Review: Atek’s Logio password keeper is a great idea poorly executed
Passwords are an important part of maintaining the security of information on computers and the Internet. Security experts will tell you that you need to use passwords that are not easy to guess, do not include your birth date, your name or the birth dates or names of family members. In other words, for passwords to be effective, they need to be difficult to remember.
Remembering passwords can be especially difficult if you are forced to change them every quarter and if, as recommended, you don’t use the same password to log onto your computer and to log into every Web site. Ideally, computer users should have multiple passwords to maintain the security of information contained on their computer and various Web sites.
This is where Atek’s Logio Secure Password Organizer is supposed to help. The Logio is thin, comes with a leather case and lanyard to keep it safe and accessible. The package is impressive, but the actual device has some issues.
The list of features on Atek’s website was impressive:
- Data protected by sophisticated AES encryption implementation
- Set up your own master passcode and change it whenever you want
- Store Web site names and/or addresses, user IDs, and passwords
- Store desktop logins, ATM and debit card pin codes, credit card numbers, frequent flyer program numbers, password and driver’s license numbers, etc.
- Holds over 200 records – no data loss if battery runs down
- Save your three favorite user IDs for easy entry in records
- Generate random passwords automatically or manually enter numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and punctuation marks
- Quick entry of special characters for Web and email addresses
- Go directly to records by pushing the number or letter at the beginning of the record you are looking for
- Audible button tones for easy operation
- Optional display of lost and found information
- User-configurable settings for button tone volume, screen contrast, and auto-off time
- Advanced navigation and editing functions for power users
- Available in two colors: black and white
- Comes with lanyard, carrying pouch, and coin cell battery
- One year limited warranty
I was really looking forward to reviewing this product since I have several friends who have a hard time remembering passwords and have to use several in order to perform their jobs. Unfortunately, using the device proved frustrating, time consuming and more involved than my non-techy friends or I are willing to put up with.
In order to start using the Logio, you have to read the User’s Manual. This is not a device that is intuitively easy to use. The User’s Manual is 55 pages long and necessary reading.
The display holds three lines of text. There are four prominent arrow keys on the device that help you move left, right, up and down. Using the keys is mandatory to enter information and frequently to see it.
Entering data is a convoluted mess. The keypad is touch sensitive. Pressing too hard could break the Logio but it is hard to tell when you have applied enough pressure. Pressing on a key elicits soft tones that are difficult to hear. You can change the volume of the tones, but it’s not quick or easy.
The screen holds all the nostalgia of a 1980′s computer screen, with dot matrix type print on a green background. There is no back light and it must be held just right for the screen to be seen in any light.
Entering letters and numbers requires multiple presses of certain keys. For instance, if you are entering the letter “s” as part of your password, you have to hit the key four times. To enter the “7″ that is contained on the same key, you have to hit the key five times.
Heaven help you if you pause too long or make an error. Pressing the delete key does not mean that you can delete previous letters or numbers. No, you must first maneuver to them using the arrow keys to delete each individual mistake. In other words, this is not a device that uses a standard keyboard or number pad.
This is certainly not a gadget to give to a computer novice. The type of people who really need something like this are never going to use it. They will get frustrated with the difficulty of trying to use it. I gave a review device to a non-gadget friend of mine to try out. In less than five minutes she was fed up with it.
I love gadgets and hated this one. It may be affordable, but it is certainly not easy to use. The technology is 20 years old and hopelessly outdated compared to other products on the market.
Recommendation: Don’t buy it.
Pros
- Nice packaging
- Nice size
Cons
- Very difficult to use
- Frustrating
Price $29.95
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