Rating:

This is a review of SafeWallet Pro v1.1 from SBSH.

Review Conditions

SafeWallet Pro was installed on a Nokia E71, an S60 3rd edition FP1 device and a Windows XP desktop.

Installation

The installation process of the SafeWallet desktop application also includes the installation of the .sisx file to the mobile, if its already connected to the desktop via Bluetooth or USB cable.

First View

We need to remember a lot of stuff for our daily activities, like credit card numbers, bank accounts, passwords, etc. Given that the mobile is a constant companion, is it safe to store all personal information in the mobile? In what format? What happens if the mobile is stolen? Will the threat of the loss of the mobile deter us from using the mobile as an information bank containing all our personal information? Read on to find out if SafeWallet Pro can help us to use the mobile as an information bank.

Main Review

The days of storing information in a notepad on the mobile have long gone. We realize the danger of storing information in plain text. SafeWallet allows you to store all private information in a password encrypted fashion, securely in the mobile for ready access. The SafeWallet application for the mobile comes along with a companion application for the Windows desktop to keep the mobile wallet synchronized with the desktop.

The database or Wallet, that contains the records can be created on the desktop in any desired location with a password. The Wallet creation wizard tests the strength of the password and lets you know if its strong enough.

SafeWallet allows you to create multiple Wallets with different kinds of records. Each Wallet is distinct and can be managed with different passwords.

A Wallet or a record can also be created on the mobile and synced back to the desktop. I prefer to create, edit and manage all records on the desktop and sync them to the mobile. I used my mobile only for viewing the records when required. Obviously, managing the records from the desktop is easier and I could provide a lot more details for a record on the desktop.

Categories and fields

SafeWallet has 25 custom templates with appropriate fields for various types of records – from bank accounts to spectacle prescription.

Synchronizing with the mobile

Synchronizing a Wallet between the desktop and the mobile is a one-touch operation and is as simple as the PC Suite synchronization.  The mobile must already be connected to the PC via Bluetooth or the cable. But the sync happens only if the SafeWallet application on the mobile is closed!! While there is a message that warns that sync will happen only if SafeWallet is closed, if we forget to close it, there is no warning that sync failed. There is also no progress bar or status bar that shows the number of records changed/updated in the mobile or the desktop database. I had to check the mobile to make sure any new changes I made in the desktop are reflected on the mobile too.

When the sync application finds a Wallet not present either on the desktop or the mobile, it notifies the new Wallet and get the user’s input on how the Wallet should be managed.

Import / Export

A very vital feature of SafeWallet is the import of records from other applications, like HandySafe. I exported the HandySafe records to SafeWallet very easily. This allows easy migration. The icons for the records are not created automatically and if you are particular about having the right icons for the records, you need to modify them manually. I created a Wallet for my handysafe records and then moved them to another Wallet after modifying the icons, fields (if required), etc. This is not absolutely necessary and you may choose not to do this.

Application Security

After a few minutes of being open, the desktop application pops up a message with an Auto-lock warning. The mobile application is also secure. Whenever its brought back from running in the background, you need to enter the password to view records. SafeWallet also has a password generator that helps in generating passwords with special characters, numbers, etc.

Handling

SafeWallet is simple and easy to use.  In a short time you can become very familiar the application. Relevant fields are available in each category template and the fields are also customizable. New fields can also be added in the records.

Weaknesses

Sync progress and details of the records that were synced are not displayed. This is not exactly a weakness but improves the user’s experience.

Conclusion

Mobile users increasingly use the mobiles as an information bank, jotting notes on the go, store calendar events and their private information like bank accounts, passwords, etc. Its absolutely important to maintain the private information in a secure manner and this need is addressed very effectively by SafeWallet. SafeWallet is a must have application for all smart phone users. Its available here for trial for purchase at $24.95.