Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Pester is a freeware alarm clock utility that provides a simple way to set timed reminders, along with a few cool extras.
Of course, you can use iCal and other scheduling software to alert you to upcoming events, but sometimes these apps are overkill--like, for example, when you're just putting something in the oven, or you're trying to remember to catch a bus. Pester occupies a middle ground between iCal and more bare-bones timers (such as egg-timer widgets), letting you quickly set an event, name it, choose a countdown or a specific time for the alert, and then (if you want) pick from a variety of alert options, including displaying a message, playing a sound (a standard alert, or even opening an MP3 or image file), speaking the name of your event aloud, and bouncing the Dock icon. Pester lets you set multiple alerts (unfortunately, there's no way to edit them), and you can snooze alarms with a variety of options. One of Pester's coolest features is the ability to create a hot key that lets you set alarms from any application.
Pester is officially beta software, and the interface isn't exactly pretty, but if you're looking for a simple, reliable timer with some flexible extras, Pester is a great, no-cost choice.
Publisher's Description
From Nicholas Riley:
Miss your bus or train? Have a meeting coming up soon and want to be reminded of it? Too much trouble to create an appointment in iCal or Entourage? Pester can help you create alarms quickly and easily.
What's new in this version:
- Fix rare instances where the Dock displays an inaccurate time remaining.
- Fix Read Me losing its section navigation. (If you're viewing the Read Me on a Retina display, you may find it gains unwanted horizontal scrolling. To work around this issue, close and reopen the Read Me window.)
- Fix natural-language date processing on OS X Mountain Lion.
- Permit entry of single-digit hour/minute times without punctuation or an initial zero. For example, you c... See all new features
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 16 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
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"Small and sweet"
Version: Pester 1.1b13
Pros
I love this little app. It does everything one could ask of a 'reminder' application and more. It has earned a permanent location in my application dock.
Cons
There are no cons as far as I can tell. What could anyone ask of a free app?
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"Pester does not pester"
Version: Pester 1.1b13
Pros
The design is generally intuitive. Being able to enter a time and date is much nicer than having to figure out how many minutes until you need to be reminded about that meeting several hours away yet.
Cons
The application usually did not show up on top of the application in use. Often, it failed to capture my attention. If my Mac was asleep or closed, I would expect Pester to immediately popup with any pending alarms, but that did not happen.
Summary
If you are sure you will have your Mac open, awake, and idle, or if you will be using your Mac at the time, but paying close attention for the bouncing icon, Pester is a pretty decent reminder. Note, however, Pester does not necessarily wait for you to notice it. If you are looking for a reminder that will be in your face and persistent, this should not be your choice. I found it much too subtle, and it gave up much too easily to deserve its moniker.
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"Easy to set; lots of notification options"
Version: Pester 1.1b13
Pros
Lots of different notification options (voice, music, growl, jumping icon). You can quickly set an alarm by putting in either the minutes to go or the exact time it should go off. Time remaining shows on the icon in your dock.
Cons
Can only set one alarm at any given time.
Summary
The price is right (free) an it has all the features you need most of the time.
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"Simple to use"
Version: Pester 1.1b13
Pros
for mw its simple to use and is a great help in the kitchen.
Cons
none as long as they don't add to many gadgets to it.
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"Basic but great"
Version: Pester 1.1b11
Pros
Very simple to use and intuitive. Lots of different alarm sounds and ways to be notified.
Cons
Not sophisticated - but then it is freeware.
Summary
A great alternative to the reminders on ical and much simpler to use.
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"Hung Up and Did not work"
Version: Pester 1.1b11
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Tried to get it to do the simple warning in one minute and hung up and would not quit.
MacBook Pro 10.6. Had to force quit first time after running. -
"Very limited timer"
Version: Pester 1.1b10
Pros
not much. Interface is simple enough.
Cons
won't wake from sleep, if you shut down it won't remember anything you scheduled for the same day or the next. Don't shut your computer down because it won't recycle your schedule. Might as well use iCal.
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"Does just what it says ..."
Version: Pester 1.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Simple and efficient alarm while your working on your mac! A floating window pops up and reminds you of your appointment or whatever. Nothing more, nothing more : works perfect for me. -
"A fatal flaw"
Version: Pester 1.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
A nice simple interface. Would be very useful except for a fatal flaw. Let's assume I set a reminder for tomorrow at 8:00 AM. However, I over sleep and turn on the computer at 8:05 AM. -> No reminder appears.
Yes there is a record of an expired reminder if you check the reminder log, but I may never do that.
Sorry. Much too limited an approach -
"Not compatible with non english OS"
Version: Pester 1.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
It doesn''t work well on a non english system. It is confusing between hours on 24H and with AM/PM.
