note-taking

Get started with Google Keep

Google just made an announcement introducing Keep, its new note-taking service. Keep is currently available for devices running Android 4.0.3 and up, or through the Google Drive Web site. Notes will automatically sync between the Web site and the Android app.

After installing the Android app you'll be prompted to select the Google account you want to use with Keep. Once that's done, you can begin keeping notes. There are four different methods you can use to enter a note:

A quick note directly from the text box on the initial screen. Add a checklist by … Read more

Google Keep note-taking app spotted

Google could be working on a note-taking application.

Google+ user 1E100 yesterday revealed that a new note-taking application, known as Google Keep, had been discovered in the many places the search company hides products it's working on. 1E100 described a series of places Keep was discovered, including on Google's Products page, in Google Drive, and as part of the search giant's sandbox, where it tries out new products.

According to 1E100, Google might also be working on an Android app, as evidenced by a special URL that points to the application.

During the search, 1E100 was able … Read more

Getting started with note-taking and outlining app MagicalPad

Just because paper notebooks have things called pages doesn't mean a virtual notebooks need to have them. With MagicalPad, you can take notes and brainstorm on a freeform, page-less layout. The app was just updated this week and is currently on sale for 99 cents.

When you first launch the app, you'll see two default notebooks. This is a similar view to what you get with other note-taking apps such as Outline+, Paper, and Penultimate. Unlike these apps, however, MagicalPad's notebooks are filled with limitless workspaces instead of multiple pages.

From the notebooks home screen, you can … Read more

Getting started with Evernote's iPad handwriting app Penultimate

Penultimate is a 99-cent handwriting app from Evernote for the iPad. It's like Paper without artistic aspiration. You won't find any pencils or watercolor brushes here -- just pen and paper. But like Paper, Penultimate is simple and intuitive.

Penultimate organizes your notes into notebooks. When you first launch the app, you'll see a Welcome notebook that steps you through the app's various features. Tap the New Notebook button in the upper-left corner to create a new notebook. At the bottom of the screen are three buttons to share a notebook (via e-mail or send to … Read more

Jot down quick notes and passing thoughts with Pop for iOS

This post could be more accurately titled, "How to not be disappointed by Pop for iOS."

I say this not because I dislike the app. I do think it can be useful if you are the type of person who often employs sticky-notes reminders or scribbles down notes throughout the day. If you have yet to abandon your reliance on pen and paper for your iPhone because note-taking apps require too much tapping and a file hierarchy you'd rather not deal with, then the 99-cent Pop for iOS might hold some appeal. But be warned: it's … Read more

Evernote, Moleskine debut techy Smart Notebook

Keyboards schmeyboards. Whatever happened to writing with stationary? Before we totally descend into a touchy-feely world of screens and buttons, at least the new can co-exist with the old through the Evernote Smart Notebook, made in collaboration with Italian paper company Moleskine.

Why would a couple of companies call a bunch of blank pages smart? … Read more

Take better notes with the Echo Smartpen

Many mobile apps and desktop programs have offered intriguing note-taking capabilities, but the truth is: nothing beats handwritten notes. Typing might be more efficient, but even experts will tell you that writing by hand allows you to learn better, retain more information, and stimulates your brain.

For these reasons, subconsciously or not, many students and professionals still choose analog notes over the speed of a keyboard and searchable, typed words.

But if you're a handwriting romantic who embraces technology, you don't have to choose between the conveniences of technology and the comfort of the pen. Meet the Echo Smartpen … Read more

Rich multimedia notes with Evernote

Evernote for Android lets you keep track of your ideas using multimedia notes with text, voice clips, pictures, attached files, even location stamps. Also, it automatically backs up to your cloud-based Evernote account for easy access from any data-connected device.

Evernote's interface is incredibly sleek and easy to navigate, which is a big accomplishment, considering the myriad features the app offers. On the Home screen are four large buttons to get you started creating notes: New note (for text), Snapshot, Audio, and Attach. At the bottom of this screen, you can choose to view your notes, notebooks (folders for … Read more

How to get started with OneNote for iPad

With OneNote for iPad, Microsoft brought its note-taking app to Apple, but seemingly against its will. The free app lets you create up to 500 notes. After you hit the 500 mark, you'll be required to make a $14.99 in-app purchase to continue taking notes. The note limit isn't the only obstacle you'll encounter with OneNote for iPad; you'll also find restrictions placed on creating new notebooks, organizing notes, and assigning tags.

Launch the app, log in to your Windows Live account (or create a new one), and you'll see an attractive layout, complete … Read more