Vitalist prides itself in being “getting things done” software. Simply stated, this application offers users a way to organize personal affairs using specific task lists. Vitalist offers a way to reach goals and complete tasks using categorization. Rather than try to remember everything that must be completed, Vitalist offers an online location to store all that vital information. Users can access it from any computer with an internet connection. Vitalist, trademarked by the David Allen and Company, was created as a way to help individuals take control over their lives through categorized scheduling. In January of 2007, Vitalist went mobile with a cell phone application that allows users access even when they couldn’t get on a computer. Throughout the past few years, various features and upgrades have been made to Vitalist tools to allow a more streamlined scheduling process for users. What makes Vitalist different from other organizational programs is the approach to the task. The application was designed around productivity expert, David Allen’s system. Vitalist is not a generic calendar or day planner. Instead, it is an online tool that helps users optimize the chore of scheduling tasks. The system is intended to encourage success through completion of tasks. The Vitalist website may come across as ‘busy’ to some new users. A number of different items have been placed on the homepage which can make a curious visitor’s initial perception somewhat confusing. Still, there is some organization through sidebars and graphics. The yellow “Sign-Up!” button takes users to the membership choices. After selecting the preferred option, users must create a screen name, password and enter their email address. After checking the terms of service box and entering the referral code if one applies, the information can be submitted and users can being accessing Vitalist tools. Unlike other online organizational tools, Vitalist offers both free and paid account options. The free membership allows for up to five projects, five contacts, five contexts and 5 smart searches with unlimited actions. A basic membership can be purchased for about $50 per month, or about $50 per year and upgrades to 25 projects, contexts, and contacts as well as 10 smart searches, 250 MB file storage, sharing features, email support, and offline access. A premium membership is priced at about $10 per month, or $100 per year and offers unlimited projects, contexts, contacts, and smart searches as well as 1 GB file storage, all the same features as premium, plus SSL security. Each paid membership is available to new users as a 14 day free trial. Discounts are offered when five or more accounts are purchased. Individuals or small businesses with busy schedules can find Vitalist features helpful when managing tasks. With the five plus account discount option, a small business owner could easily purchase accounts for employees at a lower rate. The only downside is, because there are so many other organizational tools available for free, the average user looking to organize a mildly taxing schedule would do better elsewhere. That isn’t to say Vitalist is not effective at what it does, however if someone is to pay for a service that can be found for free elsewhere, they should have the utmost need for it.

• Filter options that allow users to sort through existing tasks by project, contact, context, priority, date, and time
• Category based system that allows users to sort tasks logically to get the most efficient use out of daily and weekly schedules
• Online and offline access that provides flexible user access no matter where it is needed
• Integration options that allow users to interact with projects through RSS readers, IMs, Twitter, Jott, SMS, and iCal calendars
• Collaboration features that allow one user to connect with others, which is beneficial when working with teams or providing employee accounts
• Vitalist account access for mobile phones

http://www.vitalist.com/