Resco Explorer 2007 includes a program launcher that can
be set as the default system launcher in Palm OS. Resco will
launch programs wherever they're stored including expansion
cards. More important, Resco Explorer 2007 can be used to
launch individual documents. Some will like the program launcher
functionality for sure, but I think many others will ignore
it in favor of Resco Explorer's file management strengths.
If you're using Resco to browse a folder full of documents,
all you have to do is tap one to start its associated program
and load the file. Choose between one- or two-panel modes,
horizontal or vertical layout and setup other views as well.
All of the customary
file handling functions are present including copy, move, delete,
rename, move to card and move to device. The enhanced file handling
features are more interesting, in particular drag & drop
between folders displayed in the Resco tree view, multiple
file selection, RAM/card conversions, file and folder
sorting selections, a basic search function and basic view and result
filtering. There seems to be a lot of functionality packed into a
relatively small package. For many people, the Resco Explorer 2007
Backup tool will probably sit at or near the top of the list of file
handling features. It's not fancy (and somewhat reminiscent of BackupBuddy),
but it's fast, effective and can also be set to perform a backup verification.
Backup, more than any of the other integrated features
in Resco Explorer, turns what might otherwise have been a vaguely
decent utility into a truly comprehensive toolbox.
Resco Zipper is a file compression function which uses the ZIP algorithm
to compress files for either transfer or storage. It works, albeit slowly,
and creates archives that can be read by WinZip. Any time a list of
files or a folder has been highlighted, Zipper becomes active so that
a compressed archive can be created simply by tapping the Zipper icon
at the bottom of the Resco screen.
The list of features
goes on — FTP (watch your data plan charges!),
an image viewer, RAM analyzer, file viewer with integrated
HEX/text/database editor, and Control Panel which integrates
more enhanced features such as editors of preferences, file associations,
alarms and additional system information.
Navigate around
Resco by tapping icons in the folder pane or by tapping entries and
icons in the folder tree. Resco Explorer 2007 responds quickly and
accurately to taps—I didn't find any misaligned or mis-targeted
activation areas even when I deliberately misaligned my
screen. Resco seems to have put a lot of thought into
usability and it shows everywhere in the product.
Cons: The image viewer is very limited and does not offer
any navigation controls while an image is being displayed.
The text mode/Hex editor is useful but basic, so you need
to be very careful to avoid messing up important files.
Pros: Operation is stable and mercifully crash free on Palm
OS. Operation on Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices is just
as solid. Resco Explorer 2007 continues in the footsteps
of Resco Explorer 2005, improving its features and adding
many new ones. File Types Highlighting, Status bar, and a
customizable startup folder makes managing files even easier
than before. Users will also appreciate improvements in the
area of networking, the ability to view encrypted files with
the built-in viewer, running application manager in the Today
plugin and so on. Among the more useful features in the launcher
is the ability to start programs from within a ZIP archive.
File editing functions, though somewhat limited, are useful
for making quick file name changes and completing other minor
tasks; Palm OS on the other hand allows you to edit precisely
nothing. Resco Explorer 2007 is designed for heavy duty PDA
and smartphone users. Recommended.
