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Take a memo: Note-taking apps for your PDA
By Jason Parker: Contributing Editor, Downloads
Wednesday, September 3, 2003
 

When I'm away from the office or even just away from my computer at home, I'll occasionally have a thought or column idea that I won't want to forget. But instead of digging around for a piece of paper or borrowing a pen from some stranger on the street, I just record thoughts on my PDA.

Both Palm and Pocket PC handhelds have apps that allow you to write down your thoughts and ideas and then save them so you can review them later. Some can even keep a small diary for you, complete with password protection to keep prying eyes away from your private thoughts and feelings.

Of course, not all the ideas and inspirations I have when, say, I'm at the grocery store are good ones. So, thankfully, these applets also let you delete your jottings.

Here are my three favorite apps for memo tools for my PDA.

My Diary lets you record notes, thoughts, and other personal information on your Palm. It comes with password protection for added security. (Shareware/Palm OS)

SecretPad lets you store personal info in customizable categories so you can quickly locate the things you need. SecretPad keeps your information secure using the Blowfish encryption method. You can also quickly import your notes from the Palm's NotePad and lock them up for safe keeping. (Shareware/Palm OS)

MyPocketDiary for Pocket PC is great for jotting down notes and for sorting your thoughts by category. This free program doesn't come with password protection, so it'll be best for those who keep their Pocket PCs on them at all times. (Free/Pocket PC)

If you want a convenient place to write down notes and personal information, use your PDA. Using one of these programs, you'll find that your thoughts are more organized and you'll remember more of your life's important events.

How do you keep track of your sudden bursts of inspiration? A piece of paper? A PDA? Something else? TalkBack to me!