Mar 30, 2011
As you know, the MYN system can be used on any tablet. But in fact, my very favorite mobile MYN-compatible software (TouchDown) only runs on Android, not on the iPad.
Only now would I consider an Android tablets because they have been slow to catch up with the iPad. The Motorola Xoom is the first to really be practical. One reason the new Motorola Xoom tablet is so important is that it is the first to use the new Android 3.0 operating system (code named Honeycomb); until this new 3.0 version, Android on a tablet was a bit rough.
But now that has changed. Browsers work better, there is a new ebook reader, and more. Here is an article that summarizes the improvements in Android 3.0 over previous versions of Android.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/android-3-0-10-things-you-need-to-know
Michael
Hi Michael,
I’ve been with you since the beginning with “Seize the Work Day”, and was immediately and totally bought into using a Tablet PC for workday productivity – especially as days on end would be consumed with back-to-back meetings and numerous conversations in the margins of meetings or in corridors. The ‘have everything to hand’ approach for key documents, task lists and even conversation threads in the form of electronic handwritten notes has been an absolute boon…..pity the hardware (a Windows Tablet PC) hasn’t had the support or development from manufacturers that it should have done.
I have since followed you through the lifetime of 2 personal Tablet PCs and have been implementing GTD and recently the MYN system on a variety of electronic and paper devices – but, the recent influx of tablets, both iPad (2) and Android …. even Honeycomb, and your recommendations have left me a little cold.
Basically, I see a fracture in the market between corporate users and personal/leisure use…..
I still see the iPad2 and Android tablets as primarily great consumption devices, but their lack of a proper stylus really still doesn’t do it for me – and nothing matches the mature handwriting recognition software from Microsoft. Yes, some of the apps I’ve investigated on friends’ devices are absolutely gorgeous and innovative, and the variety staggering, but for the daily management of many projects, tasks, calendar and Outlook e-mail I wonder if they truly are easier. Add to this my need to duplicate the flexibility of preparing and demoing PowerPoint pitches, taking meeting minutes (discretely – rather than conforming to stereotypical CIO flashing around another new toy…!), work on Visio-type technical and process diagrams, mind-maps, context diagrams, etc. – it all adds up to a need for something more. Something perhaps just like the latest generation of Tablet PCs that are emerging, e.g. ASUS EP121. (Yes, the battery life and overall cost are ridiculous). Apple and Android do have such apps, but appear to be nowhere near as fully-functioning as those available on Windows (e.g. Visio 2010, Project 2010, MindManager 9, Office 2010, etc. as they are the integrated desktop versions, not a cut-down app).
Perhaps I’m a standard corporate user, a dinosaur stuck in the PC past, or even somewhat unique in my needs… but perhaps not?
Since my last Tablet PC died, I’ve been just about surviving on mini laptops and A4 hardback books, with printouts stuffed in the pages. Now that I regular carry at least a few lever-arch files ad more from one meeting to the next, the time has come to start taking the tablet again!
Given that you started this whole thing for me, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the future of the Tablet PC vs. the rest of the devices you currently give air-time to. Will you be releasing an updated version of your original Tablet PC book, to cope with the software updates and evolved thinking ? Or, maybe you think that the world has moved on?
Sorry for the rant/length of this post – I look forward to your sagely advice.
Paul
Thanks for your passionate post! I too miss the full power of a true tablet PC (TPC)—I especially miss good notetaking. And I agree that it is a pity the hardware (in Windows Tablet PC) hasn’t had the support or development from manufacturers that it should have. But I think the limitation may be in the Win OS—it’s too power hungry to get the battery life and instant on features of the newer tablets. I look forward to the day that they solve that, and they will. This is an evolving space for sure. In the mean time, I am delighted that the newer tablets are driving a resurgence in the tablet form factor. And while they don’t match the power of the TPC, they are making tablet users out of tens of millions of people, something the TPC never did. And then when the ideal tablet does come out, they will be eager buyers. I think the power you and I want is just around the corner.
Michael
Michael,
Thanks for the comforting words…..I don’t think things will fully reach my requirements until Windows 8 – probably O/S on a (non-Intel) chip, and the next iteration of OneNote and MindManager!
I cannot remember seeing your current personal toolkit being documented anywhere – I’m sure that I’m not the only reader who asks you what your personal productivity kit looks like. I’m sure understanding a glimpse into your modus operandi will be inspiring reading for all. Would you mind documenting it please or redirect me if I’ve missed it?
Finally, I think there is still some on-going education piece to be heard for the majority of us, around how enabling the constantly evolving Tablet hardware and software tools are in all walks of life. Do you or your readers have any “Day in the life” stories that demonstrate the beneficial differences before and after the use of MYN on new mobile devices and tablets? I see plenty of info on features – very little on what it actually means in practice to various real world people.
Regards,
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for your comment. I’d say my books pretty much describe my personal productivity approach including what software I use–I eat my own dog food, as they say. As to mobile case studies, hopefully someone will post that. I just get lots of e-mails saying “it works great” but no full stories like you desire. Maybe this post will inspire someone to leave a comment as such! In the mean time, assuming you know the value of MYN, imagine having your full MYN task list on your phone (or tablet if that is what you use) and being able to read it in or between meetings (and so get some critical tasks done) and add things to it anytime (so as to not drop anything). That’s really what all these mobile MYN solutions are about.
Michael
I am totally wowed and prpeared to take the next step now.