CNET Editors' review
Keeping Microsoft Outlook's calendar functions open without having to launch the entire e-mail application will be very handy for users who rely on a different e-mail client. But we had some view problems during our tests that may prove a problem to some users.
Outlook on the Desktop lives up to its name: it loads an icon into the system tray, so merely clicking it launches the calendar. Configuring the font, colors, and the view (Day/Week/Month, entry previews, categories, and so forth) is simply a matter of choosing an option from a right-click menu. This free little utility functioned well in our tests, but it maintained a high level of transparency whenever it opened on our desktop. In fact, it was so transparent that the appearance of the icons under the calendar was more solid than the calendar, making the calendar's entries difficult to read at times. We found no means of adjusting this transparency.
Some users may have difficulty with the view, but others may like its unobtrusive style. That being said, if you're looking for a way to keep your Outlook calendar within view, the free price makes it worth a shot.
Publisher's Description
From Michael Scrivo:
Outlook on the Desktop organize our daily lives have them visible in plain sight nearly all of the time. Yet, on your PC, you have to go through a myriad of windows and clicks before you can even see your calendar. The calendar object gets pinned to your desktop and stays there all the time in plain sight so you can always see what's upcoming.
More Popular E-mail Utilities downloads
- POP Peeper
2,835 downloads
- Winmail Opener
1,726 downloads
- ePrompter
495 downloads
- Winmail Reader
495 downloads
- Gmail Notifier
495 downloads
-
All versions:
4.1 starsout of 10 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
Results 1-10 of 10
-
"Love having my calendar on the desktop!"
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 2.0
Pros
I can now get rid of my paper calendar since I have it on the desktop.
Cons
Sometimes my background makes it difficult to see.
Summary
Works for me!
-
"Very cool!"
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 2.0
Pros
I like to see the tasks without having Outlook open.
Cons
None yet...
Summary
I figured out how to change the transparency! In the top left corner of the window, there's a bar that you can drag either left or right to change the degree of transparency.
-
"Cannot live without this!"
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.6.0
Pros
I have it on both of my laptops.
Cons
Cannot make changes on the desktop - have to do it through outllook - but it does not bother me.
-
"nice to view outlook calendar without opening outlook"
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.6.0
Pros
can make transparent and still view schedule without opening outlook, sync easily with mobile
Cons
can't think of one at this time
Summary
just nice to not have open outlook, everything right at my fingertips... literally.
-
"So far, I like it overall."
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.5.2
Pros
Very nice to be able to interact directly with Outlook from the desktop.
Cons
Becomes unstable when I added an Instance for Task.
-
"A great program, I don't know how I managed before."
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.5.2
Pros
Easy to used and does what it says on the tin
Cons
Not easy to move the interface around on the desktop
-
"Great if I could move it...."
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.4
Pros
Looks like a nice add on
Cons
I have a black screen and it opens as a see through. Can hardly read it and my shortcuts show thru. Cannot move it to another part of my desktop
Summary
If I could find help I may be more delighted with this
-
"just what I was looking for"
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.4
Pros
easy and functional
Cons
outlook is left open in the background
-
"A Superior PIM for those who use MS Outlook"
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.4
Pros
This little software is really impressive. It lets you bring MS Outlook to your desktop to add, delete and modify daily tasks... without having to bring up MS Outlook itself.
It's icon sits in the sys tray... just double click twice and there it is... on your desktop... This little thing's a beaut!
Cons
Maybe a centralized "help" file would help... the help is all right there but you just have to know where to click... for some things right click the sys tray icon... for other things right click near the top date bar. But really that's being picky... this app is a hidden gem...
-
"A useful and unpretentious way to get your actual information properly and clear"
Version: Outlook on the Desktop 1.3.5
Cons
Works fine, but when active, you cannot use your own Outlook add-ins when you start Outlook yourself.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
