(Sorry pc’s, most of these are mac apps) Each person is different, but this is a great selection of what I consider to be the “best of” for each phase of productivity.
First, let me set my criteria for selecting applications:
- Mac application
- Nice user interface (it has to be pretty)
- I work on 2 different computers so some sort of syncing
- Needs to work well with iCal and Address Book (when relevant)
- Simple—not too much and not too little
- Cheap or free
Starting off—email
I have to say, Apple Mail. Two other alternatives, and close runner-ups, would be Postbox and Thunderbird. Apple mail just has some really nice integration with iCal and Address Book.
Task manager
Culture Code’s Things. This category of applications I could talk about in depth. I’ve tried several. Things is simple, nice interface and has a nice iphone app (although I don’t use it). The reason I’ve really committed to it is because of the way it shows relevant things when I need to see them. I can date tasks but I can also choose which ones to show today. Some nice alternatives are Omnifocus and Pagico. Omnifocus does more than things, but too much. Pagico is great too, but it’s more of a combination of task manager and project manager.
Things doesn’t really have a syncing system so I needed to implement one. I’ve chosen to use Dropbox as a way to keep both machine on the same page.
Project manager
Basecamp. This too is a category where I’ve tried many alternatives. I’ve finally realized when to use something like Basecamp versus something like Things. You really have to separate the 2 processes. I use Things for daily tasks, projects that don’t include a collaborator and projects that are small or short lived. 37signals provides a nice set of tools alongside of Basecamp although none of which we use daily. This is the 3c32 winner because of it’s nice integration of email. I can login to Basecamp and manage projects but my clients can be a part of a project an never really login. When I send them a message it shoots to their email and replies are posted and archived in the system. Seamless.
Password management
1Password. This has really saved my life—many times. It integrates perfectly with Firefox or Safari.
File sharing
Box. Email is no place for large files. Box is a great way to upload files and send links for clients to download. There is also an option to “collaborate” on a folder for projects that have a lot of assests.
Syncing
Dropbox. I love dropbox. At first I was thinking about this like a file sharing application—but it’s not, at least not for me. I use this to keep files in sync between my 2 machines—this includes some applications such as Things.
Accounting
Less Accounting. This one is in the big application category, but our solution is something I’d like to share. I love the Less Everything guys. Their application are simple, nice looking and fun to use. Less Accounting has turned bookkeeping into something somewhat enjoyable. One of the best features is that our bank account information is automatically pulled into our account.
Time tracking
Less Time Spent. Mainly because we use Less Accounting. They just play well together.
Notes and more
Evernote. This can do so much but I use it for storing screenshots of website’s that give me inspiration.
I really think I could go on and on but I think I’ll stop there. This is the set that I use most often or at least on a daily basis. I’d highly recommend any one of these applications — if you have a better solution let me know.