Anybody used iOS5 reminder app?

[tjhoo]

It syncs tasks with MS Outlook. I can't figure out how to sort tasks within the app. If there are not options to sort, then the app is less useful. Maybe there is a way to do it.

Are there other iOS apps for tasks that sync with MS Outlook that you could recommend?

[kelstarrising]

I'm working on writing up our GTD best practices for Reminders.

To sort your Tasks within the App, you would create a new list for each context/category (instead of using the collective "Reminders" list).

[Kevin_AB]

Are there other iOS apps for tasks that sync with MS Outlook that you could recommend?

Check out iMExchange it will sync tasks and notes with MS Exchange servers.

[supergtdman]

I use this as an addition for my system, it's great for daily checklists and daily actions, it's very simple and i dont keep any dates or contexts there. I check it only once a day but everyday.

Here is an example of what stuff i keep there:

* sleep at least 9 hours each day
preferably 10+

* add even obvious projects and actions to Omnifocus because otherwise you might not trust it when choosing what to do

and so on, I got 16 items there overall, most other stuff is too personal and sounds too silly (even those 2 sound silly) but it helps.

i use omnifocus for projects and actions, and project support is in mind maps and evernote so Reminders is just a small addition but I find it very useful and convenient for simple checklists which you want to keep separate from next actions/projects or calendar.

Not everything is a next action or project or area of focus and etc. so such things have to be kept in a separate checklist.
For daily actions I find it easier to use a separate daily actions checklist instead of using calendar or setting repeating actions with due dates for every single day in omnifocus.

Im also interested in what Kelly is going to post about using Reminders as a tool for GTD, I can see how it could work if you create separate lists, separate project list, context lists, waiting list and so on, seems very similar to paper system, it wouldnt be as flexible as omnifocus but might be easier for a beginner in GTD because the app is very simple.

[Foxman]

I've been using Reminders as my gtd list since launch. I've been using Toodledo and paper, but this new feature is a game changer (for me anyhow). Just using Siri as a collection tool is unbelievable, and the location based reminder.....! It is so simple to manage all your contexts and see everything at a glance and have it sync to Outlook and all other devices. Yet to put my entire projects list in there as still in testing phase, but loving it as much as I did on day one.

[pxt]

I think it's important to test Apple's syncing of data between iOS devices and wherever they turn up on the Mac, presumably iCal.

Apple has a terrible habit of only syncing partial data or having features function inconsistently between iOS and OSX, leaving workflows in bad shape as you move between different devices.

[lrydbom15]

I've been using the Reminders app on my iPhone and iPad and it syncs flawlessly with my Mac, in iCal. You also have access to everything via iCloud.com, if you set it up as such. I too was hesitant at first because of Apple's lackluster performance up until now - but it has been working great for me. I'm not concerned with syncing to my work PC via Outlook because I carry my idevices everywhere with me and don't see any advantage.

[tjhoo]

I'm working on writing up our GTD best practices for Reminders.

To sort your Tasks within the App, you would create a new list for each context/category (instead of using the collective "Reminders" list).

Really looking forward to reading this. Moving from Blackberry to iPhone, the thing I miss the most is lack of functionality with task (iOS calls "reminder") functionality. Blackberry could sort and filter via category that synced with MS Outlook tasks, which is central to my GTD.

I can't figure out how iOS sorts reminders within a date. Viewing reminders in:
--"List" view, allt h items seem to be randomly placed without sorting. They do NOT appear to be sorted by "Due", "remind me", or any detail.
--"Date" view..at least I can see what has a due date for a given day. Would like to (for 1 example) filter so can see what is due today AND what is past due.

I usually sort my next actions ("tasks") by
#1 due date (ascending)
#2 reminder time (ascending)..not all NA's have a reminder time..but does help me prioritize
#3 level importance (descending importance)
#4 amt time needed (ascending amt of time needed)

[mebstein]

I'm working on writing up our GTD best practices for Reminders.

To sort your Tasks within the App, you would create a new list for each context/category (instead of using the collective "Reminders" list).

Please post where this can be read/purchased when complete. I'll be very interested to read it.

[RCL]

I'm fascinated by how much people are using the Reminders app, especially as their main GTD list manager. It's a minimalist app, but useful. I use it too, but only as an adjunct to my main system (OmniFocus and BusyCal, which I like better than iCal). It gives me an easy & reliable way to jog my memory for little things like stopping at the store on the way home.

I believe I've read that iOS 6 (which is presumably due out next month) will add sorting capabilities. I'm not sure if any other features will be added.

[mcogilvie]

My understanding is that priorities will appear for every item, not just those with priority set in Calendar (the former iCal).

[JMarc]

I'm working on writing up our GTD best practices for Reminders.

To sort your Tasks within the App, you would create a new list for each context/category (instead of using the collective "Reminders" list).

Hi,

I usually have 6 lists (one for each horizon of focus - the collective "Reminders" list stands for Runway level). Reminders syncs with my exchange account so I keep track of my stuffs in a standalone application both at work and at home.

After reading your post, I will give a try to one more list for the "smartphone context".

Thanks,

JMarc

[Mafamaticks]

I'm thinking about using the reminders app for day & time specific tasks only.

[Tim McIntyre]

It syncs tasks with MS Outlook. I can't figure out how to sort tasks within the app. If there are not options to sort, then the app is less useful. Maybe there is a way to do it.

Are there other iOS apps for tasks that sync with MS Outlook that you could recommend?

TaskTask HD is the best I have found so far to sync with Outlook. It supports folders for tasks, multiple categories per task ( can create categories like @Home, @Agendas), Reminders, repeating tasks, various sort options.

IMexchange2 is close, but TaskTask HD superior.

[tjhoo]

Reminders app is indeed improved in iOS6. Now reminders are sorted by reminder time, which is better than created time. But I still can't find any option to change sorting options.

Notifications could be a powerful tool, but seems limited. If you include calendar, you see all calendar events. I'd like to be able to see only calendar events with an alert..

[kelstarrising]

I still can't find any option to change sorting options.

You can change sorting by creating categories of lists, rather than putting everything under their default category called "Reminders." I ignore than category and only use the ones I created (Projects, Agendas, Anywhere, Calls, Computer, Errands, Home, Office, Waiting For, Someday.)

We have it in our queue to create a GTD & Reminders Setup Guide. No date on that, but it is in our queue.

[TesTeq]

We have it in our queue to create a GTD & Reminders Setup Guide. No date on that, but it is in our queue.

Kelly!

Could you please move the "GTD & Reminders Setup Guide" Project to your Top Priority Reminders list?

Due to recent fashion trends I switched to iPhone 4S (I must say that my Nokia E71 had much better GSM radio/antenna subsystem but its software was unreliable and less user friendly) and now I am using Reminders for some of my lists.

[letega]

I'd like to add a +1 to TesTeq's request. I could use this tremendously. Especially with ios 6 now.

[kelstarrising]

It's top in the queue. I'm working on getting GTD & OmniFocus out the door (coming soon!!)

[tjhoo]

I still can't find any option to change sorting options.

You can change sorting by creating categories of lists, rather than putting everything under their default category called "Reminders." I ignore than category and only use the ones I created (Projects, Agendas, Anywhere, Calls, Computer, Errands, Home, Office, Waiting For, Someday.)

We have it in our queue to create a GTD & Reminders Setup Guide. No date on that, but it is in our queue.

Too bad categories from Outlook Tasks don't show up in iOS Reminders.

[kelstarrising]

Too bad categories from Outlook Tasks don't show up in iOS Reminders.

As far as I know, they should, but won't go to your primary Outlook Tasks or To-Do List folders, but to a new folder in Outlook Tasks called Reminders. That's what we're testing to get clear on, given it means people will need to re-set up Outlook.

[letega]

While we're on the topic of Reminders, what's with the small font in the Reminders app on the mac (mountain lion)?

I realize I'm getting old. But man, that's a tiny font and I just can't figure out how to make it bigger.

[mcogilvie]

While we're on the topic of Reminders, what's with the small font in the Reminders app on the mac (mountain lion)?

I realize I'm getting old. But man, that's a tiny font and I just can't figure out how to make it bigger.

I hope the recent shake-up at Apple leads to better design for productivity apps. Reminders is just not quite good enough, both iOS and Mac.

[CJSullivan]

Glad to see this thread - I started another one along the same lines. I use it as an adjunct to my paper system. Mostly for errands, but also for stupid little things I want to remember within the course of a day.

I use it in conjunction with Siri (although I'm still having hilarious issues with Siri understanding me!) and I LUUURRRV the location-based reminders.

I am NOT, however, syncing it with Outlook, nor am I using it as my sole list manager. Still, can't wait to see the set-up guide!