Solo Technology

Password Safe has been my password keeper of choice for well over a year now. I keep it on my USB key and it helps my weak memory. It is pretty simple to use, loads quick and has nice features that help it keep itself secure. I keep it on a USB key for easy access.

Sucks when I forget my USB key at work though. I’m at home, trying to remember a password with little success. Frustrating.

While pondering that very scenario earlier tonight, I happened to glance at my cell phone. Ah look, a Windows Mobile 6 device that goes everywhere I do… seems like maybe I should consider looking for applications to run on it instead of a key. I mean seriously, I don’t leave home without it (same cannot be said for my inactive American Express card!).

The app would, ideally, be able to sync to a PC. Or, at a minimum, at least sync the data even if there isn’t a PC client. I used to run one many moons ago on my Pocket PC’s. Can’t recall the name, but it was slick.

In fact, the more I think about it, a PC client is a high priority. Password Safe has a nice feature: Double-click the item in the “safe” and the password is dropped into the clipboard, ready to paste. To be honest, for some sites I no longer have a clue what the password is. I just launch the safe, double-click, alt-v and hit enter. I like that. And yes, it clears the clipboard after the paste.

Lots of choices, some silly pricing, but I may have a quest to embark on. Stay tuned for more — and if you have ideas (especially cheap or free) I’m all ears. Open source? Yeah, that would rock but I’m not holding my breath.

6 Responses to “Password Tracking Mobile Style”

1. MattJhsn on January 15th, 2008 12:32 pm
   

   I use spashID from splashDATA for a the few years without a problem. It has version for Palm OS,
   Pocket PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone, BlackBerry, Symbian UIQ, Series 60 and syncs with a custom XP or Mac OSX desktop application. I think I paid $30 or something. http://splashdata.com/splashid/index.asp The mac version though does not sync with your mac keychain, which would be a really nice feature.

2. Chris Kasten on January 15th, 2008 10:24 pm
   

   Hey Matt!

   SplashID looks interesting, I might have to give the trial a shot while I figure out the pricing (looks like 50 bux to have it on phone and PC?).

3. MattJhsn on January 16th, 2008 10:26 pm
   

   Hi Chris!

   I think it is $30 for the mobile version and that includes the desktop version and the sync module. The $20 desktop version I think is an offering for people that don’t have a mobile device.

   That’s how I remember it anyway. Once you buy one mobile version, the others are $19 each. For example if you switch from your WinMobile to a Blackberry the change would cost you $10.

   Yes they have a 30 day trial so do make sure it works for you. I know they have import functions too from other password managers.

   Have a good one! Saw your twitter. Yay snow.
   -Matt Johnson

4. MattJhsn on January 16th, 2008 10:28 pm
   

   (above, $10 each additional platform, not $19)

5. Chris Kasten on January 17th, 2008 8:05 pm
   

   Thanks for the updates Matt. Looks to be about the same trial and price as eWallet, the software I used several years ago.

   Now I just need a chance to try ‘em both.

6. enaid1962 on February 2nd, 2008 7:47 pm
   

   Chris
   After reading your article, I think I need to look into my password usage and do some revamping. I am going to do some research and get my act together. Thanks for the heads up and suggestions.

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