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(Last edited Dec 15, 2007)

First of all, a BIG THANKS to David of TraxItAll for providing the product for this review.

I must admit that I have not heard of the program before I was contacted by David. Thanks to him I had the opportunity to try out TraxItAll, a tracking program that is very easy to use and maintain to keep track of your daily activities, set up a goal, and give you a report of your progress.

TraxItAll is a goal tracking database software program for the Palm devices that is very simple, straightforward and easy to use. If you are familiar with inputting data into a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel, you will be able to easily figure out how to use this program since it’s layout is very similar to that of a spreadsheet with its grid patttern in columns and rows.

The program is straightforward and easy to use. You simply enter in the data directly into the box or more specifically, the cell. At any time, you can get the program to provide you with a report (monthly, quarterly, yearly, customized) that shows you details of whatever you’re tracking and whether you are “on track” to meeting your goal, and provide you with detailed information and breakdown of the data.

To enhance the functionality of the tracking software, there is also TraxItAll XT, a Windows desktop module (free upgrade) that allows you to view your data in Windows, print out the customized reports. There is a one time setup required where you import the database from your Hotsync backup folder but once it’s done, the information will be update in the Windows version each time you do a hotsync so that both versions will have the same data.

For those who want to skip over all the detailed review and just want a summary, you can jump to the review summary

There are various ways to input your data in the cell. The easiest and fastest is to simply tap the cell with your stylus. Normally, the first tap you make will register as the pinpointing tap. The next stylus tap it detects will start the counting, starting at 0 and it will increase by 1 with each subsequent tap. This is probably the singlemost easiest and effortless way to input a data. No longer valid are excuses about having to deal with Graffiti 2 or the keys.

The second way to input data into the program is by inputting the numbers via the keys if you have a Treo. Unfortunately, you do have to press the blue options button to specify the numeric keypad or it will input the default lowecase letters. That can be a bit annoying. Hopefully the developer can change that.

The third way to input data into the program is via Graffiti 2. On Treos, you must first install Graffiti Anywhere before you can input Graffiti 2 strokes on the screen. But once you do, inputting via Graffiti 2 can be very quick, especially if you are familiar with Graffiti 2. I have previously discussed and demonstrated Graffiti Anywhere in this posting so if you’re not familiar with it, you can read that posting for more information.

TraxItAll has two different parts: a Palm OS version, which allows you to do the tracking on your Palm device, and TraxItAll XT (for “External”), which is a Windows desktop module which allows you import all the data from your TraxItAll program into Windows, so that you can print out a full report or export it into your spreadsheet program and use the data in the way you want. TraxItAll XT is a free add-on to the Palm OS program

Video of TraxItAll

Video at YouTube

This video will demonstrate and show the Palm OS version of the TraxItAll program on a Palm Treo smartphone.

TraxItAll

The following Flash simulation will demonstrate the Windows desktop module of the TraxItAll XT program.

Simulation of TraxItAll XT Desktop version

The simulation will play through to the end unless I’ve inserted a pop up note to explain specific points.

To continue playing the simulation, press the or button.
To go back to a previous paused segment, click on the or button.
To pause the simulation at any time, press the button. To continue after it’s paused, press the button again.

To scroll forward or backward in the simulation, click anywhere on the left (to go back earlier in the simulation), or right (to go forward in the simulation) on the progress bar.

Here are my observations:

First of all, I like this program. It’s relatively small in size and does the job well. But, if you are not familiar with the spreadsheet grid like format layout, you may find it somewhat difficult to get used to. Since I have always done my database tracking via spreadsheet, I felt right at home.

Second, again, the spreadsheet layout isn’t the most prettiest and a lot of people who want a program that “looks” nice will be disappointed because this program’s emphasis is to track data and the best way to track data without taking up too much RAM is to make it just functional without bloating it with lots of eye catching graphics. If you want something that looks nice, you may not like this program because it does look very plain and boring. For me, I don’t mind it since I’d much rather get something small and functional than something that looks nice.

Third, I love how this program allows me to easily input numeric or toggle between a Yes or No data simply by tapping on the cell. I don’t have to fight with Graffiti 2 or press the Options key and then the number key to input a number. I love it when programmers make it easy for the end user to just do things quickly without a lot of taps or hassle.

Here are some suggestions (keep in mind these are just my opinions).

Automatic numeric key selection when inputting in the cells

One of the things I hope that a later update or release can improve upon is the ability to simply input a numeric number without having to press the Options key. Or, at least, be able to indicate that when I’m selecting a cell to input data that I’m currently in the regular character or small caps mode so that I remember to press the Options key so that it doesn’t come up with the letter ‘e’ instead of the number ‘1′.

(EDIT. Dec 15, 2007) Looks like this behavior is due to Graffiti Anywhere installed. Thanks to David of TraxItAll, it looks like he figured out that it was due to Graffiti Anywhere. So, one way to deal with this is to temporarily disable Graffiti Anywhere in TraxItAll, so that you can input via the numeric keypad without having to press the Option button. Or, simply just input via Graffiti 2 on the screen if you don’t use the buttons for inputting. It’s up to you. And it’s very easy to enable and disable Graffiti Anywhere. For me, I simply tap on the bottom left corner and it’s either turned on or off. Simple. Thanks for the heads up, David!

Provide an area where I can specify the units of measurement

I have found that the program was lacking a field where I can specify the unit of measurement. To make it work for me, I ended up having to put in a “/” and then the unit so that I know what unit I am tracking. For example, for Tai-Chi, I had to put the name as “Taich/n” since the title can only show up to 7 characters. That way, I was able to note that it was the number of times I did the entire Tai-chi movement. For others, I’d have to change them to “/m” for minutes, or “/h” for number of hours, and so on.

Improve the navigation icons

Improve upon the navigation icons so that it’s easier for someone to figure it out. I have to disclose that I had no idea what those blocks were at first. Of course, it’s not hard to figure out if you tap on it once you have some data but originally when it was a blank new sheet, I didn’t know what they represented.

Provide color selection and customization

I think that if the end user can select the color of the columns and rows that it can improve the look of the program. Also along those lines is the possibility that you can set specific triggers or filters where certain data or entries in the cells can be easily seen or noticed if triggered. For example, if you didn’t meet a daily or weekly goal that the background of the cell or even just the number or data itself can be red in color or whatever color they wish.

Review Summary

TraxItAll is a great, simple to use and straightforward database tracking software that allows you to keep track of any kind of information such as your exercise regiment, habits, etc. It’s a great tool to have to help you pinpoint where your time is spent, where you are in terms of your goals, helping you set up a goal and achieve it and much more.

I especially like how the program allows you to simply tap on the screen in the relevant cell and it will automatically register it and increment your count by one. No longer do you have the excuse of trying to blame Graffiti 2 or keys or whatever to avoid inputting your data. It’s as simple as one or a few taps on the screen and you have done your goal tracking input for the day. How much more simpler can it be?

The program isn’t eye candy but it just simply works. I would hope that future updates can add more functionality such as color customization, triggers and filters so that the end user can easily track down specific areas that needs attention. As a simple database and chronological goal tracking program, this works.

They offer a 30 day trial (very rare with most software nowadays) so you can try it for an entire month before you have to purchase it.

I have no affiliation with TraxItAll but greatly thank David of TraxItAll for providing the program. You can check out TraxItAll here.

For a limited time, they are currently offering a Summer Sale: 20% off of the regular price of $35 until Thursday, August 30th! Free upgrades until version 2.0! Purchase them here.

EDITED. TraxItAll has extended the sale to September 30th!

CLEARANCE SPECIAL - ONLY $79.99 for the Palm® Z22 Open Box handheld from Palm! Hurry, while supplies last.

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