iPhone: To-Do Apps
Sunday, October 4th, 2009 running time 06:38
Organize your life with portable productivity apps! David Prager reviews a couple of mobile productivity apps for the iPhone. This is the first of a two part series and focuses on Evernote and Remember the Milk.
Segments
Do you have trouble staying on task and organizing everything you do efficiently? Or do you just want to be even more productive? Well, there are a ton of productivity apps for the iPhone and this first in a two part series will focus on "Evernote" and "Remember the Milk".
Review by: David Prager
Evernote
Evernote is an extensive application of which the iPhone app is merely an additional tool for creating notes that sync between a web app and a desktop app. The primary functionality of Evernote is to be able to take notes, recall, and organize everything that happens in your day to day life.
You can save memos, photos, web clips, documents, itineraries, and to-do lists among other things. Everything is synced with Evernote and accessible via the desktop app, their website, and of course, the iPhone.
The iPhone app provides four major functions on the default screen. The functions are the primary ways to create or add new notes to from your iPhone to your Evernote database - upload existing images from your iPhone, take new images to upload, record and upload voice recordings, or simple typed text.
When you select notes on the bottom navigation bar, you'll get almost instant access to every note that has ever been created and can quickly search for anything from all of them.
The focus of Evernote is less on organization and getting things done and more on recalling and logging things of note and importance. More than just the iphone app is required to take advantage of evernote's extensive number of impressive features. It's all free - but you'll find yourself limited without fronting a 5 dollar a month or 45 dollar annual fee.
Evernote
Version 3.1.0 | Developed by Evernote | Free
PROS:
- Take image, text, and audio notes/ideas from anywhere, anytime.
- Data stored on the cloud for access from any device
- Well designed/developed with many impressive features
CONS:
- Must be online to access notes unless they're marked favorite
- Getting things done and organizing is not the app's focus
- $45 Pro version is needed use Evernote effectively
Remember The Milk
In the app store, remember the milk is listed as free. Be sure to read the fine print - it is a free trial and $25 a year for a pro account if you want to continue using it. At least they figured out how to keep apple from getting it's 30% cut.
The key features of the app are task management by type of task, priority, due dates, time estimate, tags, location plus a few more. All of your tasks sync to a web server making it available anywhere by default including the more commonly used web interface.
Editing and modifying tasks from the iPhone is very intuitive and allows you to do things like swipe across a task to complete it, date and time pickers use the standard wheel controls or can be manually entered. Even cooler, you can check off as many tasks as you like and postpone them!
Remember the Milk is simple to use, easy to update and modify, and feature rich including options for stuff like email, IM, and SMS updates.
Remember the Milk
Version 1.1.1 | Developed by Remember The Milk Pty Ltd | Must have $25 Pro Account
PROS:
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Integrates with Gmail, Google Calendars and Apple iCal
- Manage/update task lists no matter where you are
CONS:
- It's deceptive to list the price as free when it's truly a "trial" for a $25 app
- Seeing the whole task title and notes requires a few clicks
Evernote
Evernote is an extensive application of which the iPhone app is merely an additional tool for creating notes that sync between a web app and a desktop app. The primary functionality of Evernote is to be able to take notes, recall, and organize everything that happens in your day to day life.
You can save memos, photos, web clips, documents, itineraries, and to-do lists among other things. Everything is synced with Evernote and accessible via the desktop app, their website, and of course, the iPhone.
The iPhone app provides four major functions on the default screen. The functions are the primary ways to create or add new notes to from your iPhone to your Evernote database - upload existing images from your iPhone, take new images to upload, record and upload voice recordings, or simple typed text.
When you select notes on the bottom navigation bar, you'll get almost instant access to every note that has ever been created and can quickly search for anything from all of them.
The focus of Evernote is less on organization and getting things done and more on recalling and logging things of note and importance. More than just the iphone app is required to take advantage of evernote's extensive number of impressive features. It's all free - but you'll find yourself limited without fronting a 5 dollar a month or 45 dollar annual fee.
Remember The Milk
In the app store, remember the milk is listed as free. Be sure to read the fine print - it is a free trial and $25 a year for a pro account if you want to continue using it. At least they figured out how to keep apple from getting it's 30% cut.
The key features of the app are task management by type of task, priority, due dates, time estimate, tags, location plus a few more. All of your tasks sync to a web server making it available anywhere by default including the more commonly used web interface.
Editing and modifying tasks from the iPhone is very intuitive and allows you to do things like swipe across a task to complete it, date and time pickers use the standard wheel controls or can be manually entered. Even cooler, you can check off as many tasks as you like and postpone them!
Remember the Milk is simple to use, easy to update and modify, and feature rich including options for stuff like email, IM, and SMS updates.
The Verdict
Evernote
PROS:
- Take image, text, and audio notes/ideas from anywhere, anytime.
- Data stored on the cloud for access from any device
- Well designed/developed with many impressive features
CONS:
- Must be online to access notes unless they're marked favorite
- Getting things done and organizing is not the app's focus
- $45 Pro version is needed use Evernote effectively
Remember The Milk
PROS:
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Integrates with Gmail, Google Calendars and Apple iCal
- Manage/update task lists no matter where you are
CONS:
- It's deceptive to list the price as free when it's truly a "trial" for a $25 app
- Seeing the whole task title and notes requires a few clicks
Do you have another app you'd like us to review? Email us at appjudgment at revision3 dot com, ping us in the forums or on Twitter: @AppJudgment
Highlights
evernote: 1:00, 1:08, 1:55app: 0:10, 0:44, 1:02, 2:21, 3:27
multitask: 0:27
Automatically Generated Transcript
May not be 100% accurate" War."
" trouble staying on task of organizing everything you do officially. Or do you wanna be even more productive while there are 800 productivity app for the iPhone."
" And I'm gonna -- you just a couple of them in his first of the two part series."
" about -- sponsored five Squarespace. I don't know how I got to where I am today because I would organizational. -- multitask all the time which is not good."
" Switch between house sometime probably killer -- he's."
" And procrastinate like and know full well you get the idea."
" Well the first artist to episode series is my first look on how well I think I can get myself organized with a couple of the most highly recommended productivity app for the iPhone. Seeing someone clearly in need of help the first thing I did it was called for your help."
" And you got this far with a list of over fifteen different apps with piles of its -- of of two of the top four -- remember the milk than -- that."
" I'll touch on each of them briefly first up with Everton."
" Evernote is an extensive application which the iPhone app as merely an additional tool for creating notes sync between what about the and it desktop that."
" Now the primary function -- Evernote is to be it would take notes recall and organize everything that happens in your data daylight. You can save memos photos web clips documents itineraries and others to do list among other things. Everything is sick with Evernote and accessible via the desktop out. And that website and of course the I felt the iPhone -- provides for major functions on the people to -- the -- sort of put existing images from your eyes on. -- new images to upload it record it upload voice recordings or just plain type text."
" When -- notes and the bottom now -- you'll get almost instant access to everything that has ever been created and be able to quickly find any specific -- you're looking for. Plus the -- optical character recognition. To transcribed words from photos it. Though I did have a little trouble trying to really demonstrate to make that work. The focus of Evernote is less on organizing and getting things done and weren't calling in lighting things of note."
" Imports more than just the iPhone -- is required to take advantage of ever and its extensive number of impressive features it's all free but you'll find yourself limited without running a five dollar a month -- 45 dollar annual fee for the pro version which lets you upload a whole lot more content."
" Next up you'll never forget to remember the milk if you use the aptly named remember the milk. So first things first in the app store remember the milk is listed as free but be sure the fine print -- it's a free trial."
" And 25 dollars a year for a pro account if you wanna continue using. The good thing on their part anyway is that at least that figure out how to keep apple from getting is very good thing kind."
" Key features of -- our task manager Mike Tyson task priority due dates and time estimates had locations. Plus a few more."
" All of your task sync to web server making it available anywhere by default easily the most commonly used web interface. Editing and modifying tasks from the Iceland is very intuitive and allows you do things like. What a -- task to completed."
" Big time selection uses the standard real controls or can be manually entered. Even cooler."
" You can check out as many just as you like and postpone remember the milk is simple to use easy to update modify and feature rich including options for stuff like email I am an SMS updates."
" But before we get to the pros and cons and final judgments on both of these out. Let's give a quick shout to our sponsors and mention high after the game."
" You know it you'll love it yeah it's time for the hot after the day. Hey everyone -- here and today's hot app comes from and spot. It's the first ever fully streaming mobile movie service for -- I thought. Now this Davies reports of the more anticipated competitors and streaming mobile movies -- like."
" War."
" trouble staying on task of organizing everything you do officially. Or do you wanna be even more productive while there are 800 productivity app for the iPhone."
" And I'm gonna -- you just a couple of them in his first of the two part series."
" about -- sponsored five Squarespace. I don't know how I got to where I am today because I would organizational. -- multitask all the time which is not good."
" Switch between house sometime probably killer -- he's."
" And procrastinate like and know full well you get the idea."
" Well the first artist to episode series is my first look on how well I think I can get myself organized with a couple of the most highly recommended productivity app for the iPhone. Seeing someone clearly in need of help the first thing I did it was called for your help."
" And you got this far with a list of over fifteen different apps with piles of its -- of of two of the top four -- remember the milk than -- that."
" I'll touch on each of them briefly first up with Everton."
" Evernote is an extensive application which the iPhone app as merely an additional tool for creating notes sync between what about the and it desktop that."
" Now the primary function -- Evernote is to be it would take notes recall and organize everything that happens in your data daylight. You can save memos photos web clips documents itineraries and others to do list among other things. Everything is sick with Evernote and accessible via the desktop out. And that website and of course the I felt the iPhone -- provides for major functions on the people to -- the -- sort of put existing images from your eyes on. -- new images to upload it record it upload voice recordings or just plain type text."
" When -- notes and the bottom now -- you'll get almost instant access to everything that has ever been created and be able to quickly find any specific -- you're looking for. Plus the -- optical character recognition. To transcribed words from photos it. Though I did have a little trouble trying to really demonstrate to make that work. The focus of Evernote is less on organizing and getting things done and weren't calling in lighting things of note."
" Imports more than just the iPhone -- is required to take advantage of ever and its extensive number of impressive features it's all free but you'll find yourself limited without running a five dollar a month -- 45 dollar annual fee for the pro version which lets you upload a whole lot more content."
" Next up you'll never forget to remember the milk if you use the aptly named remember the milk. So first things first in the app store remember the milk is listed as free but be sure the fine print -- it's a free trial."
" And 25 dollars a year for a pro account if you wanna continue using. The good thing on their part anyway is that at least that figure out how to keep apple from getting is very good thing kind."
" Key features of -- our task manager Mike Tyson task priority due dates and time estimates had locations. Plus a few more."
" All of your task sync to web server making it available anywhere by default easily the most commonly used web interface. Editing and modifying tasks from the Iceland is very intuitive and allows you do things like. What a -- task to completed."
" Big time selection uses the standard real controls or can be manually entered. Even cooler."
" You can check out as many just as you like and postpone remember the milk is simple to use easy to update modify and feature rich including options for stuff like email I am an SMS updates."
" But before we get to the pros and cons and final judgments on both of these out. Let's give a quick shout to our sponsors and mention high after the game."
" You know it you'll love it yeah it's time for the hot after the day. Hey everyone -- here and today's hot app comes from and spot. It's the first ever fully streaming mobile movie service for -- I thought. Now this Davies reports of the more anticipated competitors and streaming mobile movies -- like."
jackierulesall
Started discussion: October 5, 2009 @ 12:52pm GMT
Episode 25 - iPhone: To-Do Apps [Discussion]
Organize your life with portable productivity apps! David Prager reviews a couple of mobile productivity apps for the iPhone. This is the first of a two part series and focuses on Evernote and Remember the Milk.
Watch or download now!
Trynemjoel
5 months ago
Evernote is hardly a to-do app. I would rather want to see it reviewed with other note applications/services.
mjkaufman
5 months ago
When can we expect part 2?
I am trying out the two applications mentioned at the end of this episode: Things and OmniFocus. I am hoping that I can see that episode before the trial ends; when will that episode be released?comeoneileen
5 months ago
When episode will air
In reply to mjkaufman:
I am trying out the two applications mentioned at the end of this episode: Things and OmniFocus. I am hoping that I can see that episode before the trial ends; when will that episode be released?
Well, we haven't shot it yet. Prager has another episode to shoot next week, so hopefully soon after that. It will probably release in the next three weeks -- maybe even sooner!
mjkaufman
5 months ago
Well, crap.
Don't you know that doesn't coordinate with my plans? Really, you would think that nobody knows that the world revolves around me...
I will just have to make a decision on my own (and hope that Prager agrees with me). I would be happy to share my opinions if you would like.
bobm
5 months ago
In reply to mjkaufman:
Don't you know that doesn't coordinate with my plans? Really, you would think that nobody knows that the world revolves around me...
I will just have to make a decision on my own (and hope that Prager agrees with me). I would be happy to share my opinions if you would like.
I will just have to make a decision on my own (and hope that Prager agrees with me). I would be happy to share my opinions if you would like.
I would be interested in hearing your opinions as I am torn between the same two apps. I would also be curious to know how you are trying Omnifocus. I did not think there was a lite or trial version available.
mjkaufman
5 months ago
In reply to bobm:
I would also be curious to know how you are trying Omnifocus. I did not think there was a lite or trial version available.
Neither application has a trial available for their iPhone app, but both have a fully functional trial period for the desktop client.
mjkaufman
5 months ago
To Do? DONE!
Eileen, Prager, BobM and others,I've brought my trial of the desktop version of Things and OmniFocus to a close (meaning, the free period ended). There were three factors that went into my final decision.
1. Simplicity: Both applications use the "Getting Things Done" approach, but OmniFocus really pushes it to an extreme level. For me, as a typical user, that is a bit frightening. DECISION: THINGS.
2. Sync: Both applications will sync between iPhone and desktop, but only OmniFocus currently does it over-the-air. An email to the developer of Things revealed that this is the number one request and that despite being "in progress" there is no estimated time for release. DECISION: OMNIFOCUS.
3. Cost: Both applications are expensive, but there is a $40 difference in the price of package of iPhone and Mac desktop applications. Even if you were to only purchase the iPhone app, OmniFocus is $19.99 compared to Things $9.99. DECISION: THINGS.
In the end, I needed to listen to reason and purchase Things. I can survive without OTA sync and the $100 cost of OmniFocus (compared to $60 for Things) simply was not justified.
bobm
5 months ago
Thanks for the review. I agree that Things for the desktop is probably the better app for the average user. I just can't get past how limited the Things for iPhone App seems to be. As I plan on using the iPhone app more, I think I am leaning towards Omnifocus.
I am looking forward to seeing the video review when it gets posted here in Part 2.
I am looking forward to seeing the video review when it gets posted here in Part 2.














