Day Runner Planner - Feb/Mar '98

Day Runner Planner

Day Runner claims to have 12 million users of its paper-based planner/organizer. Day Runner has positioned their software product so that it will complement, but not replace, their print version organizer.

After installing the program, you must configure the settings before getting started. This includes selecting the binder you are using, the display, field labels, and setting up your modem, phone dialer and print defaults.

Opening up Day Runner invokes the current day's calendar. The calendar is the focus of the program, but entering information into your calendar could be easier. For example, most PIMs support data entry by double-clicking on an open area, but not Day Runner. Also, right mouse button support is completely lacking--a fairly serious flaw in today's environments. Appointments are placed at the top of the view, rather than in their time slot, an approach that might confuse some users. A monthly calendar is also displayed, making it easy to navigate to other days. On the left-hand side, a set of folder tabs will lead you to other features of the program, such as the Address Book, Project and To-Do list.

Clicking on the Address folder tab brings up the Address Book. New records are created by using the icon bar. Day Runner then steps through various dialog boxes in creating the record. This approach is a good one for beginners, but may quickly become irritating to experienced users. Like the calendar, records are automatically listed at the top of the pane, rather than next to their alphabetic entry. Nevertheless, Day Runner captures all the essential information, including multiple addresses and phone numbers for each record. An auto-dialer is included and you can enter notes and track your calls.

The basic Day Runner software program is priced at $75, but for $124 you can get the software, paper refills and a leather Day Runner Personal Organizer. For attorneys interested in staying with a print-based organizer, this may something to consider.

Day Runner Inc.
(800) 635-5544

By Michael Jimmerson

From the Shopper's Guide to Personal Information Managers - Feb/Mar '98

Pros: Day Runner Planner is a good choice for devotees of print version planners.

Cons: Day Runner's interface is clumsy. It does not feature right mouse button support.

Verdict: Day Runner is a solid product that will fit well with users of paper-based organizers. In addition, features such as the Project Outline and Expense Report functions provide tools that are often not found in other PIMs.