Geeky Info

A quick update on my OneNote use so far in implementing it into my GTD processes.

For the time being I am pretty happy with OneNote. There are some significant features that need to be added to the product to make it the ultimate tool but I must admit for version 1, it is pretty impressive. I would say it has the possibility of being the killer app for Microsoft and I wonder if there are plans to launch a new version when longhorn arrives.

A quick list of the features that I would like to see:

1. Comprehensive outlook integration
I want the ability to be able to set categories on my tasks so that when I sync my palm with outlook it will capture all my tasks and assign them to the correct categories. Perhaps it can do this - but, I just can’t work it out the moment. Truth be told, this could be the missing feature that means I return to Zoot as my primary GTD task manager.

2. OLE support
My Microsoft printer driver doesn’t seem to be working at the moment and I can’t re-install it as my cd-rom drive is broken because I stepped on my notebook the other day (Don’t ask!!). So, I can’t include images of the document that way so I either cut and paste or I use the screen clipping feature. Imagine being able to edit your word or excel documents in your notes - while knowing at any time you can resend the original document back in the original format with your changes intact.

Things that I like very much:

1. RTF
Sounds basic in this era of graphical user interfaces. But, a quick read of the zoot forums will tell you that this is the most eagerly anticipated feature. It is one that will make Zoot soooo much better. The ability to be able to quickly clip pictures, web stuff etc quickly into my notes in onenote is very nice.

2. Folders, sections, pages, subpages
The way onenote is designed allows for great flexibility in being able to set it up to reflect the way you work. I have a @action folder that has sections for @home, @office, @waiting, @phone, @web, @computer etc. My other folders are @projects, @reference, @personal and folders for each of my blogs.

3. All in one place
I don’t know how to convey this effectively but this is one of the best things about onenote. I can bring together information quickly, move it around on the screen and this means that I see connections quickly, while at the same time being able to access my information easily.

4. Screen Clips
This is a nice feature. Clip any part of the screen and put it into your notes.

5. The feel
It just feels nice - what more can you say and what more do you want from software?

The big test will come when I return to work on Monday. It is then that I will see if onenote stands up to the management of the information and task management that is needed for my job. Zoot does it well - but onenote has some distinct advantages that Zoot does not have. Time will tell and I will let you know how I go.