try out backpack

I’ve only been using Backpack for a day, but I can safely say that delivering reminders to my mobile phone is actually pretty effective. I don’t carry around my PDA everywhere anymore. And checking a web-based to-do list requires finding a terminal with Internet connectivity, which isn’t always possible. But since I do carry around my mobile phone everywhere, I actually receive reminders while I’m running around doing things instead of coming home to 5-6 reminders in Outlook/Evolution for tasks that I already completed.

37Signals did a good job of simplifying the information layout of Basecamp for personal use. But still, is this it? Ta-da List with chronological notes? And why would I pay for file/image storage when I could just store them someplace else (for free) and link to them in my notes?

Frankly, I think Backpack is a little overhyped. I like 37signals and think they have tons of talent, but I didn’t find anything new in Backpack. No novel ideas or concepts. It’s basically a well-designed and easy-to-use wiki clone with reminders tacked on. I’ve been using my website this way for awhile now. Granted, I might be interested in coding something that allows me to do reminders, but I didn’t find much else in Backpack. And honestly, 40MB of storage for five bucks a month is a joke. I say wait a month or two and you’ll see an open-source Backpack clone you can run yourself.