A Review of Stylish GTD Apps

[tommysqueak]

I'm making the switch to a new GTD system, from my old MyLifeOrganized system. I've decided write up this quest as a series of posts. Here's the first one, with the apps and what I think makes a good GTD app/system. I'm then going to review each shortlisted app in detail.

http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-introduction/

It'd be great to get some feedback. Especially about if the criteria that GTD worthy apps should be reviewed against and also whether I've missed any apps off the shortlist.

[AndrewGM1]

I'm making the switch to a new GTD system, from my old MyLifeOrganized system. I've decided write up this quest as a series of posts. Here's the first one, with the apps and what I think makes a good GTD app/system. I'm then going to review each shortlisted app in detail.

http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-introduction/

It'd be great to get some feedback. Especially about if the criteria that GTD worthy apps should be reviewed against and also whether I've missed any apps off the shortlist.

Posted this on your site too:

I think this could be interesting, so thanks for doing it. I am now trying to settle on one GTD system, and right now that is Toodledo and a paper capture book, although I don’t love Toodledo’s interface, but it works.

Have you thought about trying http://www.omnifocus.com, http://www.gqueues.com, http://smartytask.com, http://www.rememberthemilk.com, http://www.nirvanahq.com, http://www.potionfactory.com/thehitlist/, http://culturedcode.com/things/, or https://mail.google.com/tasks/canvas?pli=1?

I really like Omnifocus but currently am not on a Mac at home (but might be later) and at work. GQueues syncs very well with GCal but is not a great interface. Haven’t tried SmartyTask, but it looks pretty and useful. RTM I tried but didn’t love working with it. Nirvana’s latest beta version is very nice, but could use a great smartphone app. The Hit List and Things I haven’t really tried, but I’m sure you know they have their fans. Google Tasks is convenient for GCal, but no doubt too limited, although supposedly an upgrade may come at some point.

And what about paper? I can see why it doesn’t meet your criteria, though.

[chris101]

A couple of other criteria that you might want to consider is how often the app is updated (features added/bugs fixed) and what types of support they provide to users. While these will obviously be hard to operationalise, for me they're key to having confidence in my "trusted system".

Good luck with it,
chris.

[letega]

I have the same set up as you and am very interested to see what you find. I used Omnifocus for a long time but now I have an Android phone. That's the part that takes a lot of heavy hitters out of the running.

[tommysqueak]

A couple of other criteria that you might want to consider is how often the app is updated (features added/bugs fixed) and what types of support they provide to users. While these will obviously be hard to operationalise, for me they're key to having confidence in my "trusted system".

Good luck with it,
chris.

I think that's a good idea. I know some of the sites have a roadmap of features coming soon and are very good at keeping customers informed. For some it might be difficult to work out what there support is like but for the ones that are have active support I'll mention it.


I have the same set up as you and am very interested to see what you find. I used Omnifocus for a long time but now I have an Android phone. That's the part that takes a lot of heavy hitters out of the running.

That's the thing I find a lot of the Mac apps have iphone/ipad apps as companions.

[tommysqueak]

Here's the first review - TODO for Mac

http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-todo-for-mac/

[tommysqueak]

Here's review 2 and 3

Due Today for Android - http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-due-today/
Toodledo - http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-toodledo/

[mhm802]

^ Interesting to read your reviews, but as a Toodledo user, I'd like to comment on your observations. First of all, I think most Toodledo users would agree with you that the UI leaves a lot to be desired (but you should have seen it before the re-design ha ha). However, your comments suggest that you might not have given it a thorough test drive before giving up in frustration.

It's true there are a lot of options, and that may feel confusing at first. Many people have to tinker a while to figure out how to customize Toodledo for their needs, and many ultimately streamline their system so they are not using using all the bells and whistles that Toodledo offers. That may be one reason why your screen appears so cramped. As for an "inbox" many people use the default "no folder" as an inbox, or alternatively set up a folder called "in box" and adjust the settings to push new items there automatically. It's not difficult to do. And there is definitely a task count on folders and contexts; it's possible you did not turn on that feature.

Just to clarify -- Toodledo is not for everyone, and it's perfectly understandable that if a tool doesn't "click" for you, there's no point in struggling to push that stone uphill when there are other tools that work better FOR YOU. But it's also important not to mislead others with information that is not accurate.

I hope you find something that works well for you.

[tommysqueak]

I never gave up on this in frustration and I went through the same tests that all the apps have gone through so far. I'm trying to give a balanced view across the 10 apps. It is no way misleading, as it's been tested against a set of criteria set out at the beginning and the same for all reviewed apps.

I did find the setting to turn on the list counts and have updated the post. Thanks for pointing that out. Would've thought that would have been on by default, it's useful.

Although the UI was pretty bad, I haven't given up on this and it hasn't been exlcuded from being picked as part of my GTD system. The 3rd party apps Due Today and TODO for Mac, still make Toodledo a viable choice.

[tommysqueak]

Next in the series, Doit.im http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-doit-im/

[tommysqueak]

Next up it's Wunderlist http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-wunderlist/

[mcogilvie]

Interesting to see your opinions. I'm not sure what your criteria were for picking the apps you picked. My experience with the Apple app store is that generally anything rated less than four stars is not going to be good enough for a gtd list manager. I've looked at almost all of the apps you've picked, and rejected all but Toodledo, on the grounds of functionality and robustness. But it's always fun to find out how other people see these things.

[tommysqueak]

I shortlisted the 10 apps based on

Speed
Offline Access
Beauty
Multi Device - Android, Mac, Windows


and then reviewed in more detail against another 12 criteria. I set it all out in the first post here:

http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-introduction/

[TesTeq]

I shortlisted the 10 apps based on

Speed
Offline Access
Beauty
Multi Device - Android, Mac, Windows


Commenting on your comparison criteria:

Speed - important (noticable delays disqualify the product)
Offline Access - important for most of the users
Beauty - very subjective
Multi Device - Android, Mac, Windows - not important for most of the mere mortals.

[tommysqueak]

Astrid the popular task list app for Android, gets reviewed for GTD http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-astrid/

[ccoleman99]

Astrid the popular task list app for Android, gets reviewed for GTD http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-astrid/

I'm puzzled by your review. I thought Astrid featured tags? You seem to be saying that there's no way to adapt Astrid to the GTD methodology, which surprises me.

I'm asking because I'm considering the new iPhone app but only if I can map GTD onto it.

[tommysqueak]

I've had Astrid for a while and I think it used to be called tags but it got renamed to lists. It's not that you can't do GTD with it, it's just you'd have to have to use lists for projects as well as contexts.

This was based on the Android version, so you'd assume they're the same but I can't vouch for it.

[dalewking]

I would add Nirvana 2 to your list (https://www.nirvanahq.com/). It is a web app (so therefore is cross platform), but has mobile web interface as well. I put a bookmark to it on my Android home screen and it looks pretty much like a native app other than the address bar at the top.

It does not fully fulfill your offline criteria, but might meet some people's needs. If you had the web site open when you had a connection and then lose the connection it will continue to operate. If you did not have it open before losing connection you won't be able to open the web page.

It is very stylish and has lots of nice features. It is what I am using, but I must say I found this thread looking to see if there was anything new in the GTD app space, since I am hoping to get an Android tablet next week in which case off-line will become more important to me.

[tommysqueak]

Someone was very kind enough to let me use their Nirvana account, so I could try it out. I did love the interface but as you say offline support was only partially supported and it being in private beta means it wasn't review worthy (yet). Apparently there's going to be Android app,. Looking forward to that.

Tablet-wise, Due Today is great http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-due-today/ and Conqu looks sweet too (review to come).

[dalewking]

Wow, very impressed with Conqu. I think once it gets recurring tasks (reportedly 10% done on the roadmap) I will be switching from Nirvana to Conqu, although still waiting to see what happens with WunderKit.

[tommysqueak]

I´m puzzled...

How long have you been doing GTD ??

You joined in the DA-forum world Sep 2011, been posting 15 posts...

How are you doing your NA:s, handling your projects, Area of Focus, etc. etc...

You are testing out what app would best for doing GTD... of course you could been GTD:ing without beeing a forum member, but - and please don´t missunderstand me - but I would listen to a more experienced forum member advice of what app he/she prefers... because this person had been doing GTD for a couple of years, and this person would have been on the bumpy road of productivity... trying out different systems...

but that´s my few cents...

p.s. as you can see in the foot of this post, I´m analog.. Filofax is a remarkable tool, looks very cool in black leather... ;)

Your puzzlement is probably brought on my associating time on these forums with years of GTD experience. I'm a late comer to this forum.

I've been practising GTD for 4 years. The criteria for reviews are clearly set out, so if you're way of working with GTD is aligned with them, then you might find them useful. Rather than just advice based.

[tommysqueak]

GTD App Review of Producteev for Mac is finally in! Simply lovely UX http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-producteev/

This app puts a smile on my face when I use it :)

[mcogilvie]

GTD App Review of Producteev for Mac is finally in! Simply lovely UX http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-producteev/

This app puts a smile on my face when I use it :)

I read your review, and frankly I'm puzzled why you like producteev. It looks like it's intended as groupware ($20 a month for a workspace with unlimited users), and probably not very well-adapted for GTD (for example, you probably end up using labels for contexts and projects.) It's got a 3.5 average score reflecting a 7-4-3-3-3 distribution of 5-4-3-2-1 ratings in the Mac App Store; I usually won't consider something with that kind of profile. Perhaps you could say why you like it better than other alternatives?

[tommysqueak]

In one word - UX. It's very good, better than the rest. Do I like it overall better than the others? I'm not sure yet. The downside is sharing contexts and projects as labels, not a big one. They all have pros and cons, I've yet to find the perfect one (for me). As for is it GTD compatable? Yes. You can use it for teams but in my tests I was using it just for myself and the team features did not intrude.

[mcogilvie]

In one word - UX. It's very good, better than the rest.

Tried it on a whim, deleted it. You can't delete your own account, which is a pain. I don't think it's as good as Things or Omnifocus in ease of use, and not better than Toodledo. But whatever gets things done for you.

[dalewking]

I agree the UX on Producteev is superb, but unfortunately the lack of projects as a first-class concept kind of makes it a non-starter. It also does not have a someday/maybe list although you could certainly build it yourself using a label and a smartlist. At this point I am tired of having to make the system work.

It is so frustrating that every feature that is needed for a GTD app is implemented wonderfully in at least one app, but no one combines all the best features into one.

[tommysqueak]

Tried it on a whim, deleted it. You can't delete your own account, which is a pain. I don't think it's as good as Things or Omnifocus in ease of use, and not better than Toodledo. But whatever gets things done for you.

I really like the look of Things and Omnifocus. If I was just in an Apple ecosystem, Things looks like the app I'd use. Unfortunately I have an Android phone, so it's trying to find GTD apps that have Android apps.

[tommysqueak]

Finally got round to the Nozbe review http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-nozbe/

Got tired of them for a while but back on them. Conqu one to come (the last one) and then I'll round up.

[PeterW]

You might want to check out Todo Online given that you've reviewed Todo for Mac.

Also just noticed that WebIS (Pocket Informant people) are beta testing an online system.

[tommysqueak]

The Pocket Informant Web app looks decent and well priced too. I also see there's a Mac desktop app in the pipeline, which means it would fit my offline requirements.

[mcogilvie]

You might want to check out Todo Online given that you've reviewed Todo for Mac.

Also just noticed that WebIS (Pocket Informant people) are beta testing an online system.

I think Pocket Informant for iPad may be the ugliest app I own. By all means, look at them all. Why should I be the only one to have all the ugly, poorly designed software? Sigh.

[PeterW]

I think Pocket Informant for iPad may be the ugliest app I own. By all means, look at them all. Why should I be the only one to have all the ugly, poorly designed software? Sigh.
The online version looks really good (probably developed by a third party) although it's in beta and I found it buggy. So I will stick with Appigo Todo Online for now.

[tommysqueak]

GTD app review of Conqu is out. http://tomphilip.me/index.php/gtd-app-review-conqu/ Final one out the door (phew). Review roundup to follow

[Triggaaar]

Looking forward to the impending round-up.

I like the fact that user experience ranks highly, it's all to easy for us geeks to overlook how nice the UI is.

Now all I need to do is work out how to adapt the results to my requirements :confused:

[tommysqueak]

Looking forward to the impending round-up.

I like the fact that user experience ranks highly, it's all to easy for us geeks to overlook how nice the UI is.

Now all I need to do is work out how to adapt the results to my requirements :confused:

I agree. If you're using an app/s for GTD, you're going to be using it daily. So you want something that has good usability and is a joy to use. Especially when it comes to weekly reviews, it's all too easy to put them off and great software that you love to use, encourages you to do them.

[Triggaaar]

I agree. If you're using an app/s for GTD, you're going to be using it daily. So you want something that has good usability and is a joy to use.Well of course you agree, it's your idea :D

Now then, where's that round-up?

[tommysqueak]

Well of course you agree, it's your idea :D


Caught out, bigging myself up, well nobody else is going to do it :lol:



Now then, where's that round-up?

Yeh, yeh, it's in progress

[AJS]

Good luck with the round up. As an android phone user, I can tell you it's been a frustrating journey trying to find a good combination of web/mobile solution for GTD or any other system for that matter. Generally if the web app is good then the mobile app is poor as is the case with Gqueues and Asana. Or conversely the mobile app is good but the web apps are horrible - witness Google Tasks and Toodledo (IMO).

Two more you could throw into the mix are Producteev which now has a fairly basic but functional mobile app, and Astrid which now has a fairly basic but functional web app to match it's outstanding mobile product. One day we'll get the happy marriage!

[AJS]

I just read through previous threads and see you have already covered both Astrid and Producteev so my apologies for recommending them as two which you could look at for future reviews!

In any case I'll be interested to see which combination you've found best for your own purposes. Producteev looks promising since they've relaunched the new web app except there's now no Google Calendar sync which for me is a bit of a deal breaker.

[Triggaaar]

Producteev and Wunderlist look good, except they're missing some GTD elements.

I've found Doit.im nice and simple for a newcomer to GTD, although I'd like to be able to have projects within projects (I don't even know if that fits with GTD, as I haven't done my reading yet, but I assume sub-projects are ok).

Irritatingly the offline Windows Doit app is missing a bit of functionality from the web version (simply a case of the developers not fitting some buttons etc).

Once I learn the ropes I'm keen to try ThinkingRock. I see Tom hasn't reviewed it as it seemed too complex, but it is really more complex than the multi app Toodledo solutions?

[mcogilvie]

Once I learn the ropes I'm keen to try ThinkingRock. I see Tom hasn't reviewed it as it seemed too complex, but it is really more complex than the multi app Toodledo solutions?

I haven't looked at it in a long time, but as I recall t it seemed a bit rigid, and a bit Java-ish, i.e., ugly UI.

[billjw]

Producteev and Wunderlist look good, except they're missing some GTD elements.

I'm using Wunderlist now. There are some small things that could be attended to. I was using Astrid which was quite good. Something made me try Wunderlist again and it's working nicely. I've asked them if we can sort Lists alphabetically or numerically, just so you can find your list quickly and if we can hide lists with no tasks attached and waiting to hear back from them. I have an Android phone, tablet and use Windows at work so need to access the web app.

I also like Any.Do (nice clean interface but probably not really GTD ready) I really must stop playing with software though.

Of course if I had my iPhone I'd be on OmniFocus no question ... :)

[Triggaaar]

Of course if I had my iPhone I'd be on OmniFocus no question ... :)No Windows, no thanks :)

[tommysqueak]

I love Wunderlist too, I love its UI and simplicity. I use it in a kind of personal kanban manner for my work projects. Which works but I think it lacks tags/contexts for a GTD system.

[AJS]

Producteev now has an updated native android app out there which supports the sub task feature of the web version. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of Astrid but the sync is much cleaner and it does the job well. So far for me it's the closest I've seen to a perfect combination of web app and mobile version to match.

[billjw]

I liked wunderlist as I said above and I like it's interface. I struck what I would call a killer snag last week. Taking notes at an important meeting and then I went and checked another program, calendar I think for an up coming follow up meeting and when I returned to WL, the notes had gone!!

Fast typing ensured to pick up where I had left off ... not very productive. To be fair, not sure if this is WL or Android. But it was a real PITA!

So I am left with a couple of choices:
Any.Do - clean interface, quick entry. Syncing of folders doesn't seem to be working between phone and tablet. Email sent to developer.
Astrid - almost too many entry options but I don't have to use them all.

Of course there is OmniFocus if I go an get an iPhone!

[Triggaaar]

When do you hope to have the round-up done Tom?

[tommysqueak]

When do you hope to have the round-up done Tom?

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. This weeks excuse is - the laptops at the repair shop ;)

[Triggaaar]

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks.Thanks


This weeks excuse is - the laptops at the repair shop ;)Damn dependencies.

[Triggaaar]

Heads up, Tom has completed his review:

http://tomphilip.me/index.php/best-gtd-app/

[billjw]

I think the point of finding a "perfect" GTD app is going to be difficult. We're all different and evolving in our own way and how we manage things. It's difficult for apps and developers to keep up with the human brain ... Unless you get someone who is a savant in this area who is always ahead of the curve (any volunteers?) :)

Then again, you've done a great job identifying the 10% missing in most cases ... so perhaps my glass is currently half empty.

I can see the effort you put into this an it is remarkable... again, well done.

I was using Any.Do but I make fairly simple lists. I've just update my phone to ICS so trying Astrid again. (I'm on annual leave so I have to time to dabble a little)

But when I go back to work I have to follow David's advice: "Make it up ... Make it Happen!"

[sbolton]

This has been very interesting to read.

I am wondering if you liked MyLifeOrganized at one time. Did you switch because it wasn't doing the job for you? It looks interesting to me.

Thank you.

SB

[sbolton]

I retract this question. It seems like it caused this thread to stop.

[dalewking]

I retract this question. It seems like it caused this thread to stop.

The real discussion is in the comments of his posts. Personally, I have tried MLO several times (starting way back on Windows Mobile) and it never quite clicked for me. I like that it was hierarchical but it was always difficult to get a smaller picture of tasks.

The lack of any way to use it on Mac now makes it a non-starter for me.

[sbolton]

I have learned not to read the first post and ask questions (or at least 99.99% of the time).

This has been very interesting and I think will save me a great deal of time. I can't "Get Things Done" if I had to test all this software.

I think I will have to be a blend of paper and software for awhile. I am actually using drawers for different lists right now.

It does not take long to really, really like Wunderlist. Could they make it any simpler? Very friendly.


I am trying Producteev and perhaps it is a matter of getting used to, as I find it a tiny bit more difficult than Wunderlist. I want simple but effect. Both have almost no learning curve.

Thanks for the great round up of products. Very helpful.

Steve Bolton

[tommysqueak]

I am wondering if you liked MyLifeOrganized at one time. Did you switch because it wasn't doing the job for you? It looks interesting to me.


I switched away from MLO for 2 reasons. I bought a nice new shiny macbook pro, so I was looking for something for Mac and Android. MLO is quite complex and I don't think an app needs to be. With MLO you can have sub-folders/tasks inside sub-folder/tasks and so on and I was using that. I thought I can actually keeps things simpler, I don't needs these n-levels, it only makes things harder to DO actions. So I'm simplifying how I organise my tasks (regardless of technical solution) and this ties in with looking for a simpler app.

[careylowell]

GTD system is really cool and it works really well in various times.

[AJS]

Doit.im has gone Pro recently with the option to to buy a subscription which at $20/yr isn't too hard on the pocket. There's some increased functionality to go with it which includes email tasks to inbox, drag and drop functionality, Google Calendear integration and a new Review feature which is pretty impressive. You get to do a daily review and integrated weekly review which you can save locally as a report.

I still think the web app could do with a bolder font, but other than that it's one of the few task management apps which provides both a comprehensive desktop and native mobile solution on Android. It looks like Flow which has some nice features like attaching files but cost $99 a year. For that you don't even get a native mobile app whereas Doit.im Pro offers one of the best in class.

[rp2chil]

I too have been researching and trying to find "the one." And yes, it doesn't exist, but I did find since your post that Doit.im is pretty cool. I know this is nit, however, I found that some of the other applications that I reviewed, after I signed up with the site, I never got any confirmations and followups. Doit.im site did, and that impressed me and for $20 a year, that's not a bad thing. I am just trying to figure out how to use it.. and I will get there.

Thanks again.



Doit.im has gone Pro recently with the option to to buy a subscription which at $20/yr isn't too hard on the pocket. There's some increased functionality to go with it which includes email tasks to inbox, drag and drop functionality, Google Calendear integration and a new Review feature which is pretty impressive. You get to do a daily review and integrated weekly review which you can save locally as a report.

I still think the web app could do with a bolder font, but other than that it's one of the few task management apps which provides both a comprehensive desktop and native mobile solution on Android. It looks like Flow which has some nice features like attaching files but cost $99 a year. For that you don't even get a native mobile app whereas Doit.im Pro offers one of the best in class.

[Triggaaar]

I tried Doit a few months ago, and didn't like the fact that I could have sub projects. Most of my actions are small jobs that make up a mini project, within another project - is that my problem that I'm not following GTD properly, or should our app have sub projects? If it's my mistake, how should we do it (no pun intended)?

[dalewking]

I tried Doit a few months ago, and didn't like the fact that I could have sub projects. Most of my actions are small jobs that make up a mini project, within another project - is that my problem that I'm not following GTD properly, or should our app have sub projects? If it's my mistake, how should we do it (no pun intended)?

I think this is one area where the GTD book influences app makers the wrong way. The GTD book makes a heavy emphasis on projects and having a project list. It is certainly right that it is very important to distinguish things that can be done in one action from those that require multiple steps.

But here many apps follow this exact model of a list of projects which I think is an implementation rooted in paper based system. I call this idea of a single list of projects "heavyweight". The action of making a project here provides some mental resistance. You ask yourself, "Do I really want to make a project for this thing that requires 2 steps?" Unless a project feels big enough you find yourself resisting making projects. Just making projects hierarchical would at least let you bury those smaller tasks instead of having all equally visible.

There are other systems where a project is no big deal. It is just a task with sub-tasks. There is much less mental resistance to creating projects here. Some examples are Smthngs and MLO where projects are easier.

I still think someday we will have the "one" GTD app. Still waiting for it and someday may write it myself.

[Triggaaar]

Thanks for the reply - I missed it, but will now subscribe to the thread.
But here many apps follow this exact model of a list of projects which I think is an implementation rooted in paper based system. I call this idea of a single list of projects "heavyweight". The action of making a project here provides some mental resistance. You ask yourself, "Do I really want to make a project for this thing that requires 2 steps?" Unless a project feels big enough you find yourself resisting making projects. Just making projects hierarchical would at least let you bury those smaller tasks instead of having all equally visible.Being new to GTD I don't want to jump to the wrong conclusions, but I like the option to have these projects or just simple actions. If I know something requires just 3 actions, I'll just write those down. But if I didn't have the option for projects and sub-projects, I could have so many actions staring at me I'd be a mess.


There are other systems where a project is no big deal. It is just a task with sub-tasks. There is much less mental resistance to creating projects here. Some examples are Smthngs and MLO where projects are easier.Yes that sounds good.

But am I wrong to be thinking I need projects and sub-projects? Is that against GTD?

Thanks

[chriscasebolt]

Big lover of Things in the sense you can grab anything you're working on from your Mac and put it in the right place. Cloud syncing to iPad and iPhone puts it over the top. If only my company would go BYOD with computers!

[Triggaaar]

I've now tried Thinking Rock, Do it, Producteev, and finally My Life Organized. The search is over. I had discounted MLO because I thought it required paying a sizable chunk in subscriptions every month, but that's certainly not the case now. For Windows there's free trial, followed by a $60 license fee if you want the top one. Apps for iPhone and iPad (Android on the way) and no subscription for wifi syncing, but subs if you use their cloud. No good if your a mac user, but macs have other good options anyway.

Now it's time to implement it.

[billjw]

And if you're on Windows there is always Ecco Pro ... amazing piece of software that is more than capable ... even for its age... :)

Not that I have Windows ... :)

[mcogilvie]

And if you're on Windows there is always Ecco Pro ... amazing piece of software that is more than capable ... even for its age... :)

Not that I have Windows ... :)

Somewhere in my basement, in the heart of darkness, lies Ecco Pro.
Unless I've thrown it out...
Actually, it's available on the web, but really,
why torment yourself?

[billjw]

Somewhere in my basement, in the heart of darkness, lies Ecco Pro.
Unless I've thrown it out...
Actually, it's available on the web, but really,
why torment yourself?

Haha, Yeah, I know. I had a look over at compusol the other day. Ahh memories .... :)
I'm sure I have the .exe file somewhere too ...

:)

[TommyNashvilleTN]

Dale: I assume you are also posting to Tom Philip's thread on his Best GTD App summary of this project...and in one post over on Tom's site you seem to be using ToDo, but here it almost sounds like Doit is your app of choice. Timing of posts may be an issue. Anyway, I think your priorities sound similar to mine, so I'm curious if you have a period of time under your belt for either of these apps. I'm Windows desktop / laptop and an Android phone. Would like cloud access but hope to have offline capability for some long plane rides. No need for any Apple functionality. Thanks in advance!
Tommy

I think this is one area where the GTD book influences app makers the wrong way. The GTD book makes a heavy emphasis on projects and having a project list. It is certainly right that it is very important to distinguish things that can be done in one action from those that require multiple steps.

But here many apps follow this exact model of a list of projects which I think is an implementation rooted in paper based system. I call this idea of a single list of projects "heavyweight". The action of making a project here provides some mental resistance. You ask yourself, "Do I really want to make a project for this thing that requires 2 steps?" Unless a project feels big enough you find yourself resisting making projects. Just making projects hierarchical would at least let you bury those smaller tasks instead of having all equally visible.

There are other systems where a project is no big deal. It is just a task with sub-tasks. There is much less mental resistance to creating projects here. Some examples are Smthngs and MLO where projects are easier.

I still think someday we will have the "one" GTD app. Still waiting for it and someday may write it myself.

[dalewking]

Dale: I assume you are also posting to Tom Philip's thread on his Best GTD App summary of this project...and in one post over on Tom's site you seem to be using ToDo, but here it almost sounds like Doit is your app of choice. Timing of posts may be an issue. Anyway, I think your priorities sound similar to mine, so I'm curious if you have a period of time under your belt for either of these apps. I'm Windows desktop / laptop and an Android phone. Would like cloud access but hope to have offline capability for some long plane rides. No need for any Apple functionality. Thanks in advance!
Tommy

I've gone back and forth and it seems every week or two I give up on the current system and look for something new. I try something new for a while and then eventually run into frustration and give up on that. So basically I don't have a trusted system and things slip through the cracks.

My last attempt was 2Do on Android, which is a very nice and usable app on Android. The problem is that it only syncs to Toodledo, but really only partially because some of the features do not translate to Toodledo.

Personally, I think Toodledo has set back the progress towared a perfect GTD system more than any other factor. If an app syncs with Toodledo, I consider that a strike against it. Toodledo is like a trap. Data goes in, but there is no intelligent way to get it out. Toodledo's model is broken (do we really need 10 different statuses for a task?). Don't get me started about the unintelligible Toodledo web interface.

The frustrating thing is that all of the pieces are out there for a perfect system, just not all in the same program.

My requirements are:

- Usable from Mac and PC. This could be web-based as I don't need offline access from the computer
- Usable on Android tablet. Must be optimized for tablet and not just a bigger version of the phone version!
- Must support email to completely formed task (not just email to inbox)
- Low barrier to creating projects
- Ideally support nested projects
- Some way to support Areas of Focus
- Easy to use
- Support recurring tasks, ideally with complex repeats like "on the last Friday of the month"

The best I have ever done on GTD was when using a paper system. It was great at first, but then the clutter builds up. You have a 50 actions on a sheet, 45 of which are done. This builds up to a reluctance to even open it. I really don't understand how anybody does it with a Moleskine with fixed pages.

What I really want is something that can simulate the experience I had using a paper system on my Android tablet, but with the ability to remove the clutter of completed tasks and other advantages of an electronic system, like recurring tasks, tasks from email, alarms, and the ability to see it on the computer as well.

I periodically consider writing my own app, but that is all I need, something more to get done. And unless someone is paying me to do it, I don't really have the time to do it in my spare time (or the lack thereof).

[dalewking]

But am I wrong to be thinking I need projects and sub-projects? Is that against GTD?


I don't think it is against GTD. There's a whole section of the GTD book about viewing things from different elevations with different levels of detail. So it is certainly not a stretch to have projects within projects.

This was kind of my point that GTD only mentions a single level of project because anything more would be hard to do in a paper system. Creators of electronic systems stick with it because that is what the book talks about.

The system I have found that implements projects within projects, the best is Smthngs. It really nails it (if only they had recurring tasks, email to task, and an android tablet optimized app I would use it).