This is where OmniFocus really trumps the competition.
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There is also the option to download a back up of your database from the Sync Server for safe keeping. It’s very nice having all my computers and iOS devices in sync over the air. I’ve been using the Sync Server and it’s been great. You can sync over your local wifi network, through iDisk via Apple’s MobileMe service, through your a WebDAV client of your choice, or through The OmniGroup’s new Sync Server (beta). OmniFocus has quite a few options for syncing your actions between computers and iOS devices. Single action type projects are good for ongoing projects and lists like books to read or movies to watch. Parallel type projects have tasks that can be completed in any order. Sequential type projects are ones where tasks must be completed in a certain order, and the next available action will only be shown once the previous has been completed. The type can be one of three: sequential, parallel, or single actions. OmniFocus allows you to assign projects contexts and types.
Projects can be used to group actions that all work toward a common goal. It’s a good reminder if you need to drop by the local Apple Store and pick up a new charger while in the area. Using the iPhone’s GPS, it will locate you and display a map with your location and nearby places where contexts have available actions. OmniFocus has a section called Nearby Contexts which you can access by tapping the location button at the bottom, second from the left. Being able to sort by context allows you to see what tasks can be completed right now without being distracted by other, non-actionable ones. These can be places like work and home, or related to activities like sending emails or making phone calls. Contexts are modes that work has to be completed in. You can choose to assign a project and/or context to the action as well. I could sort it all out into contexts when I had the chance. I found it very useful to do a “brain dump” in the morning while eating breakfast, and just throw everything I had to do that day into the Inbox. The Inbox is a container to just dump any and all ideas you have for things you have to do. You can choose to assign additional information to each action, in the form of a note, a picture from taken from the camera or your photo library, a voice recording, start and due dates, and conditions for repeating tasks. Enter the name of the action and you can hit save from there. To add an action in OmniFocus, you tap on the Inbox button at the bottom right of the tool bar. The idea is that you have actions (tasks) that can be sorted into different contexts. I doubt anyone has ever told you to read a book before using an app, but OmniFocus follows the Getting Things Done methods of David Allen, and if you’re serious about becoming more productive it is a must-read.
It can be daunting at first just how many sorting options are available. OmniFocus has a lot going for it in terms of features. So after living with OmniFocus for the last couple months, I can honestly say I don’t miss Things one bit. I was a loyal Things user for nearly 2 years, and recently switched to OmniFocus after reading Shaun Blanc’s exhaustive review. Of all the selection available, Things and OmniFocus are the two brands that have come out on top as the dominant apps. The number of todo lists and GTD apps available for the iPhone is just staggering.