Productivity Portfolio

Many people scoff at these types of programs as they think they are too simple. After all, how difficult is it to remember to pick up a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk? In my mind, that's not where the beauty lies. Instead, these programs help to organize and categorize items so you can take advantage of time, location and price.

I've been using a shopping program on my Palm for years. At first, I used HandyShopper by Chris Antos. It was the first program I installed to my Palm. The well-designed program handled most of my needs. The program is freeware, but the author mentions that if you'd like to make a donation, to look at Heifer International. I was delighted to see this reference since I also support their work.

As much as I liked HandyShopper, there was an element I missed an easy desktop component. I tried several programs that were designed to work with HandyShopper, but none I liked. Although I'm proficient with graffiti, I'm faster with a keyboard and it's my preferred input method. In some instances, I also copy and paste text from the web or email into the program. As a result, I switched to Splash Data's SplashShopper, which is a commercial application.

Before using these types of programs, I might walk into a store and buy what I remembered, but also be distracted by some display touting some other product. The result was I might walk out of the store with some needed items and some I didn't have any intention of buying. Clearly, I didn't inherit my mother's passion for shopping or her price gene.

Now that I'm using SplashShopper, I'm more apt to get just what I need. I can also do a quick price check to see if that "featured store item" really is a good price. I've often found these specials may be good for this store, but I can get a better price elsewhere. One of the program's features is the ability to track individual store prices on a per item basis. This is ideal if the item is the same or similar.

While I use this program countless times during the week, where I value the program is for occasional use items. A perfect example is when I travel. If you look at the list below, you'll see 57 items in this checklist. A number which astounds me each time I travel and yet I'm thankful I have them all recorded.

The list represents different type of travel needs. No, I don't take all 57 items every time I travel. Some items are specific to the type of travel such as business versus vacation or even the duration of travel. However, I always look at this list and check the items I'll need.

Another aspect I like about the program is it allows me to add categories or custom fields. For my travel list, I added a category called Tasks. Often when I travel, there are prerequisite tasks I need to complete. These could include anything from printing directions to distributing my itinerary. This travel list is just one example of ways you can use the program for items other than shopping. Another exceedingly useful list is the items I've loaned to people. This has saved me from calling the wrong people and asking them if they have my item.

As mentioned earlier, the main reason I switched to SplashShopper was the desktop component. Apart from offering more viewing area, the desktop allows you to export and import files, backup lists and print them. I find these features useful when sharing lists with others. I've also printed my books list for people who claim I'm exceedingly hard to buy gifts for.

Initially, I was hesitant to buy Splash Shopper since I was pleased with HandyShopper. After using the program for more than a year, I'm glad I purchased the product. Just the ability to filter for items I need by store has made errands easier. I find the program simple and yet powerful enough to use for creating and sharing all sorts of lists. Even my mother would probably have approved of its features and price.