Online Note & Task Management

I've been looking for a quick and easy application to track my tasks and notes.  I had been using Microsoft Outlook, but it's rather cumbersome.  The problems I have with Outlook include;

• Outlook is slow to startup.  I don't always have Outlook running and firing it up takes some time.
• Adding notes and tasks to Outlook is a bit cumbersome.  I'm looking for something quick and easy.
• Creating categories in Outlook is not intuitive and lacks flexibility.  For example, you cannot created nested categories.
• Notes and Tasks are in different places in Outlook.  You have to jump between screens to see everything.

I stumbled across an application called EverNote that has met my needs, and exceeded my expectations.  I simple love this app!  EverNote is a fast, flexible, free little application specifically designed for quick note taking and task management.

Here is what I like about EverNote:

• It's a quick, small application.
  • You can minimize it to the System Tray.  It's only a mouse click away
  • Notes and tasks can be created quickly
  • It starts up fast
  • It consumes very few system resources
• EverNote can be set to start when Windows starts
• Flexible category management
  • Create your own categories
  • Each category can be assigned it's own icon
  • Standard categories can be removed
• Simple, clean, drag-and-drop interface
  • To assign a category to a note, simple drag the category name to the note
• Deleted notes go into an internal "recycle bin" before being permanently deleted
• It's Free!
  • There is an advanced version available for ~ $50, but for my needs, the freeware version works quite well.

If you need a quick and easy to use note and task tracking application, I'd highly recommend giving EverNote a try.  You will not be disappointed.  The EverNote website has a nice list of user testimonials that will give you a good idea of this applications potential.

From the "How Ironic" File:   A day after I wrote this article, I ran across a recent post at Ian's Messy Desk (what a cool name for a blog!) that talks about the new features in the latest EverNote beta.  Check out Ian's blog for details.