DataViz Documents to Go 2.0 Premium Edition for BlackBerry Review

Transferring Documents
DataViz offers a simple desktop client that allows you to synchronize folders between a PC and smartphone. I'm not sure if this is necessary considering BlackBerrys show up as storage drives when connected to PCs anyway.

Annoyingly, DocsToGo files always transfer to a subfolder within the Documents to Go folder on the BlackBerry itself or on a memory card, even if you'd prefer to have them stored elsewhere.

The app also allows you to edit files that are sent as email attachments.

View and Edit Modes

Word to Go
Word to Go has the strongest editing/creating capabilities of the bunch. You can format text, insert page breaks, bullets, paragraphs, number lists, and even indent manipulation. Additionally you can enter tables directly in documents.

The default view mode includes several useful features, including a table of content view, word count, spell check and endnotes/footnotes/comments view. Spell check needs to be run and doesn't display inline when typing.

The "find" function was somewhat buggy, and sometimes incorrectly rendered text. Footnotes and comments are handled well; click on the link to see the item in a popup window. There is minor fidelity lost mostly around header color and style. All things considered, a very strong document reading platform.

Sheet to Go
The editing capabilities of Sheet To Go are quite good. There is a full set of Excel-like functions, sorted by category, though there is no "recent" category. Other standard functions include sorting, inserting and AutoSum.

Sheet's default view is hairiest of the bunch. Graphs are not displayed in line with data, so it's easy to miss graphs if you aren't expecting to see them. Switching between worksheets also requires going through the menu.

Slideshow to Go
By default, slideshows open in a "fit to screen" view, complete with quick-loading pictures and full color. Alternate views include outline view, notes view, and slide-sorter view.

Creating or editing slideshows is an easy process. Information is entered in an outline format and is then displayed on the slide. However, users can't insert pictures or edit slide formatting or animations, and switching between edit and view modes is confusing.

PDF to Go
The display capabilities are only as good as the source PDF. A PDF with a column of text and wide margins is almost unreadable since you'll struggle to find a comfortable viewing setting. It's better than nothing, but not by much.

InTact
One of the better features of DocToGo is DataViz's InTact technology, which insures that files edited on a smartphone can be emailed as attachments and still retain their complex file formatting, including Track Changes, headers and footers, macros and animations.

Version Compatibility
I had no problems creating or editing either in either the current or previous generation of the Microsoft Suite (i.e. .docx/.doc). I was also able to view OpenOffice formats (.odt) but I wasn't able to edit or create them.

CONCLUSION

Unless you have a specific reason, there's probably not a compelling case to fork over $50 for the additional functionality offered by DataViz's "Documents to Go Premium Edition."

Aside from Word documents, it's difficult to create anything except for simple files. You're better off buying a tethering app and editing on your computer. My recommendation is to stick with the excellent standard edition already preloaded on BlackBerrys.

If you are considering downloading Documents to Go over the air, bear in mind that the file is 3.2 megabytes. Make sure you have some time if you're not on Wi-Fi or 3G.

Pros

• Rendering is fast and accurate
• Great Word and slideshow editing
• Excel formulas are excellent

Cons

• $50 price is very steep
• Mult-spreadsheet view is awkward
• PDF viewing is limited

Individual Ratings: *

Service, Warranty & Support  
Ease of Use 
Design 
Performance 
Value 
* Ratings averaged to produce final score