Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

Golfy reviewed v4.24 on May 24, 2012

EPIM is an Outlook like application but... it is more powerful !
First, it has a portable version and a network version (collaborative)
Second, each function is very fast and powerful :
* it's possible to search in any modules (todo, appointment, contact, password manager, notes, emails) in real time (match elements are showed while writing the word).
* it's possible to define tasks AND sub-tasks (try this with Outlook < 2010)
* It's multi-language (english, deutsh, italiano, français... and a lot of other)
* it's possible to synchronize with a lot of products : Outlook, PocketPC, Palm, online web (Google, CalDav, Yahoo...) and EPIM team will works on Android and iPhone sync.
There forum lets write suggestions and support questions.
A minus point is documentation (there are a lot of features and help file is small)

Globaly, I've bought it in 2000 and I still fond of EssentialPIM : give it a try with Free version (limitation on numbers of events or sync method)

DaComboMan reviewed v3.5 on Apr 12, 2010

Got an error message too!

Tried the pro version as well, even worse.
Should be marked "beta".

rip_pit reviewed v3.5 on Apr 10, 2010

Got an error when opening my previous EPIM database with this version
"Violation of primary unique key on contact table ..."
The app is great but this version won't open my database

anomoly reviewed v3.22 on Jan 21, 2010

For whatever reason I could not find a standard calendar view (month...?).
Uk'sKalendar solved that and Kurlo took care of contacts beautifully (just remember to use a fairly simple password!).
Finally decided to dedicate software for my contacts and other than using tbird with lightning (never again) there was simply nothing else for free.
I doubt essential pim free can compete with kurlo in the contact dept I just couldn't get past the fugly calendar views- (ughh)

Blaxima reviewed v3.04 on Jul 13, 2009

@some douche

That was 4 releases ago!! to which they quickly released another version 3 days later (which surprise surprise NOD had nothing to say about).

Learn to read

some guy reviewed v3.04 on Jul 13, 2009

their is no virus, learn to use your pc
scanned
http://www.virustotal.co...c9254ccd9280-1247516819

Look at the link you downloaded it from lol go get you nod32 off mini-nova lolol

now go back to your AOL browser and get your self some real media

epim1 reviewed v3.01 on May 23, 2009

I represent developers.
NOD32 is wrong, there is no any badware. You can check with any other reputable protection software.

Blaxima reviewed v3.0 on May 20, 2009

Well this is a first. I've had my problems with this software but when it works its pretty good

BUT Nod32 says;
"http://downloads.essentialpim.com.s3.amazonaws.com/essentialpimport3.zip
probably a variant of Win32/Statik potentially unwanted application connection terminated - quarantined
Threat was detected upon access to web by the application."

Its' probably some adware they have bundled but other things have adware and don't elicit this response and this never has either so....

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0 RC on May 13, 2009

The best PIM on the market, imho. Free version is good, but pro simply kicks as.
I like that it's fast, lightweight and flexible. Also, you can sync it pretty much with everything starting from gCal to Outlook AND you can even sync over a network between epims!

some guy reviewed v2.81 on Dec 3, 2008

just a nice to do contact organizer that's free

twood reviewed v2.71 on Sep 17, 2008

I prefer Open Source to Lite tools, but I have to admit, it works well for moving Outlook info to a different computer. It get a 4 for being Lite and not fully functional. Not a bad piece of software, would go well with Sylpheed.

poundsmack reviewed v2.71 on Aug 26, 2008

it doesnt need an open source alternative. This is great software. keep up the good work guys.

Aegis69 reviewed v2.71 on Aug 26, 2008

open source alternative, sunbird or thunderbird

http://www.mozilla.org/projects/calendar/sunbird/

And since its EssentialPIM 'Free', (which is not true freeware, but simply a promotional tool for their full featured version) it absolutely does need an open source alternative. AND since sunbird is standards compliant and has many more features, and with plugins its enterprise ready, I think you'll be far happier with it in the long run, and this one will go from 'free' to non-free when the company gets sick of making no money. I have seen 'free' products like this, even ones that say "we will always be free" go non-free in a real hurry. Its comanies like that which have destroyed 'freeware' for me, and many others.

mondliath reviewed v2.12 on Oct 27, 2007

Dont quite understand the less than positive reviews, as this app seems more than fit for the purpose.

The features are simple and work. Accessing older data via the import functions is straight forward, though it did re-sort some of the details (switching personal items into the business fields). The interface is neither elegant nor pretty, but nor is it brutal, and the items are easy to locate.

It does what it says on the tin, quickly and efficiently without hogging resources, and its free. It would be churlish to ask for much else.

billy_mo reviewed v2.12 on Oct 26, 2007

I've used it for about six month now and still didn't like it. Can anyone suggest a replacement that is free?

some guy reviewed v2.12 on Oct 26, 2007

I like it seems to work just fine.
don't see what you guys are b****ing about ?
Christ it's free and it works

Mystiqq reviewed v2.11 on Oct 14, 2007

Fortunately, i got license for free when they were giving them out on halloween about two years ago. Version 1.95 seems better than these latest ones, they just feel like crap.

Blaxima reviewed v2.02 on Aug 12, 2007

Still the same problem that I said earlier
"I find random blank boxes for some of my repeating tasks.

WTF!!!"

and to think you can pay for this and get even more sh8 for your buck

Raven Sati reviewed v2.01 on Jul 16, 2007

Still Crap - just an opinion after playing with it for about an hour. Why ? Focus is on a cliched use of technology rather than on building a tool to support user results. Nothing in the design shows an up-to-date knowledge of how people perceive work, make decisions, coordinate with others, etc. So... Still Crap

Blaxima reviewed v2.01 on Jul 10, 2007

Well it seems I stand corrected. I said that it only showed blank boxes for my old databases but after redoing EVERYTHING in a new one I find random blank boxes for some of my repeating tasks.

WTF!!!

Blaxima reviewed v2.0 on Jun 27, 2007

This has always been a 5 BUT when I load an old database it converts it with no troubles until I restart the program. The boxes for the tasks are there but no text and when I click them it has no info on the task. A mistake like that shouldn't be in an alpha version let alone a "finished" one.

Works fine with databases it creates but no dice on my old ones, thanks alot!

Niksa reviewed v1.95 on Nov 22, 2006

If U say something is crap please explain why. By my opinion this is best freeware PIM I tested. It have all features you need from PIM and it's not ugly like some other freeware PIM.

I just wish they add support for server that users can share tasks

Raven Sati reviewed v1.95 on Nov 22, 2006

still crap - but looking prettier and prettier ...
the development people are writing their own reviews, looks like ...

Diam0nd reviewed v1.91 on Oct 12, 2006

New in EssentialPIM 1.91 (Pro & Free)

Added EPIM Online Beta (Pro Only)
Added Location field in PPC synchronization
Improved Options window is now larger to accommodate some languages
Fixed bug with 1.7 -> 1.9 database conversion
Fixed sorting by Location field in To Do
Fixed MAPI error when synchronizing Notes with Outlook
Fixed "Private" flag is now being honored upon CSV export in Contacts
Fixed Enter button opens an item in EPIM Free now
Fixed incorrect cursor movements by TAB button in Schedule table view

dhry reviewed v1.71 (Updated) on Feb 8, 2006

All he needs to do now is fix the ADWARE.

rexicus reviewed v1.71 on Jan 31, 2006

This is the only PIM program that has actually improved my productivity. The developer is actively involved on EPIM's forums, and he responds to and fixes any bugs very quickly. Highly recommended!

degui reviewed v1.7 on Jan 13, 2006

The best pims in its type :)

PastorJason reviewed v1.6 on Dec 5, 2005

This is a terrific all-round program. I use to use Keynote (development now discontunued) which offers the advantage of tabbed notes. Essential PIM offers some real advatages: a fully-fledged calendar, a contact manager that you can import/export between outlook express etc and a notes facility which supports tables and images as well as text. I find it simple to use and reliable.

rhoadesb reviewed v1.6 on Oct 29, 2005

Works fine for me...in English (I believe you can choose the language in options. What language runs immeadiately after install MAY depend on the options you choose when it is downloaded).
I had no trouble when I installed and tried the USB/pro version 1.6, (By the way you can get a FREE registration for the pro version on 10/31/05 ONLY. See their website for details). As far as I can see, it did not change any IE6 options.
The drawbacks: no spell checker
no ability to insert date/time in the tree mode without typing it in

Otherwise appears fine to me. I prefer Treepad Business Edition, (shareware) and Keynote version 1.65, (freeware?) though. This is a personal preference only. I'm sure others might say EssentialPIM is better.

I give it a 4.

geotrail reviewed v1.6 on Oct 26, 2005

Very usefull program. It contains just about everything I need for my daily office needs :)

professionalone reviewed v1.6 on Oct 26, 2005

I have been using PIMs for many years, Lotus Organizer, TreePad, Ecco, MyInfo, and more. After testing EssentialPIM for several months, I have to say it is the best. Integration with Outlook (contacts, schedule,todos), flexible import/export, calendaring, notes with table support and linking. No size limitation to databases. Ability to work on a USB Flash drive. There is ALOT of functionality here. Great work.

coldzero reviewed v1.6 on Oct 24, 2005

The best Pim Software!!!

wizard68sc3 reviewed v1.6 on Oct 22, 2005

Trust me, I'm not griping, however, I,m surprised they still offer a free version. This has to be the best.....Hands down please.

frankokc reviewed v1.6 on Oct 19, 2005

I have been looking for a good PIM/Calendar program for quite some time. I'd been trying to find something flexible and able to import/export data. You've got to give EssentialPIM a try. I was sold the first day I downloaded the free version. I soon bought EssentialPIM Pro. It's the best by far! There's also a portable version you can install on a USB Flash! --FrankOKC

tp reviewed v1.6 RC1 on Sep 12, 2005

great app.. does seem a bit faster with this release too..

NeyJunior reviewed v1.5.3 on Jul 15, 2005

Great program, but I wish it used less than 5mb when in system tray.

httpd.confused reviewed v1.5.3 on Jul 9, 2005

OK, fine, but it calls MSIE by default, and changed some of my MSIE settings behind my back. I don't care for that.

And I never use "Run at startup" options imbedded in applications; I don't use HKCU\...\Run at all. I have my own way of doing things, and there should be a way to have it start minimized no matter how it is started, even if from a batch file using the START /MIN method. I tried doing so, but it didn't work.

I assume that there is a command line parameter to start EPIM in the tray. If so, and if it's documented, my apologies for not noticing it.

tp reviewed v1.5.3 on Jul 8, 2005

This app is great and may have to go for the payware version soon. I have been using the portable free version for a couple days now and I am hooked..

epim1 reviewed v1.5.3 on Jul 6, 2005

httpd.confused, EPIM uses IE only in two components- EPIM Today and while printing. you can disable EPIM Today (in Tools-> Options) and not to print- IE won't be called.
You can put checks against "Minimize to System Tray" and "Run at startup" and you will have EPIM starting up with windows in the tray.

httpd.confused reviewed v1.5.2 on Jul 2, 2005

Oh boy, it uses the MSIE engine. This means I had to reduce my "My Computer" security settings (specifically, to enable Active Scripting) just to use it. Someone who loves viruses wouldn't even notice this, though.

The MSIE dependency also means that it messes with your MSIE settings, including the font size, and whether or not background images are printed. (By the way, it changes these settings behind your back. Maybe you don't mind, but I do.)

And is there any way to start it in the tray?

Rebel_1 reviewed v1.5.2 on Jun 6, 2005

Years of searching for a compact, efficient, fully featured planner has at last proved fruitful with the finding of Essential PIM. Its so simple to use there really is no need for a manual. Within a day of using the free edition, I was so impressed I joined the forum and am pleased to have been accepted onto the beta testing team for the soon to be released pro version which is another leap forward. Congratulations to the development team on providing this excellent program!

celticjonny reviewed v1.5.2 on Jun 4, 2005

Intuative and easy to use, portable, and indispensable.
Once you use this software you will wonder how you managed before. It makes juggling home and work commitments much simpler.

Why spend good money on other "pim" software when you can get the best for free!!!

testerh reviewed v1.5.2 on Jun 1, 2005

Intelligent and small, Essential PIM Pro provides everything I need during my daily work. All major functions are only a click away:
Notes to store notes or quick ideas in a hierarchical structure;
Schedule and To-Do that work as my personal secretary;
and Contacts.
Files can be attached to any of these items.
The development team behind Essential PIM listens to its users, and is highly responsive.
I have been looking for a similar application for years. I am glad I have found it.

mario2005 reviewed v1.5.2 on Jun 1, 2005

I have been a lot searching for a tool for managing all my duties and activities. I only could find "bloated" applications like Microsoft Project or small toys, useless for a serious work.

Then I found this little jewel. I am really enthusiastic about it!

Good things:

1. small and portable
2. easy and intuitive
3. powerful
4. flexible
5. customisable
6. complete (to-dos, notes, calendar, contacts)
7. very friendly and responsive developers
8. last but not the least- very good looking, colourful but elegant

It really is helping my work.

I can only suggest to download and try it!

Mario

epim1 reviewed v1.5.2 on May 12, 2005

Hello, starting from EPIM Pro Beta 2, we have re-made the work with IE. IE now is called only when you actually need to print, not at startup of EPIM. If that solves some problems, same feature will be introduced in EPIM Free 1.6

ArabianNight reviewed v1.5.2 on May 11, 2005

The only good planner out there.

Blue_Horse reviewed v1.5.2 on May 10, 2005

Code oops! lets try that URL again:

http://www.essentialpim....eatures&pr=vhistory

Blue_Horse reviewed v1.5.1 on May 5, 2005

To alexweber15;

You can find the program's version history at:

although it jumps from version 1.0 to 1.51 without mentioning what changes were made with the versions between those so the changes between 1.50 and 1.51 are not defined there.

agildehaus reviewed v1.5.1 on May 4, 2005

This app was once somewhat buggy and lacked some essential features, but that has changed. I have been using EssentialPIM 1.5 RC for the last couple of weeks with no troubles whatsoever and very few gripes about features.

It's a simple and lean app, which are the program's greatest strengths, and I hope it stays that way.

exsurfer reviewed v1.5 RC3 on Apr 27, 2005

Small, works fine on my usb. 2 weeks, so far no complaints..Developers are good at fixing stuff quick is someone finds a bug.

maxxx reviewed v1.5 RC3 on Apr 27, 2005

wow. it works. just works...excellent.

devotion reviewed v1.5 RC3 on Apr 27, 2005

Excellent piece of software! It got everything I need for my everyday planning needs. And the best part here- it's absolutely free! I don't think anybody would assess the product properly (lower than 5++) taking into account its "perfect" price ;)

danilloOc reviewed v1.5 RC3 on Apr 27, 2005

I giveup.
It's still launch IEXPLORE.EXE without i need it and it's waisting 12 MB of my memory for NOTHING since i DON'T want the "Print Preview" thing.
Also on the "Options - Autosave" if i choose to do not Auto-save and uncheck the itens, when i restart the program they auto turn it on again.

wizard68sc3 reviewed v1.5 RC3 on Apr 27, 2005

I used an older version that was great. When I updated it, it won't run properly and its in russian. If I knew russian i could probably change it back to english. I also get an error saying something about wrong integer. I am also running an AMD athlon.

raghav reviewed v1.5 RC2 on Apr 26, 2005

Well this prog. simply refuse to run on my pc(AMD Athlon XP).I tried to repeatedly uninstall it and than reinstallation did'nt helped either....Wish I could use it as it seems intresting to me

danilloOc reviewed v1.5 RC1 on Apr 21, 2005

epim1: i have EssentialPim running all the time on my computer and i don't use the print preview and EssentialPim still launch IEXPLORE.EXE and it's wasting 12 MB of my memory, for nothing. I would like to ask you for an option to disable the print preview in some way, maybe under the options dialog, please.

trucktime reviewed v1.5 Beta 3 on Apr 14, 2005

A nice program that does exactly what I need. It looks good, it's fast and dependable. The maker seems to work hard to improve the software which is big plus to me. Also there is a good forum for users to post comments and suggestions.
As soon as it has capability to print addresses on predefined labels I will be perfectly happy with it and boost the rating to 5.

epim1 reviewed v1.5 Beta 3 on Apr 12, 2005

danilloOc, we ise Internet Explorer to Print preview and Print out the HTML files EssentialPIM prepares from Schedules, Contacts and Notes.
We call iexplorer.exe at EPIM start to determine whether "Print" button should be enabled (i.e. whether Internet Explorer is present)

danilloOc reviewed v1.5 Beta 3 on Apr 11, 2005

epim1: Is possible to let me disable it in some way, please? (the IEXPLORE that launch)

1213 reviewed v1.5 Beta 3 on Apr 8, 2005

Very Nice PIM

Seinfeld reviewed v1.5 Beta 3 on Apr 7, 2005

Nice piece of software, I would like a more intuitive to-do and notes management

oXit reviewed v1.5 Beta 2 on Apr 6, 2005

dzjepp, you have to uninstal the previous version first and delete all files in Program Files/EssentialPIM. Then you can install the beta version. At startup it will ask you your language setting.

Best PIM I've ever used...

dzjepp reviewed v1.5 Beta 2 on Apr 5, 2005

Anyone having problems with characters displaying in the GUI in this version? It looks like it's in Russian and most of the fields display as '????????' probably because I don't have the language installed. I grabbed it from BetaNews.

danilloOc reviewed v1.5 Beta 2 on Apr 5, 2005

Excellent software, it's help me a lot on my daily tasks.

WinfriedG reviewed v1.0 RC1 on Feb 23, 2005

You don't need any other program for dates, addresses, notes if you have this: this is small enough for any memory (stick, memory card from camera e.g.), it is very quick, it needs no installation and it's very easy to use.
Almost perfect. And it's first a Beta!

ibr reviewed v1.0 RC1 on Feb 22, 2005

Excellent Program. The best part is it is free and the developers are receptive to your suggestions!

Seinfeld reviewed v1.0 Beta 5 on Feb 15, 2005

Excelent program, very fast, still need a few features but it's awesome!

gsf600y reviewed v1.0 Beta 5 on Feb 10, 2005

Fantastic. Very good program.
Who wants to carry their calendar and contacts around on a keyring? EPIM can run from a USB memory stick!!! You could also fit it on a floppy if you wanted :)
Very good repeating tasks options too.
All bugs found are being fixed very quickly by the author which is reassuring.

epim1 reviewed v1.0 Beta 5 on Feb 10, 2005

dejavu- the reason we call iexplorer.exe- that is used for print Preview and printing. If you try to print out- you will see IE dialogs and Preview. Hope that explains everything.

Max/EPim TEam

dejavu reviewed v1.0 Beta 5 on Feb 9, 2005

Thank You Epim1!!! Great App!

yokozuna reviewed v1.0 Beta 5 on Feb 9, 2005

@deadmonkey, Marx wrote that "quantity changes into quality", so it ain't bad that EPIM is a one person company ;-) Anyway, I agree that the PIM is impressive and that the author quickly reacts for suggestions. Well done!

deadmonkey reviewed v1.0 Beta 5 on Feb 9, 2005

Very impressive program and it is free. Looks like that calender app from Mozilla might have some competition. Even more impressive is that, by the looks of the website, it is a one person company!

xtr3mmm reviewed v1.0 Beta 4b on Feb 8, 2005

There seems to be a problem with the "Expires" checkbox: it always defaults to checked. That is, I double click a task (which is set to repeat), uncheck the Expires checkbox, press OK, double click the task again and the checkbox is still checked.

train25 reviewed v1.0 Beta 4b on Feb 1, 2005

I have to give credit to the author. This one is small and easy to get around between the scheduler, notes, and contacts.

The layout is very user friendly..alot better then the outlook I use now.

One thing that would make this app complete for me is a budget/expense tracking tool. Maybe the author will look into adding this as an option that can be enabled/disabled from within the program.

A rating of 5 from me as it is one of the best apps i have seen that provides the functions available.

epim1 reviewed v1.0 Beta 4b on Feb 1, 2005

unistyle,- this language error is now fixed in this release. All should work fine, by default EPIM is in English.

EPIM Team

yokozuna reviewed v1.0 Beta 4b on Feb 1, 2005

I already reported this problem. The easiest and provisional way of preventing it is just deleting all language files except of "ENGLISH.LNG" (or the language you prefer) and restarting EPIM. The issue does not change my opinion about the proggie. My thumb up!

unistyle reviewed v1.0 Beta 4a on Jan 31, 2005

Same problem here .. all the buttons on the screen are labeled in german.. and same with all the options. I checked my language settings and everything, nothing is german or has ever been set to german .. hopefully this gets worked out, looks like a great app!

epim1 reviewed v1.0 Beta 4a on Jan 30, 2005

Hi, seems like a small problem with default language. We select it according to your local settings- do you have something German on computer?:)
Anyway, just go to menu of EssentialPIM-> Extras-> Sprache-> English
voila, you are done:)
Thank you for using EssentialPIM. Visit our forums on www.essentialpim.com

EPIM Team

VirtualGhost reviewed v1.0 Beta 4a on Jan 30, 2005

Seems very nice. Looking forward to trying it out. However, after installation, the interface language is in GERMAN! I have uninstalled and re-installed to no avail. Is there a language file for ENGLISH?

bohEMOian reviewed v1.0 Beta 3 on Jan 9, 2005

Great work!

epim1 reviewed v1.0 Beta 3 on Jan 7, 2005

Hi, I just wanted everyone know- EssentialPIM link is now up and working- we had a minor problem with the server, due to large load. Thanks everyone!
Maxim
EPIM Team

KayNine reviewed v1.0 Beta 3 on Jan 6, 2005

Looking quite promissing. Especially for that small size, amazing! I also found what seems a USB stick version of Essential PIM via filemirrors.com, now _that's_ what I call a great idea!

Raven Sati reviewed v1.0 Beta 3 on Jan 6, 2005

As a person's personal management system is the primary system determning how well other tools, systems, and environments can be utilized, anyone who is concerned to produce a better option than the stress producing MS Outlook is to be applauded - I hope they get their link back up so this program an be evaluated.

danilloOc reviewed v1.0 Beta 3 on Jan 5, 2005

The link is dead :|

Stingray57 reviewed v1.0 Beta 3 on Jan 5, 2005

This thing application is great. If it had email I would drop Outlook now.

People need to be able to organize their lives by having the ability to drop emails in to reminders/tasks.

I think this is just great- and always getting better! I bow to the developers.

mhjb reviewed v1.0 Beta 2 on Dec 31, 2004

Need to send email remainder in the Task/reminder to one or more email address BY self SMTP !

But still Good programe as free.

Regards
AAM

Joffi reviewed v1.0 Beta 2 on Dec 23, 2004

Five (5)

One look at this program and you know you are NOT in the 80s.

Support is personal and fast; see the program site forums. Features are added directly from user input. New builds are being released often, incorporating those features and fixing bugs.

About those bugs - few and far between.

This is simply the best free win32 PIM availible and it's still in beta.

yokozuna reviewed v1.0 Beta 2 on Dec 22, 2004

Essential PIM really rocks. Simple yet powerful. If I can suggest a thing - it should import data from more PIMs e.g. from Lotus Organizer, or "abandoned PIMs". I know quite many people who use them, however, they are out of date. On the other hand they do not want to use M$ apps. Essential PIM would be a good choice for them. To the author: give them a chance! :-)

blackcherry reviewed v1.0 Beta 2 on Dec 21, 2004

one look at this programs interface and i thought i was back in the '80s!!! :P

ogman reviewed v1.0 Beta 2 on Dec 21, 2004

Gets better with every version (unlike Outlook!).

ogman reviewed v1.0 Beta on Dec 8, 2004

Fantastic! Great work! I can't say enough good things about this program. This is a beta???

soccer5sg reviewed v1.0 Beta on Dec 8, 2004

i really love this prog. especially when it allows you to export your schedule into a html file. but i'm having a problem with it though.. i've e-mailed the support team and they replied within 24 hours

2 thumbs up!

zridling reviewed v1.0 Beta on Dec 7, 2004

Quite impressive for a 1.0beta. It has an Outlook feel to it, but its attractiveness lay in its simplicity — you take notes, look up contacts, set up meeting times/tasks and the software doesn't get in the way of any of that. Very well done!

KaptK reviewed v1.0 Beta on Dec 7, 2004

Agreed! :)

Very nice program. I've been waiting for a good freeware PIM for about ..well.. forever!

This does all you'll want from a PIM and you can't complain about the price either.

Please give it a try...

devotion reviewed v1.0 Beta on Dec 7, 2004

Wow! That's what I call a PIM! Always wanted something like that and free.. Especially love the printing feature- very convinient. Will be now waiting for the next releases. Simply phaantastic!!