Google Sites

I used Google Sites as a notebook rather than a website (web sites are what it’s designed for).  It let me create a browse-able categorized container of information that is viewable on any platform that has a web browser. It produces HTML without writing HTML, and allows it to be private with shared access privileges.  I am completely comfortable writing HTML, but the WYSIWYG design makes it completely seemless.  It also has many customization features to change the look.  I originally moved to Sites when Google discontinued Notebook (something they should have kept IMHO).

I also used simplenote, a very elegant, very simple, notebook with tagging.  simplenote also has an excellent iOS companion application.  I used Google Sites for large static notes, like instructions on how to do something technical, obscure command references, etc.  I used simplenote for small notes, like lists of things I want to research, etc.  The only thing I don’t like about simplenote is their implementation of markdown for rich text.  SimpleNote didn’t start life with rich text, it was bolted on afterward – poorly.

I moved everything to Evernote.  Evernote met all my needs, has a good iOS companion application, ability to create notebooks, rich text, and tagging.  They also have something they call Stacks, which is basically another container within a notebook to group similar items.  I re-thought the way I was managing notes and found it was easier to have all the notes in a single location.

I have about 250 notes in various categories, so it took a little bit of effort to get everything categorized into notebooks instead of web pages, but the effort paid off.  You can use Evernote’s iPhone app, iPad app, Desktop App, or browser App to view and/or update your information.

It’s noteworthy to mention (no pun intended) that I use Evernote for large notes (like instructions), not simple ones (like watch batteries).  For small simple notes, I use the iPhone Notes application.  The Notes app syncs via iCloud so notes can be accessed on the Mac or iPad as well.  When you use Notes sync for iOS, you view the notes inside the Mail app on OSX 10.7 and lower (I know, strange).  OSX 10.8 has a dedicated Notes app.

Next up: Google Reader