[sterlingz]

I meant "nest" projects, not next, sorry. I like the many layers possible with OmniFocus for organizing groups of tasks.

[BillPetro]

Sterlingz,

Thanks for your perspective on OmniFocus vs. Things. It's quite helpful. I had planned to test both, but my 15-day trial on OmniFocus had run out. Thanks for the tip on the new version. While twice the Mac+iPhone price as Things, OmniFocus is worth checking out.

Appreciate it.

-Bill Petro
www.billpetro.com

[jimacworld]

I like and use Things Mac + Things iPhone. I am, however, seriously considering a switch to Action Method Online once their iPhone client arrives (see http://www.actionmethod.com/). The main benefit of Action Method's approach is its orientation towards group tasks, where Things' focus is primarily the individual.

[kcmac]

I bought the desktop version of Omnifocus. Too complicated but it is probably the most feature heavy of all. $$$$$$$$

Things is much more intuitive, nicely designed and I kinda liked the beta desktop version so I bought the iPhone version. Tons of trouble with syncing and this is much talked about on their site. Also, I just don't think I would spend the $39 bucks it would cost for early bird purchasers. Thats too much for something that I mostly use for list making.

Then, i discovered Appigo's ToDo which syncs great with RTM and Toodledo on the internet. (if you want to and they are free). It has been updated several times and just recently added contexts and tags. I find ToDo overall to be the best for me. My use has been pretty consistent which was something I was on and off again with Things. I recently took Omnifocus off of my laptop.

While I like ToDo, I am also keeping my eyes out for Daylite Touch which will be out sometime next spring. I am guessing it will be a bit pricey so ToDo just might be it for me.

[Jason Snell]

sterlingz said:

I tested both Things and OmniFocus back in August when I was planning my wedding. I ended up going with Things just because it was more straightforward and because the iPhone syncing was better implemented at that time. Now that I'm trying to use a task manager for work, however, I find Things to be too limiting. The inability to next projects within folders is a dealbreaker for me. Now that OmniFocus has updated to version 1.5, I decided to download and try it again (they will allow you a new 15 day trial). I find OmniFocus to be far superior.

To each his own. As this is not a review of OmniFocus, I studiously avoided naming it, but the suggestion is there... as someone who has also tried both, the reality is that I'm using Things and I'm not using OmniFocus. OmniFocus was overkill for my needs, and I found myself taking more time trying to manage OmniFocus than get things done. Now I am not a GTD follower, haven't read the book, can't give you an endorsement on that score. I'm just a guy with a whole lot of stuff to do. Things is the first to-do manager on the iPhone that I've stuck with.

[sterlingz]

That's fair enough Jason, your review is indeed of the iPhone app, and I was talking more in terms of the Mac + iPhone combo. I think for a standalone task manager on iPhone - you're right, Things is the way to go, and easier to use. But I think many people are going to want their to-do system to sync with the desktop, as that's where most work gets done. I see the iPhone client as more of an "on the go" viewing and reminder system, as well as a place to jot down tasks as they pop up. But for either the iPhone or Mac app, I find having one flat list of projects very limiting, as I have lots of projects that need to be grouped, and this is what I ran into trouble with using Things. I was having to scroll through this long list of projects, many of which are related, but unable to be grouped.

[sterlingz]

You're very welcome, Bill. You might find this review of OmniFocus for iPhone from iLounge useful: http://www.ilounge.c...ring-cocktails/
It's what inspired me to give OmniFocus another shot.

[CulturedCode]

We're currently working on adding tags, areas, and other features to Things for iPhone and iPod touch. For additional information on upcoming features, please check our FAQ here: http://www.culturedc...iphone/faq.html

If you have any other questions or concerns, you are always welcome to email us. Our email address information is listed here: http://www.culturedc...om/contact.html

The Cultured Code Team

[PadreCohen]

"Things" sounds like a great to-do list. Combined with a calendar and contact list, it has all the necessary functionality for good time management and goal setting.
Unfortunately, "Things" doesn't (or can't) sync with Apple's iCal to-do list—something Apple stupidly ignored. "Things" would be a bargain, but it can only be synchronized to Cultured Code's desktop software (not yet available) at a cost of $50. That's $60 total, a ridiculously high price for a to-do list. $60 buys a ton of 3x5 cards you can slip in a pocket.
For that amount of money, "Things" should make you coffee every morning.
/Caveat emptor./

[CulturedCode]

You most certainly can sync iCal's to-do's with Things. You can find define which calendar(s) you want to sync in the Thing preferences.

The desktop version is still in preview release, which means you can download it for free and try it out for yourself. Find more information about Things and a download link by clicking here.

The Cultured Code Team

[PadreCohen]

I stand corrected. Thank you for spotting the error. You can sync Things with iCal. It's quite a workaround, but I suspect it's the only way Apple will allow. It should be noted that it works with Leopard only. Now, if I can convince my wife that this justifies my buying a new Mac?

[gs3369]

It's quite a workaround, but I suspect it's the only way Apple will allow. It should be noted that it works with Leopard only.

It's using the system wide to-do API of Leopard (which is why tiger is unsupported). That's not a workaround by any definition.

That's $60 total, a ridiculously high price for a to-do list. $60 buys a ton of 3x5 cards you can slip in a pocket.

Wow, people really hate paying for software. I can understand, since you find 3x5 cards sufficient, why paying 60 bucks (for 2 applications) seems unreasonable. But for someone that prefers the benefits of using a digital solution, it's a bargain. It's something that I use every day several times a day. I don't need the iPhone version. I'm using the desktop version for free. When it's time to pay up I'll get the price of 39 dollars. That comes out to 10 cents a day.

10 cents a day for an application that helps me get things done daily. I'd say it's worth it.

As for several comments regarding omnifocus, it certainly has its good points, and if you have to have folders it's great. But using projects and areas my todo list is certainly not 'one long list'. Bottom line, I hated opening omnifocus in the morning, but I love using Things.

[PadreCohen]

gs3369,

It's important to read through the series of comments to understand the context, please. My comment was centered around two things: Apple should have provided the ability to synchronize the to-do list already available in iCal with the iPhone, and the inability to synchronize Things with iCal's to-do list. I was incorrect about the latter and apologized for my ignorance. My argument was that $60 seemed excessive given that Things could not sync with iCal. Therefore, my apology to the developer. I was wrong and admitted it.

At the developer's suggestion, I downloaded their desktop software and found it straightforward, complete, and easy to use. I don't apologize for labeling synchronizing a workaround. A to-do item must go through Mail to get to iCal?a two-step process. Given Ockham's razor, that is not the simplest approach. That's Apple's approach. That it can be done doesn't make it a good idea. Why Apple has decided that to-do items be in a mail client is odd and bad time management; it's a half-baked "feature" that forces software developers to create workarounds.

I don't mind spending money for software that works for me. If you have an iPhone and Leopard Things looks like a good deal. Please don't assume facts not in evidence. Most important, don't use personal attacks; they only serve to weaken your argument.

[RevLen]

I am a recent convert to Mac from PC's and I thought I was the only one frustrated by the lack of "To Do" list syncronization with my iPhone. With everything the iPhone can do, is it too much to ask for iCal To Do's to sync with iPhone?! For that matter, why don't the notes on iPhone sync with my MacBook?
If this was resolved, the iPhone / MacBook duo would be absolutely unstoppable!