I’ve been using eWallet to store sensitive data for years, originally on a PC and a windows smart phone. When I switched over to the iPhone I was very happy to find that eWallet was available for the iPhone and bought a license to try it out. Unfortunately at that time there was no OS X version for the desktop which meant I had nothing on my shiny new MacBook to enter data into my eWallet. This turned out to be a huge drag. Entering data bit by bit via the iPhone screen is no fun at all, so I started using eWallet less and less.
Recently a coworker introduced me to 1Password as a solution to a different problem: web password management. I started using this to manage my web logins and then noticed that the functionality doesn’t stop there. 1Password duplicates most of the functionality of eWallet enabling you to securely store credit card and banking info, software install licenses, notes and membership login information. 1Password also has an iPhone app that will sync via wifi to the desktop app, so I’ve regained the convenience of being able to enter information on a proper keyboard and have it available on my laptop and my phone.
Illium did finally release an OS X version of eWallet, or at least a beta of it. I downloaded it and was underwhelmed, now preferring the 1Password interface. In the end my decision to switch from eWallet to 1Password was based on just a few factors: Completeness of support, interface aesthetics and price. I already had the desktop version of 1Password and the iPhone version of eWallet. It looks like it will only be $10 to upgrade to the Mac OSX version of eWallet when it’s released, but it’s even cheaper to buy the iPhone version of 1Password: $5 bucks for the standard version and $8 for the ‘pro’ version which adds a few extra features.
Of course price alone shouldn’t be the main determining factor when buying digital wallet software. Data security and support are important issues. eWallet has been well supported on the PC platform, but they haven’t been quick to support the Mac. I feel more comfortable with the level of support and security updates from Agile right now, so 1Password is the winner for me. Of course on the PC I suspect eWallet is still one of your best choices for a secure digital wallet.
One more alternative for the windows world is the open source KeePass, which I haven’t tried, but I’ve heard good things about.
Can anyone comment on secure KeePass is? I kind of like the fact that there’s a company backing up the security of eWallet and 1Passwd, is KeePass just as secure?
KeePass is probably your BEST option if you’re concerned about security. The fact that its not owned by a single company means that there are a LOT of people working on it and fixing any problems that arise. Thing about how many ‘big companies’ have had security problems, and then tell me why having a company ‘backing’ a product would make you more comfortable?
I received an email from Julie at Ilium with the following comment:
This came in the day after posting this thread, so Ilium is paying attention and working on the Mac compatibility of eWallet. When they release the final Mac version I’ll take another look.
I have to say I’m very disappointed in eWallet for Mac as well as iphone. Updates are few and far in between with no added functionality and even basic functions like being able to duplicate a card is non-existent. I’ve been using eWallet on every device I’ve owned since Windows Mobile came out and I’m finally ready to move on after being patient on OSX and IOS for years. So sick am I of a company that does minimal updates on what is supposedly a premium product. Seriously guys when you start losing loyal customers like me, there’s something wrong. There is no value proposition in this software. Catch a wake up Illiumsoft or lose more loyal customers.
I was also a die hard eWallet user from a pocket PC to Windows Mobile and even the solo iPhone version. I got tired of hearing “we’re working on it” for almost 2 years. I switched to 1Password and I couldn’t be happier. It looks like ilium still doesn’t have a full mac osx version. Not only that, they must have been getting tired of answering all of the when questions in a public forum and they shut down their comments. What a shame. They had so much promise, but they dropped the ball when it came to iPhone and Mac OSX. I also used a produce form them called List Pro for store lists. I switched to Zenbe for that also. Same story there. We are working on it….we won’t sell any wine before it’s time.
E-wallet seems to have also dropped the ball on Android. Maybe they’re working on it, but one never knows…… There is a simple Android version which will sync to the PC client via usb, but its a one-way sync from PC to Android. I have always enjoyed E-wallet on the PC and Windows Mobile, back in the day. I am seriously looking into 1Password, and SBSH’s Safewallet. I’ll also check into KeePass. Thanks for all your help!