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Criteria for Choosing a Paper or
Electronic Planner/Calendar
In this week’s newsletter, I discussed the benefits of
using a paper planner, a hand-held planning device and computer software. In
this article are some criteria to keep in mind when shopping for each type of
planner.
Paper Planner
- How heavy is the organizer? If your model is heavy is
there some way to remove just the pages you need and transfer only those
pages to another binder when traveling? A paper planner may become a
challenge if it is bulky and does not fit into your purse or briefcase.
- Size of the pages. A smaller planner more easily fits
into a purse, tote or briefcase, but make sure you have enough room to write
your appointments, tasks, contact information, goals, etc. Most people
prefer at least 8 x 11 to record notations.
- How expensive is the organizer? A small calendar can
be bought for less than $20. A planner with sections for appointments,
calendar, addresses, tasks, goals and notes start around $75 rising to a
couple of hundred dollars.
- Purchasing refills. Take into consideration the
expense of updating a paper planner. For example, will you need to buy new
calendar pages every year? Will you need to purchase additional refill
forms?
- Does the planner have all the features and forms you
need?
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
- How heavy or big is the unit? PDA’s are very portable
and will fit into a purse or pocket easily. The lighter and smaller, the
more portable the unit will be.
- Is the keyboard or pen writing device comfortable for
you?
- Are you computer literate?
- Is the screen easy to read? Is it backlit? If
possible, check the device in natural light as well as the brightly lit
store. You need to be able to read the screen outdoors and in a sunlit car.
Using Computer Software (such as Outlook)
- Mobility. Outlook is stationary if on a desktop, but
the pages you need for the day or for a trip can be printed out and carried
easily. If you carry a laptop computer anyway, Outlook becomes mobile
without having to print out pages to take along.
- Ease of use. Are you computer literate? Entering
contact information, tasks and appointments is quite easy in Outlook, but do
require some computer knowledge.
- How expensive is the software? Outlook alone can be
purchased for around $100.
There is no planning system available that will organize
you. A planning system will help remind you of the schedule you have chosen,
using it is up to you. Robyn Pearce, an expert on time management says:
“It is not the planner than makes you organized – it is how
you use it!”
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