Experiments & Expressions

I just removed Wallnote from my list of web-based to-do programs. The interface is simple, intuitive, and just works. Wallnote supports multiple lists and allows you to add a description to each task. You can also use it to write quick notes about things.

The unique thing about Wallnote is that you can use it from your desktop or a browser. Although, you need to be on Windows with the Active Desktop enabled. If you don’t want to enable it or you’re a non-Windows user, it’s not a biggie. You just have to open a browser to view your lists.

So why did I cut it? No RSS, no list sharing, and the interface was slightly quirky on Pocket IE.

Overall, I think Wallnote is a great app and does a good job of what it’s intended to do. It just wasn’t the right fit for me.

I posted about my quest for a new online to do list system. I’ve quickly run down each of the items, eliminated a few, and updated my list. The second list includes the to-do list applications that I cut along with the reason(s) they were cut.

Updated List

• Ta-da List
• Bla-bla List
• voo2do
• Remember the Milk
• Orchestrate
• Rough Underbelly
• ToodleDo
• ListPool

Apps cut:

Tudu Lists

Simple. This one has some neat interface features, and can be installed to your own server. I didn’t like this one because the maneuverability was slow, although it was relatively intuitive.

WebToDo List

This one looks like it’s been around for awhile and the code hasn’t been updated. It doesn’t have any of the cool features I was looking for.

tasktoy

This one seems powerful. Just a little too much for my needs. This one has nice features, but the interface could be simplified. It makes use of repeatable tasks and could be used for managing multiple projects.

Time Tracker

Has a built in timer for each task. Nice use of drag-n-drop. Great idea. Cool interface. This is off the list because it doesn’t have RSS or tag capability.

TaskTHIS

I like the way this one sounds. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get registered. I sent an email to the developer to notify him of the issue. If it gets fixed, I may add it back to the list.

Wallnote(Updated: Sept. 14, 2006)

If your guidelines aren’t as strict as mine, you should try this one. It works well. Read more.

How do you manage your daily and ongoing tasks? Are you able to easily categorize your tasks for your different clients or roles (i.e., personal and work)? And what about access? Are you able to read and manage your tasks no matter where you are? If you’re ready for something different like I am, try a web-based task manager.

For me, I use Outlook and sync to my phone. And on my phone, GregSoft’s TaskPlus software gives me a lot of what I need. However, I’m relatively limited (read: I don’t like how it works) if I want to use it for different roles and multiple clients.

Again, it can be done and I do it. The effort to manage the complexity of my tasks just isn’t efficient enough for me. I’ve even tried paper lists. Those just get crumpled in my pocket yielding little personal accountability.

When all else fails… I turn to the Internet.

In an age of Web 2.0 apps, I decided to put some constraints on my search for the perfect task manager. Bare minimum requirements are:

• Multiple list support
• Categorized tasks
• Tag support
• RSS support
• Mobile (Phone/PDA) view support
• Deadline capable (You can set a deadline for the task)
• Must be simple (no enterprise-level, project management, or multi-app integrated systems)
• Hosted (No setup or installation necessary)
• Free

In addition to the bare minimums, these “added features” would be nice, but not necessary:

• Mobile edit support
• Task prioritization
• Drag-n-drop support (to reprioritize or move tasks to other categories)
• SMS/text message reminders
• Repeatable events
• Sharable, password protected lists

To Do Lists: Making the cut

There are many web-based to-do lists out there. These are a few that I found so far. They don’t necessarily have all the bare minimums, but they are at least worth a look.

• Ta-da List
• Bla-bla List
• Tudu Lists
• voo2do
• Remember the Milk
• Orchestrate
• Rough Underbelly
• Wallnote
• WebToDo List
• ToodleDo
• tasktoy
• Time Tracker
• ListPool
• TaskTHIS

I will be briefly reviewing each of the applications. If they make the first cut, then I will review them for a longer, one week period. When I make a decision, I will post the winning task manager with my review.

If you have any other online to-do list application that is worth reviewing, please let me know. Also, please feel free to share your opinions about what task management system you use.