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May 8, 2009 1:31 PM PDT

The problem with password managers

by Rick Broida

SafeWallet is a new password-management app for iPhone and iPod Touch. It stores important information like credit cards, Social Security numbers, online passwords, the PIN for your ATM, software registration codes, and so on. Price: $5.99.

Like other apps of its kind (and there are many), SafeWallet offers templates to simplify the creation of new records and encryption to protect your data from prying eyes. It's a simple, effective tool that's undeniably handy to have around.

But not handy enough. See, like other apps of its kind (and there are many), SafeWallet doesn't sync with your PC. Specifically, it has no desktop counterpart, which for me is a deal-breaker.

That's because I spend as much time at my desk as I do on the road, so I need my passwords in both places. Sure, my iPhone is usually nearby, but a desktop app affords quicker access, and it lets me copy and paste info into Web forms--which I do surprisingly often.

A desktop app also simplifies data entry: it's a lot easier to create records on my PC and sync them to my iPhone than it is to tap-type on the latter's keyboard.

Unfortunately, out of at least a dozen password managers in the App Store, I know of only two that have desktop companion software: eWallet and SplashID. At $9.99 they're a few bucks pricier than the iPhone-only apps, but I think it's money well spent.

Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments section. I'd love to hear your feedback!

Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (17 Comments)
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by jrbtempe May 8, 2009 2:03 PM PDT
Wow, you totally skipped over 1Password, which is hands-down the best there is! The iPhone app is free and works in tandem with the Mac software. I guess if you're a PC user you can be forgiven for that oversight... ;-)
Reply to this comment
by fractured May 8, 2009 2:07 PM PDT
I was going to mention 1Password. This is the reason I bought it! It is a great, handy app and the iPhone version is free!
Reply to this comment
by montgomm May 8, 2009 2:23 PM PDT
I use SplashID on my Moto Q / PC. Looking forward to using it on an iPhone soon. Solid product, very reliable.
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by DistortedLoop May 8, 2009 3:04 PM PDT
1Password is awesome, not only does it easily sync with your iPhone and Mac computer, but it syncs itself with all computers you want to install it on.
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by David Dixon May 8, 2009 3:33 PM PDT
1Password. The first, the last and only password manager you will ever need.
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by tech-ninja May 8, 2009 3:35 PM PDT
I have eWallet and I love it! I have had it for years. Had to purchase the iphone version for full price, but it is worth it.
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by GeneC--2008 May 8, 2009 4:06 PM PDT
Password Wallet 4. Work great on both the phone and the desktop
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by Impish May 8, 2009 5:33 PM PDT
I can't believe you are unaware of Password Wallet! It's the best of them out there, and will do everything you want it to do.
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by michaelelliott_dotmac May 8, 2009 6:13 PM PDT
c'mon....1Password is awesome!. Combine it with a Dropbox account to synchronize your passwords across all your Macs, and it's a no-brainer.
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by techknowlogical May 8, 2009 7:28 PM PDT
I use the Memengo Wallet. It is web based for the desktop portion. The app is 2.99 but the web portion is free for now.
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by lchan May 9, 2009 5:58 AM PDT
I use Secret!. They are cross platform for Windows, Mac, Palm and iPhone.
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by Ronlap May 9, 2009 7:44 AM PDT
I've been using SplashID on my Mac, PC, and Treo since release 1 and am now using it on my iPhone. Unlike MobileMe, you have to be very careful how in which direction you sync or you will end up with lost items or duplicates, but if you are careful, it's a great program for tracking your passwords across all of the platforms you use on a daily basis.
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by memojo May 9, 2009 8:30 AM PDT
1Password is the last word in Mac and iPhone password managers. Easy to use, easy to sync, relentless development and superb customer care and support. This is a no-brainer; I'm shocked that Rick didn't know about it. (Guess he does now.)
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by kevinwal May 9, 2009 6:11 PM PDT
Been using Splash ID for a long time, since I was a PC user (now a Mac user). Works great, and now on the iPhone. Have had some issues, would like to have it be easier to keep it in Sync with all computers I use though. And I agree, as it is with any programs that sync you have to be careful. Having your Passwords, etc with you all the time is a necessity these days. I think only an online (browser accessible) function for Splash is all we need.
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by rickbroida May 10, 2009 6:44 AM PDT
Apologies, Mac users! 1Password definitely wasn't on my radar. Thanks for cluing me in!
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by jtaylor475 May 10, 2009 9:18 PM PDT
I am a fully dedicated SplashID user. Great app and I didn't mind paying for it, considering the value and importance of the data and its protection.
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by dan_dc01 August 29, 2009 2:12 PM PDT
These apps are nice ideas, but the fact that they do not easily synch with a desktop is obscured in the promotional literature. They do NOT synch via iTunes but instead you have to set up a wireless network (forbidden in my office due to security rules). None of these work as well as Passwords Plus on the PalmOs which synchs seamlessly between handheld and desktop everytime you connect.
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