Software We Just Love

(CBS)  by Resident Technologist Dan Dubno

Call them our new favorites. Software titles that, although relatively new, have won over our hearts with their simplicity, and their ability to turn heads while making us look like we're working really, really hard.

First on the list is Apple's iSync. While officially still in beta testing, this free software download gives Mac users the ability to keep contact and calendar information up-to-date on their computers, Palm handhelds and even iPod music players. iSync requires membership in Apple's paid .mac subscription service, and since it's still only a beta release, we can't really say it's ready for prime time yet... but bottom line: it works for us and we like it.

Next, we just love Groove Network. This online software allows coworkers to collaborate in virtual workspaces, to share contact information, calendars, files, even real-time chats over the internet. In fact, this very segment was put together using Groove Network's software. While I worked dayside in New York City, my producer - who works nights - was home in New Jersey. We both worked on the same documents at the same time, and compared notes. Great stuff. The basic version costs $49.

Another helpful contact package is Good Contacts. This $49 download sends and email - which you can customize - to all of your contacts in your Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express address book. It shows each contact the information you have about them, and asks them to update it and send it back. It's extraordinarily helpful, except when it comes to those in your address book you've forgotten you'd rather not talk with again. You'll probably get a rude email or call from them asking where you've been. Other than that, it's very helpful in keeping contact information up to date.

Vindigo is a handheld staple that we talked about a while ago. But now that version 2.0 is out, we're even more happy with it. For about $25 a year, you can access what amounts to a complete city guide for about 50 cities. The information goes right to your Palm or Pocket PC, and gives you highly detailed information about the locations and quality of local restaurants, movies... even public bathrooms. Download the free trial. It's worth another look.

Finally, there's Download Accelerator. This free software integrates with Internet Explorer to help seek out and download software. The package finds the program you're looking for on several sites, then downloads from each of them, giving you speeds about 10 times faster than what you might get without it. A gem of a program, and for $29, the souped-up version is worth the price.