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Android, Linux and Windows (and Mac too, if you have to)
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Posted by MadaboutDana
Nov 8, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Thanks for that efficient list, Alexander. I’ve tried B-Folders and been rather impressed! It’s imported my old ListPro files quite nicely (I’ve been trying to manage them with List Master, but the Android version of that app keeps crashing).
I’ve also acquired Vault 3 (now that’s an oldie but goldie! I remember running that on Windows 3.1), and NoteCase Pro (I like NoteCase, I must say).
Android Outliner is also worth mentioning in this respect, especially now it’s come out of beta. It’s Natara Bonsai-compatible - the Pro version syncs with Bonsai files - so could be a gift to those of us who still work with Bonsai. More on this very popular app here (high marks in Google Play store): http://android-outliner.blogspot.co.uk/
For task management purposes, I would also note that Todoist (at todoist.com) uses an outliner-style layout (both projects in the navigation bar on the left AND tasks in the main screen on the right can be organised as outlines, so you can set up subprojects and subtasks). It’s not super-sophisticated, but it works well - I’ve recently upgraded to the Pro version (i.e. with encryption), having abandoned RTM as just too simplistic. And there are iOS and Android clients, both currently under development by the original developer and already available (my current favourites are Budoist on Android and the rather oddly named but very good Allegheny on iOS).
For Windows and Android users, note that EssentialPIM now comes with an Android client, but you can only sync with your desktop if you have EssentialPIM Pro. EssentialPIM also has an iOS client, but it’s currently for iPhone only (well, it runs on iPad, but at iPhone size, so is distinctly irritating!). The Android version is actually quite good, with full single-pane note/task outlining capability and support for the rather peculiar EssentialPIM tabbing concept.
Posted by Alexander Deliyannis
Nov 8, 2012 at 08:38 PM
MadaboutDana wrote:
>I’ve tried B-Folders and been rather
>impressed! It’s imported my old ListPro files quite nicely
As generic .CSV I assume? Most of the other import options of B-Folders seem to be Palm oriented.
>Android Outliner is also worth mentioning in this respect, especially now
>it’s come out of beta. It’s Natara Bonsai-compatible - the Pro version syncs with
>Bonsai files - so could be a gift to those of us who still work with Bonsai.
Thanks for the heads up. Bonsai is in my list of Windows applications to test install on Crossover Linux.
>For task management purposes, I would also note that Todoist (at todoist.com) uses
>an outliner-style layout (both projects in the navigation bar on the left AND tasks in the
>main screen on the right can be organised as outlines, so you can set up subprojects and subtasks).
Structure-wise, this sounds ideal. But there seem to be very few offline applications which can sync with Todoist. After much much hope, trial and disillusionment, I have come to the conclusion that I am more effective using a simple list which I can view and edit at any time, than relying on a structured model which I can only access under specific conditions.
Posted by Dr Andus
Nov 8, 2012 at 09:08 PM
Alexander Deliyannis wrote:
>Structure-wise, this sounds ideal. But there seem to
>be very few offline applications which can sync with Todoist. After much much hope,
>trial and disillusionment, I have come to the conclusion that I am more effective
>using a simple list which I can view and edit at any time, than relying on a structured
>model which I can only access under specific conditions.
I’ve also been looking for the ideal model for managing todo lists and some of the questions that emerged were whether to 1) have one list or several lists (in folders), 2) have one list in one app or several lists in several apps, 3) have a flat view of the list or a collapsible tree view in a single pane, and 4) use a list and/or a calendar?
After years of experimenting I’ve decided that I want to use several different apps for different lists. I want a manually sortable flat list with reminders for my personally most important project (which is my PhD). It needs to open in a single window and not in some sub-folder. I need to be able to drag manually the most important task to the top of the list and rearrange it dynamically as circumstances change. I settled on the built-in Reminders app in iPod/iPad/PC browser.
My second most important list is my job where I get paid. Here my todo list is my email. Every unread email is a task, and I strive to get them done immediately, so that the mailbox is always clear, so that I can get back to Project no. 1. These are tasks I may not like to do but I have to do, so the sooner done, the better. No need for separate todo list.
My third most important list are tasks entered into Google calendar that need to be done at a specific time, whether it’s for my academic project, work, family, or personal.
My fourth app is ShopShop on iPod, which is my shopping list, organised by the type of store I need to go to.
My fifth list is a legacy app, Toodledo, but I’m clearing it out so I can get rid of it, as the folder organisation just didn’t work for me. I need to be able to see all my tasks in a flat view. Perhaps I would swap Reminders for an app that can have a single-pane tree view but I’m wondering if it could make things more complicated, rather than simpler.
My final list is my anti-GTD list: the list of things I refuse to write down because other people want me to do them, not me. They will have to work hard to convince me that I need to do them. I they succeed, they will go on one of my lists.
Posted by MadaboutDana
Nov 9, 2012 at 06:33 PM
Sorry, Alexander, just spotted your post. Correct, output from ListPro in standard CSV format, using a very simple scheme.
As for Todoist: both Allegheny and Budoist work offline, in fact! They synchronise when you reconnect to the web.
I haven’t found a desktop app that works offline with Todoist, it’s true. But please note that Todoist now claim their web apps all work offline, too (including their mobile app at http://www.todoist.com/m). I’ve been running the latter on my Galaxy Note, and yes, it does appear to be true. HTML5 is the key, apparently (according to this rather amusing YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9IQdpvH0Ps).
This is confirmed in a recent support forum exchange, here: https://pl.todoist.com/Support/showQuestion/2238/
Note that Todoist is still working on its own native Android and iOS apps. I’m looking forward to seeing them!
Posted by Alexander Deliyannis
Nov 11, 2012 at 06:12 AM
MadaboutDana wrote:
>I haven’t found a desktop app that works offline with Todoist, it’s
>true. But please note that Todoist now claim their web apps all work
>offline, too (including their mobile app at http://www.todoist.com/m). I’ve
>been running the latter on my Galaxy Note, and yes, it does appear to be
>true. HTML5 is the key, apparently (according to this rather amusing
>YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9IQdpvH0Ps).
(I imagine that the ‘amusing’ refers to the narrator’s tacky way of speaking which would probably be more at home selling lingerie… IMHO anyway)
HTML5 indeed provides acceptable offline functionality to several web apps, including the mobile version of GQueues which is my favourite online task manager. My concern however is that the moment you clear the cache (which I am eventually sure to do) everything goes away. And, perhaps most importantly, for me ‘offline’ should equal ‘local’ copy of full data in a location I am able to set myself. In my PC I have a ‘LOCAL’ directory under which I have subdirectories for Evernote, Google Drive, Nomadesk, Postbox and more—i.e. files that I know I don’t need to back up, but otherwise they are just like what goes under My Documents.