App Aims: Password and Data Preservation
Reviewer’s Comments
1Password keeps your internet passwords and personal data private and secure, while keeping it accessible for website logins and data field auto-fill. Your records are sorted for quick access and information is locked by a four number key code but can also be locked behind a more secure Master Password. Data can also be synced with the Mac version of 1Password, which is available separately.
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1Password has two sections for storing your data, Website Logins and Notes. Website Logins stores your internet account information and passwords. From there, you can simply click the arrow button whereupon the built-in web browser opens to the designated website and shows the information needed to login. This frees you from having to remember your password each time you go to the website. You are also able to store notes, which can be any type of information you may want to protect. Login and note items are sorted alphabetically, so they’re easy to find, but there is also a search field in case you have a lot of records.
It has the option to Auto-Lock if your iPhone goes to sleep, so you’re protected even if you’ve been using 1Password and haven’t closed it. You can also set a time limit for the Master Password.
The app has a well-organized interface with main buttons across the bottom that include icons and text. Settings are straightforward and the program is generally easy to use. One confusing part for new users is the screen for entering a new Login. At first glace, it seems easy enough to understand what needs to be entered, but there are two locations that have to be understood. The first area is where you choose the username and password values. The second area is where you actually enter the username and password data. The latter section could use a better design, but with a bit of practice, it’s fairly easy to figure out.
The app has a nice look and shows good graphic design. All the buttons are easy to identify and access.
Unfortunately, the reviewed version of 1Password crashed multiple times during use. Most often, it crashed when viewing a website with the built-in browser, but it also crashed at other inopportune times. This left a rather stark blemish on an otherwise very nice iPhone app. However, in general, use of 1Password was smooth and reliable.
The 1Password startup process is impressive as it walks you through initial setup, but beyond that, you’re on your own. The Agile website has a FAQs section, videos and basic help for using 1Password. Additionally, there is an active support forum, contact page and email address for requesting support or giving feedback.
1Password is not integrated with Safari, but uses it’s own built-in web browser. This is a limitation because it lacks features that you may be familiar with in Safari. However, for keeping your data secure and easily accessible, it does a very good job. Currently, it’s a free app, and if Agile fixes the stability issues, it will surely be one to rely upon for keeping your passwords and personal information secure.
This is a nice app to have and it has a lot of potential. With the need to keep your identifying information safe but also available when and where you need it, an app like 1Password is critical. 1Password does a good job of keeping your information safe and also quick to access. As the program develops, adds features similar to those available on the desktop version and becomes more stable, it will fill an important need for many iPhone users. With two layers of security, no doubt you will feel even more confident about putting private data on your iPhone.
Check out our iPhone 3G review, music and movie download reviews as well as our other App reviews to help you get the most out of your iPhone.

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