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ATPM 17.04
April 2011

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by Ed Eubanks Jr.

Master List, April 2011

About the List

I mentioned last time that I would be taking a hard stand against the “gossamer-ware” that crowds up the list. I’ve addressed it to a large degree, and you’ll see a number of candidates for elimination in the next iteration of the list. (Folks curious about older packages can always check the archives.) I also cleaned up the Web sites/browser-based packages list a bit.

Meanwhile, two new applications have been added: Pagico and Wunderlist. Thanks to those who suggested these—both look promising.

I always welcome any feedback on my list or suggestions for additions. I don’t always add every suggestion, but I’ll look at them and evaluate whether they fit with my goals for this column.

Locally Installed GTD Applications

EasyTask Manager

next-actions-easktask-manager

Developer: Orionbelt.com

Current Version: 2.6.1

Price: $20

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: Yes

Web-app Sync: Yes

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: App (free); Web app (free) (January 2011)

iPad Presence: App (free), Web app (free) (March 2011)

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: Windows version available; automatic advance of uncompleted due tasks to today.

News: None

Ghost Action

next-actions-ghost-action

Developer: Ghost Park Software

Current Version: 1.3.2 (last update: 2009)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

iKog

next-actions-ikog

Developer: HensPace

Current Version: 1.90 (last update: 2008)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

mGTD

next-actions-mgtd

Developer: Jeff Fisher

Current Version: 1.3 (last update: 2008)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Midnight Inbox

next-actions-midnight-inbox

Developer: Midnight Beep Softworks

Current Version: 1.4.4 (last update: 2009?)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

OmniFocus

next-actions-omnifocus

Developer: Omni Group

Current Version: 1.8.2

Price: $80

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: Yes

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: App ($20)

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.8

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: Mail compatible and Spotlight compatible; simple interface with powerful view features.

News: None

Pagico

next-actions-pagico

Developer: Pagico Software

Current Version: 4.3

Price: $20, “Planner” and “People” editions; $50, “Professional” edition

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: via export

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.3 and higher

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: Has CRM (Customer Relationship Management) features combined, lending greater power for workplace task management; cross-platform; synchronization between multiple computers via Dropbox.

News: None

Pluto menubar

next-actions-pluto

Developer: MOApp Software Manufactory

Current Version: 5.1.1 (no longer available)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Ready, Set, Do!

next-actions-ready-set-do

Developer: Todd Vasquez

Current Version: 1.4.5

Price: $30

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: Yes

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: A very different approach using a set of AppleScript routines to impose organization and communication across a computer’s entire file system; productivity scoring; help with files and tasks related to meetings; multiple language support.

News: None

TaskPaper

next-actions-taskpaper

Developer: Hog Bay Software

Current Version: 2.2.1

Price: $30

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: No

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: App ($10)

iPad Presence: App ($10)

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: Simple text-based system; no-frills; intentionally designed as an alternative to more fully featured systems.

News: None

The Hit List

next-actions-hit-list

Developer: Potion Factory

Current Version: 0.9.3.25 (beta) (last substantive update: August 2010)

Price: $50 (pre-order)

Development Status: Beta

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: No

iPhone Presence: No (but indicated as “coming”)

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: List view and “card” view; task timer; system-wide quick-entry; tabs allow good project management; AppleScript support; tags and prioritization of tasks.

News: None

On the Block: This one is vulnerable to a cut, soon in the future.

Things

next-actions-things

Developer: Cultured Code

Current Version: 1.4.5

Price: $50

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: App ($10)

iPad Presence: App ($20)

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: Some minor enhancements and bug fixes in the latest version.

Thinking Rock

next-actions-thinking-rock

Developer: Avente Pty Ltd

Current Version: 3.1.2

Price: $40/first year; $10/annual subscription (Note: version 2.x is also available for free)

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: No

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4

Required Applications: None

Distinguishing Features: Cross-platform compatibility through Java; interactive collection and processing; can be run off of a flash drive.

News: None

What To Do

next-actions-what-to-do

Developer: Objective Satisfaction

Current Version: 1.3.2 (last update: 2008?)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Locally Installed General Task Managers

Anxiety

Developer: Tom Stoelwinder, Model Concept

Current Version: 1.0 (last update: 2007?)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Chandler

Developer: The Chandler Project

Current Version: 1.0.3 (last update: 2009)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Check Off

Developer: Chrome Dome Software

Current Version: 4.1.1

Price: $13

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: No

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.2

Distinguishing Features: A menu-bar utility that manages basic task lists; syncs with iPods; a .Mac Backup QuickPick is provided.

News: Check Off was recently purchased from Second Gear. Chrome Dome Software will be retaining many of the features of Check Off, adding some more, and apparently repackaging it in a new (differently titled?) product. This doesn’t affect Second Gear’s Today application (see below).

Dejumble

Developer: Thinking Code Software, Inc.

Current Version: 2.0.2 (beta)

Price: $20

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes (through iCal)

iPhone Presence: App ($8)

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.6

Distinguishing Features: A simple yet powerful menu bar–style task list manager, with tags, groups, notes, and a handful of other options.

News: Recent update includes Spotlight integration, appearance/interface changes, and some fixes.

Docket

Developer: Surprise Software

Current Version: 1.3 (last update: unknown)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

DoIt

Developer: Jim McGowan

Current Version: 2.6 (last update: unknown)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

FlexCal

Developer: flexgames

Current Version: 1.16

Price: Free/Donationware

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes (through iCal)

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5

Distinguishing Features: A task and event creator for iCal—something of a collection bucket for GTD users.

News: None

Hot Plan

Developer: Intuiware

Current Version: 1.5.3

Price: $20

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: No

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: No

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.8

Distinguishing Features: Tracks a substantial amount of information about a given task, including completion status, priority, and time remaining; supports tagging, color coding, and locking of tasks. Also allows collection of URLs and files.

News: Still no word on any updates; this one may be defunct.

iClock Pro

Developer: Script Software

Current Version: 1.1.1

Price: $20

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: No

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Unknown

Distinguishing Features: Offers a menu bar–based method of managing task lists; includes .Mac syncing.

News: None

Life Balance

Developer: Llamagraphics

Current Version: 5.3

Price: $65 ($80 bundled with Palm version)

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes (through iCal)

iPhone Presence: App ($20)

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4

Distinguishing Features: Gives “meta-feedback” about tasks: how much time are you spending in different areas of your life (i.e., work, family, hobbies, etc.), and are you keeping it balanced? Palm and Windows versions available.

News: None

NoteBook

Developer: Circus Ponies

Current Version: 3.0.6

Price: $50 (academic and family pack pricing available)

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: Yes

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: App

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.11

Distinguishing Features: Highly customizable system with project management built-in; also works well for heavy day-to-day GTD use.

News: Many bug fixes, a few minor improvements.

Organized

Developer: iSlayer

Current Version: 1.11 (last update: unknown)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Qu-s

Developer: Urban Design Limited

Current Version: 1.53 (last update: 2009?)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Stapler

Developer: The Blue Technologies Group

Current Version: 1.1 (last update: unknown)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

TaskMate

Developer: Ryan Conway

Current Version: 1.2.1 (last update: unknown)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Today

Developer: Second Gear

Current Version: 2.5.2

Price: $25

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: No

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: None

iPad Presence: None

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5

Distinguishing Features: A window interface for quick reference and entry to iCal events and tasks. Allows global shortcuts for viewing and creation of new tasks and events.

News: Compatibility update for Mac App Store sales.

ToDo X

Developer: Omicron Software Systems, Inc.

Current Version: 2.3 (last update: unknown)

On the Block: We’re no longer tracking this one.

Wunderlist

Developer: 6Wunderkinder

Current Version: 1.1.1

Price: free

Development Status: Release

iCal Sync: Yes

QuickSilver Plug-in: No

Web-app Sync: Yes

Print Lists: Yes

iPhone Presence: App

iPad Presence: App

OS Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5

Distinguishing Features: Lots of shortcuts and helpers to gather and share data.

News: None

Browser and Web-based GTD Applications

30 Boxes

Price: Free

Description: Lean and fast, including a calendar, task list, and limited Gmail interaction. Also RSS and iCal feeds, SMS, and sharing. Nice interface, too.

43 Actions

Price: Free (donations get extra features)

Description: Specifically designed as an iPhone Web app, it’s light and lean for EDGE network optimization. Submit inbox items via e-mail, Twitter (with donation), Jott (with donation), and the usual features.

ActiveInbox

Price: Free

Description: A Firefox extension for GTD integration with Gmail. Prepackaged labels, a Review process, specialized searches within Gmail, quick-entry for tasks, and printable. Works well in conjunction with RememberTheMilk. Current version, 2.0.8.4, is open source; requires Firefox.

GTDAgenda

Price: Free

Description: Another Web version of a GTD tool, with the standard features. Plus, addition of Goals, checklists for recurring tasks, schedule management, and an iCal-compatible calendar. A mobile version is also available.

Nexty

Price: Free

Description: PHP-based, so it installs locally and runs in your browser; supports contexts and reminders.

Nozbe

Price: Free

Description: Has markers for which action will be next and a time estimation for tasks. Contexts are visible and identifiable; easy to collect and process quickly; iPhone-ready, iPad.

SimpleGTD

Price: Free

Description: Tabs for next actions, contexts, projects, and done actions; drag-and-drop organization; easy undoing of tasks.

Toodledo

Price: Free

Description: Has a Firefox plug-in and a Google gadget for easy collection; also supports e-mail, voice mail, and traditional entry for collection. Includes a good overview of GTD in co-operation with its tools, as well. iPhone-optimized, iPhone and iPad apps available.

Tracks

Price: Free

Description: A Web server that runs locally or hosted through tracks.tra.in. Fast, lean, and pretty, it offers calendaring and a multi-user component. Currently at version 1.7.3.

Vitalist

Price: $5/month (premium)

Description: Is a wide-scale GTD system: collection, project management, recurring actions, and tickler files. Includes a mobile edition, iCal and RSS feeds, and e-mail and SMS reminders. An iPhone-specific version is available. A premium (paid) version also includes security encryption, collaboration, file attachments, and calendaring.

GTD and Task Management Wikis

Also in This Series

Reader Comments (4)

Todd · April 3, 2011 - 14:32 EST #1
Great list but OmniFocus has an iPad app and ThinkingRock has an iPhone app.
Dennis VanWormer · April 5, 2011 - 20:48 EST #2
Just a note on Taskpaper versions. You have 2.2.1 listed. 2.2.2 came out last May, and 2.2.3 just came out a day or two ago.
Rowan · April 6, 2011 - 03:30 EST #3
I was looking for a desktop client for Toodledo (so that I can add tasks on my Mac then sync to my iPad using either 2Do by Guided Ways or Todo by Appigo) and guess what? There's only one: TaskSurfer, which you don't mention.
Ed Eubanks Jr. (ATPM Staff) · April 11, 2011 - 21:04 EST #4
Todd: good catch there; I talked about OmniFocus for iPad in a recent column. I didn’t know about the Thinking Rock iPhone app, though.

Dennis: another good catch. Now I’m starting to wonder if I accidentally started with an old version of my list…

Rowan: never heard of TaskSurfer. Thanks for the tip.

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