iPad vs Desktop: Differences between Clients and Learning Curves – Part 5 of 5

In terms of raw power, the desktop version is the central pillar of the system. The iPhone and iPad clients, when used in conjunction with the desktop client, can function as satellites, albeit very important ones, to the desktop. In some cases, these satellites will occupy the majority of task management time spent. On their own, the iPhone and iPad versions are quite excellent in their own right and provide significant use towards productivity and getting things done.

I cannot say for certain who would benefit more from one over the other as so much is personal preference. If hardware is not an issue, and you are in the market for only one, a breakdown may be the following:

IPhone may be best when:

• There are a small number of projects
• Portability is of utmost importance
• You do not plan on making many adjustments, conditional tasks, or subgroups
• Mapping and location based tasks are important

IPad may be best when:

• There are a moderate number of projects
• Portability is important
• Some modifications of tasks are anticipated
• The default Forecast view is important
• Mapping and location based tasks are important
• You are new to the GTD organization of work

The reason for the last listed item is that the user interface is quite streamlined for both access and therefore teaching of methods of productivity in the line of breaking projects down into tasks and contexts.

The desktop/laptop client may be best when:

• There are a large number of projects
• When the ability to modify tasks in a workflow is important
• When it is important to be able to build your own perspectives and workflow
• When you want the option to use multiple windows
• When you want the most robust system of the group to manage tasks

This concludes the series. I hope you have enjoyed these posts!