I am about to finally pull the trigger and move over from the PPC platform. Rogers here in Canada is selling the 7290 (quad-band with BT) for only CDN$99 (with a contract, but that's o.k.).

The 2 things that have really been keeping me back from the BB platform are my extensive use of ewallet and ListPro. I have yet to come across a similar program on the BB platform but now it seems as if both MiniSafe and/or Cryptmagic may do the trick as an ewallet replacement.

Has anyone tried the 2 and can anyone provide any comparison or comments? I think Cryptmagic is a little more expensive but they both now seem to have desktop components.

I was also an eWallet and ListPro user for years. I have CryptMagic now, and while it's decent, it's kind of slow. My biggest issue with it is the fact that when Desktop Manager backs up and restores the device (like when upgrading the OS), CryptMagic data never gets restored. I have to go into Backup and Restore/Advanced and restore it manually. Other than that, it does the job. I've never used MiniSafe, but I'm leery of any v1 product.

After several months of looking, I still haven't found a substitute for ListPro. If any developers are reading this thread, I think a good general-purpose list program would be well received in the BlackBerry community.

ListPro and ewallet are 2 programs that have literally kept me from switching out the PPC platform

If you don't max out your ListPro or eWallet, you may be happy with the four or five now available for BlackBerry. The software are:

BlackBerryOS 4 Password Keeper (basic)
Dynoplex eZcase
MiniSafe
CryptMagic

If somebody has tried out all 4 of them for comparision, please let me know which one is your favourite!

I've tried Password Keeper, and it's really too basic, unless you're only using it for passwords. However, if you're determined not to spend any money for a wallet app, you could make this one work. Unfortunately, none of these programs will replace ListPro. A while back, I sent an email to the developer of ShopMagic suggesting that it wouldn't be all that difficult to start with that app, strip the shopping stuff out, and turn it into a reusable checklist application (ListMagic...catchy, no?), but I never heard back. ListPro does a lot more than just reusable checklists, but that would be a good start.

Good point about Dynoplex eZcase. Mark or others, comparisons between Dynoplex eZcase, CryptMagic and MiniSafe? I too am looking to replace eWallet which was one of my most important PocketPC apps (as was ListPro).

I've been using Cryptmagic and have been pretty happy with it. I haven't noticed a speed issue with the program (other than the normal slowness of the 7100 BB). I ultimately chose that program over others as it doesn't confine you to storing data just within limited fields (i.e., I have some entries that area paragraph of text, or a table I pasted in).

On a side note, has anyone tried the desktop companion for Cryptmagic? It just came out, and I'm wondering how well it works.

Thanks

I am using the Desktop companion for Cryptmagic and it is working well. Not as good as Ewallet yet, but getting there.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry7520/4.0.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1)

I use EZsafe, and I have to say that in a tech support role having all my customer logins on my hip (securely) is one of my top used bb apps now that I have it in my rutine use, what a time saver!!

I have DL the trial version of CryptoMagic, both desktop and Handheld App. So far, I am pretty happy with it. I like the way the PPC platform displays information on the handheld itself, but I think that is just a platform specific issue. This may be a suitable replacement for ewallet.

Now if I could only find a replacement for ListPro, I'll be set!

This is the application I most missed so have looked at all four. The BB Password Keeper did not have enough fields. I did a trial of EZSafe when it first came out and it had some companion website to enter my pesronal data (Yikes!) if I remember right.

Right now I have Crypt Magic and MiniSafe loaded on the BB trying to decide between them.

MiniSafe is winning for me. It only has five fields plus a notes field to enter data in about each item but for each type of data field You can edit the names of those five fields to show what you need for that record. On the desk top version, if you put in the URL as one for the fields and that record is selected the website is direct clickable. It does not auto fill in the user name and password fields on the website like the Pocket PC Ewallets yet. This is on my wish list.

The other thing I like about the BB version of MiniSafe is that in the list mode you can view the item name and one field. I use this for a lot of records like frequent flyer info where when I open MiniSafe I want to see the Item name and the FF# right in the first screen. On CryptMagic I have to open the item or try to put the FF# in the item name and get the right amount of spaces to seperate it from the name. The BB Minisafe does not allow clicking on the website but I can copy and paste into the browser to get to those websites that for security I do not want in my bookmarks.

The sync of MiniSafe need a little work because it is not automatic. A screen pops after connecting the BB asking if you want to transfer recod from the BB to the PC or from the PC to BB but it does not appear to reconcile if you have mande changes in both PC and BB. Just have to be careful I guess. The other problem with sync is that you need to enter both the PC MiniSafe password and the BB MiniSafe password on the pop screen before it will sync, a little too much security! Maybe an option could be offered if you wanted to set up remeber me and auto one way sync? Also if you do not want to take the time to fill in the passwords adn tell it which direction to sync, you have to manually click cancel in order for IntelliSync to finish, maybe a time out if not action on that screen in ten seconds it should proceed.

Just thoughts so far on both programs. I am sure I have not learned every trick with both programs but will test them for a few more days with a few records before I pick one and put all my records in it.

Great review Workingmen

I am looking forward to your final pick a few days from now and your reasons why.

I have also been trying MiniSafe for the last week or so since the desktop version came out. I agree with Workingmen's review overall.

I like that you can customize the fields for different types of records and that you can display two fields in the list on the handheld. I don't like that there is no automatic two-way reconciliation yet, so the sync is not as automated as I'd like (but this is a version 1, so it'll hopefully get better). I actually like that it prompts for passwords before syncing. The import from SplashID worked pretty well with some care, although I did have to touch records that were not the standard "personal" or "business" categories.

Overall, I think that this is the replacement for SplashID that I've been looking for.

Can you give more details on what worked or didn't. I have about 15 Categories with items ranging from the 1-6 custom fields, plus notes. How did it do with the field names for each category? Did the notes come over ok? Is there a mapping function for the import? Thanks for your input

I did not have my categories set up before I did the import, so that was probably my problem.

There are 5 customizable fields in MiniSafe (not including type or category), and they came through fine (although with the wrong labels sometimes because I had custom types that I also hadn't set up first). There is a mapping function that shows you how fields will map on the import, and you should take some care with that.

I'm also a little paranoid, so I checked them all after the import anyway.

Anyone using eZCase? That seems to be a competitor to MiniSafe and CryptMagic, and AFAIK Dynoplex is a well regarded software vendor, so I would appreciate any input on eZCase or comparisons with MiniSafe or CryptMagic.

Hi all,

Thank you for all your feedback and support.

We have just released MiniSafe 1.3. MiniSafe 1.3 has the following enhancements:

• MiniSafe Desktop 1.1 with full two-way sync.
• Partial match description filtering.
• Sortable column in MiniSafe Desktop.
• Short-cut keys: press M to mask/unmask masked field; press ENTER to activate Icon Picker dialog or Password Generator dialog.
• Performance improvements.
• Bug fixes.

Check out the software at:
http://www.simprit.com/minisafe_bb/

I have downloaded the Minisafe program. I have successfully installed the Desktop version on my PC. However, when I go to the BB application loader in my Blackberry manager, it will not let me select the Minisafe application to install on my BB.
Anyone got a tip for me?

cryptmagic is far more superior to mini safe.

cryptmagic allows for 10 fields, completely customizable templates as well as different views (the tree view is the one i use)

most flexible in my opinion then minisafe

IMHO, I like CryptMagic better too

Aafter loading the MiniSafe Desktop version, did you Add the "minisafe_bb.alx" file to the Application Loader?

Jerry-TX,

Please give us more info (such as message prompted by Application Loader), so that we are able to troubleshoot your problem.

Visit the following website for common troubleshooting guide:
http://www.simprit.com/minisafe_bb/support_faq.html

You can also install MiniSafe for BlackBerry Over The Air (OTA). This is more easy to get MiniSafe for BlackBerry installed. See the following instructions:
- Use your WAP browser (for BlackBerry) to access the following link:
http://www.simprit.com/wap.wml
- Select MiniSafe (RIM BlackBerry) and follow the instructions to install the software on your handheld.


All,

Check out Advanced Description Filtering (as well as Type and Category Filtering). Advanced Description Filtering is very handy especially when your data set is big. We believe that you will like the features as much as we do.

FYI, we will increase number of customizable fields in the next release. Thank you for your feedback!

You can now find commentary on them from my tips page linked in my signature.

Both CryptMagic and Minisafe advertise the ability to import data from eWallet. Does either (or both) allow direct import from eWallet files to their data file through their desktop clients? Or, do you have to do an export from within eWallet to a .txt, .csv, or some other format file, and then import from that file into the desktop client? The ability to peform a direct import would be a big plus for me.

9.) Import data
Importing will wipe out your existing CryptMagic data on your BlackBerry and reset
the password for CryptMagic to “import” on the BlackBerry.
Currently we’re supporting following sources for import:
- eWallet (from Ilium Software) TXT export file
- SplashID (from SplashData) unencrypted VID file
- SplashID (from SplashData) CSV export file
- CSV generated by our CryptMagic_ImportData.xls excel sheet
9.1) Importing from E-Wallet
eWallet users should export from eWallet and generate a .txt file (should be similar to
the EWalletSampleFile.txt file installed in your CryptMagic Desktop folder).
I. Activate the Import Add-in only (see the picture below).
II. Start Sync (see the picture below)
III. Change the extension mask to “*.txt” (so that our add-in could recognize your
eWallet file) and select your import file.
IV. The progress bar is moving while importing your data (please be patient,
importing hundreds of entries will take some minutes and sometimes the
progress bar seems to stop)
V. At the end of the import process, you should see “Import was successful” dialog
VI. Start CryptMagic on your BlackBerry with “import” as password – now you
should see your imported data
VII. Change your password (from menu, select “Options”, highlight “Password”, click
the wheel and select “Change Password”), confirm your new password and wait
for the conversion to finish
VIII. Close CryptMagic on your BlackBerry
IX. Start CryptMagic Desktop
X. Change the password to the same as you set it in CryptMagic for BlackBerry
XI. Close CryptMagic Desktop
XII. Disable “Import Add-in” and enable “Desktop Synchronize Add-in”
XIII. Start Sync

I have not used it but it's there.

Cryptmagic claims their process protects your data more in the conversion process from steps that might leave it exposed.

Stinsonddog wrote
Thanks, Stinsonddog,

That wouldn't be a problem for a one-time conversion. However, I would like to continue to use eWallet for my desktop/Pocket PC secure information database. What I had hoped to do, was keep a copy of that database on my Blackberry as well because I have my Blackberry with me nearly all the time. (My Pocket PC is usually in my briefcase or in my car.) I would like to perform a periodic update of the Blackberry database from my desktop to keep all three (PC, PPC, & Blackberry) secure-databases synchronized.

Is import into Minisafe any easier?

I guess, what I really want is a Blackberry client for eWallet. (Illium says they "may consider creating one in the future.")

AL904,

eWallet database is a proprietary format, so we are not able to support direct import of eWallet database.

MiniSafe Desktop supports import of eWallet TXT export file only. eWallet TXT file is a free text file format and its format may be different in different version of eWallet. Therefore we support eWallet version 4.x TXT export file only as of now.

Note that you may perform import multiple times. However, it is difficult to get your data synchronized this way.

Check out MiniSafe software and download your free trial software at:
http://www.simprit.com/minisafe_bb/

Thanks, simprit! I may give it a shot, or I might wait for Illium to come out with a Blackberry version.

So which of these products does the best EXPORT itself? Each may be the flavour of the month, but if/when I want to migrate FROM one of these products, how do I get at my data without re-keying it all?

W

Minisafe is purported to do a csv export. Can anyone with Cryptmagic tell me if that has an export function, please?

W

They do a txt export and they have an ewallet example.

I agree. I trialed CryptMagic for about 3 days, then had to buy it. Good stuff. Love the desktop companion, the ability to create new templates, new fields, and customize it for my purposes. I also dig the tree view.

Very nice app!

I had some stability issues with Cryptmagic (can get the destop client to crash on closing when not giving it a file to open) and my import attempt of a CSV file just created corrupt data in CryptMagic on the BB, rather than saying the import failed/couldn't be done. I didn't follow the import process above properly but my experience of the result makes me fear the 'logic' in the product hasn't been quite sorted yet. And that makes me worry a bit about how robust the core functionality (of protecting my data) might be

Minisafe seems more robust, but the UI on the BB isn't as good IMHO, and it seems slower on the BB than CryptMagic.

So I actually want the CryptMagic UI and the Minisafe engine (even if it is a little slower). Doh!

Not sure which I'll go for at the moment. I wish the CryptMagic trial was longer

W

Are you sure you have the latest version? I have had no issues. Why is there no file to open. Did you delete the sample file. Read my comparison page carefully for some of the discussion on security. Also if you don't follow the instructions what might you expect?

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Yes, latest trial download. If I don't follow the instructions, I expect it not to work (ok), but I don't expect it to crash (not ok). I was just using it, not *trying* to break it...

After the import failed I deleted everything on the BB and re-synced. I then deleted the synced/corrupted copy on the PC (xml) and, as I had a backup of my old database (xml) file, I decided to open that to restore things to the state they were before the import. I was messing with the File Open dialogue and decided one time to cancel the operation. Instead of closing the app (as the dialogue I then got suggested would happen) it just crashed.

This isn't perhaps a normal usage model, I'd agree. But clearly it's broken/not tested as well as it might have been, and I wasn't trying to 'hack' the product in any way. Hence my worries above - i.e. if this has been missed, might other unexpected use leave my sensitive data exposed? I think that's a legitimate worry IF the testing has indeed been a bit sloppy (were the results of that final dialogue coming up EVER tested, I wonder, or maybe it's just my installation? What else has never been tested?, etc, etc)

As you say, I have a choice of products (and may end up with CryptMagic anyway!). No product is 100% bug free, but are bugs like the one I got reasonable to expect, is my point?

W

I'm currently using the open source Keepass

http://keepass.sourceforge.net/features.php

Unfortunately there's little prospect so far of a BB version, and it doesn't offer features such as field customisation. However its authors do seem to have thought very carefully about security on the PC end, with features such as:

In-memory passwords protection: your passwords are encrypted while KeePass is running, so even if Windows caches the KeePass process to disk, this wouldn't reveal your passwords anyway.
Security-enhanced password edit controls: KeePass is the first password safe that has security-enhanced password edit controls. None of the available password edit control spies work against the controls used in KeePass. The passwords entered in those controls aren't even visible in the process memory of KeePass.
Timed clipboard clearing: KeePass can clear the clipboard automatically some time after you've copied one of your passwords into it.
Protection against clipboard monitors: other applications won't get notifications that the clipboard content has been changed.
Paste-once functionality: allow only one paste operation, after pasting the clipboard is cleared automatically by KeePass.

Do either CryptMagic or MiniClip claim these kind of features for their PC clients? Such features would make me more comfortable... as would the PC client side being open source...

W

I've been using Minisafe for several months now and am very satsfied with it. Although I have seen some issues with reliability in some respects.

Although simprit doesn't officially list the 8700 as a compatible device, I've had no problems. Same performance as on my 7290.

I have seen some duplicate entries popping up. THis is completely random but has happened a few times now so I know it wasn't me accidentally duplicating the entry. Perhaps this is a known bug? Or an unknown one.

I have also seen entries disappear on sync. On one occasion this actually proved to be a problem for me. And it has now made me a little paranoid that I am going to loose entries so I back up my minisafe to a text file quite often just to be sure I'm not losing anything.

Also, the desktop version NEVER locks itself despite being set to lock after 2 minutes. It used to secure on its own. now I can leave it running for days and it'll never lock again. The self-securing function on the rim is flawless, however- and frankly that's what's important.

Other than the two bugs, which I hope are known and will be addressed in future releases, I really like minisafe. And the email reponse from their support is quite fast. I had to get new keys for two pin changes and in both cases, i got a response within hours of my request.

I love the customization of the default list view. The search function on the default screen is very useful. Customization of fields is great. THis is a really well designed and thought out program. Despite the smal issues above, I still prefer minisafe to the other apps available for the berry at this time. ALthough, I agree that it still falls short of the pocket PC apps that are available.

Looking forward to future versions. FYI I am using V. 1.5.0.141.

Hi ShaneToronto,

Thank you for your comments.

Can you send more information about your problem to ? so that we are able to look into the problem in more details. We had not received any bug report as you mentioned. If you are able to re-produce the problem you mentioned, we will get the problem solved asap.

DO NOT backup your security sensitive data to a text file. This is not secure. You can backup MiniSafe Deskop database file instead. MiniSafe Desktop database file is in encryption format, which is protected by your master password.

Default MiniSafe Desktop database file is located in "My Documents"\MiniSafe folder, file name is minisafe.msf. You can copy the file and rename it to minisafe-bak.msf. If you want to restore your data from backup, rename the minisafe-bak.msf file to minisafe.msf will do.


Hi all,

We will release a few new products in the following months. MiniSafe will also be improved and new features will be added. Thank you for your feedback.

I'm thinking of 'circumming' to CryptMagic. Is any discount offered to forum members?

W