Turning Over a New Leaf

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110565260737825637,00.html' target='_blank'>http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110565260737825637,00.html</a><br /><br /></div>"It may seem like a backward step, and not the sort of thing a technology columnist would suggest, but have you ever thought of ditching your laptop, personal digital assistant or smart-phone for a pen and paper? "That's what an increasing number of people seem to be doing, and, having tried it myself, I heartily recommend it. The thinking is basically this: While we have pushed hard for our computers to do as much as they can for us, there are some things they haven't been able to do, or at least, aren't very good at. One is thinking for us. Another is making us physically more attractive (unless you're into online dating and know how to digitally touch up a photo of yourself). The third is being there for us when we most need them.<br /><br />"This last one, to me, is key: Our brains and our lives don't fit any neat schedule and environment -- we get ideas in the wrong places, at the wrong times. Our thoughts aren't always linear -- we're just as likely to want to draw a diagram, a list, a map, a picture or a chart as we are to enter words. And, perhaps most important, we like to be able to see the context of what we're writing, or doodling, even if it's just flipping back a few pages to see whether what we're writing is the same as a few days before."<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Jan2005-CellPhonePen.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Jeremy Wagstaff has written a thought provoking article in the Wall Street Journal. [Paid subscription required] I completely agree with the author; modern PDA technology has seen a lot of innovations but it still lacks a <i>certain something</i> when it comes to seamless usability in our day-to-day lives. I have tried my level best to use the mobile technology to jot down the quick reminders and small to-do lists. But none of the gadgets, neither the thumbpad based BlackBerry, nor the touch screen based Pocket PC or more recently voice notes on my Smartphone, have compelled and convinced me that it is <i>the</i> alternative to paper and pen. And it is not the fault of these mobile gadgets and solutions, they are all functional and powerful, it is just that they lack a <i>certain something.</i> This statement made by Jeremy sums it up - <i>"They're great for storing information, such as events, addresses and the like. But for capturing my thoughts -- from shopping lists to philosophies? Never."</i> What are your thoughts? Will you be picking up the good old pen this weekend to jot down your thoughts?

[Ben]

This is the ulitmate test, of course, for when smartphones and pdas have truly arrived: when they are our preference to traditional low tech solutions like pen and paper.

As it is, my calendar is best kept in a pocket calendar book, not a pda, and my thoughts, philosophies, task lists, and notes on legal pads, graph paper, or margins of other text. A smartphone is better for communicating, calculating, entertaining, and storing than a small book, but the blank book is better for creative activities.

To bridge the gap, the pda device has to power on and be ready to receive input, that could come in any form (voice, drawing, text), as quickly as opening the book and as intuitively stored in the proper place. And the data should be able to be input just as quickly. One should not need to wait a second to start the phone, spend a few seconds scrolling to the right application (calendar, task list, contact, notes), wait for the application to load, spend a few seconds finding the date in the calendar or proper blank page in notes, and then spend SEVERAL seconds just entering a tiny bit of information. Plus if you are jotting down notes to yourself, you have to save them as some file name, and the stylus is not a particularly "fine-tipped" instrument, so the small screen seems all the smaller when you are writing or drawing.

The high-tech solution also needs to be completely reliable (not locking up, out of power when I need it most, out of space, or some other fatal flaw that leaves me without any way to record). One great partial solution is the continuing improvement in the quality of the camera, which could be a very quick means of recording information (take a picture of the memo that tells you what time the meeting is: that's even faster than copying it by hand into your calendar book, though you do have to sort through your pictures later . . .)

[Kris Kumar]

...the pda device has to power on...One should not need to wait a second to start the phone, spend a few seconds scrolling to the right application (calendar, task list, contact, notes), wait for the application to load, spend a few seconds finding the date in the calendar or proper blank page in notes, and then spend SEVERAL seconds just entering a tiny bit of information. ...

One of my major annoyance with anything "smart".

The high-tech solution also needs to be completely reliable (not locking up, out of power when I need it most, out of space, or some other fatal flaw that leaves me without any way to record).

Have been in that situation a number of times. :cry: Even at tasks like GPS navigation, something that these mobile devices are supposed to handle so well, I have had to go thru reboot, and reboot and reboot. And then finally hunt down the paper map.

One great partial solution is the continuing improvement in the quality of the camera, which could be a very quick means of recording information (take a picture of the memo that tells you what time the meeting is: that's even faster than copying it by hand into your calendar book, though you do have to sort through your pictures later . . .)

Good suggestion. 8) Infact with both the SMT5600 and MPx220 I have tried to take snapshots of the shopping list I have on my fridge. Works well with PPC and MPx220. But viewing it on the MPx220 didnt work that well.

[Jason Lee]

Everything i can do with a pad of paper and a pen, and more, can be done with the notes program.... if you want to jot down a quick appointment you can use notes just as easy as a pen and paper.. then put it into the calendar later if you want. This makes no sence to me what so ever. :?
Of course i won't read anything anymore unless i can put it on my pocket pc. Books, news.. what ever. It is such a hassle to carry pen and paper around all the time. I carry one thing, my pocket pc phone. I can't take pictures with my pen and paper, i cannot make phone calls on my paper, watch movies, organize things.. I'm sorry but you cannot cut and past ideas on a paper, or insert more notes above somewhere you have alreay writen past. I took note all through college on somekind of pda or laptop. Many of my professors would jump all over the place with thoughts or go back to something previously mentioned. I can't go back and add stuff in on paper, i end up trying to draw lines to connect ideas, plus i cannot read my own handwriting... This just baffles me...
I think it has more to do with the psychological effects from holding and feeling the pen and paper. That's not they way my mind works. I always had trouble or got in trouble for not taking note back in highschool. I am so anal about things that it drove me crazy to try and organize notes or ideas on paper. But thats just me. I'll admit it is very dificult to make an airplain out of my pocket pc... But i can fly one with leo's flight sim. ;)

My pocket pc has greatly reduced my need for therapy. :D

[Janak Parekh]

Everything i can do with a pad of paper and a pen, and more, can be done with the notes program.... if you want to jot down a quick appointment you can use notes just as easy as a pen and paper.. then put it into the calendar later if you want. This makes no sence to me what so ever. :?
Exactly.

Of course i won't read anything anymore unless i can put it on my pocket pc. Books, news.. what ever. It is such a hassle to carry pen and paper around all the time.
Agreed. I don't think I have a pen in my bag right now, believe it or not.

I've gone very close to paperless, so I completely disagree with the author (minus reading the full article). It's just a matter of breaking habits and enforcing them. On the desktop, I'll use OneNote, and on the road I'll use my Pocket PC, Smartphone, or Tablet PC. I find it now very uncomfortable to use pen and paper, and will only do so once or twice a month when I'm absolutely in no position to use my electronic devices -- and then compulsively copy them down into my desktop. I'm much happier this way -- I used to hate it when I lost a piece of paper with an important note.

Mind you, a Smartphone is not enough at this time, due to its lack of a touchscreen. But if you carry a Pocket PC too it has everything one needs.

--janak

[lsbeller]

I think the author touches on something many feel but this is also why I use a TabletPC coupled with a smartphone. I like to write but I also like to have my writing easily copied and pasted into various computer applications as well.

[amitregev]

I disagree with the author.

This is a matter of habits. As someone who is pretty young among most of the people I work with (I'm 24 BTW), I notice that I almost never use a paper to write something - if I do, I'm already sure I will lose it 8O having a PPC or SP to write/record it in is almost the only solution for me to remember doing something. (for me it is like an expensive sticky, and this is why I won't lose it :D )

When I visit my parents at home and talk to my father, which uses a Palm device (I never understood why he prefers Palm OS.... :? ) I notice he usually still uses papers to write him self reminders.

The only thing I'm still doing with a paper most of the time is reading books - as the author said, when it comes to books, there is just that something that I enjoy having when reading a book. But I think this is also because I was thought to read books when I was a little boy.

I'm pretty sure little kids that will get used to read e-books, and as device screens technology will become more advanced with OLED etc. we will also see less and less books.

This is all a matter of habits, and this is that 'something' the author is missing.

[Kris Kumar]

It is such a hassle to carry pen and paper around all the time.

The beauty of pen and paper is that it is found everywhere. ;-)

[qyv42]

I could not possibly disagree more! I remember the days of scrawled handwritten notes without the ability to edit or easily transfer to a digital medium for superior organization and storage (finding notes I took a month ago on a legal pad??? Forget it!). Moving to digital has made me so much happier and more productive. I'll use a pen and paper only when forced, as it's always less convenient.

The one point I'll grant is that input on a device small enough to carry around in a pocket is still not where it needs to be. But the advantages outweigh that single disadvantage by far.

[Kris Kumar]

This is all a matter of habits, and this is that 'something' the author is missing.

I would in general agree with that. I grew up on pen and paper. As mentioned all my attempts to switch over completely to the gadgets has not worked. :oops:

I believe that my kids might grow up reading e-paper and e-books, and never understand the joy of reading from a paper based book or the Wall Street Journal that is delivered to the door step. ;-)

[Kris Kumar]

I think the author touches on something many feel but this is also why I use a TabletPC coupled with a smartphone. I like to write but I also like to have my writing easily copied and pasted into various computer applications as well.

You stole the words out of my mind. 8)

Tablet PC is the only alternative that I can think of using in the "future". I use future because I feel that it still has some kinks. For one it is bulky.

But I like potential it holds. I write and sketch a lot. Diagrams, visualize concepts....and when I get mad and I am not finding the right solution, I can take my anger at the piece of paper...crumple it and throw it away. And if I am really mad, toss the pen too. ;-) Not sure if I can do that with my PDA yet!

[Kris Kumar]

Mind you, a Smartphone is not enough at this time, due to its lack of a touchscreen. But if you carry a Pocket PC too it has everything one needs.


Agreed.

I have tried Pocket PC and don't get me wrong. I love the handwriting recognition on it. But it's just does not work for me. I can manage. In fact I do take a lot of notes and scribbles on it.

But when I am in a hurry, or want something I know will work, my instincts point me in the direction of pen and paper. Maybe it is a matter of habit.

[Kris Kumar]

I see all the current crop of gadgets as great organizers. Great way of storing and archiving my thoughts, once I have framed the thought on a piece of paper.

I don't mean to say that I cannot think without paper or that I rely on paper for every single writing.

It is only those special moments and the special thoughts, that deserve pen and paper.

On a side note...I don't send e-greetings to anyone for the same reason. I would rather not send a paper card then send an e-greeting. But I do rely on my Smartphone to remind me when to send the card. ;-)

[Jerry Raia]

This is very interesting. I think some of it is evolutionary as well. We evolved drawing on cave walls and inside things we built. Our brains grew from this of perhaps grew because of it. Most of us who are older (50 like myself) spent most of our time with paper and pen. I wonder what the age correlation is for this. I like the PDA/Phone for looking at my calendar and sending an email. But when I want to jot something down, I reach for the paper and pen.

[Janak Parekh]

Maybe it is a matter of habit.
It is -- I grew up on paper too, and if I interpret it correctly you're a bit younger than me, but I've switched. I don't carry any blank paper in my bag, and actually find it inconvenient to have to look for paper and a pen!

In my case, I've also switched to virtually only electronic news and ebooks, too...

--janak

[Jason Dunn]

Very interesting discussion guys! Myself, I use pen and paper very infrequently...usually when I don't have a device handy. I think it's a limitation of input - as in, I don't always have my phone/Pocket PC with me, but there's always a pad of 3M sticky notes beside every phone in the house for grocery lists, messages, notes, etc. I think once we have networked, smart digital paper this will go away. Imagine having small digital notepads, very small and thin, and very cheap ($50 or less). You'd have a few lying around the house, close to locations where you'd need them. Then imagine any notes that you put on these devices, whether they be written/audio or (in the future (video) would be wirelessly synched up with your devices/computer. So ANY device (including any other smart digital pad) would have all of the notes you made on any other device. Wouldn't that be cool? 8)

[Torque]

I have to disagree with the author,

Ever since my first palm handheld in 99 I haven't used a pen and paper for jotting down notes. Technology is useful to me for the things that I do. I can't imagine ever going to back to using a notepad for anything. The notes program or pocket word is more than enough for me to "jot things down", but there are other programs that do things you can't do with pen and paper. Go low tech if you want. High tech works for me.

[Mike Temporale]

For some people, sure - a pen and paper is all they need. My mom would really like to give up the computer, but she knows it the best way to keep up with my brothers and I. :wink:

"Our brains and our lives don't fit any neat schedule and environment -- we get ideas in the wrong places, at the wrong times. Our thoughts aren't always linear -- we're just as likely to want to draw a diagram, a list, a map, a picture or a chart as we are to enter words."

Jeremy is right, our thoughts are not very linear, but that doesn't mean that computers/gadgets can't help sort through our active lives. That's where programs like vNotes or just plain voice recorder come in. If you have a thought, just record it, and deal with it later. This is especially handy if you're a little slow using the various different input methods available to the Windows Mobile world.

For me, I still have a pen and paper by the phone at work and at home. I carry a pen - although it's a very cool 3 in 1 pen (Stylus/Pen/Pencil) - that I use for getting client sign off, or what not. I've had the pen for 6 years or so, and I have only changed the ink in it once. However, I'm surprised that the stylus hasn't worn out! :wink:

[Mike Temporale]

I think once we have networked, smart digital paper this will go away. Imagine having small digital notepads, very small and thin, and very cheap ($50 or less). You'd have a few lying around the house, close to locations where you'd need them. Then imagine any notes that you put on these devices, whether they be written/audio or (in the future (video) would be wirelessly synched up with your devices/computer. So ANY device (including any other smart digital pad) would have all of the notes you made on any other device. Wouldn't that be cool? 8)

Very cool idea! :drool: I love the idea of connecting different and unusual items. :D

[Kris Kumar]

I think once we have networked, smart digital paper this will go away. Imagine having small digital notepads, very small and thin, and very cheap ($50 or less). You'd have a few lying around the house, close to locations where you'd need them. Then imagine any notes that you put on these devices, whether they be written/audio or (in the future (video) would be wirelessly synched up with your devices/computer. So ANY device (including any other smart digital pad) would have all of the notes you made on any other device. Wouldn't that be cool? 8)

:drool: That will be a nice extension to my Smartphone. Then we wouldn't be cribbing about the lack of touch screen or thumbpad on our Smartphones. The Smartphones can stay small and light, and still carry all my information.

For the benefit of the readers who cannot access the WSJ article. The author has two recommendations:

For folks who are hardcore paper and pen junkies, this is where you guys need to go: Italian designer notebooks from Modo &amp; Modo (www.moleskine.it) and for a down to earth alternative, Alwych. (www.alwych.co.uk)

And for folks who cannot think beyond gadgets and share Jason's dream, check out this Logitech io Digital Pen here (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/features/digitalwritingtopics/US/EN,CRID=2095,parentCRID=1545,contentID=9287) and here. (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/features/digitalwritingtopics/US/EN,crid=2095)

I personally am leaning towards the Logitech io. This came out a couple of years ago. And looks like the software has been refined. But it still needs special paper. (Which defeats the purpose of using pen and paper, that paper is the most easily found element on this planet.)

I would like to see Logitech io getting integrated with Microsoft's Tablet PC Ink technology. So that the Logitech io pen is an extension of the Tablet PC's stylus.

[SassKwatch]

In large part, I think it depends on what one grows up with that will be most comfortable and to which we tend to gravitate. And as a *very general rule of thumb*, the older one is, the more gadgetphobic one tends to be. The author of this article is probably about 120. :)

The gadget world is far from perfect. And at times can be downright frustrating. But I hate it when someone hands me a piece of paper to deal with at work. My first response is always 'Can you attach that to an email and send it to me.' I'd *much* rather deal with an electronic Inbox w/ 500 items in it than those silly analog destop stackable trays with 50 items in it. The electronic version is just *SO* much easier to manage....at least for me. And I suspect I'm old enough to be the father of many SPT visitors.

This article reminds me of the refrain I hear so frequently at work..."I'm just not a computer person." And I can't help but think in response...."Yeah, well unless you're getting ready to retire in the next 5 yr, you better get the heck over it because 'computers' are only going to become more prevalent as time passes and a lack of computer skills is only going to jeopardize your job'. Quite frankly, I think that refrain in many cases is just a copout because the speaker doesn't *want* to learn new skills.

&lt;/soapbox off>

[sojourner753]

This would be an excellent PPCT and SMTPT joint discusstion.

Anyway, I have to admit that at work I still use pen and paper in meetings. Not because I've found that pen and paper are better. I think its more like a stand-out-a-phobia. :oops:

Or maybe its my since-youre-so-efficient-you-do-all-the-minutes-a-phobia. 8O

I am at a point where I take my pda into the meetings. And actually sit it on the table. But don't really use it except for the calendar.

Maybe I'll make a new years resolution to use it more. Force my self to discover whether it will really work or not.

[Mike Temporale]

In large part, I think it depends on what one grows up with that will be most comfortable and to which we tend to gravitate. And as a *very general rule of thumb*, the older one is, the more gadgetphobic one tends to be. The author of this article is probably about 120. :)

Not to generalize everyone in an older age bracket but.... :rotfl: :wink:

This article reminds me of the refrain I hear so frequently at work..."I'm just not a computer person." And I can't help but think in response...."Yeah, well unless you're getting ready to retire in the next 5 yr, you better get the heck over it because 'computers' are only going to become more prevalent as time passes and a lack of computer skills is only going to jeopardize your job'. Quite frankly, I think that refrain in many cases is just a copout because the speaker doesn't *want* to learn new skills.

Well said. I hear that same thing all the time. I think in the next 5 - 10 years we are really going to see things take off as many of the older CEO's start to retire and a younger, more computer friendly generation starts to take over. About 7 or 8 years ago I worked on the helpdesk in the corporate office for a company that was listed in the top 5 of Fortune 500. The Canadian CEO didn't even have a computer and he refused to get one. His assistant would even print off his email for him. 8O He's now retired, and as more people like him retire we're going to see some serious changes. :D

[allenalb]

ever since phatpad 1.3 i have switched completely to pocket pc for quick notes. i even leave my ppc on other peoples desks when i have to leave them a note. you wouldn't believe how many people have purchased pocket pcs at my job just because of this alone. i was so successful in convincing people, that 3 of them actually got a vga ppc BEFORE me :evil:

i can't wait until they become as ubiquidous and as sturdy as the PADDs on star trek so we can actually toss them on a desk in disgust when they have a note we don't like :)

[Jerry Raia]

I wouldnt call myself gadgetphobic with 2 cellphones, a PPC, a digital camera, 4 computers, a laptop, a portable satellite radio and a ton of other stuff. When someone tells me something I need to write down pulling out the PPC, turning it on, starting the note program, opening a new file (waiting for all that to happen IF I dont have to reboot the PPC) takes a bit longer than jotting it down on a piece of paper. Its a matter of being efficient at times.

Unless of course you like the way people look at you go through that ritual when all they want to do is give you a name or a number.

[Janak Parekh]

When someone tells me something I need to write down pulling out the PPC, turning it on, starting the note program, opening a new file (waiting for all that to happen IF I dont have to reboot the PPC) takes a bit longer than jotting it down on a piece of paper. Its a matter of being efficient at times.
Well, the delay up-front saves you later on when you don't lose the note. :P Efficiency can be defined multiple ways...

I find that I'm pretty quick at looking up info or setting up note-jotting on a Smartphone/Pocket PC, and that most people (even in NY!) don't mind waiting an extra second or two.

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

This would be an excellent PPCT and SMTPT joint discusstion.
That's an excellent idea... I should cross-reference this post on PPCT. :D

--janak

[Jerry Raia]

Well, the delay up-front saves you later on when you don't lose the note. :P Efficiency can be defined multiple ways...

Details Details. I think loosing notes makes one more endearing. Just ask my GF :lol:

[Mike Temporale]

...waiting for all that to happen IF I dont have to reboot the PPC) takes a bit longer than jotting it down on a piece of paper. Its a matter of being efficient at times.

Well, there are shortcuts to help speed those steps. On the PPC, you can press the record or note button and it should open the notes application and create a blank note for you.

On the Smartphone, I used to hit the record button on my Tanager and just babble out the note. However now that there is no record button, I just have the app setup on speed dial. :)

[Jerry Raia]

If you guys keep taking all the steam out of my posts I'm gonna take all my toys and play elsewhere. :razzing:


grumble grumble, ill try the &amp;^$# record button....

[Mike Temporale]

It's not like that. We're trying to help you turn over a new leaf, and join the digital world. :lol:

Seriously, there is no right and wrong here. It's all whatever you find more natural. :wink:

[Jerry Raia]

It's not like that. We're trying to help you turn over a new leaf, and join the digital world. :lol:

Seriously, there is no right and wrong here. It's all whatever you find more natural. :wink:

Hey I'm so digital I sieze up when I walk by a strong magnet.
Truth be told the one of the few times I took a note on my PPC for somebody else, when it came time to recall it I had lost the damn note! The razzing I have gotten for that continues today. I've never recovered :cry:

[Jason Lee]

I use the record button method sometimes. I find it quicker to use the "new" button from the today page or any app that supports it. just 2 taps, new, note. :) I also have a shortcut to notes on the today page with pocket plus.
This is a fun discussion. :D

[Kris Kumar]

Voice recognition based data entry would be cool for a Smartphone. But it can be annoying. I hate when people talk on the cell phone in public places. And for folks who do not use PDAs because others consider it geeky, will definitely not be able to use the VR based Smartphones. ;-)

The more I think about it, I like Jason's idea. And want Logitech io2 to offer Bluetooth sync capability. And make it compatible with Smartphones and Windows Mobile devices. That will be awesome.

I heard that Palm Treo is implementing an eye gesture based Graffiti. ;-) :rotfl: [just kidding]

[Kris Kumar]

Hey I'm so digital I sieze up when I walk by a strong magnet.
Truth be told the one of the few times I took a note on my PPC for somebody else, when it came time to recall it I had lost the damn note! The razzing I have gotten for that continues today. I've never recovered :cry:

Jerry, I can relate to you. I have tried different gadgets. My friends call me the gadget guy. But every time I try to show-off the advantages of the modern day gadgets, it bombs. :-(

[Jerry Raia]

Hey I'm so digital I seize up when I walk by a strong magnet.
Truth be told the one of the few times I took a note on my PPC for somebody else, when it came time to recall it I had lost the damn note! The razzing I have gotten for that continues today. I've never recovered :cry:

Jerry, I can relate to you. I have tried different gadgets. My friends call me the gadget guy. But every time I try to show-off the advantages of the modern day gadgets, it bombs. :-(

It's a curse I tell ya! Actually I have had one area of success with this. Usually when I am getting dragged around stores I have no interest in by my GF, I'll read the news on my PPC. When she starts to make a big deal out of some item I flip over to the note program and write it down. All the while she thinks I'm reading the news. When the item shows up as a gift, she cant believe I remembered. Guys thats worth a lot of points let me tell ya. :)

[Janak Parekh]

Guys thats worth a lot of points let me tell ya. :)
Hopefully she doesn't read this site. :lol:

--janak

[Jerry Raia]

Guys thats worth a lot of points let me tell ya. :)
Hopefully she doesn't read this site. :lol:

--janak

Doesn't even know the name of it. She has no interest in my geek side. :lol:

[ctmagnus]

I believe I mentioned this in the same thread on PPCT, but PhatPad 2.1 was released yesterday.

Anyways, in my opinion, the sole advantage that paper has over electronic means is that it feels like paper.

I'm in a bit of an interesting situation: I've been using Calligrapher almost exclusively for a few months now but after winning a copy of Fitaly yesterday, I'm going to give that a whirl for the speed increase that some experience. The drawback to that is that Fitaly doesn't integrate with PhatPad the way Calligrapher does. So, do I use Calligrapher and use three steps to create a note (turn unit on, tap Calligrapher icon on SIP button/in tray, tap PhatPad icon) or more steps to create a note using PhatPad/PhatNotes/Alarm Notes/Notes with Fitaly, or do I use paper?

Also, I ordered myself a Moleskine notebook last week. From everything I've read about them, there's as much of a cult around them in their own community as there is around PPCs over at PPCT. Plus, they have pockets!

[Mike Temporale]

I run Fitaly on my Pocket PC, and have for the last couple years. At first, I thought it was crazy, a new keyboard? I'll never get used to another layout. HA! Fitaly rocks - I don't think I could go back. 8)

As great as Fitaly is, it still doesn't feel like paper. :wink: :lol:

[Jerry Raia]

Everytime I look at Fitaly I freak. I just can't get used to it. I'm at my wits end with some of the others though. I used to really like Tengo but even the new version has problems on my 4705 :cry:

All of this still makes me reach for paper when it has to be fast.

[Kris Kumar]

Also, I ordered myself a Moleskine notebook last week. From everything I've read about them, there's as much of a cult around them in their own community as there is around PPCs over at PPCT. Plus, they have pockets!

Cool, do let us know what you think about it. I was checking out the website, the history and all...afraid that if I get myself one of those, I might have to go in for a wardrobe change.

I ordered the Logitech io2, should be in sometime this week. It's geeky, yet I can feel the paper. :-) Hoping that now my random notes can be captured.

Also waiting for the BT keyboard prices to come down a bit and Smartphone drivers for them.

[ctmagnus]

The arrived today! I'm so happy! http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/1luvu.gif

Here's a pic (http://photos1.flickr.com/4172293_baba262b31_b.jpg)

The top one is the small Ruled Notebook and the bottom one is the large Memo Pockets.

Edited to point to flickr site.

Edited second time to point to flickr non-member site :oops:

[Mike Temporale]

The arrived today! I'm so happy! http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/1luvu.gif

Here's a pic (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/media/users/3482/New_Moleskines.jpg) (1600x1200, 948.1 KB)

The top one is the small Ruled Notebook and the bottom one is the large Memo Pockets.

They look really nice. How do you turn them on? :wink:

[Jerry Raia]

How's the battery life?

[Jason Lee]

wow! i can see why everone likes them so much, they have that awsome built in screen cover! Now if HP would get on the band wagon! :lol:

[ctmagnus]

Hmmm...

A case made out of the same stuff as the covers on these things? Not a bad idea! It's fairly durable and all, but it's not the least scratchng material.

[ctmagnus]

The arrived today! I'm so happy! http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/1luvu.gif

Here's a pic (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/media/users/3482/New_Moleskines.jpg) (1600x1200, 948.1 KB)

The top one is the small Ruled Notebook and the bottom one is the large Memo Pockets.

They look really nice. How do you turn them on? :wink:

I'm not sure yet. I think it may require two hands. ;)

[ctmagnus]

How's the battery life?

They haven't died yet. ;)

[Kris Kumar]

The arrived today! I'm so happy! http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/1luvu.gif

Here's a pic (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=4172293&amp;size=l)

The top one is the small Ruled Notebook and the bottom one is the large Memo Pockets.

Edited to point to flickr site.

8)

I am sure you are enjoying your writings. Must feel like driving a stick shift car. :-)

[sojourner753]

Everytime I look at Fitaly I freak. I just can't get used to it. I'm at my wits end with some of the others though. I used to really like Tengo but even the new version has problems on my 4705 :cry:

All of this still makes me reach for paper when it has to be fast.

I got a tip from PPCT about a program called AudioNote. Its a today plugin that looks for audio recordings with a particular prefix and displays a message on the today screen. "You have audio notes."

Now I use the built-in recorder on my PPC when it has to be fast. Or if I'm in the car.

[ctmagnus]

The arrived today! I'm so happy! http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/1luvu.gif

Here's a pic (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=4172293&amp;size=l)

The top one is the small Ruled Notebook and the bottom one is the large Memo Pockets.

Edited to point to flickr site.

8)

I am sure you are enjoying your writings. Must feel like driving a stick shift car. :-)

Actually, I haven't got much written in it yet. (I haven't entered much info on my iPaq since I got them either, so it may just be a downturn.) I've been using the memo pockets a fair bit though. I have a lot less loose paper lying around since I've been using the Pockets, which is rather ironic as last year I swore I'd do everything digitally and decided to be a bit more analog this year.