Review: PatternLock

iCTO · Thread Author #1 07-09-2009, 04:01 PM

Review for the BlackBerry Storm application PatternLock by iCTO

PatternLock is a multi-functional application for the blackberry storm that's main purpose is to lock your blackberry with a lock screen that is unlocked by a designated pattern. It is mainly for people who want a more efficient and easier to use lock screen on their blackberry. Of course, PatternLock has MANY other features besides that which customize the application to your specifications. Some of the features I use are:
Ability to set custom pattern, ability to specify portrait and landscape background images, autolock, a call screen lock (if your face presses buttons while you make phone calls), application lock, ability to customize backlight timeout, a lock screen emergency call button option, option for notification icons (email, sms), ability to show owner info, ability to backup and restore options, and the ability to customize the general appearance of the lock screen. For a list of all available features, go to the PatternLock product page in the Shop CrackBerry.com Store Here

After downloading PatternLock, I started the application and was immediately confronted by an easy to use set-up menu. It outlined how to use PatternLock and helped me create my secret pattern. After that, it directed me to more advanced settings in the blackberry options menu. The lock screen was easy to bring up, and it was also well laid out, with the pattern dots in the center of the screen, and the clock and notification icons where they would be on the blackberry home screen.

After using Pattern Lock for a short period of time, I became more familiar with the options and was able to take advantage of all the features. Over the entire time I have had PatternLock, Tafasa (the creator) has constantly been sending out updates, fixes, and additions to the application, which I really appreciate. They have also come out with a lite version of PatternLock, in which you can try it and some of its features for free. Try it out in the Shop CrackBerry.com Store Here

Over the entire time since I purchased PatternLock, I have had little or no problems. The problems I did have were quickly fixed by Tafasa, and the new version was quickly emailed to me. But the main reasons I bought it for were that it was better than the regular blackberry lock screen, it still kept people out of my phone, but was easy to dismiss because of the simplicity of the pattern I set. Ever since I bought PatternLock, I haven't gone back to my old blackberry lock screen. Here are some of the major Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Easy to use interface, many more features than just locking your phone included, anywhere from easy to advanced patterns, depending on the one you set, and just generally being better than the regular blackberry lock screen.
Cons:
If your pattern is simple, its easier to figure out, no way to remove the clock on the lock screen, can't assign PatternLock to the device lock key if you have a password already on your blackberry, not much you can do if you forget your pattern, the call screen lock is temperamental, and sometimes it locks up (it might just be my device).

If you are interested, you can pick up PatternLock for $3.00 ($2.00 until July 12!) at the Shop CrackBerry.com Store Here and PatternLock Lite for FREE Here.