since most people in here are more tech-oriented and like to use gadgets, does anybody still use pen and paper todo lists as a significant part of how you organize your productivity? how much do you use pen/paper and how much do you use computer/pda/cellphone for keeping track of what you need to do. do you use paper and technology together or do they stay in their separate realms with separate purposes?

6/21/2006 12:55:12 PM

i have nothing but disdain for 99% of people who own PDAs

6/21/2006 12:56:16 PM

who is the 1 percent?

6/21/2006 12:57:26 PM

i am a pen and paper person, and I love using the Logitech IO pen

6/21/2006 1:04:10 PM

i have x41t

so i just use it instead of paper

im not much a list person

my girlfriend has to have them to function

6/21/2006 1:05:41 PM

i can write a whole lot faster than i can type out on a pda...and i know they have those quick-form letters, but i was never good with that either

6/21/2006 1:11:22 PM

Paper for scratch and quick lists (that nights groceries for dinner, the size of a board I need at Home Depot, phone number to the call I have to return, etc). If there is something really pressing that I must get done I use a larger piece of paper folded up with the informatuion I need on it and keep it in my pocket. SInce I always walk with my hand in my pocket I feel it and never forget that I have something to do. I go through small size post-it pads like crazy (thank you, office supply closet!)

I don't actively use my PDA for day to day stuff. However, I do use the PDA for long-standing notes and lists: christmas ideas, things I want, comparison shopping (like having prices for items I am considering at different stores just in case I think I may have come across a great deal and need a reference), info on other people I might need (wife's ring size, various clothing sizes, favorite authors, etc), tools I need and work that needs to be done on the house, contact info for extended family and friends that you nebver remember, frequently purchased part numbers and sizes (like air filters), general reference data (for things like insurance policies, titles, etc). Its been an immense help in the last year while getting married and buying a house. Having things like dimensions of a space that we need furniture for and being able to check that without going home when we come across something that might work at a good price. I can't imagine why people use them for stuff like jotting down a one time use phone number, daily tasks, grocery lists, etc... just too tedious.

6/21/2006 1:13:43 PM

I don't own a PDA, but I do use the calendar on my laptop daily, including my to-do lists. I set reminders for various to-dos, meetings, conference calls, appointments, etc. and have it send SMS message to my cell phone or pager.

6/21/2006 1:16:22 PM

Yeah, that is what I am switching to when my PDA reaches end of life. My PDA is pretty much either in my center console or on my desk. I only carry it on me if I specifically know I might need to reference something or takes notes (like when heading to Home Depot). Plus its great for a time killer when waiting for an appointment, especially if a wifi signal is up.

6/21/2006 1:21:03 PM

PDAs are not all that bad...I used mine to take notes during meetings, play games, listen to music while driving/gym, remote control my desktop while laying on the bed, and for streaming music/videos from the desktop.

6/21/2006 1:26:17 PM

if I'm at work I just open a new notepad file and type my notes there, or if I'm on a non windows box I'll use VI to make my notes.

If I'm making a grocery list or a list for Lowes/Home Depot I'll use pen/paper.

6/21/2006 1:39:22 PM

I have a little notepad that I carry around and write down everything I need to do. Big things I'll sometimes also put in a paper calendar. I've tried using an online calendar (mostly iCal), but still prefer the paper method.

6/21/2006 2:28:18 PM

I use pen/paper for to-do lists and calendars. I've tried iCal, a PHP calendar I created, the NCSU webcalendar, Google's calendar, etc etc etc... and I always forget to check them or update them or something. So I just stick with paper instead

6/21/2006 2:43:07 PM

pen and paper for to-do lists

PDA for calendar (calendar and large data collection from instruments that cannot export to spreadsheets are the only things I do on my PDA)

6/21/2006 4:01:37 PM

- use pen and paper for almost everything
- for scheduling stuff I use my cell phone calendar tool

a PDA would just be overkill for my job/lifestyle

6/21/2006 4:28:54 PM

Moleskines.

6/21/2006 4:30:44 PM

I use a pen and paper for lots of things.

Writing letters, to-do lists, first drafts of papers, whatever.

I think people should use whatever makes them comfortable and happy.

6/21/2006 4:51:46 PM

I don't write lists, but I do like post it notes for jotting down quick reminders or addresses/directions/phone numbers (and yes I am aware that since I have a cell phone writing down a phone number doesn't make much sense, but 21 years of no cell phone and I'm stuck in my ways).

6/23/2006 10:49:45 AM

to do lists are the one area of my life where pen+paper are still king.

none of the programs seems to cut it for me, for some strange reason.

I think it boild down to the fact that I just love the satisfaction of crossing the shit out of an item once it's completed.

6/23/2006 2:47:35 PM

Quote :

"i have nothing but disdain for 99% of people who own PDAs"

best post... as i feel the same way.

the other 1% are the people who really need them.

6/23/2006 5:33:59 PM

I have a PDA because the med school gives them to us. It's useful to have for the reference material, but I'd never use it to keep up with things. Paper all the way.

6/23/2006 5:51:51 PM