{ September 1, 2005 }

Trying on Backpack

When 37signals released Backpack a while back, my first impression was...eh. The thought of paying for a web-based service that essentially held all the crap I was already bookmarking and pasting into Stickies simply didn't appeal to me. A smart idea for sure, but not something I saw myself using, let alone paying for (it's what desktop computers and PDAs were for created for, right?). That was until I found myself much more involved in software development.

Since February of this year I've been inundated with emails from people with improvement tips, questions, documentation corrections, and the occasional bug. Then there were all the things I found (or thought of) on my own, including new features, design ideas, business opportunities, and random assorted things. I first tried organizing and syncing all the content in my email client (with IMAP accounts), but it proved cumbersome and convoluted. I also tried syncing flat text files with .Mac, but found that files wouldn't always update -- especially when I closed my laptop before a scheduled sync would occur -- and I'd end up with two versions of the same file without realizing the one I was working with hadn't been updated.

Then there was the issue of my work environment. I use three Macs just about every day, and I never know when an idea is going to strike. If I scribble something down on one machine, and then work on another, eventually my content is spread all over the place without any structure or organization. In other words, a damn fine mess.

So it was around the time that Chipt Productions released a Backpack widget for Tiger -- which was too cool not to download and try -- that I gave Backpack a second look. The result? Quite a difference.

Now whenever an idea hits, I pop up the widget, type, and submit -- done. Email arrives with something I want to check out? Pop up the widget, type, and submit -- done. The widget is an immediate brain dump readily available on each Mac I use. And because everything is web based, there isn't any version control or syncing -- just the fluid input of content without having to be concerned about where it's going or how I'll access it later.

After a few days I typically load Backpack in a browser and combine list items, delete dumb ideas, combine similar ones, edit/refine existing thoughts, reorder the hierarchy, on and on and on. And when a task has been completed, I check a box, and the item recedes to the bottom of the list where I can delete it permanently, keep it around in case I need to re-activate it (bug not fixed!), or to track all the things I've updated/changed when the time comes to publicly post version updates.

The irony in all this is that I'm not paying a penny for the service. The number of pages I'm maintaining fall within the "free" limitation. I do feel a little guilty using their servers and bandwidth for all my junk, but I'll sign up once I've run out of room. For now anyway it's the perfect size and utility for all the random, crazy things kicking around upstairs, refining my ideas, and keeping my to-do list in order. If your situation is similar to what mine used to be, I suggest giving it a shot.

Comments

Thanks for the tip. I'm months-new to Mac and forever new to self-organization. I too saw the BP announcement and thot, "meh." This widget could be the difference-maker tho. Way slicker than one other to-do type widget I've tried. This one-two combo could be the perfect compliment to my brand new hpda ;-)

Posted by: memer at September 1, 2005 4:00 PM

The widget sealed it for me as well. Being able to access the same lists, notes and reminders via the widget or web is a dream when running multiple machines (without the pain of syncing). And I think the only reason I've continued to use it, is because of what it doesn't do. Just one of those simple apps that doesn't get in the way -- and especially so for the widget interface, which is even more stipped down.

Posted by: Dan Cederholm at September 1, 2005 8:42 PM

You can access BP with a browser just as easily, can't you? Why does the widget make it easier?

I'm curious because I haven't totally checked out BP yet...

PS...glad to see comments back up, Todd. I'm assuming you upgraded to MT 3.2? How's that been for you?

Posted by: Paul Viapiano at September 2, 2005 1:09 AM

The widget seems nice, too bad it's only available for Tiger, though. I use Backpack to make lists and stuff on my work-PC and my home Macs (running Panther). Someone (not me) should make a similar widget for Konfabulator (for which I haven't found any real use so far).

Posted by: Johan at September 2, 2005 4:52 AM

The widget sealed the deal for me, too. One thing I find slightly odd: because I tend to add items using Quicksilver and view them in the Widget, I can't remember the last time I actually visited the Backpack website. I suppose it won't be long before the distinction between applications on my computer and applications on the web dissolves completely...

Posted by: Jack Mottram at September 2, 2005 8:10 AM

I find myself using Backpack more and more for a lot of little things. I still use Chronos Stickybrain for reference (like snippets of CSS or JS) but BP is great for the more transient stuff, like to do lists and small projects.

Posted by: Michael Spina at September 2, 2005 10:48 AM

Sure -- you can use a browser to do the same thing -- but for it to match the speed of the widget you'd need to always keep a browser window open with your Backpack page readily available. And even then it probably wouldn't be faster because you'd be working with the online interface, which has more stuff to get in your way. My desktop gets rather crowded, so having a small widget that can appear when I need it, and get out of the way when I don't, is perfect.

As for comments...yes, I upgraded to MT 3.2 and everything has been working just fine. No SPAM yet.

Posted by: Todd Dominey at September 2, 2005 12:22 PM

Thanks for the post - I too had abandoned BP but should give it another try. I wanted to ask - if you use 3 computers - (I also use several) do you also use/check email across all of them or do you keep that to one machine? I'd be interested in how/what works for you. Of course, if you have the time to comment on that.

Cheers -

Posted by: Damien Newman at September 2, 2005 2:23 PM

Hey Damien,
I don't want to step on Todd's toes, but I think I can field your question. In the post he mentioned that he tried using his email client to store this information, and it was all synched because he connected with the IMAP protocol. I assume he also uses IMAP for his regular email.

IMAP is a mail protocol (an alternative to POP3) which allows you to leave a copy of your mail on the server when it downloads, instead of removing it like POP3. This way, no matter where he reads or writes his mail, it is stored centrally on the mail server until he chooses to delete it.

Posted by: Scott at September 2, 2005 10:53 PM

Scott's right. IMAP is a god-send if you work on multiple machines, for your email clients on each machine are in perfect sync with each other at all times.

Posted by: Todd Dominey at September 3, 2005 10:30 AM

OK. I'm sold! I need that widget ... but for WinXP. Will the guy who's hiding it please unveil it?

Something that's fast, lightweight, and local always wins over making that trip to the browser / server.

Posted by: Bob Easton at September 3, 2005 10:50 PM

It's been said already, but the widget was the clincher for me too. I had the EXACT same reaction as Todd when I first saw Backpack (ironically, after readind Todd's post!). But when I tried it out, and combined the widget, I quickly dumped my regular to-do list app (which I had dearly loved) and switched to the BP way. I have the "Mighty Mouse" from Apple, and I have the scroll-button set to activate my Dashboard. So I'm literally one-click away from posting content on my Backpack site. And I love it!

Also, as a cool aside, I've got two Backpack accounts now (one personal, and one for a specific project I'm working on) and because Dashboard lets you open more than one version of a widget I can have both Backpack widgets open and working at the same time! Infomaniacal bliss!

Posted by: Ben Delaney at September 11, 2005 6:57 AM