The Productive Organizer

What is windows live sync?

In a nutshell, Microsoft decided some time recently that the cloud is where they want to do a major push to (abit late I feel).

This service enables you to synchronize up to 2GB of your files and folders with

1. Your other computers
2. Microsoft’s Cloud storage

You install a Sync application on each of your computer and it seamlessly takes care of the synchronization of the files and folders on its own.

Note:This is not something new.I talk about a few service that is free some time ago. Most notably

1. Soonr

How much files and folders can I store/synchronies/backup ?

As of now you can store up to 2GB of files

How much will this cost me?

It is FREE

What are the benefits?

1. Your files and folders are accessible across all your computers
2. In the future it might be accessible via iPhone,Android or WP7
3. In the event of a computer breakdown and is irrecoverable, your files are intact
4. Microsoft’s data server should have disaster recovery and redundancy, so the chances of you losing these files are low

How does it work?

1) Download Windows Live Essentials Beta from here.

2) Run the setup. You can install the rest of the stuff but make sure  you check the sync.

3) Once its installed you will see a sync icon in your windows system tray. Alternatively, go to Windows Essentials > Windows Live Sync.

4) this is your Sync Dashboard. Here you will see I am setting it up on one computer.

5) First thing is to click on Sync a folder, to identify which folder to sync across all your computers and microsoft.

6) I don’t just make use of one sync service, but if you see here I have Evernote,Dropbox,SugarSync,Syncplicity and now LiveSync. Essentially, I have almost 8GB of data under sync.

7) Create a folder for syncing (you can call it whatever you want I call it Live Sync)

8)Then check to sync to SkyDrive synced storage

9) You are set up. Here is a shot of me synchronizing 3 files. Once I moved them into my windows folders, on the web page it will indicate that its syncing 3 files.

Now this is interesting news. Most folks who have used Dropbox have things favorable to say about Dropbox as a backup and computer files synchronizor

It would seem some one finally thought:”wouldn’t it be great to have dropbox functionality on a personal server?”

I fully will support this product but only if it designs well:

1. Small memory footprint
2. Syncs across at least 10 computers
3. Trustable sync and conflict resolution mechanizm

Dubbed SparkleShare, Bons is building his project using Mono, GTK+, and Git. Like Dropbox, SparkleShare sets up a local folder which is automatically kept in sync — though not in the cloud. Instead, you and your friends/coworkers set up connections to each other’s shares (or you can keep everything to yourself, of course). That’ll make SparkleShare an extremely interesting option for teams who need to collaborate via the ‘Net — and for users who want to keep files in sync without floating them in the cloud.

And since you’re hosting your own server, there’s no monthly fees to worry about — which is always a bonus.

A Linux release is the first item on the agenda, with OS X and Windows versions to follow. Bons is seeking contributors — if you’re interested in helping out, drop him a line on the SparkleShare web site!

[via Download Squad >>]

We have not seen many sneaks of Windows Phone 7 Applications on Productive Organizer and the last one were sneaks of OneNote and Word and Excel on WP7.

This time some french developers have put together a project management application called Ahead Project Manager.

This would be important consideration if you are a person who wants to manage your task on  your smartphone. Having such an application would be a serious consideration.

Just think about it: I bought my iPod Touch not to play games, watch videos or listen to songs but because I need a good todo list Appigo ToDo

However, If the interface for all WP7 apps turn out this way, then we are really going to get pretty board by this layout.

From the demo i really find that i will not get accustom to the scrolling layout. What do you guys think after watching the video below?

Ahead — Manage your projects on-the-go. from Ahead App on Vimeo.

The next release of Android codename Froyo will promise usb tethering and using your device as a wifi router.

Do note that Wifi routing is very battery draining but an awesome experience should your laptop need to connect to the internet ASAP.

Apple’s iPad can do movies, music, e-mail, apps and rich Web browsing. And of course, e-books. Should Amazon just put its comparably basic e-reader, the Kindle, to sleep?

Not so fast. Sleep experts say using the iPad before bed can affect sleeping habits unlike most other e-readers.

The difference? Devices like the Kindle, the Nook (the top part of the screen that displays books) and popular e-readers from Sony use a technology called e-paper. It simulates the look of an actual printed page and does not emit light. That means, unlike the iPad, you can effectively read in direct sunlight. (Beach, anyone?)

The iPad, however, contains a touchscreen liquid-crystal display that, like computer screens and television sets, emits light. On the plus side, you can sneak the device under the covers while your significant other sleeps beside you and flip through a couple pages of a book without a flashlight.

But staring at the screen before bed could leave you lying awake. That’s because direct exposure to such abnormal light sources inhibits the body’s secretion of melatonin, say several sleep experts.

If you’ve watched any late-night TV, you’ve no doubt heard the term thrown around in commercials for sleeping pills. Melatonin signals are sent through the brain as a response to darkness, telling the body to prepare to shut down for the night.

[Read the rest of the article here >>]

I notice alot of folks at EnGadget even after seeing these demos of the upcoming iPad application think this is JUST A BIG IPHONE and think nothing of it.

Its difficult to change people’s opinion if their skull is so thick that they cannot get what really works.

I think Apple is creating a great platform for app developers and incentives for innovation. iPad will be a great productivity platform trust me.

Meanwhile just enjoy these videos:

SmartNote (Note Taking iPad App) — smartNote, like Microsoft OneNote, lets you take notes on your iPad, both handwritten and typed. You can also record audio with your notes. The notes can be exported as PDFs or you can sync them with your computer or another iPad wirelessly.

PadNotes (Drawing App) — PadNotes for iPad allows you to write or draw on any document using an image or PDF file as the background. You can use it for taking notes, filling out forms or for creating drawings.

Mixr (iPad DJ App) — The Mixr app will turn your iPad into a multi-touch turntable with everything you need to mix music.

Chalk iPad App – This simple iPad App will turn your Apple tablet into a vintage slate chalk board – kids will probably love it and you won’t have a problem either because the app won’t leave any chalk powder on your floor.

MightyMeetings – This is an iPad App for online meetings and for giving remote presentations.

Being in the IT industry, we somehow have to get acquainted with Microsoft Project. I been using for some time and truth to be told, i’m too bothered about getting things done than plan using Microsoft Project.

What pissed me off is a few subtle inconvenience that i wish i have solutions for. Specifically, if i can operate it better through the use of keyboard shortcuts it will be much more productive.

Here i present some shortcuts that will improve your productivity.

Scroll to task on the Gantt Chart – [Ctrl +Shift + F5]

Ever while you are reviewing the tasks and want a quick way to see where this task is in the timeline of the Gantt Chart? I have this problem alot of times and got so piss of with having to pick up the mouse to scroll to it and wonder if its before this point or after this point. This keyboard shortcut is cool.

Scrolling the Gantt Chart while in Task navigation – [Alt Left/Right key]

While we are at it, you might want to do a visual reference how long it takes on the Gantt Chart. The typical way is to pick up the mouse and scroll.You cannot use the left and right key since you will be scrolling in the task view. Press Alt Left or Right will enable you to scroll the Gantt chart area while you are in task view.

Insert a new task above – [Ins]

This is straight forward. chances are you will need to insert a new task in between 2 task. Use the insert key will insert a row between them.

Indent and Outdent a task – [Alt + Shift + left or right arrow keys]

Since we add a new task previously whats a fast way to indent and outdent? Using Alt Shift Left or Right will enable you to do that.

Expand and Collapse a branch of task- [Alt + Shift + - or = arrow keys]

For abit of focus review, you might want to collapse a branch so that you can focus on other branches and later expand them. The keyboard short cut to do this is to leverage on Alt Shift – or =. the easy way to remember is that – or = translates to minus and plus when shift is press!

As an added bonus, to expand the whole project you can use [Alt + Shift + *]!

Link [Ctrl + F2] and Unlink [Ctrl + Shift + F2] Tasks

Say you want to select 2 task or a whole list of task and link them up fast (dependency) how do you do that? Use the Ctrl F2 and Ctrl Shift F2 to do that

Conclusion

Crazy Colour Card for MS Project

There are many other useful shortcuts to using Microsoft Project and they really help to make navigation much more enjoyable.

Another bonus is this PDF keyboard shortcut for Microsoft Project Hosted at Scribd. Login with your OpenID or Facebook to download and print it.

WebOS is an OS that i have least experience in and a search on softwares that tailors to Getting Things Done yields very little results other than our dear Evernote.

That is why its refreshing to see Outline Tracker for WebOS. I did not give this a spin since i do not have a Palm Pre or Pixi to try it out.

How much does it cost?

There is a free version on the App Catalog that limits you to 50 tasks but the full version costs USD23.50.

What version of WebOS is it compatible with?

You will need webOS 1.3.5

What are its main functionalities?

• Organize tasks and sub-tasks as many layers deep as you need
• Keep track of where you can work on a task and who’s responsible
• The dynamic to-do list shows only the tasks you can work on here and now
• Color-coding shows at a glance who’s responsible for a task — you, your organization, or no one
• The dynamic waiting list shows tasks that are waiting for action by someone else — a single tap takes you to their entry in the webOS Contacts application
• Items with a due date appear in the webOS Calendar and the project outline, and tasks appear in the dynamic to-do list as well
• Coordinate with others using Basecamp from 37signals (useable through any web browser, with custom apps available for many kinds of smartphone)
• Basecamp items are cached locally, so Basecamp projects can be edited without a network connection. Changes will be uploaded when the network connection is available.
• Supports David Allen’s Getting Things Done® methodology
• Also functions as a general-purpose outliner, exporting to (and importing from) the modern XOXO format, easily integrated into web pages

GTD – Able to Organize in tree structure

with this you can essentially create Tasks and Sub-Tasks or Sub-Projects

GTD – Able to filter by Contexts/Places

if you are to perform GTD you will need to be able to filter your tasks by places or agendas. This one does it but not sure if it can achieve the sophistication of Appigo ToDos context filtering. [context/places intro and tutorial >>]

GTD – Waiting for looks good!

You can review your waiting for list according to the people. Outline Tracker allows you to go to the Palm’s contacts when you click on the person’s name.

Very useful.

GTD – comprehensive task view and integration with webOS Calendar

This is a good move that i don’t see on alot of mobile apps on iPhone since you will need a fair bit of work to achieve this on the iPhone OS platform.

essentially, your items need not be tasks and need not have dates. this gives it flexibility, but also increases the developer’s complexity.

also, note seems to be missing if you want to add additionaly details.

the kicker is that those items with due date specified will go into your webOS calendar. some folks definitely love to have this in their GTD system.

Final Thoughts

i thought its abit expensive at $23 bucks but really not sure if all App Catalog application are priced at that range. I hope we come accross more apps like this to compete and come up with good GTD apps for the webOS.

At the iPhone App Store competition have kept the incumbents at the top of their game and we do hope to see more of these on the webOS.

[Outline tracker for Palm Pre and Pixi >>]

I came across this Windows desktop application that aim to follow the Getting Things Done to organize the information you come across in your daily lives.

I didn’t manage to give it a try but it does look very sophisticated, on the level of Mind Manager by Mindjet.

How much it cost?

its not free and the price might turn off a few people. it cost like USD197.

Who is it for?

Probably for people who have a windows desktop or laptop as their main GTD planning and collection center. Definitely not for me since i seldom have access to my personal computer.

What are its main functionality?

You would have to check out a very very detail walkthrough at Information Management Tool’s website. There it will show you how to Collect, Process, Organize and Review using their software

• flexible structure helps you to merge individual to-do lists, projects, articles into a strategic plan
• use the program for online research, journaling, to-do lists, note taking, document archiving, GTD and more.
• break down large projects into smaller parts using as many tree-levels as you need to keep everything in one place and under control
• use Wiki-hyperlinks to tasks, web pages, notes, to-do lists etc.
• capture web pages directly from the integrated Gecko Web Browser by Mozilla
• drag-and-drop notes, hyperlinks, files in appropriate place in the free-form database, reorganize your projects and tasks at any time
• reorganize your projects, to-do lists, ideas and tasks at any time you want
• find what you need when you need it using fast search
• create your own structure of GTD Trusted System, capture, organize and manage all your projects and tasks in the free-form central database
• real-time immediate save of all added information to the database
• fully customizable interface: more than 300 icons, custom colors and font formats to help you focus on what is most important
• capture any ideas, notes and edit them using full-featured Rich Text Editor
• recall items quickly with tagging
• align your time, effort and energy with your highest priorities so you can focus on what really matters most to you
• browse local files and forlders using integrated Folder Explorer
• work with multiple projects without feeling overwhelmed
• save any web pages in HTML, edit them in the integrated HTML Editor and preview them
• integrated tools needed to create your own structure of a logical and trusted system outside of your head
• display only the tasks, notes, to-do lists etc. you want to see at the moment by expanding them

Final Thoughts

It does look more polish than alot of the free desktop apps that i see, but its steep at USD 197 and i wonder with the coming of the mobile internet you should be paying that much for a standalone desktop app.

[Take a look @ Information Management Tool >>]

We always think about different ways to perform inputs such that we have extraordinary keyboards like Swype that took Windows Mobile and Android users by storm but this one by google really looks good.

Swype across an Android 2.1 OS keyboard to begin voice input. This will translate to text. If the voice to text engine is good you should be able to achieve better than your typical typing. Here’s an introduction it it: