FlashPro/FlashBuilder Bundle by TRG
After reading one of my reviews, the folks at TRG were nice enough to send me an evaluation copy of FlashPro/FlashPack Bundle for review. TRG was the first to develop a way to squeeze more memory out of your Palm by accessing Flash ROM however TRG tells me that this feature is not the products main selling point anymore. Flashpro is the newer version of their original software, FlashBuilder, and what makes it really shine is the ability to backup applications and databases into non-volatile Flash and to have these apps and databases SURVIVE A HARD RESET. FlashPro is the ONLY program that provides this level of security. FlashPro also allows you to move, copy and delete applications and databases in Flash and RAM.
The FlashPro/FlashPack bundle came in a zip file consisting quite a few files. After spending a few minutes reading installation instructions (very thorough and in Acrobat format), I installed the FlashPro app, the add-on FlashPack app, and the FPSetup pdb. Prior to running the setup utility, I had to remove all active hacks, and Flashpro recommends disabling all hacks whenever Flashpro is run. Once the setup utility has been run, it can be deleted from the Palm
Using the delete feature in FlashPro is easier than using the built in Palm delete utility in my opinion, and the defragmenting utility means you don't have to buy additional software such as Recycle.
FlashPack is a smart application that works in tandem with FlashPro. It allows you to select databases for automatic backup at intervals of your choice. You can set the time and day of the backup and you don't need to have the Palm running. FlashPack will wake up, backup and go back to sleep. In my opinion, it is an integral part of FlashPro and you would do yourself a disservice if you only purchased FlashPro.
Now, I have held off on comparing JackFlash and FlashPro but I do have a few comments regarding the two. I find the main screen on JackFlash much better. I like being able to see all apps, hacks and databases on one screen with a notation of either RAM or Flash next to them. It gives me the whole picture without having to toggle between RAM and Flash as in FlashPro. That being said, FlashPro is a much more full featured program that is definitely worth the few extra dollars. Both are excellent programs, however FlashPro does offer more for the money. The ability to backup apps and databases in non-volatile Flash, and have them be recoverable after a hard reset is a critical feature that makes FlashPro a superior product.
Although most applications, databases and hacks can be safely run in Flash check the Flash compatibility list that is continually updated.
FlashPro and FlashPack are available at Palmgear and Handango.
FlashPro 1.07 retails for $29.95 and FlashPack 2.02 retails for $19.95.
The FlashPro/FlashPack Bundle is $39.95 (Best Value!)
What I like:
Apps and databases saved in Flash are recoverable after a hard reset
Adds memory at a nominal cost(especially for those with non-upgradeable Palms).
Built in Defragging utility.
Ability to COPY as well as delete and move apps and databases.
What I don't like:
Must toggle between views of RAM and Flash
5 out of 5 Rating
After reading one of my reviews, the folks at TRG were nice enough to send me an evaluation copy of FlashPro/FlashPack Bundle for review. TRG was the first to develop a way to squeeze more memory out of your Palm by accessing Flash ROM however TRG tells me that this feature is not the products main selling point anymore. Flashpro is the newer version of their original software, FlashBuilder, and what makes it really shine is the ability to backup applications and databases into non-volatile Flash and to have these apps and databases SURVIVE A HARD RESET. FlashPro is the ONLY program that provides this level of security. FlashPro also allows you to move, copy and delete applications and databases in Flash and RAM.
The FlashPro/FlashPack bundle came in a zip file consisting quite a few files. After spending a few minutes reading installation instructions (very thorough and in Acrobat format), I installed the FlashPro app, the add-on FlashPack app, and the FPSetup pdb. Prior to running the setup utility, I had to remove all active hacks, and Flashpro recommends disabling all hacks whenever Flashpro is run. Once the setup utility has been run, it can be deleted from the Palm
 |
The main screen consists of a listing of a list of installed apps that are in either RAM or Flash. You must toggle between the two to see what is stored where. Available RAM and Flash are listed at the bottom of the screen. You are given the option to move, copy or delete applications or databases (and hacks) to and from Flash. When apps or databases are selected, the total memory of the selections is listed at the bottom right of the screen while the current available RAM is listed at the bottom right and the free Flash is shown in the center. These values change after items are moved or deleted. |
| While in Flash view, you can also Format Flash and Defragment Flash. Formatting Flash removes everything in Flash memory EXCEPT the OS and Degfragging frees up space by reorganizing and compacting used memory. Over time, adding and deleting files causes chunks of memory to be misallocated, causing programs to run slower. Degrading fixes this and is quick and easy. While not a main feature of the program, I find this to be a great little addition to an already excellent program. |  |
Using the delete feature in FlashPro is easier than using the built in Palm delete utility in my opinion, and the defragmenting utility means you don't have to buy additional software such as Recycle.
FlashPack is a smart application that works in tandem with FlashPro. It allows you to select databases for automatic backup at intervals of your choice. You can set the time and day of the backup and you don't need to have the Palm running. FlashPack will wake up, backup and go back to sleep. In my opinion, it is an integral part of FlashPro and you would do yourself a disservice if you only purchased FlashPro.
Now, I have held off on comparing JackFlash and FlashPro but I do have a few comments regarding the two. I find the main screen on JackFlash much better. I like being able to see all apps, hacks and databases on one screen with a notation of either RAM or Flash next to them. It gives me the whole picture without having to toggle between RAM and Flash as in FlashPro. That being said, FlashPro is a much more full featured program that is definitely worth the few extra dollars. Both are excellent programs, however FlashPro does offer more for the money. The ability to backup apps and databases in non-volatile Flash, and have them be recoverable after a hard reset is a critical feature that makes FlashPro a superior product.
Although most applications, databases and hacks can be safely run in Flash check the Flash compatibility list that is continually updated.
FlashPro and FlashPack are available at Palmgear and Handango.
FlashPro 1.07 retails for $29.95 and FlashPack 2.02 retails for $19.95.
The FlashPro/FlashPack Bundle is $39.95 (Best Value!)
What I like:
Apps and databases saved in Flash are recoverable after a hard reset
Adds memory at a nominal cost(especially for those with non-upgradeable Palms).
Built in Defragging utility.
Ability to COPY as well as delete and move apps and databases.
What I don't like:
Must toggle between views of RAM and Flash
5 out of 5 Rating