Power On Software has released a minor point release update to Now Up-to-Date& Contact to version 4.0.3. The new version of the venerable Mac organizer includes a huge list of new features, as well as a few bug fixes. This release comes in advance of the announced 4.1 version which will include Mac OS X compatibility. According to Power On Software:
Power On Software, Inc. today announced the immediate availability of Now Up-to-Date & Contact version 4.0.3. This new release of the #1 best-selling Macintosh contact management and scheduling software addresses the following usability issues:
- Fixes a problem that made Meeting Availability inaccessible from the meeting menu or from meeting administration
- Eliminated a problem that caused incorrect data to print in custom fields
- 1-4 in a contact list if "fit to page" had not been checked
- Fixes a problem that caused a -1 error when printing a contact list containing data from custom fields 5-12
Now Up-to-Date & Contact version 4.0.3 offers a plethora of vital new features. Now Up-to-Date & Contact has dominated the Macintosh PIM market for nearly a decade, and the latest release offers a range of features that is unequalled in any other product on any platform. With an emphasis on extreme ease of use and automation, the product manages to provide unmatched power and simplicity. The new offering, which is compatible with Macintosh OS 8.6 through Macintosh OS 9.1 and classic mode under Mac OS X incorporates these new features:
- Additional user-definable custom fields to allow greater flexibility in the storage of additional contact information
- Additional Internet/email/phone fields to handle multiple email addresses, URL addresses, and communications data
- Ability to view more detailed information in QuickContact™, Power Onis instant-access contact locator
- Shared keywords in multi-user environment
- Migration tool that permits users to extract their data from Microsoft Entourage and automatically enter it into Now Up-to-Date & Contact
- Full TCP/IP implementation for support of firewalls and NAT routing
- One-click sorting and the ability to sort on multiple levels
- Drag and drop layout capabilities for customized list view
- Pop-up labeling of headers in list view
- Ability to attach graphics to contact records (maps, pictures, logos, business cards, etc.)
- Advanced on-line support system that includes HTML Help System and integrated web support that provides automated technical support with an online solutions database that is updated regularly, as well as direct email interface to technical support services and one-click access to FAQis; also contains tutorial calendar and contact demonstration for quick set-up and ease of use
- Completely redesigned and updated interface, including user-definable background patterns, new toolbars, custom color selection
- Auto-dialing of contact phone numbers
- Ability to customize up to ten levels of prioritization
- New AlphaBar™ for immediate access to contacts in list view
- New calendar views including mini-calendar navigation tool for instantaneous modification of date view
- New Scripts Menu in both Now Up-to-Date & Now Contact modules, allowing the addition of compiled scripts
- Completely updated AppleScript support that adds support for the AppleScript Object Model, including AppleEvents from the Standard Suite and the Table Suite; also includes design template and scripts for automatically updating area codes, company information, and automating scheduling. Also ships with templates for moving data from a custom field to one of the new data-specific fields such as email, URL, or any custom field. Also checks automatically for any data in a field to which user may wish to move information
- Support for Microsoft Office 2001, including drag and drop support and mail merge integration
- QuickFilter™ for instantaneous selection of contact records in list view, without invoking a search command
- Grab-in-Go™ provides seamless integration with other major applications that permits users to transform most data or messages into an appointment, task, or other event, and to link documents and alert messages to those items. Supported applications include Microsoft Office 2001, Microsoft email products for the Macintosh, as well as Eudora, and other major email products and applications
- In addition to the features listed above, other highlights of Now Up-to-Date & Contact Version 4 include the following:
- QuickPad™ allows the entry of notes in English (such as "lunch with Bob") and lets Now Up-to-Date & Contact enter the appointment automatically and schedule it for the correct time and person without running Now Up-to-Date & Contact
- QuickContact™ keeps important contacts available in the menu bar without even having to open the application and allows searching for an important number, URL, or email address without launching Now Contact
- QuickDay™ permits entry of appointments and setting of reminders from the menu baris control panel without having Now Up-to-Date running
- Internet Plug-ins that offer instant access to contact-related maps, nearby restaurants, email address finders, and much more
- Maintains complete contact histories of phone calls, correspondence, completed items, notes and open to-dos
- Automatically logs email messages sent from Now Contact using all popular e-mail programs
- AutoType™ feature automatically enters names, addresses, or any other data
- The ability to find contacts instantly by just typing in initials or a few letters of a name
- Sort lists with a click, even adding multiple sort levels with an additional click
- One click searches for all contacts of a certain category
- Use keywords to further refine contact searches
- The server based architecture permits multiple users even in remote locations via TCP/IP connection
- Publish schedules and contacts to the Web and share with anyone, even if they donit own Now Contact and Up-to-Date with Now Web Publisher (included for free)
- Drag and Drop data management
- Automatic synchronization of files between different computers, including PowerBooks and desktops
- Complete printing and word processing built in, with incredible flexibility and customization options for printing labels, envelopes, letters, faxes, and popular calendar formats, such as DayRunner, Avery, Franklin and Day Planner
- Built-in mail merge and support for Microsoft Word 98 and Word 2001 mail merge
- Built-in automatic timer tracks time spent on specific items to provide a complete record of time expenditures
- Link files from any application to contact records
- Customizable calendar layouts for virtually any calendar look a user chooses
- Drag contacts onto the calendar to schedule events automatically
- Flexible reminders and alarm notification ensure no appointments or deadlines are missed
- Automatically launch documents related to an appointment
- Calendar offers day, multi-day, week, month, and Year Views
- Add banners and custom graphics to calendars
- Automate creation of recurring events
- Workgroup calendaring permits invitations to be sent and automatically set up
Availability and Pricing
Now Up-to-Date & Contact version 4.0.3 is available now.
The update is free to registered owners of version 4.x. Upgrades from earlier versions are priced at US$49.95, and the full version is priced at US$129.95. You can find more information on the product at Power On Softwareis Web site.