No offense, but I don't think this device is for you; you say you aren't looking for it to be a PDA, but you clearly want it to act like one. Remember, these are meant for browsing the internet/etc. Nevertheless, you can install the GPE suite that includes a calendar, to do list, etc. There is Maemopad+ and you can write down notes or whatever. I use the alarm sometimes. I set up the time I want it to go off, hit the power button, and select lock screen and keys, and that should save the battery for awhile. Even if you don't do that, it will go in "stand-by mode" anyway. I put that in quotations because it doesn't really have a stand-by mode so-to-speak, but the screen will turn off, which saves battery space.