A quick review of QuickDex II

A quick review of QuickDex II



Author: Alan Gilbert, M.U.D. slinger

Date: October November, 1992

Keywords: database program software application review

Text:
QuickDEX II, by Casady & Greene, is a nice little free form database
program where each database is represented by a deck of cards and each
entry is a card. It is much like a simplified version of HyperCard,
except that it uses much less disk and RAM space and runs much faster.
HyperCard 2.1 takes 1 Mbyte of RAM to run, whereas QuickDEX, with
several decks open, takes about 20K bytes! Each card can have a
scrollable window and can hold as much information as memory will
permit. Searching for data is extremely fast with virtually no wait
time (tested on a IIsi). The program is a desk accessory, which is a
big conven-ience for pre-System 7.0 users.
QuickDEX's elegance is in its simplicity; it is an easy way to store
and search any kind of general information. In my job, I typically have
five to 10 phone conversations per day, with any one of 250 people,
dealing with any one of 100 products. I use Quick-DEX to keep track of
these conversations so that when someone follows up days or weeks
later, and I have no clue what they are talking about, I can quickly
search the deck for a key word and recall my notes of the conversation.
One very nice feature in this application is a time/date stamp produced
with a single keystroke. I have also found it useful in managing a ''to
do'' list. Casady & Greene also markets QuickDEX as an address manager.
Although it can be used this way, including full featured phone
dialing, it can't touch the more structured Address Book Plus or
Dynodex.
One major drawback to Quick-DEX is that you can't print an entire deck;
the Print command only prints the current card. This made it useless as
an address book for me since I am often out of my office. A new
companion program called PrintDex, (an upgrade is available,) allows a
wide variety of printing options. QuickDEX runs well on all Macs.
Overall, it is an excellent program for keeping track of any kind of
free-form data. It is lean, fast, and at about $33, it is inexpensive.
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