

Here's a bit of fun for a change.

Remember those wanted posters in Western movies?

This enables you to create them with ease.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You start by choosing from one of the 7 templates and then complete the details.

This really is extremely simple as you are just completing the information, as well as either taking a new mug shot, or use a photo from your library. Once you have finished, press preview to check your work and then either edit or save the poster.

You can forward the poster as a message, email, or Twitter, directly from the App.

It's as simple as that.

Cost
The App is free of charge.

Indispensability
Unless you are the local sheriff, you don't need this App but, it is fun.

Dependability
This is a simple App that simply works, just the way we like them.

Security
As the App allows you to share directly via Facebook and Twitter, be careful of what you do.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Create a wanted poster in a minute.

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

You can get Wanted Poster Pro here and support for the App here.

Able2Extract - App Review

Regular readers of this blog will know that I am a long-standing fan of PDF (Portable Document Format), as it allows file sharing across 'all' platforms.

The one criticism one could have of PDF is that it is not easy to then re-edit the document in its native format. In fairness, this would be a churlish reaction as it is not the intended use for the format.

All this preamble is to bring to your attention the App 'Able2Extract' which allows you to convert a PDF file into various formats.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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To get started (obviously having downloaded the App) simply use your favourite PDF viewer/editor and then choose to 'open in' . This will take you directly to the Able2Extract App.

Having done this you will now see your file on the main screen, together with the PDF icon. Now, press the convert icon (two arrows chasing each other). At the top of the screen will be icons for Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), Powerpoint (.pptx), and plain text (.txt). Pick one of those, wait a few seconds, and your screen will now also have this converted file, complete with appropriate icon.

You can now press the icon on the extreme right and (in a similar way to the how you did earlier) and pick the App you want to use for the converted file.

Cost
The App is absolutely free as it is a teaser for the developers' more sophisticated versions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

In order for the translation to take place, you must have an active Internet connection which could lead to costs.

Indispensability
The ability to edit (as opposed to annotate) a PDF document that has been received may not be a daily occurrence but, I'm sure there have been times when you would have given a lot for this facility.

Dependability
The App appears to work well, although there are some times when paragraphs appear to indent incorrectly.

Security
Your data is sent to the the developers' servers for translation, which is a potential source of a security risk, although none is implied.

ACIDS Test Rating:

A great time saver.

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

You can get Able2Extract here and support for the App here.

JotNot Signature+ - App Review

In an age when nearly everything is digital, isn't it irritating when you receive a PDF document and get asked to print and complete it; it drives me nuts.

This neat App sorts this issue out.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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You actually start using this App in another App... which means that whatever App you are in where there is a PDF document that you want to sign, choose the 'Open in...' dialogue.

This will then place the required document in JotNot Signature, where you will see 3 tools:

Settings
Here you can set a password which can be whatever you please (not limited to the 4 numbers of iOS).

Edit
Here you can Sign/Draw, Date, enter Text, enter a tick (check mark), or pick a saved signature. All these items are very easy to use ant totally self-explanatory.

Send
Having placed the signature and/or other marks required on the document, you can now send it by e-mail, open it in another App, print, or fax (this is restricted to a sister App, JotNot Fax).

Cost
The App is absolutely free.

Indispensability
You just have to have a PDF annotator of some sort.

Dependability
The App worked flawlessly but was not tested for faxing.

Security
No issues found within the App during testing.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Simple, but effective, PDF annotator.

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

You can get JotNot Signature+ here and support for the App here.

Mencal:Mental Arithmetic Training - App Review

I thought that my mental arithmetic was pretty good but, just to disprove the adage that you cant teach an old dog new tricks, along comes Mencal.

This points you in the direction of masses of shortcuts for working out arithmetic and mathematical calculations, as well as acting as a trainer.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The home screen gives you access to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squares and fractions, as well as a settings panel.

Each of the operations gives you basic criteria (such as ab x ac where b+c=10); just pick one that interests you, or go through them in sequence. The shortcut is then explained, together with some worked examples.

You can then either keep exploring, or press the pencil icon and get tested using an objective test with 4 possible answers.

The settings allows you to set the timer for entering a response from 15 to 59 seconds.

There is also a display of your achieved level.

Cost
This is a low cost $1 App.

Indispensability
Mind training is excellent, although maths isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Dependability
The App works fine although the 'my level' doesn't seem to update 'right, wrong and skip(ped)' answers.

Security
No issues detected during testing.

ACIDS Test Rating:

An App you can count on (ouch)

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

You can get Mencal:Mental Arithmetic Training here and support for the App here.

Text Detective - App Review

This is a rather different App to those that we normally review; not an apology, more as a matter of interest.

The developers, The Blindsight Corporation, have a declared mission to "use computer vision to help the visually impaired"; an extremely noble goal.

This App takes text and reads it out loud... but only after it has performed Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which also gives it far wider application.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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In a similar way to scanning Apps, you line up your iPhone, in landscape mode, with the document you want to digitise, and then simply touch the screen, keeping it as steady as possible.

The App then processes the image and carries out OCR.

Touching 'Manage Results' then allows you to save the text to history, send as a text message, post to Twitter, or send as an e-mail.

You now have your document as text which can be handled however you please, with the 'Voice Over' function being of particular use to those who require it.

Cost
The App is absolutely free.

Indispensability
For people whose sight requires it, this App must be an absolute boon. For those who are looking for accurate OCR, this is excellent.

Dependability
OCR for the masses has always been a bit of a hit and miss affair. This App provides a remarkably accurate rendition of the original text; better than I have seen anywhere else.

Security
The ability to post directly to Twitter is the usual double-edged sword.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Wonderful for some and very useful for others.

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

You can get Text Detective here and support for the App here.

TopNotes Pro - App Review

If you use the iOS 'Notes' App and find it does everything you need then, this App is not for you. The rest of us want more (always), and TopNotes promises to be a far more comprehensive note taking system than 'Notes'.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Your first venture into the world of TopNotes already includes a notebook... a user guide. Feel free to go through the well thought out manual, although the App is very intuitive, so you might just want to jump in and then take a peek at the manual if you get stuck.

So, let's get started and create a Notebook by simply touching the +, although we could also just have created a note or imported from Dropbox (or others).

We are now invited to name the Notebook, choose a cover from a wide variety (or even use one of your photos), as well as a default paper type. The Notebook can also be protected with a pass code.

The add function will now enable you to add an image (either from the camera, or your library), text, and pages.

Text is simply entered by double tapping and then the result can be formatted to your heart's content, as well as being moved around the page. The bespoke keyboard includes very neat controls to help with formatting, including the oft missing forward/backward keys.

There are also drawing tools, highlighters, and erasers. A hold on any of the icons will bring up options to set widths and colours.

As an added bonus, you can import PDF documents and comprehensively annotate them.

Cost
The App costs $5.

Indispensability
If you want to do more than just have text in your notes, consider buying this App.

Dependability
The wrist protection isn't perfect, although I haven't seen any implementation that is foolproof. As in others, you will need to turn off multitasking gestures before using the wrist protection option.

Security
You can save your notes to Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, and Box.

The pass code is limited to the standard iOS 4 digits.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Notes on steroids (legally).

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

You can get TopNotes Pro here and support for the App here.

Diana Photo - App Review

Are you old enough to remember the days when cameras had films that you got developed (unless you had your own darkroom)? Do you remember picking up your snaps and being surprised at some double exposures, where you had forgotten (or creatively) to wind the film to the next shot.

This App allows you to recreate those effects but, so much more creatively... and there's no need to wait for the film to get developed.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Your screen is split into a large square, and two smaller ones underneath. Start by tapping one of the ones underneath to pick a photo, either from your camera roll, or to take a new one. Now do the same thing with the lower right box. The larger square will now contain a double exposure of the two photos you chose.

You can flick left and right to add various effects to your composition.

If you want to take pot luck, you can either shake your iPhone, or roll the dice at the top of the screen.

Your masterpiece can be shared via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as copying it or opening in another application.

Cost
The App is free and bereft of advertising... you can't count a button you have to touch to get information on other Apps by the developer.

Indispensability
This is one of those Apps that you are unlikely to use every day but, for a bit of fun, it is great.

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

Security
With all those sharing options, be careful what you share with who!

ACIDS Test Rating:

Double exposure for the 21st century.

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

You can get Diana Photo here and support for the App here.

Battery Life Magic Pro - App Review

As you no doubt already know (perhaps having found out to your cost), rechargeable batteries do not last forever.

Your Apple iPhone/iPad/iPod is not an exception to this rule. Battery replacement is fairly expensive so, the longer you can put it off, the better.

This App aims to help you put off the dreaded day, as long as possible.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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The main screen is uncluttered and contains the following tools, all accessible at the bottom of the display.

Maintain
This is the screen you will use most frequently. it reminds you to run a full cycle charge at least once per month. it is easy enough to make a note of this in your task manager.

Performance
This gives you an estimate of how long your battery, in its current (ouch) state of charge, will last doing various tasks from recording videos to audio playback, via taking photos.

Tips
these are divided into battery saving tips (including keeping your device out of the sun) and tips on maintaining your screen in top condition.

Log
Here you will find how conscientious you have been with monthly cyclical charges.

Help
No explanation needed.

Cost
This App is currently free but, this may not continue.

Indispensability
You owe it to yourself to preserve your iOS device; this is a useful tool.

Dependability
The App should increase the dependability of your device, or at least the battery.

Security
There are no issues with this App.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Invest in your battery.

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

You can get Battery Life Magic Pro here and support for the App here.

Fleksy Keyboard - App Review

This is an alternative to the standard iOS keyboard. Although this might not sound too exciting, the App provides some great improvements over the standard offering. This includes making the keyboard invisible so that you are really touch typing. The greatest asset is possibly the vastly improved predictive spelling.

Now for the ACIDS test:

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Opening the App for the first time brings up the Fleksy keyboard, together with the instructions that make it easier to use than the original iOS offering:

Space: flick right →
Delete: flick left ←
Punctuation: → after Space
Mini & invisible: ↓ 2 fingers ↓

There are also options to have various audio feedback (keyboard clicks, typing sounds, and voice feedback), as well as making the keyboard one row shorter by removing the spacebar row (this leaves more real estate for the rest of your screen).

But this App really comes into its own in the predictive text stakes. You can try this experiment:

Using a QWERTY keyboard, type "rjia". The standard iOS will merely type "rjia" and underline it as incorrect. Now try the same with the Fleksy keyboard and it will guess you really meant to type "this" and merely hit neighbouring keys; impressive.

The keyboard can be used in 3 different ways:

Direct entry
Simply use Fleksy and then touch the blue button and chose email, message, Twitter, or Facebook; your typing will then be directly transferred to the appropriate App.

Cut and Paste
For Apps that do not directly support Fleksy, simply select the text and paste into the App that you choose.

Supported Apps
This brilliant keyboard (or rather the people who developed it) is convincing more and more other developers to add support from within their application. This means that you can use Fleksy instead of the standard iOS keyboard.

Cost
Unbelievably, this App is absolutely free.

Indispensability
You obviously need a keyboard on your iOS device; this one makes some things much easier and more accurate.

Dependability
As previously mentioned, the predictive text is truly awesome. The one thing which is worth noting is that 'installing' Fleksy onto a supported App is a bit unusual. Here's how to do it (and save yourself a lot of time): in the destination App (not Fleksy), highlight some text to copy; you will notice that you have Select, Select All and Fleksy. Choose the last option and the keyboard will install within your App. If you wish to reverse the process, do the same thing again and Fleksy will have been replaced with System.

Security
You just need to be aware of the ease with which one can go from text entry to Twitter and Facebook.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Definitely a better mousetrap (or in this case, keyboard).

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

You can get Fleksy Keyboard here and support for the App here.