Bonsai or alternative for project management and tracking?

[Aux]

I have been using BrainForest for a time as a basic IT project management tool. The outlines have only a couple of levels, usually a task to complete, with the individual steps nested beneath. On the PC, I keep the BrainForest window open through the work day, referring to it for to-do's, and recording new activities, and the resolutions of those completed.

I find that I use BrainForest more for this type of list management over outlining or note taking. I would like to move toward something that tracks more information. In most tools, task description, start and complete completion date are easy to track.

With a new application, I would also like the ability to record time expended, resolution / steps taken, etc., so the same list acts as a to-do list, project manager, and activity log. A strong Windows desktop companion app is as important as functionality on the Palm.

I have been looking at Bonsai, as it certainly has more data elements it tracks, but it lacks the ability for me to define my own items to track (for example computer name, program name, etc.)

Is Bonsai (or similar) the best type of application to use, or is there a more appropriate type. Specific recommendations?

[karasu]

Project at Hand by Natara (makers of Bonsai) 1.5.2 syncs with MS project and the Proj@Hand 2.0 is a great standalone that they are working on having sync but at present is only a desktop overwrites handlheld sync. (still in beta)

[tanker_bob]

Sounds like Shadow Plan will do what you want. Its strongest suit is the handheld app, but the desktop companion is coming into its own now. That's what I use. http://www.codejedi.com/ . Comes with great support.

[TechnoCat]

I compared Bonsai and Shadow Plan and decided I was better off with Bonsai. They are similar, but I found the Bonsai interface more intuitive, especially the desktop one.

[boomer]

Bonsai sounds like the answer as it has a great desktop app to go along with the intuitive interface.

[oz-nom]

What about Mac users?

[wellsjs]

I am happy with Bonsai and use the desktop counterpart about as much as the handheld app. I think Shadow Plan is very comparable but a little weaker in the desktop area. I have been using the export feature (html) at work to send project status updates for weekly conference calls. Everyone is pleased with the product. ;)