INTRODUCTION

WebIS, author of some of my favorite Windows Mobile software, has just released an update to their flagship application, Pocket Informant.  The latest incarnation of Pocket Informant, version 9, provides support for the popular task management style Getting Things Done, or GTD for those of you more familiar with the strategy.

Pocket Informant 9 also provides a more finger friendly interface and gesture support in anticipation of Windows Mobile 6.5.  Additionally, PI 9 brings along some slick animations and some overall bug fixes.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have been working with the Pocket Informant team during the version 9 beta testing period.  As a result, WebIS has been kind enough to provide free registration details.

During the review that follows, we’re going to take a bit of time to focus on the Getting Things Done implementation in Pocket Informant 9, as this is THE major new feature of the new release.  Go ahead and grab yourself a glass of iced tea and join me below as we start wrapping our heads around this update.

A (VERY) CONDENSED INTRODUCTION TO “GETTING THINGS DONE”

Prior to taking an extensive look into the Getting Things Done approach that has been implemented into Pocket Informant 9, I think that it would be wise for us to take a moment to condense what the concept of GTD is.  After all, not everyone may be familiar with the idea.  Next, I offer a disclaimer… I have read the book titled “Getting Things Done” and believe that I have a working knowledge.  I’m not however a rabid follower of the philosophy, so please don’t pounce if my understanding isn’t the greatest.

First, Getting Things Done is a strategy for more effectively managing time and attitude made popular by author David Allen in his book aptly titled, “Getting Things Done”.  The essential goal of the GTD philosophy, at least in my opinion, is that each person is to manage their tasks in a system that is organized and efficient, clearing the mind of the random “sticky notes” it has laying around.  Each bit of information is intended to be placed into the organizational system, with the intent of then having a mind that is clear to enjoy the present.  Tasks gets the response they need, nothing more (eliminating overreacting and worrying, hopefully) or less.

In doing so, tasks are entered rapidly into the system of organization.  They are caught in an “inbox”, patiently waiting to be reassigned with a context and action.  You are to enter the task or bit of information into your system as soon as you know about it, so that it doesn’t have to be carried around in your mind, either eating away at your harmony or waiting to be forgotten.

You can think of contexts as the many different hats that you wear through out the day, where you have different job focuses or actions that you may require your attention.  For example, I have a list of contexts including:  @ computer (JAMM), @ computer (personal), @ computer (work), @ email, @ call (cell phone), @ store, @ home, @ home (outside), @ work (NCA), etc, etc.  I could go on and on.. but to be honest with you, there are too many to list.  Each is a different physical area that I occupy each day or a mindset that I must entertain, where my tasks are focused.

Each task within a context is then assigned an action status.  These can be next actions that take a short amount of time, planning, delegated, someday / maybe, and so on.  At the end of the day, your mind is to be clear of information.  Ready to enjoy the moment.  Only focusing on what needs to be focused on as a priority when faced with a certain context.

IMPLEMENTATION OF GTD IN POCKET INFORMANT 9

Version 9 of Pocket Informant sets aim to be your GTD organizational system where you can rapidly capture your tasks and bits of information in the inbox, then reassign to contexts and actions as needed.  When adding a new task in Pocket Informant 9, you will find that there are now a few different options in the dialog.  Of these, you will most likely note “Starred”, “Project”, “Context” and “Action”.  The screenshot below illustrates these additions.

Failing to enter a context or action will place the task in the Inbox of Pocket Informant so that you can process it later.  As the screenshot below illustrates, an empty “inbox” is a good inbox.

When ready to process a task, you will need to assign a context and action.  This will remove the task from the Inbox, where it will be filtered by the Contexts you have defined.  When selecting this filter, you will find that you are presented with a full screen list of the different contexts.

NOTE:  You’ll find that when entering a task, the Context popup will provide you with an option to add new and edit existing contexts.

Tapping a context will then take you into the list of assigned tasks.  Here you have the standard grouping options available in Pocket Informant including priority, category and date to name a few, plus the ability to group by Actions.  This will place the tasks in collapsable lists according to the type of action that it will require.  You can easily expand the sections to see your Next Actions, your Active tasks, your Delegated tasks (a personal favorite of mine) and your Someday/Maybe tasks (another one I like).

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Pocket Informant 9 also incorporates a more finger friendly layout in many views, as well as gesture support.  These are both in anticipation of Windows Mobile 6.5 but should prove useful on some older model handhelds as well.  Rest assured, if you are a stylus user tried and true, you can toggle these options off to retain the original layout.

CONCLUSION

The Pocket Informant 9 update isn’t a huge update with a completely redesigned user interface.  You’re not going to find a million new features.  Instead, what you are going to find is a really useful layer of Getting Things Done (GTD) support implemented tightly into the already well thought out array of options that the guys at WebIS have put together for you.

Finally, is this an update for you?  Well, I would have to ask:  Do you want to have a more relaxed lifestyle where you never overreact and place thoughts and actions in their appropriate contexts?  If so, I highly recommend getting a copy of “Getting  Things Done” and a copy of Pocket Informant 9.

DETAILS

• The full version of Pocket Informant 9 costs:  $19.99
• Registered users of version 8.x can update from the here.
• You can download a trial version here.
• You can find additional information here.

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