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Things 3 is released
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Posted by Dellu
Jul 29, 2017 at 08:00 PM
The Sepate Window has immediately become my favorite feature in Things 3. I can finally concentrate on one specific prorject; without being distracted by any other to do. I can write my progress logs, todos and reflections on that single window all day….
Upgrading some of the tasks to a project is fast. the best part, keeping the two projects in two windows side by side, I can see the flow, transition from one project to another…the project notes in the same window…
This get me in tune.
I have never like todo applications. The separate window feature in Things 3 is getting me hooked. I love separate windows (the main reason I keep Tinderbox). Dropping todos and running projects only simpler in Things 3.
Posted by MadaboutDana
Aug 2, 2017 at 08:57 AM
Coming back to what Luhmann said about start dates, I find this is very well catered for in the slightly daunting but impressively comprehensive Firetask.
It’s not desperately well known, but the latest version (4.0) appears to have solved many of the irritations associated with earlier versions. It’s got an idiosyncratic mix of GTD and Kanban-style management options, but its project, task and subtask management approach is actually very nicely done. It now uses iCloud to sync, and does so (apparently) very smoothly. I’m using the trial version available from the Firetask website (http://firetask.com/index.html). I’m not much of a GTD person myself, but I can see how this approach could work very well.
Firetask has a plethora of management options: “Manage” (including general tasks, project-specific tasks/subtasks [projects can also be assigned to portfolios], and categories. It has a “Review” section (including Kanban, priorities and dates, which is a calendar page - you can link it to Apple Reminders and Calendar). And finally it has a “Focus” section (Today, Next, Waiting For). Plus various other sections that are more for convenience or differing task management styles than anything else.
And joy! (for those who like these things): it has very straightforward task entry options, including a start date and a due date, plus lots of room for notes (always essential, in my view). It also makes good use of colours (based on priority).
At first sight (and I’m only playing with the trial), Firetask seems at least as comprehensive as any of its obvious competitors (Things, 2Do, OmniFocus), and although the range of GTD options is daunting, they are also flexible, allowing for a number of different approaches (simultaneously or as alternatives). I’m favourably impressed.
And while relatively expensive, it uses iCloud for syncing, and doesn’t rely on subscriptions. For some, that will be a significant feature!
It’s available for iOS and macOS and is sold through the relevant App Stores. But a desktop trial is, as mentioned, available from the website.
Cheers,
Bill
Posted by Hugh
Aug 2, 2017 at 12:15 PM
Thanks for this news, Bill. I used a copy of a previous version of Firetask for several months (possibly because it had a kanban view - I can’t remember). For a while it appeared to be abandoned. It’s good to see that it still has plenty of life in it - and lots of versatility.
Posted by Dellu
Aug 2, 2017 at 12:17 PM
Firetask seems interesting application. I specially like the Kanban part.
But, I am still worried again on the complexity.
I think Firetask has the same inclination as the OF and 2DO: the task management becomes so daunting that it is not a support any more: it is another burdone of its own. **The task management is a task by itself.**
That is why I am liking Things: specially the seprate windows. I don’t need anything; just the tasks in a single window, and may be some notes along with them to clarify my thinking.
I spend 3 days just in a single Window: without seeing any other item. It is helping me to concentrate.
Posted by MadaboutDana
Aug 2, 2017 at 05:53 PM
I agree, that’s the nice part of Things. But I’ve found it’s less well-optimised for those with lots and lots of tasks; I’m constantly switching from one set of tasks to another, which probably explains my undying search for the Perfect Task Manager.
The thing about Firetask is, you can switch off the bits you don’t want or need; the entire sidebar can be reconfigured to show just the bare essentials. I’ve already switched off a whole bunch of stuff I don’t use (“Contributors”, “Someday”, etc.); I may switch off “Categories” and “Scratchpad”, too, possibly also “General”. Although “Categories” is actually quite useful (equivalent to tags). “Checklists” is really just a template holder, and can also be switched off without any issues. Leaving you with a fairly lean, mean task manager.
No, it doesn’t do separate windows, which I agree is a pity - that would actually put it well into the Things league. It does show a tab bar if you want one, but since it’s inactive, it’s no use at all.