DayLite on Mac

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mikeguil

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I've just downloaded DayLite 1.9 for my Mac G5/Dual 2.0. So far I'm liking it but it's a bit overwhelming and confusing. I'm a photographer and would like to track clients, their requests (usually via email), prepare quotations, track jobs, etc. Also to create (e)mailouts to prospects and track responses. I've been using Palm Desktop and Mac Mail.. but of course can't integrate the two. Am I looking at the right software? Is there anything else? I was checking into ACT!, but it's not longer supported on the Mac. I used to use Maximizer, but that is PC only. I'd appreciate any suggestions, and any testimonials as to the usefulness of DayLite.
 
Simpler alternatives to the mac

Daylite does look pretty intimidating, and I know firsthand that Palm desktop for the mac is not very pleasant to use. Some alternatives:

1) Use Microsoft Entourage

2) Use Missing Sync to sync iCal, Address Books, and Missing Sync Notes to your palm.

There are one or two CRM programs (customer relations management- like Act) that interface with iCal, Mail, and Address Book. As I recall, they don't handle tasks, but you might want to take a look. One of them is called CRM4Mac, I think, but you can just search for "CRM Mac."
 
Entourage is only part of Office, and I really don't need any of the other apps - big price tag for a contact manager. I've downloaded the Crm4Mac demo. It looks nice, seems to work well, but is limited and depends on Apple to improve the likes of iCal & Address Book.
So far, Daylite seems to be the best (and of course, cost the most - but reasonable). I just need to spend time to learn it - and I hate that! :?
 
Contacts & Organizations

Ok.. I'm trying to figure this monster of a program out. When I create an appointment, it wants to create it with a contact. In org. view, the detail screen doesn't even have the option to create a Timeblock (appointment) - only under a contact. Is there an easy way to create an appointment for the org. when I don't want to specify a particular contact?

Does anyone know if there's a forum specifically for DayLite?
 
Another new DayLiter

I, too, am new to DayLite and like you I feel a bit overwhelmed by some of the "high concept" aspects of the program, especially the disconnect between people and organizations. When I tried importing ACT! records, I got the contact names in the right places but the company info disappeared.

But my research (via Google) seems to suggest that it's the best GTD solution for the Mac, although the sources I read did mentioned the "steep learning curve." I've steeled myself to hanging in there until the light bulbs start going on.

There is a new users group for all MarketCircle products although I suspect DayLite will be the major focus:

http://groups.google.com/group/Marketcircle-Users
Marketcircle-Users@googlegroups.com

Good luck!
 
I'm glad it's not just me. It looks like an amazing app, but that 'steep' learning curve needs to be flattened. The users group should help a lot. I wish DayLite themselves would get involved with it though.... with an area for suggestions!
 
M-1 posted on the "...SoHo Organizer..." thread regarding the new Beta of Daylite. So some people within MarketCircle watch this forum at least, which is great to see.
 
Daylite v3

I have been using Daylite for almost a year and never quite got the hang of v1.9. However, I have been using the beta v3 for a couple of weeks now and it so easy and takes away the learning curve. There is nothing else out there that compares to it for the Mac.
 
BranfordBoy said:
I, too, am new to DayLite and like you I feel a bit overwhelmed by some of the "high concept" aspects of the program, especially the disconnect between people and organizations.
Click to expand...

shan150 said:
I have been using Daylite for almost a year and never quite got the hang of v1.9. However, I have been using the beta v3 for a couple of weeks now and it so easy and takes away the learning curve. There is nothing else out there that compares to it for the Mac.
Click to expand...

I've been using DayLite 1.x for a couple of years - it is quite powerful and incredibly useful, but there's no question that the 1.x interface steepened the learning curve. It is too complex on the surface rather than hiding the power of that complexity "under the hood"... and therefore is not particularly Mac-like. Until I spent the time to try to really understand the underlying principles of the application and the relational database nature, it could be frustrating -- and was difficult to try to train others in our small group to use it. However, I have to say that the time I put in to become comfortable with it was definitely worthwhile (although I still don't use it to its full potential and some of our users still use just the calendar and contacts).

I have also been giving the v3 beta a test drive... and I have to say "Wow!!" It is significantly more Mac-like in look & feel, enough to greatly reduce the learning curve. I've also had our more resistant users take a look, and even they are looking forward to implementing v3. I'm looking forward to being able to take advantage of some of the features we haven't implemented yet on an organization-wide basis (projects, opportunities, custom reports) to help us get a better handle on our business with just a few clicks.

v.3 still has the relational database and underlying principles that made DayLite 1.x so powerful and full of potential, and the best choice for those of us willing to put in the time to scale the learning curve -- so now, teamed with greater ease of use, it's got to be the top contender for an even broader base of Mac users!

Don't let the complexity of the v1.9 interface scare you away - v3 looks like it will be well worth waiting for.
 
mikeguil said:
I'm glad it's not just me. It looks like an amazing app, but that 'steep' learning curve needs to be flattened. The users group should help a lot. I wish DayLite themselves would get involved with it though.... with an area for suggestions!
Click to expand...

The developers of DayLite are quite active on their user mailing lists, and it has not been uncommon at all that we've found additional features and fixes added in direct response to user comments on those lists. They also frequently respond to "how to" type questions on the lists.

I'm sure their complete revamp of the GUI with v.3 was prompted by customer requests/complaints.

Of all the software companies from whom I've purchase products, I'd have to say that Marketcircle is definitely in the top 3 in terms of responsiveness.
 
DayLite Mailing lists

I am a new DayLite user and I agree with the comments regarding the steep learning curve associated with version 1.x. Version 3, currently in Beta, addresses a number of these issues. Definately check it out, especially as it relates to GTD. I know the MarketCircle people are devotees.

There is a mailing list that DayLite participates in regularly. In addition, the group is extremely enthusiastic and I found them to be very helpful. Archives are available to research issues that may have been already answered. It's a great forum. Daylite Mailing List
 
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