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Testing everything in search of the best all-around program choice(s) -- Ultra Recall so far...
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Posted by Chris Thompson
Sep 9, 2010 at 03:00 PM
Since you’re relatively comfortable with Linux, you should *definitely* check out org-mode:
http://orgmode.org/
It runs within Emacs, so you can use the same program and data files on both your Windows and Linux computers. It is also very, very feature-rich—probably the most-full-featured PIM that focuses on note-taking, writing, projects, and scheduling (as opposed to managing large numbers of binary files or wikis, where some other products have the edge). There is no data lock in because your files are ultimately plain-text, but it does support images and file attachments. Unlike OneNote, file attachments remain accessible in their original format without export and are searchable via the filesystem.
The downside is a tremendous learning curve, but the manual is excellent.
—Chris
Posted by Stephen Zeoli
Sep 9, 2010 at 03:38 PM
PersonalBrain is another option for those who like using the file system to organize their information, but want to also be able to create relationships among those data beyond the hierarchy, while also adding meta data, such as tags and annotations.
You can bring in your entire folder structure or just files relating to a specific project.
I imagine you can do this in UR, and I’m certain Zoot can do it. But those programs merely replicate the hierarchy. PB on the other hand allows you to define relationships visually and fluidly, so you can create necessary structure on a per project basis.
I’m not suggesting this way is better than any other way, but I am finding it very handy. And it provides a new view of your data even if you prefer to rely primarily on the file system.
Steve
Posted by Thomas
Sep 9, 2010 at 06:41 PM
> Ultra Recall, if I?m not mistaken, displays detail or notes for only one item at a time.
not ideal (as one still can’t view notes side by side) alternative is that UR allows you to open notes in multiple tabs which you can navigate through keyboard (Ctrl+tab)
Posted by Alexander Deliyannis
Sep 9, 2010 at 07:31 PM
TJohn,
If everyone’s 2 cents were like yours, this would be wikipedia :-) I am impressed.
Thanks for the heads up to various interesting applications I had never heard of. Here’s a couple more contributions:
>Of all the programs, Treepad does have the some of the broadest options for
>importing/exporting data and it’s cross-platform. As most posters here note, it’s
>just a little bit behind and could include newer features.
The Treepad Linux version (Lite only) has been developed long ago and is apparently not compatible with contemporary Linux distributions; see http://www.treepad.com/linux/treepadlite/ The developer recommends using Wine to run the Windows versions.
As Linux is also my second OS, I have found Notecase Pro an excellent cross-platform outliner that is continuously developed: http://www.virtual-sky.com/index.php
Also, I would suggest that you try out the very clever TreeSheets http://www.treesheets.com/, what I would call a 2.5-dimensional outliner.
>A program called PerfectNotes was unique because it appears to record audio
>lectures and allow notes to be added on a timeline.
This is great. Personally, I have been trying out Livescribe http://www.livescribe.com to similar effect, as I find using pen and paper much easier than typing when listening to people.
Last but not least, I recommend the brilliant Simidude, a cross-platform shared clipboard that can work wonders when using PCs with different OS’s in a network http://www.agynamix.de/products/simidude/
Posted by JasonE
Sep 10, 2010 at 01:46 PM
TJohn wrote:
> I might steer clear of OneNote. It?s really advanced but I suspect in a practical sense it might not be rapid enough for daily use.
What does “not rapid enough” mean specifically?
OneNote is the cornerstone of my digital productivity life. I utilize to such a degree that it is almost an axillary operating system.
I have never thought of it as not being rapid. I am just curious what aspect of its functioning is getting in your way.
JasonE