Since my Palm recently died, I feel like I have no way to look at how I'm spending my time, or what I need to do. I can't believe I spent hundreds of dollars on that thing. As I mentioned before, despite being a gadget dork, I'm just that not interested in buying a replacement.
But I do feel unorganized. I could use some online calendaring app I suppose, but I'd need some suggestions there. Otherwise, I could get a cheap Palm unit for a hundred bucks, or a Windows Mobile unit for about three times that. The only real benefit for the Windows unit is that I could write code for it or use its wireless functionality (neither of which is even remotely likely... like I have time for that).
Regardless, I need to start setting specific goals and milestones for the various things I want to do this summer, and stick to them. I can't do that by simply saying, "I want to do this," because there's not accountability to that. There's no measure of success or failure.
I have been really happy with my XV6700. It took a bit to get use to it, as it really is better as a PDA first then a phone. But, it definately is nicer to only have one device instead of both a phone and a PDA. Plus, I like the ability to sync with my Exchange Server when new mail comes in.
I have the sprint version of the xv6700 and I love it. Sprint has already released the push update to allow for push email from exchange servers. For me, i love the fact that I can vpn into my work and check on my servers or network when there is a problem.. all from my "phone." But then again, w/ the Sprint/Verizon version, you are stuck w/ a rather large phone for everything. If you had the GSM version, you would lose the EV-DO, but gain the ability to switch phones via the SIM chip.
Organizational tools are simply that. You hit the issue right on the mark and that is accountability. Prioritize what you want to accomplish. Set a critical path with realistic timelines for each measurable goal and have a downside if you don't meet targets. That won't insure success, but it will help the motivation process.
The planning device is nowhere near as important as the plan. Lay it out cold and "go for it"