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
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
- 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. )