PDA Software Review: Splash Shopper

Splash Shopper is essentially a list-writing program. From grocery lists to travel checklists, Splash Shopper allows you to create custom lists directly on your PDA. You then have the convenience of portability; your lists are with you wherever you go.

Features

Each master list you create and that comes with the software has a list of items. There are two screens for each list: "All," which is a list of every item, and "Need," a screen where items are transferred when you check them on the All list. This simple feature is what makes this PDA software so easy to use. For example, when creating a grocery list, you no longer need to look through your cupboards to try to figure out what needs replenishing.

Simply glance through the master grocery list, check the items that you do need, and you have created a customized grocery list. When you get to the store, view your "Need" list, and check off the items as you purchase them. They remain on the "All" master list so that they will be there for your next list making session.

Splash Shopper includes a search bar, so that you can search for any item on your list. The PDA software also features a coupon check box, so that you can remember which items you have a coupon for.

Another great feature of the Splash Shopper PDA software is the ability to organize entries. In the grocery list, you can go so far as to enter different stores and their corresponding aisles for different items. You can then sort your need list by aisle, thus speeding up your shopping time. Sorting the lists is a great feature. You can group items together by category so that they are easily found while shopping.

Shopping with a PDA can be cumbersome; trying to hold the PDA and stylus while pushing a cart is a bit tricky, especially if shopping with children. So Splash Shopper has built into their PDA software a "no-stylus mode" so that a user is able to check off lists using only the keypad controls.

Types of Lists

The number of lists you create is limitless, and the possibilities are endless. Splash Shopper comes with lists for books, movies, gifts, clothes, travel items, and more. You can create to-do lists, moving checklists, and any other list you can think of.

This great PDA software comes with a special feature, called "quicklists." Quicklists allow you to make a list within a list. For example, if you have a favorite recipe that you like to make, you can easily make a list just for the ingredients of that recipe within the master Grocery list. Go into your grocery list, check the items needed for your quicklist, and then click on "quick." The ingredients for your recipe will automatically appear.

Usability and Customer Support

This PDA software has an intuitive interface that is extremely user-friendly. The program opens to the master list of lists, from where you can pick which lists you want to go into. The software comes with a desktop application as well, so that you can sync your PDA lists to your computer. If you experience any problems, SplashData's website includes FAQs, contact information for customer support, and the Splash Shopper user guide.

Creation and Editing of Lists and List Items

In the Splash Shopper PDA software, custom lists are provided for you. You can edit or delete these lists at any time. You can also create new lists. Creation of lists is simple; simply click "Options" and "New List" and enter the desired parameters. Checking off items in your master list only requires tapping on each item, and crossing off items in your need list is just as easy.

Weaknesses

With its simplicity of use, multiple list options, and great features, Splash Shopper leaves little, if anything, to be desired. It's great for anyone trying to stay more organized, for frequent listmakers, even for environmentalists, for all the paper it saves. This PDA software is an overall success.

Price

The current price is $29.95, and it is available from www.splashdata.com. Splash Shopper software is available for Palm (Palm OS), Pocket PCs, Smartphones, and Blackberries. The Palm Software Store often has a two for one deal as well, where you can buy one SplashData PDA software program, and get one free.