Clinton Fitch Reviews Spb Backup

“…the newest version of Spb Software House’s has to be considered one of the best already. Version 2.0 of Backup builds on an already solid foundation that was set in version 1.5 but layers on key functionality that allows you to backup and restore literally any aspect of your device. Some of the new features include synchronization of your backup files to your PC, the ability to intelligently determine if you are restoring data to a new device or to a device in which you have upgraded the ROM, a new user interface and ability to unpack a backup file on your PC makes this application solid choice for your backup needs.”

Clinton has recently posted a review of the new Spb  Backup 2.0. Backups are something everyone should be doing on a regular basis.  It doesn’t matter if it’s your mobile device or your desktop computer.  If it has anything valuable on it, you need to back it up.  The latest version from Spb allows you to sync the backup files with your desktop computer. It sounds like a great idea to help keep a running history from your device. Check out his full review here.

Backing Up Your PIM Data on the Device

There are a number of different applications out there that will backup your Windows Mobile device. Some do it over ActiveSync from your desktop while others actually run on the device and save the backup to a storage card. Most of these apps are pretty good and provide a great way to create a 100% image of your device. However, for me, I just want to backup my contacts and appointments - my PIM data. If I’m out roaming the world and my device has some major crash, having a copy of my contacts and appointments that I can restore to the device after a hard reset is imperative. I already keep a folder on my MicroSD card with all the CAB files for the applications I use. So I can reinstall them without much concern. The other advantage of backing up just the contacts and appointments is that they can easily be restored to a different device in the case where my device meets an early demise.

To do a complete backup of your all your PIM data on a device, I’ve been using a free application from “Dot Fred”. You can download a copy from his website - www.dotfred.net. It’s not that pretty an application, but when it comes to functionality, it’s top notch. If you’re looking at running this on a Smartphone, be prepared for a little more work as the interface is clearly designed for tapping on. It can still be used, but there’s a lot of scrolling and tabbing around at times.

PIM Backup doesn’t just backup your contacts and appointments, it also backs up the speed dial settings you’ve created along, call logs, messages, and there is even a custom option that allows you to select individual files or folders that you want to include in the backup. Once you’ve selected everything, you can select the destination for the backup along with creating a schedule for when you want it to run.

The only drawback that I have found in my use of this app, besides the poor interface for non-touch screen devices, is that it on restore it doesn’t create the mailboxes for the messages to go in. If you create the account first and then run restore, it will put them back into that inbox, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t create that account. I’m hoping that this is something that can be added in the future. For me, it’s the only thing missing on an otherwise great backup application. Regardless of that, you can’t go wrong for the price! Dot Fred has done a great job on this utility.