Due Makes Completing Tasks Easier Than Ever

To-do apps are about as old as the iPhone itself. This week, a new app joined the list. Due, by Phocus LLP is probably the simplest to-do app available. And, this is certainly its biggest strength, as well as, what its creators had in mind. The app allows you to enter a task and set up a reminder alert quickly and easily. Once your task is added to the app, a slick Reminder page shows how soon the task is due. Once your task is completed, you simply check it off. The app also includes a Timer and Logbook section. The first allows you to set pre-determined countdowns; the second logs your previous reminders that have now passed but remain due. For example, if you need to leave for your son's soccer game in 20 minutes, you would use the Timer feature. As you add different timers, an old-style on/off switch begins (or ends) your countdown. Once a timer is started, you'll hear a quick clock sound and then see your timer counting down. By default, the app includes three timers to get you started, which you may or may not find of interest. If not, they are easy to delete. These are countdowns for a 1 minute rest between exercise sets, a 20 minute power nap and a 1 hour afternoon nap. The Logbook is pretty confusing as a concept. The only tasks that show up here are those tasks that were assigned, but have passed their expiration date or time. However, tasks that were completed are not shown in the logbook. Again, I found this confusing. If you forgot to complete a task, you can enter the logbook and "recycle" the task with a different due day or time. However, the original task still shows up in the logbook. This can be deleted. Overall, Due is a reliable app and a welcomed addition to the long list of to-do apps available for the iPhone/iPod touch. If you don't have a to-do app yet, or find your current one cumbersome to use, check out Due. Due requires iOS 4 because it relies on multitasking to work. Therefore, be sure you've updated your iPhone 3G through 3GS before purchasing this app. It is available today in the App Store and priced at $2.99.

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