OneNote Replacement? A Few Options
I’ve been looking for some way to replace OneNote. It’s not that I mind paying for the software — even to Microsoft. After all, I can graciously admit this is one program that they do EXTREMELY well. And, nothing else I’ve seen in the opensource world even comes close. I have reviewed a couple other paid TabletPC-centric notes programs (like Evernote). I didn’t like them as much. And, OneNote 2007 is far superior to the 2003 version of the same program.
I’d pay twice the list price for OneNote 2007 — if it were available in a version that would run on Linux. I know there is a “windows environment” option for Linux that permits users to run Windows programs, but the fact is I open it far too often to switch back and forth to access it. I want my perfect notes program at fingertip access.
My only complaints with OneNote? I would like:
- a quicker launch time
- a way to easily export entire pages or notebooks in bulk
- it to run on Linux
- it to be opensource so the community that uses it could help improve it
For these reasons, I’m still searching. Since I think others may be wondering, researching and weighing their own options here, I’m sharing my finds.
A few opensource Note-Taking Options (some Linux only) you may want to investigate:
- Zim (a desktop wiki and outliner program)
- TiddlyWiki (a reuseable non-linear personal web notebook) – which can also be run from a thumbdrive (called “Tiddlywiki on a Stick”)
- Basket Notes – Looks great, but is Linux only
- Newton- a desktop wiki for Gnome2 Linux
- TomBoy – simple notetaking for Linux and Unix
- FreeMind - free mind-mapping software
- Keynote – an opensource (but currently abandoned) project with great reviews
- WikidPad – Notes for windows and linux platforms (more windows info here)
Paid Options you may consider:
- MyBase - entire note taking and information management system, impressive at first glance – runs on Linux or Windows or Pocket PC
- NoteStudio – I had to mention this one (was one of my favorite wiki-style programs when I used a Treo because it offered both Palm and Windows Desktop Platforms) and is what got me started on my love-affair with notes programs
A few online options:
- stu.dicio.us – an online notes program geared for students
- backpackit – online note taking and organization site
- cl1p.net – online “clipping” service for using information across multiple computers
- Nottr – write blog-style, send to email and phone
- Google Notebook – an online note taking program from the makers of my favorite search engine
- MyNoteIt – another student-oriented note taking online program
NOTE: I love note-taking software, but I shy away from anything that places my essential, private, business and personal information online. You, however, may not have those hangups 
Other thoughts:
- Personal Wiki – free and written for windows and mobile windows platforms
There is an amazing variety of open source note-taking options — from sticky notes to databases to wikis to text documents to mind-mapping to online versions to cross-platform straddling programs. It’s a personal decision, and a confusing one for those of us dedicating time and energy to finding the perfect open source, full featured note taking “silver bullet.”
(Note: Notebook image was taken from stock.xchng and from member scol22. )
I keep all my notes on a Tiddlywiki. I use a few of them now, and transfer them from WinXP to Ubuntu systems. I keep my important school notes backup/published at discourse.tiddlyspot.com. The Tiddlysnip extension integrates in Firefox to act sort of like Google Notebook. I can’t live without the silly things anymore. And the community is really helpful (google groups).
Like you I spent some time looking. I started with Google Notebook, Firefox Scrapbook extension, then went on to backpackit, BasKet notes, Zoho.com’s wiki. Tiddlywiki beat them by being so modifiable. The range of plugins is insane.
Carsons Post - April 12, 2007 9:56 am
I have yet to find a replacement for OneNote on Linux I like.
One feature I have yet to find in a replacement would be recording audio with notes attached to certain points in the audio file.
Justin - April 13, 2007 8:32 pm
I’m currently investigating Tomboy notes, Basket Notes and will then take a look at Zim desktop wiki as options. If none of these work, I’ll probably try a full-blown wiki again (and I’ll take your lead and try Tiddlywiki, Carsons.
Angela Parker - September 23, 2007 7:32 am
Zoho notebook (http://notebook.zoho.com) is excellent online option. It has very similar user interface and possibilities like OneNote 2007.
Kruno - December 18, 2007 6:43 am
Hi,
You should have a look at this site, you may browse the site because there is some other articles about it too.
http://wine-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/office-2007-on-linux-with-wine-install.html
sol0 - April 8, 2008 6:02 am
hi! onenote is what’s keeping me tied to windows. has anyone concluded what would be a satisfactory replacement? i really like the drag & drop ness of screenshots and digital images (doesn’t seem like it’s available in online versions), as well as the ability to share notebooks on a network.
kailas - May 2, 2009 8:30 am
Hi! Onenote kept me tied to windows too. On Linux, I use TreeDBnotes 3.xx running in WINE. It runs quite well, and allowed me to move all my OneNote notes into over to linux.
It lacks some of the functions of OneNote, but its really quite good. Other options include using MyBase (very good reputation and functions) in WINE,
TreePadSAFE also runs well in Wine, but it didn’t maintain formatting very well when I tried it last time.
Geo - August 27, 2009 12:17 am
Hi
I also like OneNote but have just started using it on a tablet PC. It has way more features than I will ever need.
I have found an open source program called LightScreen which will clip, copy and paste to Open Office documents. For me this is about 90 percent of what I need One Note to do.
All I really want is muiltiplatform that will take lightscreen clips and allow tablet PC scribbles.
john - September 12, 2009 11:07 pm
I’ll have to check that one out, John. Thanks for sharing!
Angela Parker - September 21, 2009 10:21 pm