kmlawson wrote:
Thanks to the developers for making it clear that they are working on a solution for iPod/iPhone owners. I think they realize what kind of huge demand there is out there for this kind of desktop+mobile solution.
However, I do urge them to make this a priority. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who is frustrated with the fact that I want to keep track of my spending but have to remember or take notes on my purchases during the day so I can input them in the evening. It is far more convenient to be able to do this on the road. That being the case, there are numerous occasions where I have come very close to thinking about abandoning Checkbook Pro, which I'm quite fond of, in a hunt to find a mobile solution.
For simple budget management and spending, mobile use will inevitably be more frequently used than desktop use. While having an excellent desktop app like Checkbook Pro that can import bank data from our online banking websites etc. is important, the playing field for iPod/iPhone options is quickly filling up with some increasingly powerful alternatives that look ever more tempting.
I hope splasm doesn't lose out in this key moment. Clearly they should not put something out until they have resolved the problem of safe and solid synching with the desktop, but I was impressed at how fast Omnifocus was able to come out with an update to their iphone app which offered Bonjour synching with their desktop app. I would be happy to pay, as I did for Omnifocus, a decent price for the app, even as much as the desktop app (given that it is a key part of the experience on the road) to gain this mobile functionality.
Again, I just want to emphasize the fact that I believe splasm should make this a an absolute top priority because they stand to lose the market to whatever powerful iphone app out there that eventually synchs smoothly with one or several desktop apps. This will in turn bounce back and influence their desktop market share. I, for one, will be ready to jump ship even if functionality is marginally less in the desktop app, if the synching and ipod/iphone offering is there.
Respectfully,
Konrad
Jinan, China
I fully agree with Konrad on all points made above. Apple has relaxed their NDA restrictions and there are enough iPhone/iPod Touch applications out there that successfully sync with their desktop counterparts. The SDK has been out for some time now and has been updated regularly. And, as Konrad has already stated, there is a growing list of very capable checkbook products appearing on the App Store. By you telling your very patient customers to go buy other apps if we cannot wait is a very odd tactic to retain customer loyalty.
Instead of telling us that 'it will be done when it's done,' perhaps you should be a little more transparent as to why it is taking this long or where you are in the process of development. Or, at the very least, provide a list of features that you are planning on building into the product. Anything is better than the vacuous statements that you've been making since this thread was first started on June 5th, 2008. Customer patience is very fickle and can only last so long. If you are confident in your ability to string your customers along and retain them down the road, then I wish you the best of luck.
I'll wait to see what the response to my missive is before deciding to jump ship but if you're ok with losing customers, then so be it.
Regards,
Brian