Hello,
I have experience with both the Palm and PocketPC platforms, and decided to share this with you.
I've been using a Treo 600 with Agendus for the last year and a half, implementing GTD. My approach is to do all the processing on Outlook (bigger screen estate, easier drag and drop, easier editing using keyboard) and synchronize to the Treo so that I can have all my Calendar, Tasks (NA), Projects, Notes, Contacts with me at all times.
I also used the Treo to input N/A (or any types of thoughts) on the fly when out and about, and then synchronize automatically to Outlook for processing. I devised a system whereby all new Tasks inputed on the Treo would go into a separate category, and then I would process these at night to put them in the correct category.
I've recently bought a new MDA Vario (K-Jam, Wizard) under a new contract with TMobile here in the UK. Some of the things I was missing on the Treo were connectivity (GPRS, WiFi), a bluetooth headset, etc.
I'm very happy with the PocketPC platform. I've installed Activesync 4.1 on my computer which syncs all of my Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Notes, without any issues. I am even using bluetooth to do this, so I just press a button on the PocketPC when I am near my computer and it just does it (rather than connecting cables each time I wanted to sync my Treo).
I've also installed PocketInformant on the PPC, which is the equivalent of Agendus for Palm and gives many capabilities for filtering your tasks and calendar according to categories. I've also set my PocketPC to download email every half an hour (I don't need push email) using GPRS, so I have access to my email on the go.
Some of the points you may want to consider:
- Different screen size:
Treo is 240x240, the Wizard is 240x320, the JasJar is 480x640 (VGA). Similarly, most of the PDA's are VGA. How much screen estate do you need for your implementation of GTD? On the other hand, how pocketable is your device? "Pocketability" was highly important for me, as I want to take my PDA/Phone with me all the time - which means I have my GTD system with me 24/7.
- Keyboard:
Ease of data entry was paramount to me, for two reasons. I use my PDA/Phone to txt/email in order to keep in touch with the world. Furthermore, I use it as a capture device, I have mapped one of the hard-buttons (both on the Treo and on the PocketPC) to "New Task", so it takes me 1 click of a button to get to the "new task" screen and enter whatever task/next action I need to. If I needed to take out a stylus and fiddle with the onscreen keyboard each time I needed to input something I would lose 50% of this ease of data entry.
- One Handed operation:
Similar to the above, the Treo is king when it comes to one handed operation. On the PocketPC platform I can view all my tasks/next actions / appointments one handed, but need to use both hands if I want to enter something new because of the slide-out keyboard on the Vario. Not very convenient if you are on a bus or walking down the street.
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To sum up, I needed a change. Ι thought the Treo was excellent in terms of GTD, because of full synching, ease of use (one handed, keyboard) and the whole integration. This is a "mature" product that just works out of the box. It didn't have bluetooth however, couldn't multitask (not really), and no WiFi.
The MDA Vario is also a complete implementation, but since Windows Mobile 5 is still in its infant stages you may need to fiddle with it somewhat more in order to get it to do the same things (one button to Tasks, etc).
In either case, I would suggest you use 3rd party software such as Agendus or PocketInformant for your PIM needs, because they give you so much more choice in terms of filtering and getting exactly what you want on your PDA screen.
I hope this helps, sorry for the long post.
Loukas
