CTScheduler Lite vs Paid Version - Review

[Lucky13MN]

Connective Tools
CT Scheduler Lite vs Paid Version
http://www.connectivetools.com

Evaluation Purpose:
Determine the pros and cons of paying for CT Scheduler vs using the free version. After using the free version I really enjoyed it and when the paid version came out I didn't understand why anyone would want to pay for something you can do for free. After trying it out I have come up with the following review based on my personal experience with both.

Ease of use:
This category defintely goes to the paid version without a second thought. I had the free version configured to switch my profile before bed to 'Meeting' and back to 'Automatic' before my alarm went off but it required me to know field parameters (which 3 out of 4 times I had to look up).

Examples:
Steps for the free version:
New Action
Select program to run (either browse to \Windows\Autoprof.exe or type in the path.
In the parameters field type in -s ProfileName (exact name of the profile you want to switch to, could cause damage if not done properly).
Set the time and recurrence.
Done

Steps for the paid version:
New Action - Switch Profile.
Select the Profile.
Set the time and recurrance.
Done

Value:
My opinion on this changed within 2 minutes of using the paid version, it's worth it in my book.
One, I don't have to remember the parameters anymore.
Two, it's easier to use.
Three, feature rich.

In all fairness, I have no idea what the free version would be capable of since I couldn't find a list of parameters to be used in various applications. However the paid version still has this as a selectable Action, one I'll probably never use but hey... it's there. I've read you can use it to launch PIE and open a website by setting the Program to PIE and entering the url in the Parameters field, but I've never tried it.

Recommendation:
For anyone looking to automate life a little, definitely. I now perform the following actions daily without ever having to touch my phone:
5:30am - Profile to Automatic
6:00am - Alarm Goes Off (I use their Alarm Master software for this)
== Unplug Phone ==
6:15am - Phone Restarts
7:00am - Bluetooth On
7:53/8:07 - Text Message 'I love you' to my Wife - Different time every other day so she doesn't know it's scheduled ;)
6:30pm - Bluetooth Off
9:00pm - Profile to Meeting

Best of all, this all took under 2 minutes to set up.

There is also a nice option to schedule a restart or power off your phone. The only downside I found out is that you don't want your phone charging when you do this (at least on my Q) because when it powers back up it goes to the charging screen. So remember if you schedule a restart to do it at a time when your Q won't be on the charger. I do find it nice to get a fresh start every day so I set mine to restart after the alarm goes off (now a habit to disconnect the cable when I get up).

[n99hockey]

nice review...thanks!!

[Lucky13MN]

No problem... Figured it might help some people who may be on the fence about which route to take.

Glad you liked it!

[rudeboy]

hey... i was/am beta testing this Scheduler, it causes some hiccups but the developer is a very nice fella who responses pretty quick. (as a matter of fact, i just as i am writing this gotten an email from him :}

good review... good app.

[KOOLWATER]

Great review,

I use the Alarm Master also, so I might go ahead and get this scheduler. Is the trial period still active?

Thanks,

[Lucky13MN]

Yes, they do have a trial download if you want to check it out before buying.

There's a lot more you can do with it than what I posted, I just haven't tried it all yet.

Send SMS
Call Forwarding
Switch Profile
Switch Flight Mode
Switch Bluetooth Mode
Turn GPRS Off
Run Program
Restart Phone
Power Off

[bubbatex]

I have used most of their products at some point and like'em. CTScheduler combines the Lite version and SwitchProfile, IMO. I still use the Lite version since I paid for SwitchProfile. I use the Lite version to remove the 'Charge Complete' message with an automated MortScript each morning as well as a scheduled reset everyday. However, I think I am going to buy the full version so that I can rid myself of one program - plus I like all of the other features!

Lucky - what MOL version are you on? My charging Sprint Q can do a reset (either programmed as per above or for a Sprite BU) and bypass the charge screen after I installed MOL 3.

Anyway - the CT guys are good and respond well if you have a problem.

[ajskhan]

For the profile name parameters: I would type -s Silent, -s Vibrate, -s Normal correct?

[Lucky13MN]

Not sure, probably MOL3?

And yes, that is correct... works like a charm.

[mondo327]

Thanks for this review Lucky13MN. I've been trying to get the lite version working with the Outdoor profile. I had to change the profile name to get it to work. -s Loud

Anyone else have this issue?