The getting things done software Wieldy is more than just a to do list manager. When you first start the program you see the main interface. There is a button row at the top, to create new thoughts, projects, recurring actions, tags, contacts or contact groups.

Thoughts are basically single elements that you want to pin down and save in the program. This can be an upcoming task, an idea or something else. A project is used to group tasks and other information. Recurring actions are like thoughts, only that they are repeated regularly.

A list of all actions is available under the left sidebar, grouped into categories such as Do, Projects or Storage. From here it is relatively easy to open a specific set of tasks or thoughts that have been added earlier to the program.

The creation of new items uses a menu that most users would probably say is somewhat complicated to use. Depending on the selected item, it is possible to add titles, tags, notes, files as reference or dates.

The header offers controls to duplicate, delete or convert entries. Other available options include setting tasks as done, assigning priorities to tasks or configuring tasks to be completed today.

The very same header offers search options to find specific entries. Filters are available to display only specific entries, for instance tasks that are due in the next seven days, or tasks with a priority greater than normal.

Wieldy comes with a contacts database which can be synchronized with Microsoft Outlook. It is possible to import all Outlook contacts into Wieldy, and new contacts from Wieldy into Outlook. It is furthermore possible to synchronize scheduled actions with Outlook and to import calendar entries from Lotus Notes into Wieldy.

Encryption is supported to protect the data set with a password to protect the program from unauthorized access.

Taking the early build of Wieldy into consideration, it can be said that it is a well thought out program with an impressive feature set. It could use a few improvements here and there, for instance an option to add multiple tags at once during thought creation. It would also be easier to change some of the names, thoughts for instance, to make the program more intuitive to use.

The synchronization with Outlook and ftp servers makes it ideal for users who work with Microsoft Outlook and on multiple computers.

You find more information about Wieldy on the project homepage.

New tasks lists are created with a double-click on the sidebar ,by right-clicking and selecting Add To-Do List, with the shortcut Ctrl-r or via the To-Do List menu of the menubar.

New tasks are basically added the same way. The only difference is that the actions need to be performed in the task pane and not the sidebar.

Tasks are defined by a name and due date. The task list manager offers several optional parameters that can be defined by the user. It is for instance possible to configure reminders, add notes, select a task priority or select a task type.

The reminder notifies the user (by default with a flashing window and sound, optionally with an email) at the specified time, and before the due date, that the task has not been completed yet. Only text can be added to notes which limits the functionality a bit.

Checkboxes are provided next to each tasks which can be used to mark them as completed. Both task priorities and types can be configured under the Manage menu. Here it is possible to add new priorities and types or change their appearance.

Task Lists can be printed on a connected printer or exported as HTML or csv files.

Task List Guru is an easy to use task list organizer for the Windows operating system. It comes with all the bells and whistles one would expect, except for syncing options with online task managers like Google Tasks.

Windows users can download the free program that us fully compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows from the developer website over at Dextronet.

By default neither the active nor old to-dos are shown in the interface, this can be changed with one mouse click however. A reminder can be set for each to-do which will alert the user after some time has passed.

The interface does not stay on top all the time and there is unfortunately no configuration menu at all. You cannot set transparency levels for instance or make the application stay on top. What I really would like to see in a new version would be support for hotkeys, transparency and a sticky interface that can be set to be always on top.

Are you using a different to-do list ? Let me know about it, I’m really looking for a simple one with a good functionality and low memory consumption.

At first I turned my back, the name sounded to wacky to back a useful product. Just pop the hood and you’ll see how wrong I am. Remember The Milk is an advanced to-do list manager with smart searches, geo tagging (awesome), tags, list sharing, list publication, adding tasks by email, the list just goes on and on.

If you just need a simple to-do list it will do fine, but if you are a GTD freak, I believe you could still set it up so that it accommodates your needs. It has some shortcomings (you can’t share smart lists, no nested lists), but just put it up on the suggestion board (I already have) and if it’s popular, you have a good chance of it getting in.

The creator has just created a pro version, which is available for a $25 price. The reason I will actually buy it is that the guy was super nice. He introduced the pay version before he had any pro features. He said that RTM now has a pro feature. He has a load of ideas for it, and if someone feels they want to help him, he welcomes them. He also said that some future developments will only be for pro members. This is a very friendly way to go pro, three cheers to Bob the Monkey.