Written by I gotten quite organized lately and as a result I’ve been getting heaps done both at work and home. Despite having a new member of the family, I’ve been able to be productive at work, get some exercise, decide between python and ruby and start beta testing several new applications.
Despite the hype about Ruby and Ruby on Rails I’ve decided to wait a while to start learning it. I have an immediate need to learn Python due to the fact that I’ll shortly be inheriting a Plone CMS that will need administration and probably extension. I’ve done a bit of Python using the great, free “Dive Into Python” and the ActiveState Komodo IDE. At first blush Python seems like C# to me a bit. I did nearly two years of C# using the .NET compact framework then the full framework and really liked it. Even though I’d only done web scripting before it made sense to me quickly.
During the course of this job I’ve had to learn some Perl. I’m certainly no expert in it but I’m able to get things done with it. To say I don’t like Perl is an understatement. So Python it is for now.
One of my perennial favorite applications is really an Outlook add-in. Franklin Covey PlanPlus for Outlook offers me a way to schedule my priorities and get them done. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to beta test their new version which includes some major revisions to the way it interfaces with the PocketPC. In my case it’s the Treo 700W but it’s a huge leap from their last offering. I’m under a non-disclosure agreement or I’d discuss it more or even review it.
The other application I’m beta testing (and loving) is OneNote 2007. Since anyone can download it and test it I’m just going to blab to the world that it’s a HUGE improvement and that the Windows Mobile version finally solves my biggest complaint with the PocketPC – that the built-in notes application is LAME. I’ve completely re-arranged and re-grouped my notes and with addition of the Firefox Clip to OneNote extension I’m adding tons more content from the web and really using OneNote to its full potential. I don’t think the integration with Outlook is fully fleshed out yet because I can’t consistently add tasks to Outlook 2003 from OneNote 2007 yet. Anyway, Chris Pratley is cool for even answering my questions and especially for helping create such a great product.
OneNote 2007 allows me to reorganize things in a simple drag and drop interface which has resulted in a huge increase in my use of the application.
I’m trying (not beta testing) http://performancing.com/firefox, a Firefox plugin for blogging. So far I don’t really see any advantage to it other than the metrics which shows that I have no readers (I already know this and revel in the freedom to write what I like without offending anyone). I’m going to do a quick comparison between 3-4 blog editors in the coming days.