Capture: FastRecorder and DoItTomorrow, List manager:Mobisle notes
Honestly, the android smartphone is a step backward and a step forward compared to my old Nokia Phone. That still makes it very very useful though. Here's what I use on the Android.
Capture Tool (UCT): FastRecorder on Android Smartphone
For capturing ideas while not at my desk, I use a recorder that can be started directly from a widget on the home screen (in 2012, the best apps I've found are FastRecorder and Livo Recorder). Sadly, there is no possibility of mapping a hardware button to direct recording (will be criterium for my next phone). Now, I need to slide off the keyguard and often press the home button before I can click the widget, bringing the time from pocket to recording up to 3-4 seconds.
I suspect an audio memo is the fastest way to make a capture when you’re not directly sitting with pen and paper in hand, but there are drawbacks: 1) it’s awkward in public spaces and in social situtations, so not ubiquitous, and 2) processsing time is slower than for written notes. Still, I prefer the fastest possible capture speed, or my capture rate goes down. I supplement with scribbled notes in the DoItTomorrow app; it’s slower than paper , but my smartphone is the only ubiquitous item for me.
Fastrecorder can record directly from a widget, and has one-click-to-delete option for the fastest processing of your memos. It misses other features though, and recording quality is mediocre.
Livo recorder also has widget, and is very versatile, but takes way too many clicks to process and delete recordings.
Evernote is versatile, but I stopped using it as capture tool for two reasons: 1) The widget (4x1) takes up too much space, and 2) processing is slow, there are too many clicks involved.
I've tried many others too, none quite satisfying.
Calendar: Business Calendar
Business Calendar is awesome. It's quick and versatile and allows for inviting other people to events. Calendar Snooze app allows me to customize my event reminders, the only thing I miss in Business calendar.
Reminder app:COL reminder
The best app I've found for time specific reminders is COL reminder. It's quick in operation, allows easy set up of recurring reminders, and let's me choose a different profile for important and less important reminders. Last, it's got an active and responsive developer.
Next action lists : paper
I still use paper lists for my projects and next-actions. I write 50% faster on paper than I can swype on my smartphone, and A4 gives much better overview than a 6" screen. With Camera Zoom i can make an electronic copy (image) of my lists in 3 seconds, that's enough for my needs when on the go.
I tried the MLO app briefly,but there are too many clicks and steps involved to my liking.
I'd be curious to hear if anyone had an effective action list system on paper, and then switched to something workable from a smartphone - what persuaded you? How does speed compare?
checklist manager: Mobisle notes
Mobisle notes is great for visually appealing brief checklists. Quick in operation.
Biggest needs:an instant camera snapshot tool.
I love being able to take a snapshot of a document or object for later reference, that's one of the coolest features of the smartphone. I just can't find one that works quickly and while dumping the snapshots in a separate directory. I think I tried them all, instant camera, cam scanner, document reader, Evernote, camera zoom, camera360. All have nice features, but it takes too many damn clicks to get anything done, or there is some other major problem. Has anyone found any better?
Regards,
Jens
