Vitamin-R 4.18

Overview

Vitamin-R is a package for the Mac which provides a batch of tools and ways to avoid procrastination and get more done each day.

Using the tool, it is possible to set work periods and break periods. The software can then start a work period, monitor how much time is remaining and remind the user when they are getting close to their break time. These individual work periods are known as “time slices” within the application.

There is a “Now and Later Board” where the user can quickly add thoughts and new ideas while they are busy working on something else. This avoids the tendency to get distracted with the latest “shiny object” and can help to keep the user on track with completing their task on deadline.

The software can remove various distractions that could pop-up during each work “time slice.” It also keeps a reporting log of progress on work tasks.

Beyond the Mac OS X version, there is also a iPad version too. The desktop software is periodically updated to maintain compatibility with the latest iPad software release.

Installation

The installation completed without any issues.

There was no adware, toolbars, malware or spyware included with the setup package.

Vitamin-R requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later.

Interface

The interface mainly runs from the Apple tray where the app icon sits. The app can be activated using the CTRL + R hot key as well.

Time slices can be created and notes added about what a particular time slice reflects. A time slider is shown with a range of times and the ability for the user to drag a slide bar across to change the length of the time slicer they wish to set up. The readout will change to indicate the modified duration and ending time based on the adjustment.

Pros

• Avoid distractions and complete work on time
• Use a slide bar to adjust the length of each “time slice” when avoiding interruptions
• See the length of time set and the ending time
• Add timed breaks of 5 minutes or greater
• Use hot key or app icon to bring up time slide dialog window
• Tick tock visual notifications when there is only 10 minutes left on the timer

Cons

• None.

Alternatives

Concentrate is an appropriately-named alternative which has some good visuals, excellent options and has a 60 hour free trial version.

Conclusion

Vitamin-R is a cool procrastination-avoiding tool that can set timed bursts of activity with agreed upon breaks between this activity. The tool can remind the user when they are near the end of their work burst and block other activities while work should be going on.