MLO versus Outlook GTD plugin
nirv...@gmail.com
I've just recently got into the GTD game and in the pursuit of GTD
software, I came across MLO. Unfortunately, what I haven't found is a
good comparison between MLO and the Outlook GTD plugin offered via
David Allen Co. I realize I won't get the most unbiased answers here,
but that's okay. Before I commit to one or the other, I'd like to be
sold on it.
I'll more than likely give each a go on their respective trial periods,
but everyone's experiences are different, so I'd like to get a little
more general feeling for the two apps.
If it helps at all, I'll provide a bit of my use case. I normally lug
a laptop around that I do most of my work on. Occassionally I like to
use my desktop though, and in those cases it'd probably nice to access
my lists. I also have a cheap, basic Palm that it'd be nice to sync my
lists with. Additionally, while I haven't traditionally used Outlook
(2003), I've recently begun to, and am quite pleased with the level of
integration between email (IMAP), calendar, and tasks.
Thanks,
Kevin
Jonathan Davis
You might find quite a few mixed users here.
I for example was a GTD plug-in user, then I discovered MLO and now I use
the GTD plug-in only for the handy "generate tasks from outgoing e-mail
feature".
In every other respect - planning and task management - MLO beats
everything I have encountered so far, hands down.
I have also recently discovered Speedfiler
(http://www.claritude.com/product.htm), which has impressed me enough to buy
a license.
Kind regards
Jonathan
JD
developer says he is writing some MS Outlook scripts to package a
GTD-type add-in, so I'm looking forward to it. Post MLO, I found myself
using less and less of the GTD Add-in and found it increasingly painful
to transfer the tasks to MLO via Outlook sync. MLO's ease of use made
the Add-in look cumbersome by comparison. At the moment, I'm using
Speedfiler to file outgoing/incoming email to the action folders I
created just below my inbox, whilst reference mail gets filed away in
reference folders. I don't bother creating Project folders or Project
Tasks in Outlook, as they all reside in MLO and any actionable email
gets linked to an MLO project(if it belongs there). For actionable
email, I use the Outlook linker utility to link my Projects/Tasks in
MLO to the relevant email OR I just leave it in the action folders,
relying on my Weekly Review to checking the status of action or waiting
for items. How does this all pan out in real life for me? Well, (1)
there's no need to look at the tasks folder in OL anymore (saves the
pain of shifting from the mail to tasks folders) (2)I think I'm
actually saving time by manually transferring OL email via a utility
rather than relying on the MLO-OL sync. The email goes to a MLO project
or to the Inbox, or as a standalone task. Hope this comment helps you
as you are trying out both MLO and the GTD Add-in
Steve Wynn
I think it depends on what level of user you are with regards to
Outlook. I don't like Outlook too much, so only ever really used it as
an email package. Quite like the Calendar feature in 2003, but as far
as managing tasks couldn't get on with it at all.
I tried the GTD Outlook Plugin and for me it didn't really seem to do
that much.Seemed more associated with email management than really task
management, and everything it did could more or less be done manually
as well. I actually found during my trial that it gave me a few good
ideas, like having email folders named @Action etc, but I didn't use it
that much.
I found MLO to be probably the best GTD software solution on the market
especially now there is the PPC Version with true sync between devices.
I tried dozens of other packages in order to implement GTD both on the
Desktop and PPC and they all fell short, everything from Outliners to
Contact Management Software, List Programs, Web Based apps you name it
and I probably have given it a go.
So for me MLO is a great GTD solution, yes there are things I would
like to see changed and I have posted my thoughts for considertion on
these boards. For you not being what I would term an Outlook Power user
who knows the in and outs of Outlook I think you may have a few
problems with the GTD Outlook Plugin down the line. My view of Outlook
it is tries to be all things to all men, Email, Contacts, Calendar,
Tasks, Notes etc. It does all of these things reasonably well, but not
great. Packages that aren't specific to the task at hand always tend to
fall short in the long run.
The other great thing with MLO is the Development team, they listen to
the feedback of the users and changes happen on a regular basis.
Problems are resolved quickly. New feature requests are submitted all
of the time. Basically the users of MLO are adding their own ideas on
features and improvements to existing functionality all of the time.
The product is constantly evolving. Since I purchased MLO, earlier this
year, there have been numerous beta releases, new level releases, PPC
version was on beta testing and has been released etc. I don't know of
many other products than have such an active Development team.
A final consideration is Outlook 2007 or whatever it is, will the GTD
Plugin be upwards compatible and work with that level? Have Microsoft
made any changes to the task list? I don't know because I haven't tried
it but it is something else to consider.
All the best
Steve