The problem you’re probably running into is not a dearth of applications to help you with your lists. As you’ve probably seen, there are tons. The challenge is finding one that does all the things you’re looking for – without spending next month’s mortgage testing them all out. Fortunately for you, I’ve already done that. So let’s jump into it.

First, some context. My situation is different than most of the hipster GTD bloggers you’re going to find out there in a few key ways:

• I have a more-than-full-time corporate job
• My corporate employer doesn’t let me install software on my machine
• I have an iPhone
• I have an iPad
• I use Macs at home
• I use PCs at work
• My work PC runs IE7
• I have a corporate Blackberry (which also can’t have applications installed)

Given those nuances, it’s highly likely that my conditions are different than yours. Then again, I’m constantly surprised by how many people have the same problem(s) I do…which means that our list of qualifications for a digital system look like this:

1. Web application: the system must have a web application so that I can access it from my work PC without installing any software
2. Compatibility: the web app must be functional in Internet Explorer 7; as embarrassing as this is, the IT folks aren’t interested in my little time management quest, and alternative browsers are not an option
3. Keyboard shortcuts: I can’t believe there are still applications out there that require you to mouse over a button in order to add items; this is absolutely asinine, wasteful, ignorant, intolerable, etc.
4. iPad app: the iPad is almost always with me (including in meetings), so the app must be native and it must sync with the web application
5. iPhone app: when it’s not practical to pull out the iPad, my iPhone is always a quick alternative, so the app must sync with the web application
6. Active development: Vitalist happens to pack the most punch of all current web offerings, but its developers have abandoned it and there’s no iPhone/iPad app on the horizon

In the interest of saving you time, take my advice: go get the Nozbe app, then head over to Nozbe.com and get an account. The iPad app will run you $14.99, and the iPhone app will set you back another $4.99…but it’s your only real choice. Hold on, though, cuz you’re going to want to sign up for a Nozbe paid subscription ($9.99/mo.), as well. That’s $20 for apps, and $120/year. And it’s necessary.

Nozbe remains the only of the web apps that meets all of my compatibility criteria, and truly applies the GTD methodology. It’s not perfect, but it’s the only one that’s close.

I’m dying to see the comment thread fill up with protesters who are loyal to Toodledo, RTM, Things, OmniFocus and Nirvana – because they’ll all be dead wrong. I’m committed to writing a post outlining the reasons that these others tools don’t work for GTD (even where they meet my compatibility criteria), but that’ll come later.

For now, know that Nozbe is the only service that allows:

• Proper projects (and not some kludgy workaround with tags or “sub-tasks”)
• Contexts – as many as you like
• Email input
• Natural language inputs
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Due dates (and reminders)
• Collaboration
• Labels/tags for projects
• Memos and files for tasks and projects

It occurs to me that we’re scratching the surface here on the real dialogue (i.e. “what’s really important for a digital system, and why do most of them suck?”), but we’ll come back to that. I promise.

For now, if you’re serious about trying to maximize your system’s accessibility in any context – and you’re committed to putting your technology to work – Nozbe is the only real option.

If your calendar's full, you're using it properly

• Your calendar is sacred
• For you, appointments are a part of your daily hardscape
• When your Blackberry buzzes, you check the location and head to the meeting
• Your boss loves you, because you’re “always on top of things”
• Your boss couldn’t care less about your calendar

Doesn’t your boss realize that the damned Exchange Server lets you check the availability of your cohorts before picking a time? Doesn’t he realize that you’ve already made commitments to the people on your calendar? Doesn’t she understand that each shaded rectangle in your calendar is a little slice of you, a token of your unending commitment to organization?Does he really expect you to cancel on someone else, to support his last minute meeting?

Here’s my answer: who cares?

It’s Monday, which means it’s a great day for a challenge (note: if you’re reading this on any other day, it’s a great day for a challenge) – so strap on your boots…this is going to be nuts.

If you want to solve this problem, there are two easy steps:

1. Treat your boss’s meeting requests just like those of everyone else. Bingo – if the request comes in, and you’re booked, reject the request and propose a new time.
2. When your boss questions you with a line like, “Is there a reason that you’re skipping out on my meeting?”, respond by reading the bullets above. Let her know that you’re a calendar ninja, and that you would have had to bump someone else to make room for them. Then remind her that it’s your commitment to supporting yadda yadda that she loves so dearly.

Occasionally, this approach will backfire…but fear not. If the boss reacts with indignation/resentment/annoyance, sweep in with this: “of course, if it’s super important that we do the meeting then, you only need to say so…emergencies can’t be helped.” That maneuver is brilliant for a few reasons, but most importantly, it gives them an out while shaming them for inconveniencing the rest of the organization; chances are good that it wasn’t an emergency.

The calendar is just another weapon in the overall organizational arsenal, and its importance to those around you will be a direct reflection of the importance that you place on it.