HAN-D-SOLUTIONS.COM review

The dotpocket by Aurorisoft Inc.

Well, this was one of the hardest products that I had to review. When I was sent this program for review, I had no idea what to expect. First the name alone gave me a false impression. I thought “The dotPocket”. Just another one of those simple utilities with a fancy name and no substance. Boy was I wrong.

I had struggled the past 2 weeks to try and complete a full review. I had written over 6 pages worth of information. After comparing the facts with the information at www.dotpocket.com, I realized Aurorisoft has most of the details already available on the Aurorisoft’s website. Therefore what I decided was on more of an overview and my rating on the products quality.

Basically this application is a program that allows you to control your PocketPC from your desktop. Added features like screen rotation, screen resolution adjustments, quick file transfers, network access with data encryption, and much more. Lots of features, just too many to cover here that I would rather send you to Aurorisoft’s excellent website for the details. The image to the left shows dotpocket running under Windows XP.

This program is an asset to anyone that programs for the PocketPC. Imagine having a screen similar to the PocketPC emulator on your desktop but this is the real thing instead. Therefore testing your creations live on the PocketPC while controlling and viewing as if you were running the application on the emulator is a real benefit. As all developers know, the emulator is not a true indicator of how stable or not your application will perform on the real PocketPC. With the Dotpocket, it is the real thing but viewed on your desktop.

As a reviewer, creating screen shots directly from the desktop made my life so mush easier. No more loading of a PocketPC utility, taking a screen shot and Activesyncing the file over to the PC. All I do now is create a screen shot directly onto the desktop from the desktop.

As you can see with the image on the left, the screen capture is 100 % of what's viewed on the actual PocketPC.

For someone that has a number of program to install, you can make the PocketPC side of the installation that much simplier using Dotpocket. Since the PocketPC is directly controllable from the desktop, the final PocketPC install requirements are handled from the PC. Try holding the PocketPC while the unit is Activesynced to the PC using the cradle. Very awkward to hold and use the stylus at the same time..

I can say that Dotpocket is very stable and full of features. I was not able to find fault with it except for one issue which is the screen resolution setting of 2000 X 2000.

Yes 2000 X 2000. Maybe since my iPAQ 3650 was low in memory that it lacked the sufficient free memory to support this screen resolution. My iPAQ would freeze on restart and I would have to soft reset. Otherwise, the application functions flawlessly as stated by the manufacturer. Everything you need to know about the program and how to use it is clearly explained to you on their website. There is no real need to read the HELP or spend time referring to the documentations.

The program is well thought out and straight forward. The envy of any developer like myself. Hats off to all the developers at Aurorisoft Inc. for creating such an excellent application.

This is one application worth having as a tool to enhance the PocketPC’s already robust functionality. Specially when the price is only $30 USD. I am looking forward to Aurorisoft’s future products.

Cons

Only 1 minor issue. Some resolution and screen rotation settings prevent the proper viewing of the initial password entry screen. This only applies to users that use password protection built into Windows CE. You can resolve this by doing a soft reset or disabling Dotpocket before turning the PocketPC off.

Pros

Screen rotation in clock wise and anti clock directions

Directional pad makes moving around the screen very intuitive

Common clip board

Easy file transfers to and from the PocketPC

Screen capture of the PocketPC screen from the desktop is very useful when creating reviews and program documentations

Works well with the Pocketop wireless keyboard. Click here to see a review on the Pocketop

I rate this product 10 of 10 even though I was not able to access the 2000 X 2000 screen resolution. This program has many extra features not found on other remote or screen rotation software programs. This application by Aurorisoft Inc. is a real winner and a great addition to any PocketPC enthusiast.

PRODUCT RATING

The total rating for this product is 10 out of 10

Dotpocket is the first product I have reviewed that has received a perfect score. Even 10+ in some of the categories. With version 1.4 of Dotpocket being of the highest level of excellence, the manufacturer will have their hands full when trying to produce version 2. I am really looking forward to seeing what else they can add or improve upon an already useful product. Thanks to Aurorisoft inc. for creating such a professional application.

Tested and review written by Bob Katayama