Balance (Free)
Version 1.2.2
REVIEW – “A level-headed approach to bookkeeping”
Balance is a simple app for the iPhone and iTouch, which replaces the traditional ledger with a convenient program. Like many other well made apps, Balance keeps the frills to a minimum giving the user a very clean and intuitive interface to work with.
At first launch, the user is prompted to either create a password or disable this security feature. The iPhone of course has a global password, which may be enabled but gets rather annoying when prompted to input it every single time you want to get into your device. The option to keep this potentially sensitive information private without disrupting access to the rest of the device gets marks up in my book. Passwords may be either purely numeric or alphanumeric and is only asked for when the program is launched, so be warned that if you put your iPhone to sleep while you have the app open your information will not be protected.
Once the password is selected, you need to set up your balance. To do this simply tap the “+” button at the top left and you will be met with a new screen. You have a few different fields for your new transaction, a name, amount, date, whether it’s a withdrawal or a deposit, and notes. When you have all the information set and return to the main screen, the new transaction will appear and the total balance at the bottom will be updated. Additions show up in black, withdrawals in red. The edit button in the top right of the app brings up a familiar way to delete transactions. (Think about deleting emails, or text messages.)
There are some very simple settings accessed through the gear icon in the bottom right of the screen. You can sort transactions by earliest or most recent, and change the password settings.
Balance has a feature which allows you to export information to a computer and then into a number of spreadsheet programs such as Excel and Apple’s Numbers. To initiate the procedure, tap the arrow in the bottom left and choose “Export Transactions.” This may be done by emailing yourself the data or, over a wifi network which your computer is also connected to. Using the wifi involves typing in an IP address into a web browser and manually choosing whether you are on a Mac or PC and what program you are using every time you want to import data. While the instructions on how to properly execute this are very clear, it can get tedious after some time. The system certainly has room for improvement.
One big gripe for this app is the ability to track only one balance. Most people have a checking and a savings account but, as of now, you must choose which one you want to keep track of. As with the export feature, I see a lot of room for improvement here such as being able to switch between different accounts, seeing your total balance across all accounts, etc.
Overall, Balance is a very clean, smoothly operating app with plenty of room to grow and become even more useful. For those of us who either don’t want to lug around a physical ledger, or had never thought of keeping track of transactions ourselves, this app provides an easy solution.
- Andrew C.
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Developer – Connor Wakamo
URL – http://web.me.com/cwakamo/Connor_Wakamos_Software/Balance.html
DEVELOPERS NOTES
Balance is an application designed to help you keep track of the balance of one of your accounts. Intended to replace a paper-based checkbook register, Balance maintains a list of credits and debits to your account. When you enter a new transaction, Balance automatically recalculates the account’s balance. You can protect your information with a password. Balance also allows you to export your transactions to your computer. With Balance, you’ll always know how much money you’ve got in your account so you can avoid overdraft fees.
What’s New in Version 1.2.1 (released Apr. 3, 2009)
Fixed a bug that caused the number pad not to appear on the amount entry screen on some devices.
What’s New In Version 1.2 (released Mar. 24, 2009)
Export via a Web browser
Balance now allows you to export your transactions via a Web browser, like Safari or Internet Explorer. This feature requires you to be connected via Wi-Fi to the same network as the computer you are exporting to. If you cannot connect via Wi-Fi, the old email-based system is still available.
Improved Amount Entry Screen
The amount entry screen has been improved. The second decimal field has been eliminated. To enter 238.54, for example, you would type 2 3 8 5 4, and Balance automatically adds the decimal point between the 8 and the 5.
Improved International Support
A bug has been fixed which prevented currencies without decimal values to work properly.
An option to “Delete All Transactions” has been added.
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© 2009, amy. All rights reserved.