Recommend a replacement for random Notepad windows

September 24, 2012 10:26 AM

Recommend a replacement for random Notepad windows

Throughout the day I take down random bits of information by launching a new Notepad window and typing away. They're convenient because I can resize them, move them around, etc. The problem is that if I lose power or my PC reboots for some reason, all those notes are gone.

I've tried "Sticky-Note" type applications in the past, but always end up going back to Notepad because of it's dead simplicity and speed. Essentially I need something super clean, lightweight, easy to use, and most importantly auto-saves. Recommendations?

posted by Capa to Computers & Internet (14 answers total)

When you say "Sticky-Note" applications, have you tried windows 7 Sticky Notes? It does everything you want
posted by missmagenta at 10:31 AM on September 24, 2012

I found Webnote and I'm really happy with it.
posted by davebush at 10:31 AM on September 24, 2012

I have a Wiki running on a server and I just keep it open in a tab so I can cut and paste stuff as needed during the day.
posted by COD at 10:37 AM on September 24, 2012

Response by poster: missmagenta, I've played around with it and I agree it meets all my needs, but I don't like the fact that I can't change the default note size, and the font drives me crazy.

davebush, COD: Very cool, but being confined to a browser window is a no-go. I use a lot of specialized software and need my notes floating around on top of those programs.

Good suggestions, thanks
posted by Capa at 10:40 AM on September 24, 2012

Best answer: I use Evernote. I can start a new note with a keystroke. It's automatically saved and available anywhere via my phone, iPad, or the web.
posted by grouse at 10:43 AM on September 24, 2012 [2 favorites]

Here is another idea - Zim Wiki - it's a desktop app that is basically a nice interface to a collection of text files. I used it for a while but syncing between my Windows box at work and Linux box at home was over-complicating life.
posted by COD at 10:49 AM on September 24, 2012

I loves me some Evernote. Syncs with the web, my iPhone, etc.
posted by DWRoelands at 10:58 AM on September 24, 2012

Sounds like TED Notepad could meet your needs - it's definitely simple, lightweight, and has auto-save (among many other useful features).
posted by danceswithlight at 11:03 AM on September 24, 2012 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I think we may have a winner. I've actually tried Evernote in the past but it's been too bulky and cumbersome. I'm liking the new version so far. I've un-pinned Notepad from my taskbar, we'll see how this goes!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions
posted by Capa at 11:05 AM on September 24, 2012

TomBoy? Open source, cross-platform, and syncs to various sorts of remote servers for backup.

More of a general-purpose lightweight text editor, gedit is basically just an enhanced notepad that includes auto-save amongst its features. Also open-source and cross-platform.

See also this Wikipedia page: comparison of notetaking software.
posted by XMLicious at 11:07 AM on September 24, 2012

I've actually tried Evernote in the past but it's been too bulky and cumbersome.

It's improved in this regard over the years. Make sure you set and know the global shortcut keystrokes for instant new note or instant find.
posted by grouse at 11:08 AM on September 24, 2012

I use Evernote for the most part, but use TiddlyWiki as a GTD system for some projects. Having the ability to link notes together and cross-reference them is nice.
posted by boba at 11:09 AM on September 24, 2012

I was in the exact same boat as you and tried about half a dozen "post-it" type programs and looked at least a dozen others. Since the start of 2012 I've been using and enjoying Stickies.
posted by Sonic_Molson at 3:59 PM on September 24, 2012

I used to use Evernote but I was taking a lot of notes in it and I found that the actual text editor sucked. If you get sick of it for whatever reason you could do what I do now which is use Notepad++, a grownup text editor with lots of handy features, and save to a dropbox folder. When I need to take a note I just alt+tab over to Notepad++, open a new tab, take a quick note, and save it. It's not *quite* as hassle-free as Evernote but I like it better. Plus your notes are just a bunch of normal text files instead of whatever the heck is going on inside Evernote, a surprisingly non-trivial benefit for me.
posted by Scientist at 8:48 PM on September 24, 2012 [1 favorite]