Android Phones and Applications

Android devices can be easily synchronised with Google Calendar, however, its capabilities are inadequate for some users. Maybe I don’t know its true potential, but I often find that Google Calendar is not the most practical tool to use, especially for small tasks. Sometimes you need to make a simple note and set up a reminder for it, and although it can be done in the calendar, it’s probably better to have a separate task manager, which allows tasks to be easily divided into  ”important” / “not important”, display a list of current tasks and provide some additional functions. What I mean is that for some people having a separate program for managing tasks is more beneficial than entering all the small tasks in the mighty Google Calendar. The question here is – which application to choose?

DoIt has one feature that makes it very difficult to correctly assess it when you first start using it – the fact that this task manager has a stunning graphical user interface. Perhaps I didn’t look hard enough, but this is the first Android application that offers such animation quality and design simplicity. That’s why I’ll start with an overview of the interface. The main window displays a list of tasks. You can easily adjust this list to suit your preferences. For example, you might choose to only display tasks that are marked as completed or in progress, or remove the tasks that do not have priorities assigned, or maybe only show the tasks with a certain priority. You can also sort the list alphabetically, by creation date, etc.

You can choose one of three priority levels for each task. Depending on the selected level tasks will be highlighted red, yellow or green. Basically, reds are the most important tasks and green ones can wait another month. The selected priority level is shown as a small rectangle on the right of the task name.

For a new task you will need to enter task name, priority level, due date and optional text note. This note can be shown by opening the task from the list.

DoIt has a search function. You can search by a task name or the associated text note. In my opinion the main disadvantage of the search, is the fact that once you have found what you were looking for, the search text is not cleared. You will need to reopen the search field and manually remove the text from there. Not very convenient.

There are not that many settings in the program, but many are not required. You can select priority display options and a melody for a reminder. You can also choose whether to display the program icon in the system tray (top of the screen). Some users will surely benefit from the backup function.

When one of the tasks is due, a green program icon with this task appears in the system tray. If audio reminder is turned on, the selected melody will be played. Unfortunately if the screen is turned off, then upon the occurrence of task it does not turn on – the melody is played (if selected), but the screen remains inactive. In my opinion it would be better to turn the screen on and display a pop-up reminder if the unit is idle.

Conclusion: Great program for those who are used to make small notes and manage tasks using a handheld.

Program costs US$2.95, and a trial version is available on the Market.

You can also visit DoIt official page for more screenshots or read this alternative review.