Everyone seemed to be waiting this release from Google but, I don’t think that anyone believed it would be such a simple implementation. And by saying simple I don’t mean it lacks of the basic features.
Tasks is more an add-on than an actual application and it can be used throughout Gmail, iGoogle and Google Calendar interface. It is actually a set of simple lists with task outlines in a very compact form. You can create tasks very quickly by using the mouse or the arrow keys and rearrange by dragging and dropping. What could be more appropriate for GTD?
Killer features:
- Really compact interface
- Lives inside Gmail or Google calendar so it’s really easy to work with it when needed
- Easy to rearrange items or build hierarchies
- Good for mobiles
GTD mode: Lists for contexts and projects. No means to define Next Actions only can sort by due date.
Weaknesses:
- Each task can be on one list only and there is no tagging of items
- No Next Action or priority definition
- No public API yet
Supported elements: Lists, due dates, notes, printing, email list sending.
Supported services: Gmail, Google Calendar, iGoogle.
Mobile access: Mobile site.
Cost: Free.
Conclusion : Google’s task implementation is so simple that you cannot have all the important elements for GTD. On the contrary, it’s so easy to create lists of tasks and hierarchies that it’s tempting to use it. Mark that its full screen iGoogle gadget makes the best use of user interface. Let’s hope that there will be an update at least with a priority field addition.