30 Boxes is one of the most user friendly calendars available. The application is simple, but offers a great deal of flexibility that permits the user to plan their schedule however they like. The user is given access to a calendar, which consists of a box for each day (just like a traditional wall calendar). The user can add a new event, which can be anything from a party to an appointment or birthday. The calendar can be shared on a blog, using tags or by RSS feeds, Yahoo or Google. The user can share their calendar with a specific buddy or buddies if they prefer. Each day on the calendar can be clicked on to view the list of items for that day up close. A drop down menu allows the user to switch between months. Users can also create a to do list that can be emailed or printed and is stored along with their calendar. 30 Boxes was started in 2006 by three people that previously started Webshots. At first glance, 30 Boxes looks like a watered down calendar application. However as the user begins to explore 30 Boxes, they find that the application has many uses and a great deal of flexibility. It contains to do lists along with basic calendar features, so the user can keep a schedule and manage individual tasks related to a larger project, event or undertaking. The ability to share calendars is great for groups who are planning something together. The 30 Boxes homepage uses a pale background with a white box at the center and black text. It lacks any kind of sleek or colorful images, graphics or other design elements. Overall it seems rather bland, however this could be due to the flexibility of the application. The calendars position the month in the upper, left hand corner (written sideways along the first day for that month). The site sticks with plain black and white boxes for to do lists and calendar days, but this works rather well for its intended purpose. A visitor can test out a 30 Boxes calendar by clicking the “best online calendar” link found among the short blurb of black text near the lower half of the homepage. Those who are ready to actually create an account can click the blue “Just Get Started!” link found below the first link. The form on the following page asks for an email address, password and a first and last name. The user must also check the small box at the bottom of the form to confirm their agreement with the 30 Boxes terms of service and privacy policy. The price of 30 Boxes is another appealing aspect of the application. Anyone can create an account and manage a calendar for free. There are no subscription fees or other charges for using this service. This is definitely a good way to keep users interested, because at this point more features would be needed to justify a subscription fee. The site does accept donations, but this is not a requirement. Users who donate approximately $20 or more can receive a 30 Boxes t-shirt or tank top. When you are in or just out of college you are probably managing multiple services to stay in touch with your friends. 30 Boxes can integrate them and stay on top of things. If you are looking for a simple Outlook replacement 30 Boxes might be too much of a good thing.

• Create your own personal online calendar
• Build to do lists to go with your calendars
• Invite buddies to view calendars
• Share calendars publically on social networks
• Access 30 Boxes for free or donate to support the site
• Remote skinning
• Firefox toolbar

http://30boxes.com/ Public password: roller32478890