Smart Calendar Apps with Task Integration

The Quest for the Ideal Organization System

Throughout my efforts to enhance personal productivity, I have experimented with numerous organizational tools. My explorations included Remember the Milk, a feature-rich platform, though its iPhone application didn’t fully meet my needs.

I also investigated Springpad, appreciating its innovative functionalities but sensing it required further development. Toodledo proved to be a robust environment for both notes and tasks, yet its complexity ultimately felt overwhelming.

Reqall, with its excellent iPhone app, was another contender, but its development appeared to have stalled. Currently, I am evaluating a more streamlined approach utilizing Google Calendar and Google Tasks.

Identifying Key System Requirements

Having tested a variety of systems, a clear pattern emerged regarding my desired features. I found myself prioritizing a solution that wasn’t overly complicated, but offered seamless integration between a calendar application and its associated task management tool.

While Google Calendar and Google Tasks represent a step towards simplicity, the integration between the two isn’t yet fully refined. For instance, tasks are not visible within mobile calendar applications, despite appearing as a Google Calendar component.

This limitation appears to stem from synchronization challenges within Google Calendar itself. Synchronization typically occurs once daily, or less frequently, except when using native calendar clients like those on iPhones.

Users who have attempted to import calendars via URL into Google Calendar, particularly from platforms like Springpad, will recognize this lack of instantaneous updates.

Exploring Alternative Solutions

In my continued search for optimal calendar and task list applications, two options have garnered attention: Coolendar and 1Calendar. Both appear to prioritize the crucial integration between scheduling and task management.

These applications demonstrate a focused approach to unifying calendar and task functionalities, potentially offering a more cohesive user experience.

Further investigation into Coolendar and 1Calendar is warranted to fully assess their capabilities and determine if they provide the ideal organizational solution.

Coolendar

Coolendar stands out with its visually appealing design. It uniquely accepts calendar and task inputs written in natural English.

To ensure proper processing, the due date or time must be specified before the event or task description.

Organization and Prioritization

Entries without specified dates can be arranged according to a user-defined order. Dated entries are automatically organized chronologically, appearing in the main list and within tabs for "today," "tomorrow," or "this week."

Unlike traditional calendar views, Coolendar does not utilize a grid-based monthly display.

Users can further prioritize tasks by selecting the red circle located to the left of each entry.

Distinction from Google Tasks

Coolendar differentiates itself from Google Tasks. Google Tasks presents tasks based on either your preferred order or their due dates.

Coolendar, however, allows for both methods simultaneously. It also provides dedicated views for tasks due today, tomorrow, or this week.

This functionality eliminates the need for separate Google Calendar and Google Tasks applications on iPhone or iPod Touch devices.

A single application, the official Coolendar iPhone app, is sufficient.

Approach to Event Duration and Recurrence

Coolendar adopts a distinct approach to event duration and recurrence. Consequently, it lacks options for directly specifying these details.

The service operates on the principle that users should determine when reminders—via SMS or Twitter—are needed to reschedule events for future occurrences.

Regarding event duration, Coolendar views the concept as impractical and ineffective. In these respects, Coolendar mirrors the functionality of Google Tasks.

Getting Started with Coolendar

For a streamlined, all-in-one solution integrating calendar and task management, consider Coolendar.

Accessing the service requires only a sign-in with your existing Google Account; no separate registration is necessary.

If Coolendar meets your requirements, download the free iPhone/iPod Touch app.

The developers are currently finalizing the Android application. Alternatively, the mobile web interface is available at http://m.coolendar.com/.

1Calendar: A Detailed Overview

The 1Calendar application presents a user interface remarkably similar to Google Calendar’s desktop version. It features a central, grid-based display for a weekly event overview. A sidebar on the left organizes calendars using distinct color coding.