I'm looking for a cheap effective GTD PDA...

[mibi]

I am looking for a dedicated GTD PDA.

I know nothing about PDA's and pocket PC's so I thought I'd ask.

My main issues are that it be:

1. Cheap, I can get one used no problem
2. Easy and quick to capture. As little barriers to capture as possible would be good.
3. Able to handle the GTD system.
4. It should be able to fit in my pocket.

Things I dont care about are,

1. Internet connectivity. I dont need to check email or anything, but it should be able to sync with my PC, although even this is not paramount.
2. Phone capability. I already have one.

so if you have any suggestions, let me know!!

So if you have any recomen

[mochant]

You should be able to find a used Palm PDA from a reputable seller with no problem. There are usually a number available at any time. The Palm is the easiest OS to use, syncs well with both Mac and Windows (you don;t say which you use) and for "plain vanilla" projects and next actions management, is my recommendation.

Depending on where you live, Craig's List might be another source.

[hth]

I second mochants recommendation. I use Palm for GTD since at least a Palm Tungsten E and never missed any features. Even lower models would fit my needs. For me the best was a Tungsten 3 because of its voice recording tool. But now with a TX I don't miss it very much.

Go for a cheap used Palm and try it plain vanilla.

If you miss anything ask again for enhancements, but I myself think they are not really necessary (except of an encryption tool if you want to store passwords).

Yours
Alexander

[purplebasket]

I've been using a Palm for about 7 years. I did purchase Datebk5 (now Datebk6) so that I could set up repeating To Do's and sort by just specific icons. I have mine set up so that I can quickly hide all but financial or errands by one or 2 taps.

I recently set up a "sometime" category so that I can put lots of reminders with no specific date in that category. I don't have them show on the main screen (schedule for today, birthdays of today and To Dos for today only).

I do most of my longer term planning on the desktop, reassign the date or category to more current. It syncs well with the Palm so I can see those tasks on the appropriate day.

You could also use Outlook to sync, but I much prefer Palm Desktop and Outlook does not work with my email anymore anyway.

You can get a basic Palm for around $100 new. Two years ago I switched to a Palm Treo so my cell phone and Palm are all in one unit.

[cornell]

2. Easy and quick to capture.

I think this may be your biggest challenge. Most people I know who use a PDA carry a separate paper pad for capture - legal pad, small notebook, etc. This is because the electronic tools are just too plain slow for handwriting.

I'd love to hear what others do to work around this, or if they even have the same problem!

[GTDWorks]

I keep my trusty Notetaker Wallet in my pocket for quick capture. My Palm 700p Treo, while a great device, is just too slow for capture on the go.

[notmuch]

I think this may be your biggest challenge. Most people I know who use a PDA carry a separate paper pad for capture - legal pad, small notebook, etc. This is because the electronic tools are just too plain slow for handwriting.

I'd love to hear what others do to work around this, or if they even have the same problem!

If I know I will be taking a lot of notes, I bring a legal pad. I also carry a slim stack of index cards.

I'm considering ditching the index cards, because 90% of the time when I have one of those "ah ha" moments I simply press the button on my Palm that launches Diddlebug and handwrite a quick note right there. I can even set an alarm if it has some urgency.

You can accomplish the same thing with the built in Notepad app, but I find the Diddlebug user interface much faster once you know the shortcuts.