i dont have one yet, but from a friend w/ similar add issues, says the iphone is great. apps, functionality, etc. i believe you can get cracked ones that will work w/ t-mobile. you might look into the new google android phones too (t-mobile only i think!), as I bet they synch up great with gmail/calendar etc

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I read your post and i thought you were me there for a second... Just kidding

I am having the same kinds of issues. I use a Blackberry Curve, and unlocked 8310 (AT&T) on the T-Mobile network. It works well with onely one exception. i have an urge to be able to actually write things down, not just type on the phone because it takes too long. I have tried other avanues, ie.. the Touch screen Wing, the Dash, etc... nothing really works 100% as of yet. My issue with the touchscreen is that it kept making calls while in my pocket even when it was "locked".

I agree with the Google Android G1 idea though. It seems to be pretty ideal for ADHDers. The only downfall i see there is the cost. Im not real big on paying extra for a data plan at 25 bucks a month just to sync my calendar. But it could be the answer were looking for.

Good luck.

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I was diagnosed with ADD in January, started medication (Dexedrine) in March. I got an iPhone in January. I had no interest in getting one until I found out I got an 11% discount with AT&T through my work. I went in with my mom and twin sister (who also has ADD) to switch phones, but the sales girl whipped out her iPhone and it took about two seconds for me to covet it. It wasn't until after I'd started on medication that I realized what an amazing helper the iPhone was for a person with ADD. I put all my upcoming appointments into the calendar with multiple reminders. There's an application you can get that acts as a shopping list, plus there are a lot of free games to download that are perfect for the ADHD brain. I don't know how I got by without it before!

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I find it difficult to manage my task and need hourly reminders. Like drinking water every hour. I dont want to put 12 tasks for 12 glasses of water in a day...:)

I have been researching a lot on all the possible softwares available and also PDA's.

If you are a outlook user then the outlook add-in from Netcentric does a very good job in clearing off all your mails into appropriate tasks. Another software which integrates well with outlook and the add-in is Taskline. Both are paid sofwares but really worth it.

If you are a blackberry user then go for nextaction. It can record your voice as a task and does an amazing job.

So with the third party softwares for outlook and BB one should be able to manage all tasks/appointments/projects.

But before you go for this the main point I missed out was that all these softwares follow the well known methodology of David Allen "Getting Things done" or GTD.

As part of the GTD methodology for every task there is initial work to be done like capturing information through various means. And for this I have gone for Total recall.

Any idea that I get or info i collect I put in this software which is like my idea/trash collector. I do the same with my BB-Nextaction where i record my thoughts or ideas and put a task to it.

I have read a lot about the ADHD related softwares available for Iphone. Seriously thinking of buying one which could be used to manage my personal life while BB manages my professional life.

If you have better ideas for hourly recurring tasks then please do share.

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Oh y'all know I forgot I even posted this right? Anyway. I'm T-Mobile, and although I think I would have a better go of it productivity wise on an iPhone, I'm not switching carriers just for the phone. I purchased a MyTouch and its pretty great. I haven't gotten all of the applications, but so far so good. It is annoying to finger tap - type, but I never have to search 10 notebooks for a phone number or note.

I hope this helps for anyone else trying to find a good phone.

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Hi.

I found this thread after doing a search for "outlook blackberry add-ins calendar 'multiple reminders'."

I use Outlook and have a Blackberry curve. Syncing them seems to work out nicely for me, with one exception: every time a calendar reminder pops up, I have to open the appointment and reset the reminder to remind me again (say, the next day). It would be so much better if I could set multiple reminders per appointment.

Does anyone know of an add-in (ha! get it? ADD-in! I'm a dork.) that will work with both Outlook and my blackberry calendar to set multiple reminders per appointment? And if I find an add-in for Outlook, will those multiple reminders work with the blackberry? Or do I need an add-in for the blackberry, too?

Thanks so much, Dani

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I am an AT&T customer, with a contract that is up in February/March. Just in time, because my current phone is starting to die. Slowly and painfully...

But anyway, I'm starting to look at various phones to see what would suit my needs best. I would prefer to stay with AT&T, but if the prices and features are better somewhere else then I am willing to switch. I also have somewhat limited funds, though I do have a couple of monthes to save up for it.

Could anyone point me in the direction of a good ADDer phone on a reasonable budget?

Also, for anyone interested in iPhones, AT&T's website does list refurbished 8GB and 16GB iPhone 3Gs for less than or just barely over $100.00. I've been looking at those myself too, especially after my slightly ADD-ish (not diagnosed, he's not that bad about it) boyfriend got one...

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I was recently diagnosed a month ago and I am trying to find out what works best for me. I have a paper planner, but at school (I teach) I use groupwise, and at home I am trying to get into a habit of using outlook for assignments and emails (push gmail through it) and writing down as much as possible.

I have Sprint right now for service, and a pretty good plan........I am frustrated with my LG Lotus, its a non-smart phone...yeah sure I would love an iphone or bb....but I need to work with what I have right now.......the calendar on the Lotus is horrible......and I cannot sync even outlook to it........

Are there any suggestions on a windows-mobile cell.........for sprint, that will not cost me an arm and a leg. I am really wanting to make this work, but I want to access information right then and now, instead of saying hold on let me go get my planner.......esp when I am coaching, or coming to or leaving practice.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ryan

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I can't get an iPhone right now, but I good alternative is the iPod touch. It would be a lot easier to only remember 1 electronic device, and since the iTouch can't make calls, so it's a little frustrating when you sync up appointments with people in your contacts list. It also doesn't have a voice recorder, but that isn't a big feature for me.

The iTouch still gets internet and I haven't had a problem finding applications to run on it. It can be a bit pricy, but it's better than my previous smart phones since it's so adaptable to you.

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I've had the Motorola Droid phone from Verizon Wireless since October last year, this phone does everything the Iphone does and more, it also uses Google Contacts and Calandar it is an awsome phone. My college age son had the Iphone and when he discovered this new Droid phone from Motorola, he just had to have it over the Iphone. This phone also has Google maps and it also functions as a mobile gps that works much like the Garmin units. And yes this phone does a wonderfull job of keeping me organized as well as being a really fun phone.

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I started using a Palm Pilot many years ago (even before I found out I had ADHD). Tried planners, etc but never remembered to check them! One of the best things with technology to happen was the combination of the PDA & the phone. One device, not two.

Have had several smartphones (Treo, Blackberry Curve, etc). Just recently switched to the Nexus One Google Phone. Actually left Verizon to get it. Blackberry was pretty good, but I sorely missed the notifications bar palm used that is now on Android devices.

The Droid is a good phone, but for my preferences was too heavy. I actually wanted/tried it because it had a physical keyboard, but IMO the physical keyboard just didn't cut it. Tried the HTC Eris next. Good phone, but screen too small for my aging eyes and typing. So when the Nexus One came out, I jumped on it.

Great device. Large, clear screen. The notification bar helps me with reminders, even if I miss/ignore them when they first go off. I can always check this drop-down bar as one central spot to see any alerts, reminders, alarms...

A key factor in keeping myself organized (as best I am able) without forgetting crucial appts, tasks, etc is having something with me at all times that I can enter (immediately) notes, alarms.... well, you get the picture. In fact, I tell everyone that if they don't see me making a note on my phone, I will NOT remember it. My smartphone is with me from the time I wake up in the morning, until I go to bed at night. Otherwise, it just does not do what I bought it to do.

These phones come pre-loaded with software to help you get/stay organized, and you can also add other applications if there is something else that works better for you. I like the Gmail/Google integration that is native in Android. Calendar & Email all sync on phone, computer & internet. GDocs Notepad does the same thing for Notes. Astrid is a To-Do program that will sync for access/backup online. Just to name a few. Check out AndroidCentral.com forum for other recommendations.

On the question/concern about typing with on-screen keyboards. I too did not want to do this, as I was used to having a physical keyboard on all my other smartphones. But there are many options for keyboards on the Android devices that help overcome this. Just like anything else, the one(s) that work for me may not be what work for you. I have downloaded Smart Keyboard to use for tap typing. But what I use the most now is something called SlideIt (also have Swype Beta). You download it to the phone from the Android market. It will look weird and seem a bit awkward at first, but the learning curve was small and now I can type extremely fast on the touchscreen. I really don't miss the physical keyboard. There is also the ability to use Speech to Text, which is actually pretty accurate.

Whether you stay with Tmobile, or go with another carrier, or use a different smartphone system besides Android, make sure you get a good sized screen.

Don't get hung up on price. Get the phone that works best for you, not the least expensive. I firmly believe in value versus cost. I won't scrimp on something like this that affects so many areas of my life (work, marraige, friends, community commitments, etc).

Put a quality screen protector on it, and a protective case of some sort (crystal TPU skin, hard case, etc). Having worked in the Cellular industry previously, I am not a proponent of pocket carrying phones. I have generally used the horizontal side pouch that goes on my belt (with clip and belt loops). My wife even uses one of these since she can clip it on her slacks/pants when she does not have her purse. I keep a charger in my car & my wife's car, at home, at my office, and keep one in my briefcase. If it doesn't have power, it won't remind you.

Hope this is helpful. This is something I have researched fairly extensively to help overcome my own personal challenges.

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Ok, I know your post was a year ago - but incase you're still on this website from time to time...

I have a 4 year old Palm Treo 700p (also came as 700w?). The #1 reason I got it was because it came with "MobileWrite", an application where you can write directly on the screen. I've since had to pay like $20 for the application (free trial download) because I either messed up the app or switched phones (replacement) or something. But I love it.

Also, almost EVERY store rep (verizon, att, tmobile) will tell you that you HAVE to have internet service with a smartphone. I know for a FACT that it's total B.S. I got so sick of the sales people, who probably are only repeating what they were told, that I emailed verizon directly. They told me I didn't need the extra $25 or $50 a month charge, I could sign up for the pay as you go internet service... and I don't use the internet on my phone so it costs nothing. I EVEN TOLD THE SALESPERSON I WANTED IT & THEY HAD NO CLUE WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. I HAD TO SHOW THEM THE VERIZON EMAIL. Kinda sad! Connie

P.S. If you are still on this weboard from time to time, what phone are you using now??

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mjohansing said: I read your post and i thought you were me there for a second... Just kidding

I am having the same kinds of issues. I use a Blackberry Curve, and unlocked 8310 (AT&T) on the T-Mobile network. It works well with onely one exception. i have an urge to be able to actually write things down, not just type on the phone because it takes too long. I have tried other avanues, ie.. the Touch screen Wing, the Dash, etc... nothing really works 100% as of yet. My issue with the touchscreen is that it kept making calls while in my pocket even when it was "locked".

I agree with the Google Android G1 idea though. It seems to be pretty ideal for ADHDers. The only downfall i see there is the cost. Im not real big on paying extra for a data plan at 25 bucks a month just to sync my calendar. But it could be the answer were looking for.

Good luck.

Quote

The old Palm Treo (& I'm told Palm Pre) had 15 categories that you could use on your calendar. You can look at day, month or yearly views at ALL categories or just pick one. Some examples I have: MOM (BLOOD DR) -MOM (ORTHOPAEDIC) - MOM (OTHER) - WORK (LEAVE USED) - WORK (HRS WORKED) - HUBBY - HEADACHE - BIRTHDAYS, ETC... Also you can choose 1 of maybe 12-20 colors for each category (I forget how many). I WANT ONE WITH MORE THAN 15 CATEGORIES THOUGH. Yeah, I know, too much of a good thing, right? But I want all my work/payday categories to be green & right now I think there are only 2 green choices (yesssss, I care). And my Mom has a form of blood cancer so I want more colors/categories for all her different doctors. Thanks... Connie

Quote:

ADDled said: I was diagnosed with ADD in January, started medication (Dexedrine) in March. I got an iPhone in January. I had no interest in getting one until I found out I got an 11% discount with AT&T through my work. I went in with my mom and twin sister (who also has ADD) to switch phones, but the sales girl whipped out her iPhone and it took about two seconds for me to covet it. It wasn't until after I'd started on medication that I realized what an amazing helper the iPhone was for a person with ADD. I put all my upcoming appointments into the calendar with multiple reminders. There's an application you can get that acts as a shopping list, plus there are a lot of free games to download that are perfect for the ADHD brain. I don't know how I got by without it before!

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The old Palm Treo (& I'm told Palm Pre) had 15 categories that you could use on your calendar. You can look at day, month or yearly views at ALL categories or just pick one. See my previous post (5 minutes ago!) for more info, Thanks... Connie

Quote:

Sanj said: I find it difficult to manage my task and need hourly reminders. Like drinking water every hour. I dont want to put 12 tasks for 12 glasses of water in a day...:)

I have been researching a lot on all the possible softwares available and also PDA's.

If you are a outlook user then the outlook add-in from Netcentric does a very good job in clearing off all your mails into appropriate tasks. Another software which integrates well with outlook and the add-in is Taskline. Both are paid sofwares but really worth it.

If you are a blackberry user then go for nextaction. It can record your voice as a task and does an amazing job.

So with the third party softwares for outlook and BB one should be able to manage all tasks/appointments/projects.

But before you go for this the main point I missed out was that all these softwares follow the well known methodology of David Allen "Getting Things done" or GTD.

As part of the GTD methodology for every task there is initial work to be done like capturing information through various means. And for this I have gone for Total recall.

Any idea that I get or info i collect I put in this software which is like my idea/trash collector. I do the same with my BB-Nextaction where i record my thoughts or ideas and put a task to it.

I have read a lot about the ADHD related softwares available for Iphone. Seriously thinking of buying one which could be used to manage my personal life while BB manages my professional life.

If you have better ideas for hourly recurring tasks then please do share.

Quote

The old Palm Treo (& I'm told Palm Pre) had 15 categories that you could use on your calendar. You can look at day, month or yearly views at ALL categories or just pick one. But I WANT MORE!! See my previous post (5 mins ago!) for more info Connie

Quote:

Sandy said: I've had the Motorola Droid phone from Verizon Wireless since October last year, this phone does everything the Iphone does and more, it also uses Google Contacts and Calandar it is an awsome phone. My college age son had the Iphone and when he discovered this new Droid phone from Motorola, he just had to have it over the Iphone. This phone also has Google maps and it also functions as a mobile gps that works much like the Garmin units. And yes this phone does a wonderfull job of keeping me organized as well as being a really fun phone.

Quote

The old Palm Treo (& I'm told Palm Pre) had 15 categories that you could use on your calendar. You can look at day, month or yearly views at ALL categories or just pick one. But I WANT MORE!! See my previous post (5 mins ago!) for more info... Thanks! Connie

Quote:

mtnman64 said: I started using a Palm Pilot many years ago (even before I found out I had ADHD). Tried planners, etc but never remembered to check them! One of the best things with technology to happen was the combination of the PDA & the phone. One device, not two.

Have had several smartphones (Treo, Blackberry Curve, etc). Just recently switched to the Nexus One Google Phone. Actually left Verizon to get it. Blackberry was pretty good, but I sorely missed the notifications bar palm used that is now on Android devices.

The Droid is a good phone, but for my preferences was too heavy. I actually wanted/tried it because it had a physical keyboard, but IMO the physical keyboard just didn't cut it. Tried the HTC Eris next. Good phone, but screen too small for my aging eyes and typing. So when the Nexus One came out, I jumped on it.

Great device. Large, clear screen. The notification bar helps me with reminders, even if I miss/ignore them when they first go off. I can always check this drop-down bar as one central spot to see any alerts, reminders, alarms...

A key factor in keeping myself organized (as best I am able) without forgetting crucial appts, tasks, etc is having something with me at all times that I can enter (immediately) notes, alarms.... well, you get the picture. In fact, I tell everyone that if they don't see me making a note on my phone, I will NOT remember it. My smartphone is with me from the time I wake up in the morning, until I go to bed at night. Otherwise, it just does not do what I bought it to do.

These phones come pre-loaded with software to help you get/stay organized, and you can also add other applications if there is something else that works better for you. I like the Gmail/Google integration that is native in Android. Calendar & Email all sync on phone, computer & internet. GDocs Notepad does the same thing for Notes. Astrid is a To-Do program that will sync for access/backup online. Just to name a few. Check out AndroidCentral.com forum for other recommendations.

On the question/concern about typing with on-screen keyboards. I too did not want to do this, as I was used to having a physical keyboard on all my other smartphones. But there are many options for keyboards on the Android devices that help overcome this. Just like anything else, the one(s) that work for me may not be what work for you. I have downloaded Smart Keyboard to use for tap typing. But what I use the most now is something called SlideIt (also have Swype Beta). You download it to the phone from the Android market. It will look weird and seem a bit awkward at first, but the learning curve was small and now I can type extremely fast on the touchscreen. I really don't miss the physical keyboard. There is also the ability to use Speech to Text, which is actually pretty accurate.

Whether you stay with Tmobile, or go with another carrier, or use a different smartphone system besides Android, make sure you get a good sized screen.

Don't get hung up on price. Get the phone that works best for you, not the least expensive. I firmly believe in value versus cost. I won't scrimp on something like this that affects so many areas of my life (work, marraige, friends, community commitments, etc).

Put a quality screen protector on it, and a protective case of some sort (crystal TPU skin, hard case, etc). Having worked in the Cellular industry previously, I am not a proponent of pocket carrying phones. I have generally used the horizontal side pouch that goes on my belt (with clip and belt loops). My wife even uses one of these since she can clip it on her slacks/pants when she does not have her purse. I keep a charger in my car & my wife's car, at home, at my office, and keep one in my briefcase. If it doesn't have power, it won't remind you.

Hope this is helpful. This is something I have researched fairly extensively to help overcome my own personal challenges.

Quote

I vote for whichever one syncs with all aspects in your life. Blackberry's are great, but not if your job or school system's do not sync with it. As soon as my work changed sync servers, I paid the $$$ for a compatible phone... and I won't look back. (I have the iPhone app.)

Oh, and Pandora has a "Spa Music Channel".. I love using this to screen out background noise without distracting me to listen or sing along.

http://askdreric-schoolpsychologist.blogspot.com/

Oh, and delete the games.

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I've had a G1 going on 2 years. I have quite loved it, possibly the first phone I've ever been happy with. If you use gmail or google calendar an Android phone is the way to go. G1s will be really cheap right now especially new. Personally I'm not ready to give up my keyboard, some of the new onscreen keyboard features are really cool, but I can't type and walk with them.

If you are big on Outlook and microsoft then the HD2 and HD Pro are good Windows Moibile phones.

As others have said find what syncs with what you like to use. Android for Google, Windows moible for Windows and Iphone for Macintosh. Although there are apps for most of them that will allow you to sync with the others. It is possible to get the 3G Iphones to work on T-Mobile if you really want one. For me it is also worth the extra money for the data plan, I like being able to check bus schedules on the fly.

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What works for me is the snooze function and is part of a drop down menu. Quote:

Dani said: Hi.

I found this thread after doing a search for "outlook blackberry add-ins calendar 'multiple reminders'."

I use Outlook and have a Blackberry curve. Syncing them seems to work out nicely for me, with one exception: every time a calendar reminder pops up, I have to open the appointment and reset the reminder to remind me again (say, the next day). It would be so much better if I could set multiple reminders per appointment.

Does anyone know of an add-in (ha! get it? ADD-in! I'm a dork.) that will work with both Outlook and my blackberry calendar to set multiple reminders per appointment? And if I find an add-in for Outlook, will those multiple reminders work with the blackberry? Or do I need an add-in for the blackberry, too?

Thanks so much, Dani

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I agree with geminizebra. The new iPod touches have built in mics and cameras. They give you access to thousands of apps (sometimes too many to choose from LOL) for all kinds of organizational needs. They won't pocket dial because they're not phones (although you can use them to call with facetime when you have wifi). It does mean carrying around two things instead of one. I've been using mine for several weeks and I'm loving it. I'm surprised how often I have free wifi available when I'm out and about. But most organizational apps work fine without wifi. Good luck!

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T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant. Just got it and love it. I can go to all e-mail accounts, can sync my calender to my work google calender, and can write using swip.

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Personally, I was missing client appointments because my old phone didn't sync with my MacBook Pro's calendar. I never knew which calendar was up to date. I have been using Apple's calendar, which is enough for me. With an iPhone and MobileMe, the phone and the computer always have the same calendar.

About the same time I got an iPhone, I started using Toodledo (www.toodledo.com). It's free, even though there are a ton of features. Everything is stored in the cloud making it accessible from anywhere there is web access. The best part is they have a native iPhone app ($3.99). Anytime someone asks me to do something, I can easily put it into Toodledo on my iPhone. Once the info is there, it syncs with the cloud. When I open Toodledo on my computer, everything is the same as on the phone. After I started using this app, organization became much easier.

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I really need something... I just bought a used Samsung Sway, hoping it would give me the ability to program in alarms or calendar events to remind me to take hourly breaks, etc -- because I DON'T want to pay the $30+ extra each month to use the internet. I need reminders, not internet access. But the Sway only has 3 alarms, and they're NOT hourly (daily, at best), and the calendar events won't work, either.

I like the iPod Touch idea, but I really have to get it down to where I'm carrying one device.

And, due to coverage in my area, my phone pretty much has to be Verizon (or StraightTalk).

But I DO NOT WANT to pay the shysters any more for my monthly phone service. I already pay too much for someone who uses only voice (no text, no web), and I wouldn't need web if they'd let me USB or bluetooth transfer stuff to my phone!

SO - any advice under those conditions? Any good "non web" phones that have an HOURLY or frequently-recurring alarm/reminder capability?

I may have to break down and add texting, and then try to find a solution that uses sms messages... Or one of those medication watches ?

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Get any android phone. The WIDGETS make it far and away the best choice for someone with ADHD.

I have tried and failed many different systems for keeping organized. Using Google Tasks, Calendar, Gmail, and Android (plus Anki flashcards) and a desktop stickynote keeps everything together magically.

Here's how I am organizing my days (there may be a learning curve, but now it's so quick and easy.) -For things I'd like to make into habits: I write them on a whiteboard by my bed and on a sticky note on my Android desktop. -For tasks: I come up with a primary task for today, one for tomorrow, and one for the next day. I enter these into Google Tasks as, eg, "Mon 1, Tue 1, Wed 1" followed by the task. I then come up with some secondary tasks to do if I finish the first, a couple for each day, and then some tertiary tasks that live on my to-do list and never get done unless I am super-productive and get through 1's and all of the 2's.

Why do I use Google Tasks? Because 1) google tasks is always hovering at the bottom of my Gmail (turn this on via Labs in the Settings) AND I have the GTasks widget on my Android phone (Samsung Captivate, boo ATnT). The GTasks widget syncs with my tasks, so as I add things either from the window in Gmail or in Calendar, it pops up on my phone's desktop. No need to even click an icon, it's right on my homescreen.

The next step is Google Calendar: I have multiple calendars. One of them is for important meetings and deadlines, and it is red. It sends SMS notifications to my phone. I have a few other ones that arne't important. THen I have one called "absurdly detailed day plan." I only use this on weekends or when I know I'm gonna have a hard time getting organized or motivated. For this calendar, I pop up Google Tasks on my Google Calendar view, and I just start blocking off 1-2 hour blocks with today's 1 and 2 tasks, plus some break time or 3 tasks. These also send me notifications so that I don't lose track of time.

The beauty of all of this Google stuff is that it's all integrated into everything I use. My Google Calendar shows up on my Gmail inbox, just to the left of the inbox under my folders, with a list of upcoming events underneath it. I also use the Smooth Calendar Android widget to display the next 3-5 upcoming events. (One screen has my "meetings and deadlines" plus some other calendars, but another screen shows ONLY the next 6 events from my "absurdly detailed daily plans" calendar.)

I also have a shopping list as one of my Google Tasks lists. When I think of something, I simply add it, whether I'm on a computer or my phone, and next time I go shopping, there's a shopping list right on my home page that I can check things off of, again without clicking an icon or opening a program.

Really, really convenient. Widgets are a lifesaver for disorganized people.

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