There are so many apps available, many with impressive lists of features, but I still can't find any as simple and effective as those that came with my old PalmIII. Granted, I want a web interface now rather than a client desktop, but the function is the same. To me, the biggest need is to be quick and simple to use. I started with a Time Design binder after taking the pre-GTD program. I eventually moved to a Palm III, which I still find to be the best apps. I decided to put together a combination wish list rant.
Please feel free to recommend apps, confirm my requirements or simply ignore this long ramble. Thanks.
All apps need both a mobile interface and a web interface. A big screen and full keyboard + mouse are still easier and faster to use, especially sitting at a desk all day. A mobile app is a must so you I take (and edit) my system anywhere, any time.
Task List:
Simple, easy to read, fewest clicks possible to read or add or edit tasks.
Must be able to add all information easily when entering or editing a task. All I need is Task Name, Task Description and Context fields or tags that are easy to add or filter by (due date is a plus, but I can live without). Any other attributes are a OK, as long as they don't get in the way.
Palm was the best (PalmIII - Tungsten-E). So simple to use, select the Context and read or type. Also, I've never seen anything else with the ability to lookup a contact and insert the phone number or email while entering a task. Brilliant!
I've tried several Android task apps and haven't found a fully satisfying one yet.
Astrid(android) is too difficult to enter a task to a new context, Shuffle is good, but the sync to Tracks:gtdify is iffy, and gtdify is still rough around the edges and the screen too busy. The biggest issue with Tracks:gtdify, is that the page has to refresh everytime I click a context. At least RTM has all the data preloaded (it's just text, after all), so moving between context lists is really quick and simple.
Remember the Milk has a great Android app. Readingreviewing task lists on the web is great, but for adding or editing a task, the web app is a study in poor interface workflow. It ridiculous to have to enter a task, find and select the task from the list, then go through several steps to add different attributes - including the context. I'm moving forward with RTM for now, since I paid for it and I like the Android app.
Notes:
Again, simplicity is the key. Few clicks to read, edit or create. Needs title, body and context. More is fine as long as it doesn't get in the way.
The SimpleNote has contexts, using tags, but none of the compatible Android apps support tags, otherwize it would be perfect. I've tried Evernote a few times. It's decent, but too many click required to read existing notes on both Android and web. I may still go back to it because I need the contexts pn the phone, but I'd rather see the notes on line as a list of titles, it's much harder to review a page full of note icons.
Contacts:
Simple, easy to read, few clicks to read, edit or add an item.
I can't get a clear view of the address in the search people app (I think that's an HTC app), and there is no contact manager in the Gmail app. I need to be able to see a complete mailing address at times and I want to be able to update contact information on my phone, when I'm getting it.
I just downloaded Phonebook 2.0, and so far I like it. It can trigger email, SMS, or phone call from the app. It can view a business card style screen or display the activity history for the selected contact. This has potential to become my main communication app.
Calendar:
I am very Happy with Google cal. I like the Android app is fine for Google Calendar.
I sync my work Outlook to a secondary Google account and display that account on my main calendar. I've granted admin privileges to my main account, so I can still create work appointments while logged in as myself. If only Google put this much though into their Tasks list.
Please feel free to recommend apps, confirm my requirements or simply ignore this long ramble. Thanks.
All apps need both a mobile interface and a web interface. A big screen and full keyboard + mouse are still easier and faster to use, especially sitting at a desk all day. A mobile app is a must so you I take (and edit) my system anywhere, any time.
Task List:
Simple, easy to read, fewest clicks possible to read or add or edit tasks.
Must be able to add all information easily when entering or editing a task. All I need is Task Name, Task Description and Context fields or tags that are easy to add or filter by (due date is a plus, but I can live without). Any other attributes are a OK, as long as they don't get in the way.
Palm was the best (PalmIII - Tungsten-E). So simple to use, select the Context and read or type. Also, I've never seen anything else with the ability to lookup a contact and insert the phone number or email while entering a task. Brilliant!
I've tried several Android task apps and haven't found a fully satisfying one yet.
Astrid(android) is too difficult to enter a task to a new context, Shuffle is good, but the sync to Tracks:gtdify is iffy, and gtdify is still rough around the edges and the screen too busy. The biggest issue with Tracks:gtdify, is that the page has to refresh everytime I click a context. At least RTM has all the data preloaded (it's just text, after all), so moving between context lists is really quick and simple.
Remember the Milk has a great Android app. Readingreviewing task lists on the web is great, but for adding or editing a task, the web app is a study in poor interface workflow. It ridiculous to have to enter a task, find and select the task from the list, then go through several steps to add different attributes - including the context. I'm moving forward with RTM for now, since I paid for it and I like the Android app.
Notes:
Again, simplicity is the key. Few clicks to read, edit or create. Needs title, body and context. More is fine as long as it doesn't get in the way.
The SimpleNote has contexts, using tags, but none of the compatible Android apps support tags, otherwize it would be perfect. I've tried Evernote a few times. It's decent, but too many click required to read existing notes on both Android and web. I may still go back to it because I need the contexts pn the phone, but I'd rather see the notes on line as a list of titles, it's much harder to review a page full of note icons.
Contacts:
Simple, easy to read, few clicks to read, edit or add an item.
I can't get a clear view of the address in the search people app (I think that's an HTC app), and there is no contact manager in the Gmail app. I need to be able to see a complete mailing address at times and I want to be able to update contact information on my phone, when I'm getting it.
I just downloaded Phonebook 2.0, and so far I like it. It can trigger email, SMS, or phone call from the app. It can view a business card style screen or display the activity history for the selected contact. This has potential to become my main communication app.
Calendar:
I am very Happy with Google cal. I like the Android app is fine for Google Calendar.
I sync my work Outlook to a secondary Google account and display that account on my main calendar. I've granted admin privileges to my main account, so I can still create work appointments while logged in as myself. If only Google put this much though into their Tasks list.
