[jld]

I've never found computers to keep my calendar very well, since I'm a student, and there's so much built up around the time lay out of most scheduling applications that I don't care to bother with. (The fact that every half hour is mapped out in detail.) Most of the time I just need a calendar that I can write things in for each day, like a to-do list for every day.

Anyway.... Is there anyway to make iCal do this sort of thing?

[midwinter]

Originally posted by jld:
I've never found computers to keep my calendar very well, since I'm a student, and there's so much built up around the time lay out of most scheduling applications that I don't care to bother with. (The fact that every half hour is mapped out in detail.) Most of the time I just need a calendar that I can write things in for each day, like a to-do list for every day.

Anyway.... Is there anyway to make iCal do this sort of thing?

You can sort of do this with iCal, but you may need this to enhance its functionality. I've had good luck with this.

But depending upon how you configure it, iCal should work just fine.

Cheers
Scott

Edit: I almost forgot. A 5x8 notecard works really well, too. That's what I go back to every time I get disgusted with a PDA.

[jld]

I agree those work well, but considering I always have a $1500 piece of technology with me, I would think that it should be able to do the job as well if not better.

Yes?

One would hope at least.

[midwinter]

Originally posted by jld:
I agree those work well, but considering I always have a $1500 piece of technology with me, I would think that it should be able to do the job as well if not better.

Yes?

One would hope at least.

Sure. My point (and I was actually serious about those links) is that at the moment, most of the technology for PDA/organizer functionality ain't designed for students. You need to be able to make changes on the fly while you're standing around with friends. You need to make changes on the fly while you're sitting in the classroom.

And despite how portable your laptop might be (and I have a powerbook), getting it out of your bag, opening it up, loading the application, entering the data, closing it up again, and putting it back in your bag is *always* going to be inferior to whipping out a piece of paper and jotting something down.

The portable computer is very good at many things, but quick entry of data into organizer software isn't one of them.

I suggest that you take a look at a cheap PDA. I have a Sony Clie SJ-22 ($149) that works just fine. The problem is that as an organizer, the only advantage it has over a 5x8 note card is that it syncs up with all my computers and allows me to see a graphical representation of my schedule.

But honestly, if all you need to do is jot down tasks for the day, I recommend a note card. I got through 13 years of college writing down, just before I would go to bed, a list of to-dos for the next day on a note card.

If you want that information to be on your computer, then you might want to consider a cheapie PDA.

Cheers
Scott

[wataru]

I use iCal to keep track of my stuff, but not "on the spot." In other words, I put assignments in it after I get home, not as I learn of them.

I find the "To Do" list is best for assignments, and the regular iCal events are good for remembering appointments and classes.