It is interesting...I had never heard of the Pomodoro technique but independently developed a method in which each "work unit" is: 25 minutes. I wonder how many others have also concluded that 25 minutes is short enough not to be scary (if you have to force yourself to do it) but long enough to get something done.
For me 25 minutes are too short - you just get into something and it's time for the pause - especially for programming I think you need longer time periods.
When doing the pomodoro technique I usually go for 45 minutes work units + 10 minutes break. That way you get longer focus and when you take a break it's a real break (so you can get out and walk for a bit for example).
It really works for me and for my friends. And you are right, it's hard to conclude a "pomodoro" without any distractions, in this case you need some "tool" to help you.
We use http://orkanizer.com platform.
Ciao!
Works for most tasks, but recently I had to get my head inside 100 modules of crap (some open source stuff). Takes me several hours straight to 'get it'. Was very hard to find several hours in a row, working from home.
