Do you use a Franklin type Planner as well?

[bdegroodt]

I've been thinking about getting a Franklin Planner to supplement my iPAQ (For meeting notes and to hold the iPAQ), but I'm a bit worried that it might make me split my organization between paper and digital.

What do you do?

[Kati Compton]

I have a planner that holds half-sheets of paper. I use that for things that would take too long on my Axim (long meeting notes, etc). That was my gear during my job interviews.

[HOLLYWOOD_]

I use Franklin Covey's Plan Plus.

http://www.franklincovey.com/planplus/view_demo.html

[bdegroodt]

For those of you that are using a paper planner, do you find yourself doing double duty keeping track of appointments etc in paper and digital form?

[Jeff Rutledge]

Good post!

I tried going fully electronic by purchasing a foldable keyboard for my iPAQ. I used the Notes apps, and then Textmaker so I was able to capture all my notes straight into my iPAQ. What I found after a while is that I was spending more time typing and then later filing the notes than I needed to.

So I've gone back to a plain old notepad for meetings and concalls. I find it quicker. Don't know why really - I just do. I think the main reason for taking notes is one of two reasons: (1) keeping a record of something said and (2) capturing action items that you agreed to carry out. Since most of the notes (for me anyways) falls into the former category, I don't need to keep them electronically where they take up space. I know it would allow me to search them later, but I just don't go back that often.

As for Action Items, I just make a "-->" symbol in the left side margin for any tasks and then I move them to my iPAQ.

Having said all of this, I do still think electonic note taking is the way to go. I played with a Compaq Tablet PC for a couple weeks and note taking on it was a pleasure. Microsoft did a good job with their Journal app. If something similar was available for PPC I think I'd go back (not sure how well it would work with the smaller screen though).

One thing I don't have it a notepad/PDA case like you're referring to. Now that I think about it, I might have to get one.

[Kati Compton]

From http://www.daytimer.com

I have:

43971 Desk 3/4" Zippered Western Coach Tech Holder
List Price: $69.99

(It won't let me get a direct link... grrrr)

For the Axim it required a minor modification to remove the bottom 1/2 of the elastic strap across the top of the PDA. But no big deal really. Then it fit perfetly. I got it for $40 at Office Max.

[Pat Logsdon]

I used to use a Franklin, but I've been using a PPC exclusively for the past 2 years or so. I tried using both at the same time, but it just ended up being doublework, since I just used it for tasks and the calendar.

The PPC actually works better for me because the Franklin system doesn't give much room to put notes by tasks. I was very happy when I discovered the "notes" tab on individual tasks on the PPC.

Can't go back now! :D

[stitics]

Microsoft did a good job with their Journal app. If something similar was available for PPC I think I'd go back (not sure how well it would work with the smaller screen though).

It's a little pricey, but I use CLC Journal (http://www.crownlogic.com/products/journal/index.htm). I am not sure if it's what you are looking for, but it DOES synchronise with Outlook's Journal.

[Unreal32]

I use an iPaq that I keep in a pocket size Franklin binder designed to hold the older model iPaq (but it still works perfectly, and they make ones for the newer models now). Mine has the form-fitting case on the inside, built in (not one of those newer "expandable" types or those that use braces or velcro... mine is leather and part of the planner).

The main reason I use this package is that it lets me keep my months-at-a-glance (2 page monthly tabs from Franklin) visible at all times, and since my travel schedule for work is very heavy (80%, give or take) and I have custody of my kids on many weekends, it's essential to have a calendar I can see in an instant, and write brief notes in pencil on.

I also use the tech notes pages that fit in the binder... but all I keep in my binder are these pages, the calendar tabs, and my business cards in the slots. I don't use ANY of the Franklin forms, since all of them duplicate what my PPC can do much more efficiently and cleanly. However, I too struggled with needing note paper at hand. For a while I carried a padfolio with a pen, but even that was too awkward. Considering I don't wear my PPC on my belt (often... LOL) having it in a Franklin case was and is the best solution for me.

Although I will confess, if I had it in my budget right now, I would strongly consider buying one of the compatible cases from http://www.casesonline.com/configurator.php . They not only have some incredible cases for the iPaq, but they also have one of the coolest-working e-commerce sites I have ever visited! :) (and no, I have no affiliation with them.)

[Kati Compton]

Although I will confess, if I had it in my budget right now, I would strongly consider buying one of the compatible cases from http://www.casesonline.com/configurator.php . They not only have some incredible cases for the iPaq, but they also have one of the coolest-working e-commerce sites I have ever visited! :) (and no, I have no affiliation with them.)

Those are some nice cases - too bad only for iPaq's. ;)

BTW - for me, tasks & schedule go either in the PPC or on the whiteboard near my desk. But I use the paper in the planner for notes. And to doodle when I'm bored...

[ekconrad]

I don't use paper copy, only PPC. However, I do have a Franklin Covey leather case! Nice case. :D

[csterns]

I use both; paper and PPC but only take notes on paper. It bothers me though to use paper as I feel that I should somehow be taking advantage of technology but I'm not sure there is any. Until...

I recently purchased a Logitech Digital Pen that incorporates the Franklin Covey system. You can also purchase 8.5x11 notebooks as well. Anyway, the pen captures all your handwritten notes on the 2 a day pages and transposes them into Outlook and puts them on to your screen. For me, its not intended to replace the PPC or Outlook but rather a place to enter chronological notes or a place to store notes rather than paper notebooks that accumulate over the year(s). I can now carry notes with me (on storeage card) or have volumes of notes stored and toss away the notebooks.

The pen holds 40 pages of notes before you have download it. You can also do Post-it notes and write handwritten emails as well.

[Unreal32]

Re: The Franklin pen, what format does it store the images in? Can you access them through Outlook? If so, in what format?

[CTSLICK]

I used a Franklin when I got my Palm IIIx. I used them both for a while and found it confusing. Did I write an appt in the Franklin or is it in my PDA, where did I leave those notes etc etc? I suppose if you are disciplined enough you wouldn't have these problems...I wasn't. So I forced myself to go without the planner and learned it was easier without it.

I've moved on from my Palm and find that my Axim is enough for about 90% of the meetings I go to. If I think I am going to be taking a lot of notes or doing some brainstorming then I'll bring a legal pad.

[karen]

I use Franklin Covey's Plan Plus.

http://www.franklincovey.com/planplus/view_demo.html

Me, too. Never thought I'd like it, but I love it. And I'm ten times more productive puting first things first.

Karen

[csterns]

Here is the info on the Franklin Covey digital system and Logitech's Digital Pen.

http://shopping.franklincovey.com/html/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=22253&product=iScribe

[bridgecrosser]

I use an iPAQ 5450 and a Franklin Planner (Classic size) that holds the 2-page per month calendar pages. I found that in meetings where I needed to be able to respond to a meeting date request, I was tapping and looking for the date while everyone else had already agreed to the date and moved on. I only record major events on the pages for quick review. My daily schedule , tasks, and hundreds of files stay on the iPAQ.

[Unreal32]

I use an iPAQ 5450 and a Franklin Planner (Classic size) that holds the 2-page per month calendar pages. I found that in meetings where I needed to be able to respond to a meeting date request, I was tapping and looking for the date while everyone else had already agreed to the date and moved on.

My experience exactly! That's why I came up with the same solution.

[Xianfox]

I've been lurking here for a few weeks. I got my first PDA in June 1996 (Pilot 1K) and dropped paper almost completely.

My usual method is to take notes on a legal pad at meetings, and remain behind when the meeting is over to transfer Todo items and appointments to my PDA. Only time the PDA comes out during the meeting is for scheduling additional meetings.

Always transfer your notes before you go back to your office/cube. You get more done if "they" can't find you--make 'em use voice mail.