CNET Editors' review
EssentialPIM Pro is a powerful personal information manager that provides all the functionality of Outlook in an intuitive, attractive layout.
EssentialPIM Pro's interface is fairly self-explanatory and, like many similar programs, organizes its features in tabs along the side. The fonts and color scheme are pleasant and integrate well with newer versions of Windows. Each module of the program offers a degree of customization without going overboard, allowing users to tweak the program's appearance to suit their preferences. Users who have experience with any sort of calendar or personal organizer should find the program easy to use, but a built-in Help file provides comprehensive and well-written instructions if needed. The program contains all the expected features, including a schedule, to-do list, e-mail client, and more. The task function is especially versatile; we liked the variety of priority levels, the customizable, color-coded categories, and the fact that tasks could be designated partially complete. We also liked that the program's database of information can be shared among multiple users and that to-do list items can be assigned to others, making this program a great choice for workplace use. EssentialPIM Pro can also be synced with Google, Outlook, Palm, and Windows Mobile, allowing it to fit right in with other platforms.
EssentialPIM Pro has a 30-day trial, which should be ample time for users to try it out. It installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program to those seeking a comprehensive way to manage their schedule, e-mail, and more.
Publisher's Description
From Astonsoft:
EssentialPIM Pro is a Personal Information Manager (PIM) that makes it easy to control your appointments, tasks, to-do lists, notes, and contacts. With built-in email support, EssentialPIM is an affordable replacement for Outlook. In addition, EssentialPIM offers portability, speed, an intuitive interface, and the ability to synchronize all of your information with your Windows Mobile Smartphone, Palm OS device, iPOD, MS Outlook, and Google Calendar. EssentialPIM has all of the functionality that you would expect in a professional PIM. The Contact Manager offers fields for every business and home use, the ability to quickly add new fields, fast search and sort features, the ability to define contact groups, and a fully customizable look and feel.
What's new in this version: Version 4.54 has added export of notes field in CSV format for appointments and fixed some issues with data filtering in To Do.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 11 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"Upgrades are not free for life"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 4.5
Pros
Great program
Cons
I just received an email asking if I wanted to pay for lifetime upgrades. The PRO version does not come with free upgrades past 1 year unless you pay for the lifetime upgrades.
Summary
Looking for another program.
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"Easy to use and Free"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 4.22
Pros
Lots of ways to see your schedules. One day, one week, one month or even one year at a time. You can also customize how many days you want to see after or before. Easy to use, don't cause the system to lag or crush. Has lots of idioms. It's free.
Cons
Sometimes the search don't work very well.
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"Colorful, wonderful, helpful"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 4.22
Pros
Everything
Cons
Just one--I can't share.
Summary
Buy it.
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"Not a thoroughly tested product"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 4.01
Pros
Everything is included in this program - if email worked correctly, it would be a great app.
Cons
Consistently receives errors about email line length being exceeded
Summary
I really like the layout of the program, as well as the all inclusive scope of what the application was designed to do. However, upon using the email with this application, I kept receiving errors related to "line length exceeded", when retrieving email from my POP3 account. It would retrieve some emails, and then receive an error and stop pulling other email in. Subsequent pulls would not stop with the same error.
I spoke to the company about this issue, and they were very nice folks, and they wanted to work with me to find out what the issue was. They wanted me to create a sub email account so that we could work to find out what the issue was. While I appreciate their willingness to help, I do not have the time to help them completely test their product and remove the bugs; this should have been done before it got to the end user. I have a job of my own, and it does not include testing software and removing bugs... I simply do not have the time for that.
Based on my experience, this software does not operate as it should have, so I am only giving it two stars. -
"Good but needs a critical fix."
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 3.74
Pros
Great application for managing your personal information etc. I use to daily as a knowledge base.
Cons
DO NOT EXPECT THE APPLICATION TO RUN SMOOTHLY ONCE YOUR DATABASE GETS ABOVE APPROXIMATELY 300MB. YES, ONLY 300MB. THIS WAS REPORTED TO THEM ALREADY, THEY DON'T SEEM TO CARE
Summary
Good for most people who don't care to create multiple databases to store various bits of information or have just bits of information they want to hold on to. Again, not to exceed 300MB.
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"A super value for someone the needs a no-frills PIM"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 3.2
Pros
Very complete PIM system that included everything needed to track your personal or small business information. Can't comment about the mail program since I don't use it.
Cons
Limited formating for text and appointments. Updates are sometimes buggy and often require corrections.
Summary
This is an excellent "OUtlook" type PIM and you can't beat the price. The only difference between the free and pro version is the whistles and bells. I recommend it to all my friends and fellow volunteers. Easy learning curve if you have used a PIM before.
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"Great program"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 3.04
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
use everyday and has always worked great, worth every penny. -
"it is a nice useful tool"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 2.51
Pros
it is working at the opening of windows so we can remember the day's event's well
Cons
advanced utilities is paid one
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"Comeplete Garbage"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 2.51
Pros
None
Cons
1. My tasks kept disappearing for no reason.
2. When you search in it it misses some searches many times.
3. Every 3 or 4 days and sometimes when you don't click the yes button every day you'll get an update nag screen when you start windows, and there is absolutely no way to get rid of it.
4. It has options for syncing with outlook but it doesn't sync all, just a few contacts and tasks. Later i found out they sell another app just for accurate syncing with outlook. And it has pretty much tried to copy outlook design, but failed badly.
If you want a secure, free and awesome PIM, get Sunbird, its constantly improving, just look at their other product Firefox.
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"Great"
Version: EssentialPIM Pro 2.12
Pros
I love that you can customizes how ever you like. It's easy to use. Very helpful for keeping all your bills, appointments and outings all organized.
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