Task managers and shopping lists are great for taking care of those periodic to-do items. However, there are habits I want to develop and assimilate into a daily routine. For myself and many others, a daily checklist can motivate and bring a sense of accountability–albeit self-imposed. Jerry Seinfeld uses a solution as simple as making a red “X” on a calendar every day he completes a daily task. Whatever the goal I work toward, keeping a log helps with self-discipline.

Today I came across a simple website to manage daily goals. It’s called Joe’s Goals. The site’s simplicity is the foremost attraction for me. Rather than focusing on and learning the program interface, I concentrate on making sure there’s a check mark next to those items I know I ought to be doing. Goals–both positive as well as those for avoiding daily vices–can be set for whatever day of the week you choose. For those short on ideas, there are hundreds of goal suggestions from other users. Reports are available to show 30, 60, and 90 day progress as well.

Having owned this one for 5 months, I do not regret the decision. While not perfect, my experience has been pleasant. More than any key feature, what makes me most happy is that it just plain works. I do not have problems. There is no worrying about spyware or viruses. Nor do I have to restart the system to “fix” a problem or in order to get it running more quickly. It’s nothing to leave it running for weeks without restarting. There is no installing of drivers when adding hardware. Everything is detected and installed seamlessly. It’s whisper quiet and I’m not even sure if there’s a fan on this thing or not. The backlit keyboard that automatically detects light conditions is not only futuristically cool, but very handy for those times when don’t want to put your nose to the keyboard to see what you’re doing. The Spotlight feature which allows instant searching of every file on the computer is outstanding. No more waiting for it to chug through thousands of files. Apple uses a different type of navigation bar at the bottom in conjunction with application switching commands and the exposé feature. They work well and are attractive, but I do miss the Windows taskbar at times.

While I was concerned about finding software for a Mac, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I’ve been able to find great programs for almost everything. The program iTunes also has been something to which I’ve grown to like more as I understand it’s powerful search features. The Preview program opens PDF files almost instantaneously and can also write them, thus usurping the need for Acrobat. I can use Office files, edit images, browse the Internet, share files, create music, chat, make calls, watch TV, synchronize my phone, and anything one can do on their PC (other than gaming I guess).

My only beef is with a few software makers rather than with Apple. First of all, Quicken money management software for Mac is atrocious. It looks like it was designed by a 5th grader learning computer programming in 1998. The workaround for this is to use Parallels virtual machine software to run the Windows version. Parallels is incredibly well built and is a good option for running any other necessary Windows program. While not terrible, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac is definitely in need of updating. It’s lackluster and Entourage lacks some of the niceties of Outlook. I guess it isn’t surprising that Microsoft isn’t in a hurry to update its software for its chief rival’s operating system. However, a new version is slated for early 2008.

Overall, I do not see myself switching back to a PC anytime in the near future. The innovative features of the upcoming release of Mac OSX Leopard should only solidify this. A couple years ago I was convinced the iPod was generating momentum at Apple and was intrigued by other Mac users. Now I’m one of them and it makes a lot of sense.