Customer Reviews

Organizer 6.0

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've used Sidekick, Outlook 98, Day-Timer and older versions of Organizer. Overall, Organizer is the most intuitive and competes head-to-head on features. I have one complaint -- alarms that are set to pop up a few days before an event don't always work. The addition of an integrated Web site tab is a nice feature from which you can go to a Web site directly from Organizer. Email integration seems to be tighter than in previous versions. At $70+, the program should work flawlessly and, for the most part, does.

I love this program. It does what it says it will do and it does it well. I found it very easy to learn and use, and I had never used any of its previous versions before. I especially love the Web Page section and the Notepad. I use Stamps.com a lot and I can pull addresses directly from my Lotus Organizer. I just found out, by accident, something that is really cool. I wanted to have an additional reminder of tasks directly on my PC desktop, even if I hadn't opened Organizer yet. I created a Task and then dragged and dropped it to my PC Desktop. It creates a tiny little VCalendar item and I can double click on that and it will show me the task. Unlike Outlook, this program will allow you to keep your Tasks on your calendar, even after they have been completed. It keeps them right on the day that they were completed so you can go back and see when you finished something. Works like a charm.

I have used this program exclusively since 1995. Threw away my paper address book, calendar, to-do lists...and never looked back! It's comprehensive, totally user-oriented, and fun to use. Link everything to everything else...easily. V6 plays well with the web too--for example, I've entered hundreds of Bookmarks (Org calls them web entries) into Organizer. I've categorized them, and for some I make notes. I can search them all in under 1 second and retrieve exactly what I'm looking for. Stores web page usernames and passwords for you too...and then automagically enters them into your browser when you visit the page. Try IBM's free 30 day trial of Organizer on their site at http://www.lotus.com/home.nsf/welcome/organizer.

I searched out numerous calander programs in search of one that was compatable with my law practice. I depend on my calander tremendously and need a program that would sync easily with my Palm.

Lotus does all this and more. It is fairly user friendly. It allows you to uses filters inorder to create subcatagories. This is espically important when having to use your contact list to make lists for weddings, client development and related items.

The layout is easy on the eyes and there are numerous alternatives to choose from. 6.0 is my fourth version of Organizer which I have used and I would highly reccommend it.

This the best organizer for personal or business use. The screen is broken up into tabs representing the various organizer categories (i.e., to dos, contacts, holidays, etc.) The brights colors add to the great appearance and easy-of-use.

Even though I have been syncing data between Orgainzer and my Palm for about 40 days without any mishaps, I do have one qualm . . .

The Palm sync feature sometimes writes the item twice on the laptop file and the Palm pilot. If IBM can fix this feature, I would buy this over Outlook or Sidekick.

I am only responding to "Ronald McDonald"'s security criticism. Giving the program a 1 * rating because the program fails to prevent an inept user from doing the unforseeable is quite unfair. What's worse, even if this could be called a bug, it's not a security flaw: only backups are effective means against data loss, and this program does not proport itself to be a backup system. (PS, I'm not associated with Lotus, IBM, or the software product in any way.)

Having used Organizer since 95 I consider myself hooked. I keep everything and my file is 50MB but opens in a couple of seconds. Outlook doesn't come close and only people who know Organizer can see why I consider Outlook primative. I have a Nokia 6600 and it syncs my various Contacts (both personal and business), my Diary, Planner and To-Do list. A bit of a shame Nokia doesnt deliver the same interface. Users will be aware of the benefits of links to both Organizer contacts/notes/appointments but also external files. Great to keep all your research data in a structured note with links. Easyclip makes fast work of the double handling issues with Corporate Outlook email. The import facility works well with lists (I arrange in excel and export to CSV).

I keep looking for the next update of the program but top of my wish list would be - dont stuff up an excellent product.

I have looked for a good PIM for a long time. Outlook is very good, but always seemed so much different than my old paper based PIM. I knew of Lotus, but never tried it. It is wonderful. Syncs great with my Palm too. I just hope IBM continues to support this product.

This is a very difficult, time-consuming organizer compared to it's predecessor Lotus Organizer '97. Between the two, it appears that IBM bought out Lotus & RUINED this once great, easy system. By adding bells & whistles, it takes way too much brain damage & time to do even the smallest tasks. Too many options & too many steps. I was thrilled when I found an update of the wonderful original but, after 3 weeks, it hasn't lived up to expectations & I have returned it (thank you amazon.com!). Another serious irritation: the small instruction book they give you is not enough to figure out even the very basics & the "help" section in the software is grossly mis-named. I just re-loaded my old organizer until I can find another brand that doesn't make me curse the organizer gods hourly.

I've used Lotus Organizer since the early 90's and have upgraded religiously. At job interviews, I'd even ask if I was allowed to install my one necessary program, Lotus Organizer. Now that I'm older and use a PDA, I still can't live without it. Any little thing I need to remember, any idea I might want to research later, just jot it, set a reminder and forget about it. My favorite feature of all is the linking, so I can cross-reference a contact with notes, web pages, events or even other contacts. I also love being able to archive; I have one large file that stays on my home hard drive and has every old task, appointment and contact since before 2000 while my active file stays trim. It's indispensable. If IBM ever drops it, there's nothing on the market right now that could rival Lotus Organizer. From college to career, it's done well by me!