As a long-time user of the predecessors of iDate 2 (iData Pro, Info Genie and QuickDex), I think that the file size overhead is worth the added benefits of styled text, embedded graphics, customizable toolbar, and clickable links to files on disk.
The new formatting of iData 2 adds bold, colorful, easy to apply touches.
The always easy-to-use software adopted added features we're used to in other Panther-era software, such as Office 2004. But I can quickly bring up free-form notes much faster with a ___and____ and____ find operation in iData 2 than I can with Office 2004's Entourage. Not that Entourage isn't fast: it's that in iData 2 I don't have to go through a couple different stages to start my search.
iData 2 does a superb job of handling phone dialing, including prefixes, area codes, and extensions. All it takes is a lightning-fast search, highlighting of the entire number sequence, and clicking on the phone icon. No wrong number dials, either.
I suffered from tendonitis in both elbows that required splints for 6 months and several cortisone injections in the joints and from carpal tunnel damage in both wrists and punching in phone numbers was a source of pain and inflammation until iData 2's predecessors introduced automatic phone dialing. And iData 2 builds on its rich heritage in that and other features.
It's quite handy to import my email contacts and browser bookmarks into iData 2 and while in a free-form note to simply click on one to address an email message or fly to a website.
A click on the preference gives instant access to iData 2's own spellchecker component. I don't like to be distracted by spellcheckers at work so I really like the ability to turn it on only when I'm ready for it to proof what I write.
One of the greatest qualities of iData in all its versions is its excellent technical support. The help program and users' guide have really improved. But I became so enamored with the personal, responsive support--including the willingness to listen to suggestions for product improvement, that I donated my services as a volunteer beta tester.
I respect the thorough beta testing that the program went through and the quickness of its author to pick up on suggestions for new features and improvements that went far beyond eliminating bugs.
I don't use palm devices, so I can't comment on how iData 2 works with them.
I once wrote that iData 2's predecessor "operates like a first-class, computer-savvy secretary, only faster and with greater ease for any executive, professional or home user." It certainly did that for me in the course of writing two books, in processing my lecture notes and in helping me during my rise to head three national organizations in my field.
The secretary of which I wrote then has now been promoted to executive secretary with iData 2.0.2!
Respectfully, Norm Nager
Emeritus Professor of Communications (Retired)