Managing timezones - diaries, outlook conference calls

[simongr]

Hi all
AS my internation travel ramps up and the global team I am on gets more organised I am running into a number of issues with the most reliable and effective ways to manage my diary whilst on the move. I had a situation this week where I am currently in Auckland, my computer timezone cant be changed from OZ (and that might cause problems anyway) and I have a conference call with a colleague in the UK. I just had to email him the times as I was not convinced that any of the information I had was reliabe.

So I was just wondering what other people do to make this easier? I used to use my pocketpc/phone and I could set a visiting timezone function and that worked pretty well.

I just find it difficult not so much to attend appointments - but working when to schedule an appointment.

So just wondering what other people do?

Cheers
S

 

[Dave Noble]

Personally , I just change the timezone on my laptop when abroad

A nice programme/screensaver I use for keeping track of the relative time round the world is sunclock from mapmaker. Have a look at Sun Clock 6

I can just look at the screen and it shows me the time in any city which I have added to the display

Version 6 is free of charge

Dave

 

[dajop]

Thankfully most of my calls are with one of two time zones, Singapore (easy), and Central US time. I actually have my outlook calendar set to display both the Melbourne time and Central US time, although that is now redundant as I have done the conversion so many times, it's all in my head.

The world clock meeting planner is also a tool I find useful if dealing with other parts of the world.

 

[simongr]

Yeah - I use the world clock meeting planner a lot (I do a screen print of it for mrs sim every time I go away). The issue is more around getting diaries to set reminders at the right point.

I think I need to speak to IT regarding the timezone on laptop

 

[bigjobs]

i let my phone update automatically to the time zone and use SunClock from MapMaker to track times elsewhere on the globe

 

[NM]

I use my Dell Axim Pocket PC as my diary, alarm clock, travel itinerary details etc when I am travelling. It has the concept of a home timezone and a visiting timezone. Quick and easy to change timezones and it adjusts the alarms and diary items and reminders according to whatever timezone is set. That is standard Windows Mobile 2003SE function so will work with any such Pocket PC.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I have a couple of timezones set up in Outlook, use timeanddate.com when online, and update my phone on arrival (sometimes this works automatically and other countries I have to do it manually).

I'm on the lookout for a multi-time zone watch but the ones I've seen so far look naff.

I find the time zones I deal with regularly are not too much hassle, it is the different dates for daylight saving that often catch me out. When I'm away from my home base I find it easier to convert to home time and then to the 3rd time zone in 2 steps (much the same with currencies).

 

[Mal]

I sometimes use the following application to help view time zones when on the go:

Download details: Microsoft Time Zone (Standard)
(Microsoft Time Zone)

There are third party applications available as plugins into Outlook. I dislike MS Exchange and don't use it so can't recommend any in particular.

 

[bigjobs]

I'm on the lookout for a multi-time zone watch but the ones I've seen so far look naff.

.

i have a Casio G-Shock digital watch that has all time zones programed into it. at the moment i am in USA Mountain time and i just press the button to find that time zone and leave it set. it also displays time in Brisbane for me - only bummer is that the alarms dont adjust, so alarms are currently going off at 2pm in the arvo.

it looks subtle too - not like the big chunky G-Shocks.

 

[Febs]

Personally I just leave my laptop set to Sydney time, and change everything else (phone, watch etc..)

That way I can see what time it is in the office at a quick glance, but I'm on local time whenever I check my watch or phone.

For managing multiple timezones, there's a few Active Desktop utilities out there that'll put a small unobtrusive cluster of clocks on your desktop, showing whatever timezones you like (sorry, not sure of the names of these programs).

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Maca44]

I take a 30gb ipod and check the clock page which shows the various time zones where I travel. Currently in Seattle and easy to look up time in Sydney or whereever where I need to contact.

 

[sue_in_oz]

Hi there

My first post here - have been observing for a bit though - so much great info - thanks

I use Qclock on my lappy - as I need Singapore (usually easy though sometimes I stuff it up), Germany, eastern & central US. Has a free version & a paid Pro version, see Qlock - World Clock

hth

Sue

 

[serfty]

Hi sue_in_oz, welcome to AFF.

Thank you for that link; Qlock seems a nice utility.

I noticed you as a newest registration earlier today, so I guess you have been scanning the many threads/posts here in the time that has passed since.

 

[JohnK]

I noticed you as a newest registration earlier today, so I guess you have been scanning the many threads/posts here in the time that has passed since.

Unless you know something this does not appear to be an unusual occurrence. Whenever you view the statistics for AFF you will see that the number of guests outnumbers the number of members easily. I lurked as a guest for a while and only registered as a member when I was ready to post.

Current statistics

Currently Active Users: 30 (5 members and 25 guests)

 

[serfty]

Unless you know something this does not appear to be an unusual occurrence. Whenever you view the statistics for AFF you will see that the number of guests outnumbers the number of members easily. I lurked as a guest for a while and only registered as a member when I was ready to post. ...

Nup, it was on the lines of "Welcome to out newest member ..."; so definitely not a "Guest".

 

[NM]

My first post here - have been observing for a bit though - so much great info - thanks

Welcome to AFF.

I use Qclock on my lappy - as I need Singapore (usually easy though sometimes I stuff it up), Germany, eastern & central US. Has a free version & a paid Pro version, see Qlock - World Clock

For finding a suitable time across multiple timezones, I use a simple Excel Spreadsheet that presents me a matrix by hour across my most used timezones. That way I can select a row or column that relates to a specific time in one zone and see what time that would be in the other zones. It then has a check-box to select northern and southern daylight savings to adjust accordingly.

 

[Flashback]

I think I need to speak to IT regarding the timezone on laptop

Yep, they're your friends - it will be the group policy rolled out to your notebook that would more than likely be what's stopping you from making the changes... good luck asking them to remove it!

 

[JohnK]

Some companies are very strict on all PC's adhering to MDE (managed desktop environment) policy. You cannot install software, change registry entries etc.