List apps are plentiful in the App Store. No matter the individual "special features," they all serve the same purpose: to create lists that you can check off.
One of the newest apps in its class is
Pickup List by
World Media Labs, Inc. This app is unique in its ability to be used simultaneously by others. By using its built-in group functionality; friends, a spouse or children can update your shopping list remotely.
When used for the first time, the app requires that you register using an email address and password. By doing so, you are "licensed" for one year. Once your year is over, you must buy an additional block of time using the app's built-in licensing page. Prices are $1.99 for 6 months, $2.99 for 1 year and $3.99 for an additional 2 years.
Once registered, you can install the app onto other iPhone/iTouch devices. Once you log a user into your account, you must assign them one of three permission levels: shop, modify and admin.
Shop users are able to check off items and remove them from the list as completed. Modify users are allowed to add items and edit items that are on the list. Finally, admin users are allowed to add additional users, remove users and modify user permissions.
Assuming your other users are using the same iTunes account, there is no cost to download the app to another device. Of course, if this isn't the case, you'll need to purchase the app again.
Beyond the group functionality, Pickup List really doesn't offer much in terms of bells and whistles. In fact, compared to many list apps on the market, it is lacking some important functionality.
There is no built-in database that figures out what item you are adding to your list. For example, if you type in "Yoplait", the app doesn't know that you mean a specific brand of yogurt. Nor does it know that there are a lot of different flavors of Yoplait yogurt! Your list, in other words, is just that: a list that you add and delete from.
You can add as many lists as you'd like, which is nice. By default, the app includes lists for the grocery store, department store and a Christmas list. Each can be added to or deleted altogether.
The app also includes a nice tutorial which shows you how to use its main features. I found this very helpful.
Pickup List is available now in the App Store for $4.99 for the iPhone/iPod touch. If you are really looking for a list app that can be used by the entire family, this is the one for you. However, if you are looking for an app that is intuitive and will suggest items as you are creating your list, this app isn't the one.
