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Best Free PIM [1]

Last updated by philip [2] on 18. March 2017 - 14:17

Introduction

Everybody seems to have their own concept of what a PIM (Personal Information Manager) is. It may help to define the scope of "Best Free PIM" at the outset to avoid confusion. I will stay within the following scope when selecting products to include here.

Scope: PIMs reviewed here will include several or all of the following functions: Diary, notebook, appointments, events, tasks, address book, contact information and itinerary. These products have names like personal organizer, day planner or personal planner. Their purpose is to help you get things done. PIMs that fall outside that scope will not be included.

In terms of frequent usage, PIMs for tablets and smartphones are displacing PIMs for PCs while Web-apps are also replacing conventional PIM programs for PCs. There are a few good PC PIMs left though, with some of them extended to support syncing across multiple devices.

See other sorts of PIMs: If what you are looking for isn't here in this "Best Free PIM" category, something in one of the Related PIM Categories may fit your needs.

Rated Products

[4]

Pimero [4] [5]

Offers a full range of PIM functions including appointments, events, reminders, tasks, contacts, email and more.

Our Rating:
4
License: Free (Limited features)
Well organized user interface. Full range of well-integrated PIM functions. Data encryption, automatic backup, and iPhone synchronization. Easy to use.
You cannot export your data from the free edition, and sync and backup disabled. Provides recurring appointments, but not repeating tasks. Imports messages from Outlook, but not the folder structure, which you need to re-create. Cannot export data.
Read full review... [5]
[9]

EssentialPIM [9] [10]

A full-featured PIM similar to Outlook with data import and an email client.

Our Rating:
1
License: Free (Limited features)
Another full-featured PIM. Does many of the same things as Outlook and can import your Outlook data and/or Outlook Express contacts as well. Small file size. A portable version is available.
Caution: Multiple bugs have been reported by a long-term user. Supports repeating tasks (events), but not repeating to-dos. May have trouble with multiple email accounts.
Read full review... [10]
[13]

WinPIM [13] [14]

A complete and attractive PIM with an option to set repeating tasks, attach notes, photos and files.

Our Rating:
1
License: Free (Limited features)
Full featured, attractive, intuitive and well organized. Has repeating to-dos, and allows sub-tasks. Provides the options to attach notes, photos, files and other documents to almost every function. A portable version can be derived from the installed program.
CAUTION: VirusTotal is currently (Sept 2016) reporting probable Trojan behavior for the WinPim download (see report link in the discussion above). Proceed at your own risk. Syncing via the cloud requires an additional (not-free) program.
Read full review... [14]

Related Products and Information

  • PIM Xtreme [16] would be a good choice if you want to tinker with the program interface, and the way that tasks, events, and contacts are organized and interconnected. It also has a calendar, notes, and a "Today Panel" that gives you a nice overview. PIM Xtreme has a build-it-yourself user interface. Tasks, events, contacts, notes, etc., have their own window pane, and you size and arrange them to fit your needs.

  • Chaos Free [17] Update: This is a fine product... It does not fit the scope of this product category though. The paid version, Time and Chaos would fit (it adds projects to the mix), and I have used it for some time in the distant past. [comparison [18]]

Related Web-app PIMs

  • InfiTrac [19](wasCloudPIM) is a relatively new online PIM with Web, iOS and Android apps. It also provides a social (sharing) dimension (which you can use or not). InfiTrac has become a polished Web-app. From the web site:

    "InfiTrac is a complete personal information manager which lets you safely manage your agenda, contacts, calendar, lists, notes, ideas, chores, 'to-do' items, passwords, and much more. It is available on the web and as a phone/tablet app..."

What I want in a PIM: The option to schedule repeating tasks -- strangely missing from many PIMs -- is a key function for me. Sync between PCs and mobile devices is also important. If I was still in the work force, I'd want one product that provides contacts, tasks, events and reminders. I no longer need that tight coupling, so I use Evernote [20] (notes) and ToDoList [21] (task manager). I use the incomparable Tresorit [22] (encrypted cloud storage) to sync ToDoList. smiley

Editor

This category is maintained by volunteer editor philip. Registered members can contact the editor with comments or suggestions by clicking here [2]. You can visit philip's Google+ profile page here [27].

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[3] https://www.techsupportalert.com/files/images/[field_photo]
[4] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/pimero.htm
[5] https://www.techsupportalert.com/node/8704
[6] http://www.pimero.com/en/purchase/
[7] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/installer_advice.htm
[8] https://plus.google.com/118396188147577447707?rel=author
[9] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/essentialpim.htm-4
[10] https://www.techsupportalert.com/node/8705
[11] https://itunes.apple.com/app/essentialpim/id537150179?mt=8
[12] http://www.essentialpim.com/pc-version
[13] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/winpim.htm-0
[14] https://www.techsupportalert.com/node/8706
[15] http://www.winpim.com/
[16] http://sourceforge.net/projects/pimx/
[17] http://www.chaossoftware.com/products.aspx
[18] http://www.chaossoftware.com/pim-comparison.aspx
[19] https://www.infitrac.com/
[20] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/evernote.htm-0
[21] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/todolist.htm-1
[22] https://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-encryption-utility-for-cloud-storage
[23] https://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-notes-organizer.htm
[24] https://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-reminder-to-do-program.htm
[25] https://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-project-manager.htm
[26] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/do-list-manager-top-notch-and-free.htm
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