To view the list of tasks for any project, simply tap on the title of the project. You can choose to display the tasks in several different ways, by task number, status, or priority, as shown in Figure D.

FIGURE D

You can choose to display the tasks in several different ways.

There's also an option for dynamic priority. I found this option somewhat confusing. The help text says this option automatically promotes tasks that have a target completion date. However, when I put in two tasks with different priorities and assigned a target completion date to the one with the lower priority, it wasn't promoted above the one with a higher priority.

You can also define which tasks show up on this list using the Show Preferences screen pictured in Figure E.

FIGURE E

You can define the Show Preferences.

My experiences
TaskInHand is a simple program to use. In fact, it doesn't even come with a manual. There's some information at the Web site that you can reference if you need to. I found it very easy to create projects and add tasks. The program is logically arranged, and the screens work well together.

However, the simplicity of TaskInHand is also its biggest drawback, and I immediately ran into limitations. The first thing I noticed is that TrackInHand seems geared toward the software developer. The task categories included in the program are: Bug, Enhancement, Question, and Research. This isn't such a big deal because I can edit the categories to suit my own needs, but I was very frustrated to find I had to edit the categories for each and every project. I would have preferred to be able to edit the categories once and then have the revised version available for all current and future projects.

There's also no view that shows when the tasks are due (or overdue). Being able to see when tasks are due for each project helps me determine which project I need to work on right now. In fact, what I was really looking for was a view that would show all tasks from all projects along with the corresponding due dates so that I could quickly determine which project needed my attention most.

I also found myself wishing I could create subtasks. TrackInHand keeps all tasks for a project at one level, but in many of the projects I manage, I need to create a high level task and then a list of subtasks required to complete the main task. Then I can associate the subtasks as interdependent, assign due dates to each one, and automatically find out how long the main task should take to complete. This set of functions was completely missing from TrackInHand.

Having said all that, I would remind you that the author admits this program needs to be developed further, and he appears very eager for input that will enable him to improve this application.

Overall impression
TrackInHand is clearly a work in progress. I can see where it would be useful for anyone who has limited project management responsibilities and a need for a quick and simple tool to track these projects. TrackInHand's price is only $9.95, which is significantly cheaper than the other commercial applications. If you're willing to work with the author to develop the program so that it meets your needs, this may be a good choice for you. However, it has a long way to go before it can be considered a serious tool for professional project managers.