I don't typically write about the same app two or more times; there's only so much time to cover the one million apps out there. But VIPorbit, the Contact Manager deserves mention. VIPorbit was created by Mike Muhney, the co-creator of the original contact manager, ACT!, which took the world by storm in the late 1980s. When I last wrote about VIPorbit, I praised it, but criticized the color scheme. Thankfully, the latest version uses a much more elegant purple color palette.
VIPorbit has matured in other ways. It's cheaper, and even free for the iPhone app. Their optional monthly subscription is cheaper as well. I recently started a new business, and when I investigated CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems like Salesforce.com and ZOHO, it was shocking to see how expensive they can be.
If you just need a Contact Manager, VIPorbit can be a better fit, at a fraction of the price. The iPhone version is free, and the version that leverages the iPad is $20, but on sale for just $0.99 with a free trial! And the Mac version has a free trial for thirty days, before you need to commit to the $50 fee. The VIPsync sync service is a bargain at just $45/year, considering CRM services can charge that much for one month.
In continuing with the "free" trend, they are also offering a free e-book with advice for contact management.