Year end Outliner/PIM review/roll call

Posted by Donovan
Jan 10, 2016 at 01:01 PM

Not too many changes in 2015. Going into ‘16, here’s what I’m working with:

Windows 7

RightNote - New for me in 2015. Love the web publishing option - it actually works in a very useful way and searches beautifully.
Notebooks by Alfons Schmid - Like it a lot for longer essay collections, etc. I wish it was quicker, as in snappier.
The Journal 7 - Personal journaling and frankly, this software could easily replace most tree-based outliners.
This works for me as I’m very text-oriented. That’s why I recently mentioned another piece of Windows software I have used since 1996 - the unknown but incredible EasyDesktop. It’s a whole different way to use Windows. Still actively developed.
http://www.microseconds.com/easydesktop-90.html

Web-based

Inbox by Gmail - For email AND it’s my to-do and life manager. Love the pinned reminders and emails. Much better than regular Gmail.
Dropbox Paper - It’s perfect for writing and collaboration. I share many notes and the simplicity is wonderful. I was an early-invite to ‘Paper’ and have been using it for a while now. I use it every day. Check it out and get on the waiting list:
https://www.dropbox.com/paper

iPhone/iPad

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Drafts - Couldn’t function on-the-go without it. My personal favorite iOS app.
Inbox by Gmail and Dropbox as listed above.

Most Important Tool:

The Professional Grade Laboratory Notebook by BookFactory - Yes, a hardbound 8x10 old-fashioned paper notebook.
Here’s the one I use (no referral code don’t worry):
http://www.amazon.com/BookFactory-Lab-Notebook-Laboratory-LRU-168-SRS-A-LKMST1/dp/B0062OGKT8
It’s just wonderful to use. 162 pages complete with six pages of 162 blank table of contents at the front. Lays flat with no issues. I use this more than anything and going “back to paper” real-time actually keeps me on track and is quicker (for me) than the software that I use. I’m very text oriented. I occasionally scan my notebooks and have a relatively recent “backup” all the time. It just works. And the battery life? Oh, wait…