If there was one thing that always got to me about the iPhone was that the Mail application failed to allow a user to create a new folder on the go. It seemed like a relatively simple idea that was completely overlooked by Apple. Stéphane Lunati and Brian Dote have brought iPhone users FolderBuddy a nicely packaged app that allows you to manage your IMAP mailbox on the iPhone (and iPod Touch).
Design:
There is something to be said for a well designed app that is also very easy to use. No one wants to have to real pages of instructions on how to use their new app, I know I did not have to.
Functionality:
The interface is very simple. From the Setup screen you have the option to add multiple e-mail accounts, Stéphane and Brian left no one behind here with the option to add an “other” account.
After you’ve added your accounts you are ready to add your folders. I’ve added both my GMail and Mobile Me accounts to folder buddy. Under both accounts there has been at least one time where I have wished I could create a new folder on the go. Now I can. You will note that in the screen shots below the word “Nolder” appears. The developer, who has been very quick to respond to previous questions, has been notified. This did not affect the functionality of the application and carried little weight in the review.
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What I also enjoyed about the application is that you could rename a Nolder folder on the go as well. The originally published review said that you could not delete a folder on the go. Well, I was wrong. As noted above, I mentioned that no one wanted to read pages of a manual to figure an app out. Lesson learned: read the manual to find out if the features you would want are already part of the app! The developer contacted me about the misspelling and due to Apple’s awesomely slower than slow approval process the typo was noted but not fixed as it would require the upload of new binary and that would have delayed the app. So, the typo will be fixed in the next update due out soon. But back to the folder deletion. Much to my surprise you can delete an app on the go! Simply swipe your finger across the folder name (as you do with most of Apple’s UI) and you have the option to delete.
Final Thought:
After reading the review in the app store about FolderBuddy, it was mentioned that the user will not use the application because you have to enter in your e-mail password. Without any confirmation from the developer, I believe the password is stored on the iPhone and not elsewhere that could otherwise put you or your e-mail at risk of any malicious acts. Thinking logically about the applications functionality, I cannot see why FolderBuddy would store this information on an external server. If this changes then the review will be updated accordingly.
Update: In an e-mail from the developer my logic was correct. Your password is between you and the IMAP server. Nothing is stored on any server that belongs to the developer. This app is as safe as Apple’s own Mail.app. To quote Stéphane, ”The next version of FolderBuddy will show a small ‘lock’ icon next to each account where we know that the communication with the IMAP server is happening in a secure way (SSL).” So those who are weary, rest easy. This app is a winner!
Features Roundup:
Add a new folder on the fly to any one of your e-mail accounts on your iPhone.
Edit the folder on the fly.
Have the freedom to manage your IMAP e-mail within Apple’s Mail.app.
Pros:
Easy to use
Snappy
Updates the folder lists quickly
Brings e-mail management to the iPhone
Cons:
None!
FolderBuddy originally received 4.5 out of 5 stars. There is nothing here that I can see as being bad. The design and function of this app is simply wonderful. Therefore, in addition to updating the review I am updating the rating. FolderBuddy gets 5 stars from TheMacFeed and for $2.99 you can get FolderBuddy from the App Store today!
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Categories: TheMacFeed Reviews:, iPhone Apps
