PDACookbook Plus VS Lite

[Apocalypse]

Was wondering if the Plus is recommended over the Lite PDACookbook, at an extra $10. (the features seem worth it, if you're connecting over with another computer)

You can take digital snaps of dishes and include them with recipes. (a limit of one?)

You also get 1200 recipes? (do you know where these are from? been kitchen tested?)

With the importing/exporting of Mastercook recipes, only the recipes can be moved? The Mastercook program data interbase can't be moved to PDA? (size too large?)

Smart Ingredient Paste: can you explain how this works? It's fast and intuitive? (on any given webpage with recipes?)

Printing recipes from database: it can be used in conjunction with the Palm Software: PrintBoy? (through infrared or bluetooth?, not a prob?) I don't suppose you can recommend a good multi-purpose printer with infrared or bluetooth, can you?

Seems to be an overall good program.

[Support]

If you have a PC, the Plus version is the best way to go. Editing and viewing on the PC is much faster than on the handheld.

Yes, on picture per recipe at this time.

Many of the 1200 free recipes do include a source (see the demo to be able to view the recipes).

Smart ingredient paste lets you copy the block of ingredients from a web page, then paste them all with one command. PDACookbook will split up the amount, units, and item for each line automatically.

No PDA printing yet, but we are looking at adding PrintBoy support in the future (spring 2006?). You can print from the PC with the Plus version.

Try a demo from this page:
http://www.wakefieldsoft.com/pdacookbook/download.html

[Apocalypse]

How does transferring the recipes work? (from handheld to computer) Do you choose the selected recipes or the entire database gets transferred? And when do you think next updated PDACookbook will be? (it will include direct printing ala PrintBoy?)

Any comments on "your" favorite features of this program?

[Support]

Right now, the entire database gets transferred. Many users are running 3000 to 5000 recipes, and it is working fine.

Our last major update was back in the summer. It may be next summer before we do another major update and add significant features like PrintBoy.

Thanks.

[Apocalypse]

I'm wondering when these two features will be (if they will be) included in the next PDA Cookbook. (summer of 2006?)

1) Being able to put the program onto a memory card. (only alternative is to pay an extra $3 to download the program again if it gets lost, or even a re-set?)

2) Recipes can't be printed through Printboy? Do they need to be transferred to memo or a word document? (then printed?) Or only through desktop?

[Support]

We are looking at memory card support, but as PDA memory (internal) has increased, there have many fewer requests for this.

As for printing, right now, you can print via the desktop or export to a memo, then print that. We may add Printboy support, but I don't have any definite schedule.

[Apocalypse]

When exporting to Memo, are there any lost features? gridlines, etc. Also, is it recommended in getting the extra $3 (this was at the checkout, an extra option) so you can download it whenever you want? Even a simple reset will erase the programs content? (unless it's backed up?)

[Support]

The export to memo feature will export all information for that recipe in meal master format. Nothing should be lost, although it may not look the same as on the handheld.

The $3 download protection is offered by handango, and is optional. We always have the latest versions on our site, so it is not necessary if you don't want it.

It is a good idea as well to backup the recipe data from your \Palm\<username>\Backup folder from time to time.

[Apocalypse]

Does this mean you can download the latest copy of PDA Cookbook on your website, if the program gets lost somehow? Free? What were the down effects of a reset??

[Support]

Yes, we always have the latest version available for download. This includes version 3 and version 4. You then enter your registration code to unlock it if you have to reinstall in the future.

[Apocalypse]

When you buy the lite version, can it be later upgraded to the full program? (at an extra 10 beans)

[Support]

Yes, if you need to upgrade from lite to plus, just let us know and we can provide the needed information to upgrade for $9.99.

[Apocalypse]

With regards to the Lite and Trial version, is the only difference the 2 week? Or does lite have differences?

[Support]

The Plus version includes software for your Windows PC and your handheld (Palm or Pocket PC).

The Lite version is Palm software only - no Windows PC software.

If you have a PC, and not a Mac, then the Plus version is certainly the best way to go, as you can print, enter data more easily, export, etc.

Both have a 14 day trial period until they are registered.

[Apocalypse]

Could you give a refresher on how importing and exporting recipes work, in terms of recipes from internet sites as well as MasterCook Deluxe.

(somethin' about copy paste or an ezier way?)

[Support]

If the recipes are in mealmaster or mastercook formats, just save them to your PC, then use the File / Import and select that file on the PDACookbook software.

If it is a recipe as text or not in the above formats, you can just copy and paste the instructions and title into PDACookbook as a new recipe, then copy the block of ingredients and use Smart Ingredient Paste from the Recipe menu in PDACookbook to paste the ingredients in one block.

The PC help file should have more details on this as well.

[Apocalypse]

Using both of those features, you'd need the desktop feature of the PDA cookbook?

[Support]

Yes, I was assuming that all would be done on the desktop.

There is not an easy way to import on the PDA side.