The latest offer for a MacBundle Box just landed in my inbox. I’m definitely getting this one because I’ve already been trialing the Simon application that’s included in the package. If you haven’t participated in these Mac offerings before, there are 10 programs bundled together for one low price. The total retail price for all this software is $341 and through the power of bundling you get full versions for $49. This is a great way to stock up on great programs like 1Password (password manager which links to iPhone via a free App) and ShoveBox (mini personal information manager). For more information and complete list of the applications included - follow the link below.

MacBundle Box - $49

1Password, a password manager and automatic form filler for the Mac has just appeared in the iTunes App Store. This version promises an iPhone native application to manage all your passwords and sync with your Mac. Unfortunately it seems the release of the iPhone application is a little ahead of the desktop capabilities because I have not been able to activate the feature which will synchronize my Mac version to the iPhone. I noted others reporting this on the Agile Web Solutions forum as well. Still, this is an excellent first step. We are all forced to chose so many passwords (sometimes of varying lengths) that having a centralize place to store them all is absolutely critical. The one application that I miss from my Blackberry is the password keeper. Looks like that need has finally been filled with 1Password for iPhone.

1Password

The Agile Web Solutions Blog is announcing that popular online password keeper 1Password has a version for the iPhone which is awaiting approval from Apple and then will be added to the App Store “likely by this time next week”. As you know I abandoned my Blackberry a few months back - and the ONLY application that I miss is the built-in password keeper. So news of the upcoming release of 1Password for iPhone is great news. Also interesting is the new security method they will use. Less secure items will be protected by a 4 digit number while more sensitive information can still require the master password

Unlike the Mac version of 1Password, the iPhone/iPod touch application will be constantly closed and opened throughout the day. Not only is the device turned off frequently (i.e. placed in your pocket) but only one application can run at a time so 1Password will be constantly closed and opened as you multitask.

Because of this unique usage pattern we did not want to require a Master Password every time 1Password was opened. Since you will often be accessing “less important” login details like Forum logins, Digg accounts, etc, we use an Access Code to open 1Password. The Access Code is a 4 digit number that allows you to quickly open 1Password without entering your full Master Password. Since the Access Code is short and only contains digits it can be entered very quickly, but as a consequence items protected only by the Access Code are not as secure.

For items that require a higher level of security, such as bank accounts, a real password is needed to keep your data safe and secure. These types of accounts are used less frequently so requiring a full password to be typed when using them will not be a burden.

You can configure each item in 1Password to be protected by your Master Password. In 1Password for Mac this is called a Security Level.

1Password Blog