14 DAY TRIAL // Whether we like it or not, keeping track of our daily tasks most of the times requires a note manager. Most users generally need a simple and efficient way to take notes and to be reminded that some chore is due. With a simple and friendly interface, To-Do DeskList tries to offer an easy way to jot things down and receive notifications for the tasks at the time you specify.
The application has the minimum of options a user needs to get their job done, but the developer makes available a heftier package in Swift To-Do List, a professional personal information manager, priced $89.95, which includes emailing tasks, receiving emails when a task is due, tracking the time you actually spend on the respective job, progress tracking, etc.
Despite the lack of this sort of functionality, To-Do DeskList has some pretty powerful options itself. For instance, the freebie allows you to synchronize the tasks across multiple computers or share your to-do lists with other users of the program, based on an invitation code.
Installation is swift and ends with launching the application and a short five-step overview tutorial presenting the most important features. The interface is extremely simple and poor in options at a first glance, but only the basic options are available in plain view.
You can separate your tasks in lists for an easier organization, and switch view between them at your convenience. When adding a new task, you have to make sure it is created in the right list because there is no possibility to change its location afterwards and you will have to create it scratch.
You can create as many lists as you want, (re-)name them or delete them in an extremely easy fashion. Adding a task is also done with no complications, as there is little to tinker with. Thus, you’ll be able to give a name to the note, set its priority as well as an extended set of details. Scheduling an alarm for it can be done from the same window and includes setting the date in a calendar and the time to receive the notification.
By default, all the sticky notes are present in the lower part of the desktop at all times. You cannot make them invisible unless you mark them as complete. Some users may not like this and would rather have the possibility to be reminded of the tasks than have them in their face at all times. But, if you think of it, having them displayed this way could ensure that the tasks will get done.
Also, they’re not too obtrusive because they will reside on the desktop and you can bring them on top of other windows whenever you want.
In order to use synchronization feature you have to create an online account for To-Do DeskList. All the synchronization instructions are sent to you in the email and basically consist in logging in with the same credentials on the second system. Synchronization is performed automatically, but there is no setting regarding the frequency of this job.
On the downside, we were not able to perform on-demand synchronization as the application would show an error message saying that it could not connect to the server.
The configuration panel of the application is a simple screen to deal with. The three tabs available allow you to enable the program to start with Windows, set automatic synchronization, define hotkeys for adding new tasks or displaying the sticky notes as well as customize the way the interface looks by changing the theme, opacity or height.
Additional tweaking is available at right-clicking one of the tasks on the desktop. This lets you change the action associated when clicking them. The choices include deleting the note, open up the edit menu, showing the extended note or no action at all.
To-Do DeskList may seem like a feeble to-do note manager but it brings to the table all the options you need to make sure you don’t forget the daily tasks. When the reminder goes off both audio and visual signals are deployed so that you can’t miss it; however, you won’t be able to customize the sound of the alert.
All to-do tasks can be shared with as many users as you want. Simply create a list of emails of the friends you want to share the list with and they will receive the steps to view content.
You get the basic options for such a tool and then some, through synchronization and to-do list sharing features. The app does not give you the possibility to set your own alarm sound. There are minor synchronization glitches, but hopefully these will get solved as soon as possible.
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