After all that teasing, 37signals has flipped the switch on a major upgrade to Backpack, their incredibly popular web-based PIM service that can store and organize lists, notes, pictures and files. As if features like sharing / collaboration and mobile phone access weren't cool enough, this major release takes Backpack productivity to entirely new heights.
One of the most interesting on the list of new changes is a much-updated UI, from a movement of the toolbar to the top of the pages (pictured) to the much-requested ability to drag and drop any list, note, pictures or file from one page to another. While the toolbar's new location initially feels like a good move, we find ourselves missing the authority of the previous design, as the buttons to create new lists and notes stood out a bit better.
Almost as drool-worthy as drag and drop abilities, users can now also search across all their Backpack pages. A new searchbox mounted in the upper right (directly underneath the 'Make a new page' button) should satisfy most users who use Backpack for more than a few tidbits of info. Searching seems pretty zippy, and your search term is highlighted among the listed results.
Continuing the healthy list of changes are other welcome new features, such as multiple photo galleries per page and RSS feeds for shared pages so you can keep an eye on changes made by everyone else. Altogether, this is a great update and we're very satisfied with the new features. With accounts ranging in price from 'free' up to $14/month, we recommend Backpack more than ever for anyone from casual users who need a simple web-based locker for storing bits and pieces of their daily adventures, to power users with a serious case of GTD or project management on their back.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-25-2007 @ 2:01PM
Victor Agreda, Jr. said...
Unfortunately this update changes the API in such a way that breaks all my tools: the Backpack widget from Chipt.com and the offline tool PackRat. Major bummer!
That's the problem with web apps-- you have no choice but to "upgrade" whether you like it or not. I think Stalin would have LOVED Web 2.0.
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7-27-2007 @ 8:33AM
paulmz said...
Just thought I'd add a plug for RubberSquid. It does similar things to BackPack but with a couple of really cool differences: (i) it uses artificial intelligence to help search and display entries; and (ii) it can be accessed on your PC, mobile phone, PDA, IP-TV, Sony PSP - in fact anything with a browser and a bit pipe. You can find it here: http://www.rubbersquid.com
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