by Philip Lop

Created on: December 20, 2010   Last Updated: December 21, 2010

Smart phones are intended to make users’ lives easier by offering a host of useful applications in one device. A particularly useful tool on the iPhone is the capability to set reminders. The benefit of using the iPhone in this way is that it is the one device that users are more likely to have with them than any other. Few iPhone users ever let their handset out of their sight, which means that they should receive reminders at the most relevant and convenient times.

Reminders are set on the iPhone using the Calendar function. Users effectively set up an appointment in the Calendar, which then sends an alert according to user-defined details.

To set a reminder, users should complete the following steps.

1 - Tap the Calendar icon on the home screen

2 - Tap the plus sign at the top right-hand side of the screen.

3 - The screen will now display the Add Event options. Add or edit details by tapping the arrow pointing to the right of each field.

4 - Give the notification a title (e.g. hand in work assignment). This is what will appear on the home screen when the reminder flashes up. A location is optional and may not be applicable.

5 - Set the time when the event is due using the Start and End screens. If the reminder needs setting on a regular basis (e.g. a weekly meeting) then enter the details via the Repeat button.

6 - Using the Alert option, users can select the amount of time before the item is due when the reminder will appear. This can range from five minutes to two days before. Note that users can set two Alerts. When the first Alert has been set, a second bar called Second Alert will appear.

7 - Additional notes can be added at the foot of the screen. These can be useful if the user needs some information (e.g. directions or an address) when the reminder pops up.

8 - Tap Done and the reminder will be set in the calendar.

9 - Tap Settings and then tap Sounds. Ensure that the button next to Calendar Alerts is set to ON.

When the reminder appears on the home screen, the iPhone will also beep twice, alerting the user to the event.

Users that have merged other calendars onto the handset (e.g. Google calendar) will need to select the calendar in which the event applies. This is completed in the Add Event screen.

Some users find that the beep of the reminder event is not audible or distinctive enough. There is an app in the iTunes store called Calendar Alarm, which can be downloaded for $0.99. This allows the user to customize the alarm to different, longer or louder sounds.

As well as helping users keep in touch, via the Calendar, the iPhone can also help people manage their time. This is a simple, but effective tool that should ensure nobody ever misses an appointment again.

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