Zenbe Lists

I’m not a big fan of making lists… usually I just wing it because, for someone as lazy as I am, it’s just a pain in the ass to do all that typing and then at the store I have to pull out the iPhone and start checking off items. However, most people are far more organized than me so I feel compelled to point out how easy Zenbe Lists is. I’ll admit that I’ve only used it as a shopping list once but it did the job and, for once in my life, I didn’t go “dammit I forgot to buy…” when I got home.

It’s simple to create a new list, name it, and start adding items. You can also re-order the list any way you want and swipe to get a delete button for trashing individual items. Once you’re done and you’re out there doing your thing, you can check off items one by one. Zenbe Lists moves checked items to the bottom for you which I would expect of any list-making app.

Ironically, the thing I find most impressive about this app by Robert Kieffer is its other big feature which I haven’t tried yet, and the only reason I haven’t tried is because I’m single and have no need to synchronize lists with my dog. In the screenshots you’ll see a “sync” button at bottom left. Pushing that will connect you with Zenbe’s website (you need to create an account first) and any changes you’ve made on your list will be updated for everyone you’re sharing it with via email or another iPhone.

Imagine this scenario: You’re married and you have a houseful of screaming children and every week there are certain things that need to be done, ie: drop off a check, buy Mary a new lunchbox, whatever. You and the spouse start the week by making a list and sharing it through Zenbe and, when either of you gets around to doing one of those things, you sync the lists and voila both of your iPhones (or email) are updated and each of you automatically knows what’s left. No more calling each other while you’re in line at the store to ask, “did you do this…?”

List sharing is a pretty great concept - too bad I don’t need it. It also works with iGoogle which I don’t use either, but the reports from other users look good. Here are a few comments I lifted from the App Store:

• The combination of the iPhone & iGoogle widget make this one of the most useful apps I’ve used on the iPhone, as I can constantly update things as I go. I would like to see an additional “notes” feature, but for a unitasker it’s really good. - by writeC
  
• My husband and I use this ALL the time and love it. Unfortunately we have so many lists, they’re out of control. We have multiple grocery lists for different stores, packing lists for various trips, and more! Some way to categorize these would be very helpful. - by sonneta
  
• This app is awesome! When I make changes to my shopping list, the list instantly updates on my husband’s phone as well. - by Cr269

So I guess the list-syncing works! A few users have also complained about Zenbe Lists crashing the iPhone and some had data-loss issues, but those complaints appear to be vastly outnumbered by all the chatter about everything Zenbe does right.

Zenbe Lists is free and, in my limited experience, it seems pretty solid. Even if you’re like me and only feel the need to make a list on rare occasions I think it’s still worth the download. One caveat, though: it’s NOT good for jotting down quick notes. Use iPhone’s default Notes app for that. If you’re on the phone and open Zenbe out of habit, you’ll get frustrated when you have to name your list while your boss rattles off all the crap you need to do by lunchtime.

If you have the occasion to use Zenbe Lists with iGoogle or sync with other people, please come back and let us know about your experience in the comments.