What Planner Do You Use

[jgrant27]

I keep wavering between an electronic calendar (iPhone), and a paper planner. I feel like using my phone at work can distract me, or make me look like I'm not paying attention (such as when I'm scrolling through my calendar during a meeting). However, I get tired of lugging a paper planner around all the time (I can't write enough info in tiny ones to make it worthwhile).

This year (2010) I used both a paper & electronic planner, and I don't recommend it unless you're dedicated about making sure both are in-sync.

What do you use? I think I want to go back to paper, but after reading a lot, I am overloaded with options.

[Just]

I think it really depends on your style.

A paper planner, to me, is infinitely easier to work with and can make seeing the "big picture" a lot clearer. You see all your upcoming tasks and appointments every time you enter a new entry so you can see potential conflicts even when it's unrelated to what you may be entering at the moment, you are subconsciously reminded of existing appointments, and you can remind yourself of things that are "missing" from your schedule.

However, an electronic planner allows you to set alarms, and in the case of the iPhone, you will absolutely always have it on you.

[KarlJ]

I use both and yes, it requires attention to keeping in sync, but it's pretty easy when you work out a system... my system is pretty outrageous: I'm big on redundancy so I have syncs, backups, cloud, and paper everywhere.

Paper actually encourages you to make an effort to stay organized, but like electronic devices you do run the risk of becoming so enamored with the resource as to miss out on it's benefits.

[backpack]

I always need paper for lists, brain storming, journaling and info I want to access quickly.

The recent unveiling of the Field Journal Notebook is the answer to my quest for a lightweight planner in a reasonable size.

Pocket planners have no writing space and run of the mill leather and vinyl planners are heavy even empty.


Smart phone is used for appointments because of the very handy reminders.

Computer is used to plan complicated or long term events like moves, travel or purchase such as wardrobe updates, hobby and... Tom Bihn acquisitions budget.


PS: A few pages for each subject and a yearly, six month and/or monthly calendar is all that is needed when the paper calendar used in tandem with an electronic device.

[mergus]

I've been using a Filofax Personal Cuban. It's been a real help. I've tried several electronic options and I didn't like any of them. I found them harder to input info, had to worry about batteries, data loss, damage from dropping, etc. I had a Palm that just stopped working. Sure my data was backed up, but it was inconvenient. I suppose I could lose my planner too, but it won't just stop working. If I have a meeting/appointment that I need to be on time for, I program an alarm in my cell phone. So far I haven't figured out how to make the Cuban remind me if I forget to look at it. If you haven't been, check out diy planner; lots of good info and ideas.

http://www.diyplanner.com/

also http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/ is good.