I don’t have to tell you that it’s becoming increasingly critical to have solid management on your finances. If I do have to tell you, you probably have too much money…and you need to give some to the rest of us. It’s all about budget tracking; capturing what’s coming in and what’s going out. Sure, it’s a pain, but it’s a necessary pain if you want to make sure you know what you can afford. Lil’ Timmy won’t be able to play hockey if you’re loading your BlackBerry smartphone and/or PlayBook with paid apps (sorry Timmy, sacrifices have to be made).
Mobile Checkbook is a widely known, highly favoured personal accounting application for BlackBerry smartphones. Both Kerri and I have reviewed the application in the past and it’s safe to say that both of us are big fans. Mobile CheckBook was recently updated for version 4.5 with some impressive features. One of which is a fully integrated, cloud-based backup/restore option. There are a few more additions to touch on, which we will have a look at after the jump. To (hopefully) save you from repetitive information, check out Kerri’s review, check out my review and read on for more goodies!
In case you skipped out of reading both reviews (for shame!), Mobile CheckBook was developed by Mobatech, the same brains behind Datepedia and Mobile Bartender. Again, Mobile CheckBook was updated to version 4.5, which has a file size of roughly 1.3MB. It’s available for BlackBerry smartphones running OS 4.2 or higher.
Cost: $4.99
Rating in CrackBerry App Store: 4/5
Rating in BlackBerry App World: 4.5/5
Integrated, cloud-based Backup & Restore solution
Before you can choose to backup or restore your data, you need to create a free account. Luckily, you can do this from within Mobile CheckBook. From the menu, select Backup/Restore. For your security, the restore process requires you to enter in your password (the one you used when creating your account).With this option, you data is safe, as long as you remember you account details. Your details will also follow you if you wipe your BlackBerry smartphone or swap to a different model.
Balances on main menu screen
You may notice that account balances now show up on the main menu of Mobile Checkbook. This was added as a quick reference, rather than having to access each type of account. Now there is an option to remove from the settings menu if you want to keep prying eyes away from your finances. Honestly though, remember that you can enable password protection, requiring you to enter in your password before even accessing the application. If you use that, is there really a need to hide your balances? Speaking of passwords, another feature is the single password solution – the same password used for logging in and backup/restore.
Reset Account feature
Mobatech added a convenient shortcut that allows you to reset your account balance and erase its transactions. This feature does require you to confirm your decision, so don’t worry about accidently resetting the balances. All I can say is make sure you back up often…just in case. This option sure beats removing an account altogether.
Other additions include some small, but important changes. A comma has been added as a separator for transaction amount ($25000.00 will now read as $25, 000.00). The default currency list was updated slightly; the Indian Rupee was replaced by the Indonesian Rupiah and the South African Rand was added. During transaction reconciliation, Mobile Checkbook now includes a Mark All option – definitely adding much needed efficiency.
Mobile Checkbook keeps on getting better and better. It also proves why it’s the top personal accounting application for BlackBerry smartphones. Both new and existing users will love the new Backup/restore and single password features, which adds safety and security. Mobile CheckBook is currently on sale for $4.99 at the CrackBerry App Store.
Contest: We have 10 copies of Mobile Checkbook to giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment below to be entered. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST.
More information/download Mobile Checkbook for BlackBerry smartphones
