Johnathan's dashboard

PerfectSpeed + Ballemi:

Have either of you tried "Portable Check Off" -- it might just be what you are looking for.....

Justin:

You've really got a great app -- just read your blog entry

"If you had asked me at this time last year how I felt about the AppStore and developing for the iPhone platform I would have told you about what a great experience it is. "

I feel for you. In reply to your request for ideas.....I have been looking for apps like yours -- downloaded about 50 or so of them (some freeware / donationware / shareware / demo versions) I have come down to 2 that fit the bill for: simplicity, and functionability:

1) ActionGear
2) Check Off

I like in your app:
- that it is menu based (doesn't appear when "tabbing" through open applications, and doesn't appear in the dock)
- simple interface with multiple leveling / categories
- keyboard shortcuts are good
- (keeping it free / donationware would be nice)
- the print / export feature is great

Things I would like to see:
- more of a hierarchy -- like a left-hand "category-like" listing (tabs might also be nice)
- more universal-type keyboard shortcuts (eg: command-n for new)
- right-click features: bold, background colour, etc.
- when something is done, cross it out and make it grey (put it in the "done" area -- it is always nice to see what you have accomplished, if not just to have a record of it.....)
- an ALARM feature -- most of the apps out there don't have this feature -- don't know why, but I use alarms daily but having all in one app would be great
- deadline for completion of an item -- then change the colour to red before it is due
- I understand your thinking behind preferences, but having more user-defined preferences will make (even) more satisfied users (perhaps a happy-medium type of approach -- i.e. for those that like tabs, have 'enable tabs' checkbox in preferences.....)
- method for "categorizing" entries (tags?)
- searchable entries
- definitely keep it menubar based, but perhaps make the window draggable to that it remains in the same position when next accessed
- instead of having to click the icon in the menubar to make it "disappear" clicking outside of the window (losing focus?) would make it a bit easier
- adding an import feature to make it easier to "switch from other apps"

Just a few thoughts after testing dozens of apps over the last few days, and finding a surprising lack of features in most, or a high price tag to pay for features that mostly will never be used.

Although I have never been involved in "localizing" an app, if you need help with Japanese, I'd be willing to help there.

Johnathan