Arguments can be made for either side: Paper is at your finger-tips and doesn't crash and burn; electronic comes with back up if you loose the original.
What do you use? Convince us why your way is better than the other. This recent post from Lifehacker makes a case for using paper, as does Maxwell here at AT (at least when he wrote this post...we'll have to check in and see if that has changed in the meantime...).
And if you use paper but want to learn about options for migrating to electronic, make sure to let us know about that too.
Comments (7)
(-Memory) Treo Stickies = Getting Stuff Done
this is a very interesting subject and one that i'm sure could easily be dissected to reveal clear differences in the way our brains work.
For me, all information that I need to archive: phone numbers and company calendar dates go into the computer (where it can be shared), but all notes and daily appointments and to do lists I note by hand in my Franklin Covey day planner (which I love).
I find having two systems very satisfying. One keeps things organized and permanent and backed up (computer) while the other is flexible, portable and allows me to doodle and sketch - giving me a much freer, more emotionally accurate record of each day. The pencil is still the greatest device for recording non linear information.
I am using both, but mainly Outlook in my office.
Things to do is always on my outlook schedule. So, I decide when I am going to do first and put into outlook. Easy to reschedule, get reminder, make regular schedule for my ballet class, use "private" to hide my personal schedule from my boss and assistants... It is very useful and matches my life style.
But for weekend schedule, I just simply use a memo, sticky notes.
Outlook Tasks at work, where it is my bible. Paper for personal (otherwise I create an adult version of revision timetables - an absolutely beautiful and detailed planner that distracts me from just getting on with it). I must be a more focused person at work.
The Lifehacker link's not working
Outlook in the office events, google calendar for social events, and paper for both office and personal to-do lists :)
I used to keep up with iCal and sync it with my cell phone, so I'd always know what I needed to do. Then I got a new computer, and never bothered to set up the computer's calendar and started writing everything down in a planner. Haven't looked back since. It's so much easier than syncing my phone and typing everything in. In meetings, I'm always the person who knows what the holidays are -- since, apparently, that's not on anyone's PDA.