Zenbe Lists (Zenbe, Inc $4.99) Universal App
This app is a universal app and functions equally well on either the iPhone or iPad. I actually do use the app on both, but definitely get a lot more use out of the iPhone version as I can access my lists anytime from anywhere. In this review I will include screen-shots from both versions. The features are identical. This app really is a redundant app for me as I already have OmniFocus as my to do/gtd app. But I do still use Zenbe Lists solely for the purpose of shopping lists. Although I do put some of my lists in OmniFocus, in general any list that I need to collaborate with another person will go into Zenbe Lists. Not only do they have the iPhone/iPad apps, they also have a very decent web app that can be used from any device, which means ANYONE can use it with me. But again, if it is a list I’ll be working on for myself, I will generally always use OmniFocus.
They have done a great job with this app and have continued to improve it over the past several years. When I first downloaded this app it was free, but now with all the development that has gone into it, as well as all the added benefits you now get from it, they have begun charging for the app. I probably would not have ever purchased the app had I not gotten it free. As such, I really reluctant to recommend anyone purchase this app. Though if you are in the market for a good To Do list then this may be for you. I am not really sure it is worth the value of the cost. But I will outline for you the features and let you decide.
FEATURES:
- Add as many lists as you’d like from either the iPhone/iPad app or the web app.
- Settings to disable the landscape mode to avoid problems while walking around shopping. (iPhone)
- Automatically sync the list when you first enter the application.
- Add as many items to the list as you’d like.
- Share your list with anyone with a simple link in an email. Unfortunately this also means that anyone you share the list with will have full access to modify said list.
- Set priority, due dates and viewing order for each item.
- Viewing order can be manually done per item or can be alphabetical or priority/due date based.
- Checking off items as you go saves the item in a checked off state but automatically hides it from view.
The one thing I would say about this app that seems a bit off is the syncing process. It seems to me that the second I delete an item, it should be deleted off the sever without the need for my to sync again, or when I add a new item. My wife and I have more problems with a particular client getting out of sync because of this, than any other issue. The security behind the lists may be an issue as well if you are worried about that, but for a shopping list that doesn’t bother me a whole lot. One other thing I noticed that is a bit off is that when I send an email to share the list with someone, I am actually taken out of the app to send the email. This is the old way Apple had apps send emails but now they should be able to allow the user to stay inside the app.
I am sure there are many other things about this app that people love. For me, the real value has been with creating shopping lists. In particular, my wife and I use this app to form our weekly grocery shopping list. She or I can add items to the list at anytime from anywhere. If I think of an item I can add it right away rather than waiting until I get to the location of the list. We have also taken to using these lists for Christmas shopping; it has been quite handy! Now like I said, it may not be worth the money when it isn’t free, but if you need a lightweight to do list then this my just do the job for you.
