Pocketmoney for the iPhone/iPod; always at the tips of your fingers

You are on the road and out of WiFi range and are in a poor data reception site, but want to know what you have in your bank account. What are you to do ? Well if you already downloaded PocketMoney by Catamount Software, you would be covered.

So how was the testing done ? It was downloaded on an iPod Touch 2g. The import/export feature (explained later in the article) was tested with MS Money 07 on a Windows Vista desktop.

Once it was installed, we found to be quite intuitive and easy to get around. This is such an easy to navigate application, that even a novice use.

If you are a dejected MS Money user or a disgruntled Quicken user, listen up ! Pocket Money is a fraction of the cost and provided for easy import from and export to those two programs, despite MS Money being discontinued. That process is extremely easy and when done, had no issues with either the import or export. Catamount Software has put together a great video to show you how to do just that.

It is not just a bare bones app. You are getting a full featured application that will allow you to manage your personal finances on higher levels than expected. Their site @ www.catamount.com boasts several features that include (but not limited to);

• Track an unlimited number of accounts (checking, credit cards, savings, assets, liabilities)
• Repeating transactions (PocketMoney can auto enter your salary every other Friday).
• Budgets
• Email new transactions to your spouse to keep each other updated at all times
• Split transactions.
• Supports Withdrawal, Deposit, and Transfer transactions.
• Generate expense reports & pie charts.
• Auto-complete transaction based on Payee.
• Turn on multiple currency support if you are frequent traveler.
• Post transactions from MPG, CheckPlease and other iReceipt compatible apps.
• Enter a PIN to protect your data.
• Built in backup and restore over local WiFi network. (Requires SyncDocs)
• Import and export QIF & TDF files over local Wi-Fi network. (Requires SyncDocs)

Testing was extremely simple. Once downloaded, it was an easy start up. For testing purposes, a new account was create and several transactions done. After that the reporting and charting capabilities were looked at and we were quite impressed. Now that the testing was done and Pocket Money show why they should get a 5 star rating from us, it was time to use it for real.

After watching the video on their site on importing and exporting to and from MS Money, it was time to replace the now obsolete and un-supported MS Money. The MS Money file was exported as the video had shown, The directions were followed to a "T" and there was no corruption, duplication or errors going in either direction.

This is a tremendous app that will put all your financial date in the palm of your hand. Catamount is not stranger to Apple and their OS's, as their relationship started with Apple with the advent of the Newton. They have been successfully delivering apps ever since..

Pocket Money is available in the iTunes app store. There is also a limited feature 'Lite' version for free.

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