Windows Countdown Timer Showdown

[app103]

A great comparison of some features among 20 different timer applications.

I’ve found a good way to reduce procrastination is to set a timer and commit to working on a task for that period of time. It makes it easier for you to work on something you’ve been fearing because regardless of the outcome of the task, you get to stop when the timer dings. It’s really a way to trick yourself into doing something you’re avoiding, but it works, so I do it.

I wanted an application that made it as easy as possible to start a timer. I came up with the following requirements, in order of priority.

    * Free
    * Fast to start and stop the timer (fast application startup is good too)
    * Lightweight
    * Popup dialog displayed when timer is up
    * Remembers duration(s) set previously
    * Can disable audio alerts
    * Simple interface
    * Can pause timer
    * Minimizes to tray (Less of an issue when I discovered that TaskSwitch XP can minimize any application to tray by right-clicking the minimize button.
    * Visually appealing

http://dan.hersam.com/2008/11/14/windows-countdown-timer-showdown/

[app103]

I found it amusing that he called my Instant Boss "too bossy". 

I guess it's a good thing I didn't include that wav of my husband yelling at you to "get back to work".

[zridling]

Also, if the author would have looked a little further down Karen's page, he would have seen Karen's Time Cop, which counts up or down minutes, hours, (or days). Used it since it came out and it's wonderful for letting me know when to make a call or get to a meeting when immersed in a project.

[tomos]

Instant Boss - Too bossy I didn’t like all the preconfigured messages either.

...

Workrave - A bit too complex for my needs, but has short stretch intervals and other reminders to help reduce strain.

I commented there (had to tone it down a bit first !!) :

First, thanks for the comparision! I’m afraid I find that a ridiculous comment on Instant Boss - what do you mean by it being “too bossy” ?? and just commenting on the messages then seems pretty superficial to me… I used to use Workrave before Instant Boss. I gave up on it because it was too in your face and didnt credit me with any intelligence/initiave - i.e. far too bossy for me at any rate (unless they’ve toned it down in the last year or so) In fairness Workrave is aimed at people who have wrist/arm problems from use of the mouse & keyboard and who are trying to regulate their use of same

[mahesh2k]

Too Bossy  lol

Need more light on that i guess

[vitalyb]

I wish there was an application that would remind me to do something at certain times annoyingly like WorkRave.
For example, something that would annoy me to go to sleep early would be great .

Anyone knows anything like that?

[tomos]

I wish there was an application that would remind me to do something at certain times annoyingly like WorkRave.
For example, something that would annoy me to go to sleep early would be great .

Anyone knows anything like that?

a live-in partner ?  .. maybe ...

[vitalyb]

Ha. And no. Someone that can REALLY annoy me.

[Shades]

Than you didn't encounter my (ex-)girlfriends...yet! 

[mahesh2k]

Shades lol

[app103]

I wish there was an application that would remind me to do something at certain times annoyingly like WorkRave.
For example, something that would annoy me to go to sleep early would be great .

Anyone knows anything like that?

This is the one application I swear by and would be lost without:

3M post-It Digital Notes (shareware: $9.99)

You can set alarms, they give you a snooze button on the alarms, alarms can be set to repeat on a schedule (hourly, daily, weekly,monthly, yearly, etc), organizing boards with tabs so you don't have to have the notes on your desktop, great alarm manager window allows you to see everything at a glance.

Just set the alarm sound to a wav of a nagging woman's voice and you can skip the bad relationship part.  (Get one of Shades' ex-girlfriends to record it for you. )

[Shades]

<bad joke>

Although these exes speak in Spanish...so I don't know if that is a problem.

Rest assured though, Spanish nagging doesn't sound any different than in other languages 

</bad joke>

[tinjaw]

I wish there was an application that would remind me to do something at certain times annoyingly like WorkRave.
For example, something that would annoy me to go to sleep early would be great .

Anyone knows anything like that?

I haven't used it, but I have this bookmarked.
[attachthumb=#]

http://www.dnsoft.be/dn_software/dn_freeware/dn_info_freeware/pc_shutdown/index.htm

[vitalyb]

I'm trying Shade's idea - Using a girlfriend application. However, I must say so far it is quite buggy:

[1:47 AM] VitalyB: I am very strict today
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: I even quit civilization
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: like 10 minutes ago
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: Even though I was only 90 turns from the end of the game
[1:47 AM] Agni: wow! only 90???
[1:47 AM] Agni: you could finish it in like... what?
[1:47 AM] VitalyB: yep. 90 turns is about... 20 minutes of gameplay
[1:48 AM] Agni: then it's 1h and 20?
[1:48 AM] Agni: well
[1:48 AM] Agni: yes
[1:48 AM] Agni: you can do it!
[1:48 AM] Agni: cmon
[1:49 AM] VitalyB: tsk @ girlfriend-causing-bad-influence
[1:49 AM] Agni: you have 8h to sleep???? it's too much!!!!!!!!!!
[1:49 AM] VitalyB: I am going to find that forum topic now
[1:49 AM] VitalyB: and send them this log now

[jpprater]

To add my two cents:
When I went looking for timers, I found QuickReminder, which I now swear by.   It's AHK-based, allows for preset notes, lets you have up to 9 reminders set at a time.  No presets for time settings, though.
I also use the Timer addin for FARR. 

[vitalyb]

A quick update on the whole "sleep reminder" thing.

Like I said before, having a girlfriend does nothing, except causing both of you going to sleep late.
Having kids, on the other hand... Nothing makes you go to sleep like knowing you are going to forcefully awaken at 6am.

We now go to sleep at 11pm! Great success!

[vitalyb]

Hey.

Updating again. Kids grew up and we go to sleep at 2am again and not getting enough sleep.

Any relevant apps?

[mouser]