Rick Cooper, The PDA Pro

Interviews with David Allen

Personal productivity guru David Allen completed a series of podcast interviews with Merlin Mann from 43 Folders. David is author of the popular book, Getting Things Done. Merlin posted a complete audio version of the 8 podcasts. It's 90 minutes long and I plan to listen to it at some point. You can listen online or download the audio file. Check it out. I'm sure there is  wealth of information there.

MP3 Audio Content For Entrepreneurs

Scott Allen from the Entrepreneurs blog on About.com offers advice on audio content with a business focus. Don't forget that many PDAs now also function as an MP3 player.

God, Coming to a PDA Near You

Have you had a conversation with God lately? If not, why not benefit from prayers now available on podcast. Philippe Borremans, in his Conversations Blog, notes that Jesuit priests are now "Godcasting", offering daily prayers and reading the gospel and making it available on podcast. So, download a podcast to your PDA and connect with God!

Podcast of the Year: Eat Feed

The Podcast of the Year is Eat Feed from Anne Bramley, which features food history and seasonal cooking interviews. The award will be given at the Media Expo and Podcasting Conference 2005 Awards Reception on November 11th. Thanks to Andy Wibbels for that bit of information.

PDA Quick Tip - Always Carry Your PDA

In this PDA Quick Tip, Rick Cooper, The PDA Pro, shares insights into why should always carry your PDA. 36 seconds.

You can download this audio file or click the play button

PDA Quick Tip - Focus on the Fundamental Four

The Fundamental Four consist of Calendar, Contacts, Memos and Tasks. The names may be different for the PDA you have, but every PDA or Smartphone should have each of these four applications.

The calendar simply allows you to enter meetings, appointments and other events. I recommend you enter a short description of the type of event. For example, enter "meet" for meeting or "appt" for appt. This allows you to quickly determine what you'll be doing as you scroll through your calendar. Some programs such as Agendus or ACT use icons to give you a visual queue.

The contact list or address book has all of the people you keep in touch with. This includes phone, address, and email information. You also have a notes area to enter additional details that don't belong to a specific field.

Memos are short notes. Palm PDAs have a limitation on how much can be stored in a memo; whereas Windows Mobile devices using Pocket Word will typically hold more information. These memos are great for brainstorming and taking quick notes. But, develop a good system for naming files, otherwise, it can be difficult to locate information you've entered in.

Finally, tasks or to do's allow you a simple way to enter things that need to be done. You enter the name of the task, choose a due date and select high, medium or low priority. Then, review the list frequently and check off the task when it's complete.

That's it. So, Focus on the Fundamental Four. Master the basic applications before you learn additional capabilities like checking email, accessing the internet, playing media files or reading ebooks. You'll be more confident and less frustrated with your PDA.

PDA Quick Tips from The PDA Pro

I'm launching a new podcast called PDA Quick Tips from The PDA Pro. It will feature very short tips ( 1-2 minutes) on how to use a PDA.

You can also listen to the podcast through this blog. Here is the first PDA Quick Tip: Always Carry your PDA.

Stay tuned for more details.

PDA Quick Tip - Always Carry Your PDA

It's amazing to me how many people purchase an expensive PDA and then leave it at their home or office.

Please carry it with you wherever you go. You might want to leave it in the locker at the gym. And you certainly don't want to shower with it.

But, please, carry it with you wherever you go. Then, you'll be ready to enter a new contact, appointment or task when you meet with someone.

And, that's your PDA Quick Tip from The PDA Pro.