Resco Photo Manager 7 for Windows Mobile Main UI Screen

Introduction

Resco recently introduced Photo Manager version 7 for Windows Mobile phones. Version 7, a major upgrade to an already top-notch photo viewer program, is aimed at better serving the touch screen of user’s devices. Resco was kind enough to provide a complimentary copy for me to review, and I’ve been spending some time with the update on my HTC Touch Pro. After grabbing yourself a glass of iced tea, sit back and join me as we look at how Photo Manager 7 may quickly become an essential app on your Windows Mobile device.

Installation

Resco Photo Manager 7 can be installed via CAB to either internal storage or an external card without issue. It seems to work fine in both locations, with neither taking a hit on performance. You will also note that after installation, Resco’s screenshot utility is installed and available to you via Start Menu / Programs. The size of the installation weighs in a little under 2 megabytes, which is very respectable for a program of this quality.

General Usage

Launching Photo Manager 7 presents the user with a touch oriented interface, large finger friendly icons and kinetic scrolling included. The traditional Windows Mobile task bar is hidden from the user. The major portion of the screen is dedicated to shortcuts to your device’s images. These shortcuts are set up to take you directly to your My Documents folder, the images from your device’s camera, photos that you have set as “favorites” and My Albums, a shortcut into your defined albums.

Resco Photo Manager 7 for Windows Mobile Main UI Screen

The bottom of the screen is populated with buttons to program menus and a shortcut to the camera.

As you dive further into the program, pressing one of the shortcuts with your finger, you are taken to a display of image thumbnails. Easily scrolling vertically with the flick of a finger, users can stop with the press of a finger. A second press and your taken into a full screen display of the image. Here you have the option of simply viewing the image or performing some basic edits using Resco’s nicely integrated controls.

Resco Photo Manager 7 for Windows Mobile Thumbnails

Resco Photo Manager 7 for Windows Mobile Edit Controls

Resco has wisely included support for uploading of images to some of the more common social networks, including Flickr, Facebook, Picasa and Twitter. A present day photo viewing application also wouldn’t be considered as highly without the ability to tag images with GPS positions.

Strengths

User interface all the way, here, guys and gals. Resco has thoughtfully planned and materialized on a touch driven photo viewing experience.

Suggestions for Improvement

My main gripe is also one of the features of Photo Manager 7 – the full screen display. The traditional Windows Mobile task bar needs to be able to be toggled via a preference… at least that is my preference. Without it, the multi-tasking that is capable with Windows Mobile is dimished somewhat.

Final Comments

I recommend giving Resco Photo Manager 7 a home on your Windows Mobile device, especially if your device is a newer touch optimized phone. The user interface is intuitive. The feature set is impressive, with the editing tools, GPS and social network support allowing you get the most out of your handheld computing experience.

Details

• Current Version: 7.03
• Trial Limit: 7 Days
• Price: $24.95
• Company: Resco
• Product Info: http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/photomanager/

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