GTD Timer is countdown timer software available for free for personal use. Official site is: GTD-Timer.com. Commercial version ($19.95) is also available, it provides more features as well as ability to run multiple timers at a time.
In general, it is the most convenient software timer we’ve seen before. It greatly combines simple user interface with sophisticated features (like actions). What is especially good about it is its superb keyboard optimization. And “GTD” in the title means that the timer is focused on Getting Things Done approach (remember “two minute rule”?) but it is useful for anybody who looking for good digital timer, not only GTD followers.
1. Downloading and installing timer
Installation package is available from front page (Download GTD Timer here). Installer does not weight a lot – only 1.4 Mb. Installation runs smoothly, supported OS are Windows XP/VISTA/Seven. No adware or any other additional components included.
2. Starting timer
During the installation process GTD Timer installs tiny launcher (GTDTimerLauncher.exe) which monitors Win+S keystroke. So, to start GTD Timer is not necessary to call the Start menu, just type Win+S and timer launches.
The time selection window appears after program start. This window is optional – checkbox in the bottom of the window allows disabling it. But this window is very convenient , it lets to start the timer in a few keystrokes.
Let’s review the window in detail.
There are two fields, one drop-down list and several buttons on the window. Use Tab (or Shift+Tab) to navigate between controls.
First of all, optional Message field intended to provide us ability to leave the message what to do after timer finishes. Also it is very useful to distinguish between multiple timers running at a time (available only in commercial version).
Secondly, Time field is required if it is intended to start the countdown with non-standard time. Note, that in addition to two buttons (2 Min's and 10 Min's) which start timer with predefined time of two and ten minutes, it is possible to launch the timer with a period from one to ten minutes just pressing keystroke Alt+1, Alt+2,…. up to Alt+0.
There are several ways to fill the time period in the time field. Just typing integer number means a number of minutes. Typing integer with a fraction divided by point or colon like “2.45” or “2:45” means two minutes and 45 seconds. Adding one more integer with separator at a start of line ads hours (like “01:02:45”). Leading spaces are optional.
If it is necessary to countdown till some exact time, it is required to add “T” before time string and use AM/PM or 24-hour format to enter time (like “T 12:00 AM”).
Thirdly, Preset selection drop-down box is a very powerful feature to change timer’s behavior and appearance in a keystroke. Though this feature is available only in commercial version, it worth it. Presets configured from timer’s System Tray menu (we’ll show this in the second part of the review) and support changing font and background color of the timer’s icon to distinguish between multiple timers, as well as alarm sound played at the end of the countdown and, what is especially interesting, assigning actions with almost unlimited functionality.
Finally, when all options are configured click start button (or press Enter on the keyboard to launch the countdown). Semitransparent floating window as well as the icon in the System Tray show time left.
Continue to the second part of the review >>
6b6e632a-617f-4bc8-98c5-0523a79cc652|3|5.0