Download Meter – Review

By
On June 10, 2010

App Type: Uncategorized

Download Meter – Review

Our rating:

By: Vladislav Kharchev

Version #: 1.1 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)

Date Released: 2009-09-10

Developer: Download Meter

Price: 1.99

User Rating:
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Since AT&T has recently decided to change their data plan offering, this app seemed like a natural one to review.  

With more and more users watching video on the iPhone (hopefully including future use of video conferencing on the 3G network), apps like Download Meter will be more important in monitoring your daily data appetite.  

Download Meter monitors device usage for both WiFi and 3G and lets you know if you’re approaching the limit of your bandwidth plan.

When the app starts, it gives a brief tutorial on how to use it.  The user manually inputs a limit in megabytes and the program tracks usage via the device (rather than through a carrier or any other external source).  From there, it’s simply a case of letting the program do its work.

You can view the percentage tab to see what percentage you have reached in proportion to your limit.  When you’re within 80%, the background turns yellow.  As you get very close to the limit, the background turns red.

My only complaint about the program is that the interface could be more intuitive.  It took a little time to figure out where to set the bandwidth limit (an options menu might have been more clear).

Still, if this app allows you to avoid overage charges from whatever source you’re using, it’s worth the cost.

Quick Take

Value:High.

Would I Buy Again:Quite possibly.

Learning Curve:Medium.

Who Is It For:Those who don't like to pay overage charges.

What I Like:Good concept.

What I Don't Like:Somewhat difficult to use. Interface is not intuitive.

Final Statement:If this app helps you avoid going over your bandwidth limit for one month, it's paid for itself.

Read the Developer's Notes:
Ready to get control of your spending on mobile Internet? Then it is time to get Download Meter, a new application to measure and track traffic - the amount of data your device transfers from and to the Internet while surfing websites, watching YouTube, checking email, researching maps, or playing online games. Measuring traffic allows you to control your expenses on your connectivity by not exceeding the limits of data you can transfer for free per your cell phone plan or traffic allowed by your WiFi plan. You can also estimate your needs in traffic before traveling abroad and estimate your expenses. In addition to measuring mobile Internet traffic, Download Meter tracks and records WiFi traffic, which is useful when you are visiting cafés or restaurants that have traffic limits in their free WiFi network (as in some Eastern countries).
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