ClearContext IMS v4 Review.  I must say, this is the best tool that I have used for productivity.  I’ve raved about it before, and if you’re reading this because you are searching for information on if you should buy CC v4, just buy it. It will change your email management life.

I’ve broken this review down to three categories.  1 – the new things I like and why; 2 – the new (and old) things I dislike and with they would fix and; 3 – where to download and buy

I’ve been using CC v4 for about six weeks now.  I started using this tool on v2.x and fell in love.

1: things I like about ClearContext v4

1. The new dashboard feature rocks.  Being able to see all appointments, tasks and messages requiring follow-up kicks ass.  I was apprehensive of this view at first, but after six weeks of use, I’m finding I can’t live without it.
2. Integration with Office 2007.  Simply put, it is great.  You’ve got all the same great CC functionality as before, only in a better package
3. Consolidated task bars.  I hated all the task bars that CC v3 had, and the sleek new look is a welcome change.
4. Do not disturb.  I discovered this feature in v4, it may have been in v3, but I never used it.  I like being able to turn it on and have productive “offline” time without really being offline.
5. Contact explorer.  This is a nice addition; I’ve only used it once.  I can see myself using it a lot more.
6. Topic management.  This is based on my perception, but topic management seems to be a lot better.  There are enhancements all around and it just “works” the way it should, minus a couple nitpicks listed below.
7. Improved security.  V4 works with Vista, especially if you run with UAC turned off, like most users. :) 

2: The new (and old) things I dislike

The new dashboard feature needs love.  Yes, I rave about it above, but the one thing I’d like to see changed is the ability to use Outlook hotkeys while in the view. I use the CTRL-SHIFT-(n) hotkeys all the time.  While you’re in the inbox view, you can do C-S-A for a new appointment.  Not so if you are in the dashboard view – I told Brad about this and they are looking into it.

Topic management.  Yes, topic management is much improved.  Yes, I can’t live without it.  No, I wish it had more. :)  When I create new messages, I try to assign the topic before sending the message.  When I do this, I will click in the topic field in a new message and start typing, but the auto-fill does not work at this point.  I would like to see the auto-fill work on new messages whenever I am in a topic field.

The [ ] ‘s for the topics.  The first thing I change are these brackets.  I hate them.  This is a personal nitpick and is just me trying to have at least three things I don’t like, but I’ll be honest, it’s hard.

3: Where to download and buy
Seriously, if you:

• Like having your inbox limited to 50 or less items
• Are disciplined about managing your inbox
• Like to focus on what is important versus what is “at the top of the list”
  

Then buy CC v4.  Heck, buy V3 even.  The tool simply rocks.  I with MS would buy them and integrate the functionality into Outlook by default.  It seems like a no brainer.

You can download and buy CC at http://www.clearcontext.com/ - do it, seriously.  You won't be sorry.  Best money you'll ever spend.

Comments

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Brad Meador - Thanks!     | 207.119.12.xxx | 2007-12-26 16:12:08 Thanks for the review and feedback, Mitch. We really appreciate the attention to detail. FYI on this request: Quote: When I create new messages, I try to assign the topic before sending the message. When I do this, I will click in the topic field in a new message and start typing, but the auto-fill does not work at this point. I would like to see the auto-fill work on new messages whenever I am in a topic field. This is a limitation of the ribbon that we have been unable to work around. We have reported the problem to the Outlook team, but I don't have an estimate on if/when they might address. FYI - once you click the drop down it loads the values and then the auto-fill works as expected. Thanks again for the feedback and enjoy the product. Brad Meador ClearContext Reply | Quote 0   0

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.