Any aspiring writers out there in GottaBeMobile land? DailyWritingTips, a blog I thoroughly enjoy, has some really good tips for keeping a writers notebook, which is an essential tool for collecting thoughts on that budding article, story, or novel. Of course, we highly recommend using Tablet PC tools like InkSeine, OneNote, Evernote, and others for keeping the notebook. Any way you choose to do it, though, is up to you. The important thing is that you write - frequently. Personally speaking, I always try to carry a small Moleskine with me for those times when an idea suddenly comes to mind and I don't have my Tablet PC handy or fumbling around with stand-by and starting the app would be too slow.

Writing every day

One of the best uses for your notebook is to get into the habit of writing every single day. There are lots of different ways to approach this; some which have worked for me (not all at once) are:

• Write first thing in the morning
• Spend five minutes writing at some point in the morning, and five minutes in the afternoon
• Write just before going to bed
• Jot down some notes before starting on your “proper” writing session of the day

Of course there’ll be days when you feel uninspired, when you have nothing you want to write about, or when you’re hectically busy. But if you’re going to stick with writing fiction long-term, it needs to become part of your daily life.

Yes, we’ve still got invites to give out for the new EverNote Beta that has everyone talking, but today you can get in on the action without an invite. EverNote has announced that they have passed 1 million notes on the new service (most of them are mine) and to celebrate they have opened up enrollment for today only and only through 9PM PDT. Use this link to go to the EverNote Blog to get in on the action for today.

Want to see what all the excitement is about? Check out the InkShows and ShortCuts below to see just how exciting this new product and service is. Trust me, you want to get in on this.

• The New EverNote
• EverNote on the iPod Touch

Don’t worry, if you don’t make it in by the deadline we’ve still got invites to hand out after it passes and we’ll post up another post for invitations to go out.

When I did the InkShow on EverNote's new beta program that allows you to sync your notes among multiple devices for some reason it wasn't working on my iPod Touch. Others reported that it was working on their devices and also their iPhones. A day after posting that EverNote pushed out an update and whether it was related or not, I can now report that EverNote works swimmingly on my iPod Touch. This extends the usage of this terrific application to all of the devices I'm currently using or testing and I can't tell you what a difference that makes for my work flow.

Here's a quick GBM ShortCut using EverNote on the iPod Touch.

By the way, I've got some more EverNote Beta invites available if you're interested in trying this application out. Leave a comment on this post (make sure you leave your correct email address in the comment form. You won't see it appear but we do.) and I'll get them out within the next day.

Download the high res version.

Phil Libin, Evernote's CEO, responded to my "Doing Some Thinking About Evernote" article and offered some comments on a few of my thoughts. Since they involve a few issues others have asked about, including the big pricing question, I've pasted them below:

Rob, Thanks for your kind words. I'm very happy that you're finding Evernote useful. Some comments to your comments, in-line:

Everote needs to put some serious work into developing an auto import from OneNote to Evernote for those wanting to make the conversion.
Good idea. Or maybe, once we publish our APIs, someone else can do it for us.

"I'm wondering why the Evernote web interface doesn't default to https? When forced to https, it'll stay there temporarily, but then switch back to http. I want my note information transmitted securely."
Right now all user authentication happens over HTTPS. Large-scale SSL transmission of all note content is expensive (to us), and will be a feature available to premium subscribers, once we launch the premium subscriptions.

"I really, really wish Evernote would allow mix of ink and text. I've asked them about it multiple times. Sadly, it is not a priority."
It's very tough to do this while preserving portability and search across multiple platforms, but we've got a few options we're exploring.

"How much will Evernote, with all its syncing glory, cost? Are we looking at monthly subscription fees for the syncing or will it be free with the purchase of the client. Pricing is one data piece not being provided yet. I'd like to know what their pricing model is going to be like."
There's going to be a free subscription level that includes pretty much all of the features you see in the beta, including multiple clients. syncing, recognition. There's going to be a "premium" subscription level that includes things like much higher quotas, enhanced security, etc. We haven't really worked out the details on premium features, timing and price yet.

"The iPhone mobile interface is totally awesome!"
It's going to get a whole lot more awesome soon.

--- Phil Libin CEO, Evernote

I can't say enough good things about how well Evernote has implemented the seamless sync between multiple client platforms and the web. It's worry free - and that is a very important thing.

Here are some random thoughts on the Evernote beta.

• I dug out my Samsung Q1P UMPC after not using it for 3 - 4  months. This was spurred on by finding the keyboard organizer in my car ( don't ask....) I installed the Evernote beta, and within minutes, all of my notes were automatically downloaded to the Q1P, including notes I had created on my MacBook. Any notes I create while playing my Q1P this weekend will automatically appear on my Tablet and Mac. The fact that I don't have to worry about doing anything to make that happen is HUGE!
• I took a picture of my daughter using my iPhone, and emailed it to my Evernote account using a special email address associated with my Evernote account. Within 10 seconds, the picture was downloaded as a note to my Q1P - automatically. It'll be on my MacBook and Tablet PC whenever I turn them. It is available to me on the web, too.
• Evernote needs to put some serious work into developing an auto import from OneNote to Evernote for those wanting to make the conversion.
• I'm wondering why the Evernote web interface  doesn't default to https? When forced to https, it'll stay there temporarily, but then switch back to http. I want my note information transmitted securely.
• I really, really wish Evernote would allow mix of ink and text. I've asked them about it multiple times. Sadly, it is not a priority.
• How much will Evernote, with all its syncing glory, cost? Are we looking at monthly subscription fees for the syncing or will it be free with the purchase of the client. Pricing is one data piece not being provided yet. I'd like to know what their pricing model is going to be like.
• Evernote has done for notetaking and sync what Amazon did for connectivity and content access with the Kindle.
• The web interface is not friendly at all at 800 x 480 . Update: Thanks to a reader, when using my UMPC, I'll start using the mobile version ( preview.evernote.com/m )
• The iPhone mobile interface is totally awesome!
• We need to hear from the OneNote team about their plans for seamless data integration between clients and the web. We have Office 2008 for Mac. What about OneNote for Mac? What about web access to the all those notes? What about mobile ( iPhone and Windows Mobile ) to those notes?

Well, our first 100 EverNote beta invites went fast yesterday (actually 154 - we dipped into another account to make sure everyone got one), and wouldn't you know it - we have another 100 to give out! So, if you missed out on the big giveaway yesterday, be one of the first 100 people to reply this post with your email address and we'll get a beta invitation out to you asap. You better act fast, though - they went pretty quick yesterday.

Make sure you check out Warners InkShow for a nice overview if you want to know what Evernote is all about.

Be sure to leave your correct e-mail in the comment form - it doesn't have to be in the post itself, just in the form (you won't see them, but we do :) ) .

Thanks and Enjoy Evernote!!

UPDATE: All the invitations have been given out. If we get some more, we'll update you. Have fun with EverNote for those of you who got the invites.

I have just been given a bank of 100 Evernote invites!!  All you have to do is post up your e-mail into the comments and one will be yours!!

Make sure and check out Warners InkShow for a nice overview if you want to know what Evernote is all about.

Two Things:

• If you posted to Warner's thread, don't post to this one - he is going to supply those that commented under that thread
• You have to leave your e-mail in the comment form - it doesn't have to be in the post itself, just in the form (you won't see them, but we do :) )

Thanks and Enjoy Evernote!!

UPDATE - 154 comments...  I said I had 100...  Hey - but guess what!  All of you are going to get invites!!  I will get up to the 100 tonight, but the rest of you might have to wait till tomorrow morning.  I guess Rob got a few and he will be sending the last 54 of you some invites :)

He might have a few more in the AM, we'll see!!

BTW - I have closed comments for now

The InkShow review of EverNote that I posted yesterday is getting quite a bit of attention (I hope you watch it. This software is a real game changer.) and I’ll be blogging much more on this soon. A couple of things to quickly update on though.

1. The public beta was scheduled for March 25, but has been pushed back a bit because the private beta has been very successful since it was extended to quite a few folks and the EverNote team wants to make sure they are ready to go when they publicly launch.
2. If you’re looking for an invite to the private beta, I have a few available at the moment so leave a comment on this post. First come, first serve. We’re also getting more to pass out shortly.
3. EverNote CEO Phil Libin has sent me a wave of information that I’ll be posting up soon, but one thing I wanted to comment on right away. I mentioned in the review that I could not operate EverNote on the iPod Touch. I get an message saying the browser isn’t supported. Intriguingly, Phil notes that he can use it on his iPhone. I didn’t realize that there were differences between those two browsers, but I guess there are.

I’ve been talking a bit about the new version of EverNote over the last few weeks as I’ve been participating in the private beta. This new version, which comprises a web strategy and works across platforms is a real game changer, at least for me personally. This is the first cloud application that I’ve used, beyond some of Google’s products, that fulfills the real promise of cloud computing by allowing me to capture, store, and access my data across the platforms I use. In addition to the web version, there are versions for Tablet PCs and PCs, Macs, and Mobile devices. I’m using it on the Sprint Mogul, my Lenovo X61 Tablet PC, and my iMac, and I have to tell you it is a joy to use. I know there are other applications that work within the cloud, but none have fulfilled my needs the way that this new version of EverNote does.

EverNote is aiming to be your second brain. A place that you can store all sorts of snippets of data from web clippings to scanned info, to pictures, to voice recordings. Remember, it is still in beta, and all the functionality I’d like to see isn’t there yet. For example, viewing ink in the Mac version isn’t included yet, but at the moment, I’ll accept that. There will be a free version of the new EverNote and also a Premium version. What’s nice, is that you aren’t going to be limited to the number of devices you can use EverNote with.

Did you miss out on the 10 invites that Rob had?  Well now is your chance to get in on the Beta!  Today over on Giveaway of the Day they are offering the Beta for all!  Head over and don't miss out on this one!

I ahve been using this for a while and I really like this program.  If there is one thing I would change about Evernote - I wish I was able to mix text and Ink...  or am I missing something?

We've been talking up EverNote's new web notetaking system that syncs seamlessly between multiple client. I'm currently using it on my Mac, Tablet PC, Vista installation on my mac, and other devices to keep all my notes in sync, as well as clipping and taking notes using their webclipping function. Seriously, OneNote better have something up its' sleeve because EverNote has redefined the rules of the notetaking game. It's not perfect and could use some work on the WYSIWYG formatting, but I have not touched OneNote since getting EverNote up and going.

I've got 10 beta invites to the first 10 folks who reply to this post, along with their email address.

Evernote’s new Web strategy that allows you to sync your data across platforms is going to be killer. I’ve been participating in the invitation only beta and let me tell you, the functionality that this offers is amazing. Public launch is scheduled for March 25 and I’ll have much more to say then, but I’ll say this now. Being able to share notes, pictures, and voice memos across three platforms (Tablet PC, iMac, Sprint Mogul) by using Evernote is changing how I do a number of things in a real positive way. If I were you, I’d mark my calendars for March 25. Evernote is a real game changer. You can check out the video demo below.

Mike Elgan writes an interesting piece in Computerworld on the cell phone-PC Connection that, if nothing else, points up just how much of an interesting transition we are in out here in mobile land. His thesis is that PC makers, especially those rushing to join the handheld market, should make cell phones work better with PCs rather than just adding new features that most users don’t take advantage of anyway.

Two examples from the article stand out for me:

He argues, well, that quite a few cell phones can serve as broadband modems, and that most users don’t take advantage of this. I think one of the reasons for that is the complexity that exists in doing so. But Elgan goes further and points to some interesting “awareness” technology that would let the computer know when you’re close by or not, that was abandoned because of a lack of hardware support.

In the second example, he points to solutions that avoid syncing in the current traditional sense, but instead lets you use the cell phone as your document/data transport device to move from location to location, having your data and your mobility at the same time. Intriguingly, this seems to ignore the entire movement to “the cloud” where your data resides out there somewhere and you can access it from any device, anytime, assuming of course you have connectivity. As we keep moving higher and higher into the cloud we’re moving more and more away from the traditional syncing methods. Business and the enterprise is still the long term key here, and watching that transition take place is fascinating. I created quite a stir with my “game over” post on Apple and its recent announcements. If you’re paying attention, Apple is working to bridge the enterprise and consumer markets as it carries us further and further into the cloud (or is that the Air?). Loren Heiny has some interesting thoughts on this as well.

I’m going to be writing more on this in the coming weeks, but I’ve really been enjoying working with the Beta of Evernote’s Web solution that allows me to collect data and seamlessly have it synced between my Tablet PC, my desktop, and my handheld. For me, personally, it is a game changer and I think that is the type of game we’re all headed for in the future. Provided, again, that you have connectivity.

John Hill has put up a nice reminder to us all about using a Tablet PC to do RDP.  The issue??  Not being able to use the TIP.  There is a solution:

A solution has been around for some time, but a client reminded me about it today so I'm sharing it with you. ritePen from EverNote is an alternative to the Microsoft tablet input panel. In addition, ritePen gives you the ability to "write anywhere", a feature found in the first version of the MS TIP but subsequently removed.

Keep an eye on John's blog too while your at it.

EverNote Corporation the maker of the popular handwriting recognition software, RitePen, has announced the release of RitePen 2.7. The new version includes:

• Spanish handwriting recognition (more languages are in the works).
• Import of large word lists into custom vocabulary to further improve recognition of industry and user specific terms.
• Advancements in digital ink technology, desktop integration and remote operation with corporate Citrix and RDP installations.
• Enhanced Vista compatibility.
• Multiple fixes and improvements

RitePen is also bundled with a number of devices including Fujitsu's LifeBook P1500/P1600 series, Dialogue's Flybook, and others. There is a free 30 day trial available and the software costs $29.95. Here's the link.

EverNote has announced that RitePen and their notetaking software is going to be bundled with Fujitsu Tablet PCs:

From emailed press release:

EverNote® Corporation announced today that the company’s flagship information capturing software will be distributed with all new Fujitsu LifeBook® and Stylistic® notebooks and Tablet PCs. In addition, all LifeBook P1610 ultra-portable notebooks that ship with Genuine Windows® XP Professional will come equipped with EverNote ritePen® advanced handwriting recognition technology.

“For mobile professionals on the go, EverNote’s information capturing software offers a quick and easy way to increase productivity,” said Paul Moore, senior director of mobile product marketing, Fujitsu Computer Systems. “EverNote – combined with Fujitsu LifeBook notebooks and tablet PCs – improves the mobile computing experience.”

The folks behind Microsoft’s super secret killer app, OneNote 2007 (which includes OneNote Mobile), better take notice. EverNote is hot on their heels and closing fast, at least by the looks of the public technical preview of EverNote for Windows Mobile. I got a whiff of this yesterday from good buddy James Kendrick and have been giving it a try on my Sprint (HTC) Mogul and I am more than impressed with what I see. Keep in mind this is a technical preview and not a finished product yet and they caution that it is an unsupported product at the moment. In fact they say this is more of a market test than it is anything else.

The home run that EverNote has hit here is excellent Inking ability on your mobile device that can then be synced (in a fashion) with EverNote on your Tablet PC. Though EverNote is a great Tablet PC application, I’ve never found it to my liking, but from the looks of this technical preview that I may be reevaluating that stance. You can take four different types of notes, text, Ink, photo (if your device has a camera), or sound recording. Again, I’m very impressed with the Inking and how well it transfers from the Mogul to my Tablet PC.

If you’ve been looking to give the Tablet PC application EverNote a try, today is the day. It is availalbe for free today only on Giveaway of the Day. Head on over to check it out. As of this writing, you’ve got about 18 hours left on this deal. And if you’re still on the fence, check out this GBM InkShow.

Via jkOnTheRun and Nomad83 in the GBM Fourms

Five years ago, on November 7 2002, Microsoft launched Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Bill Gates himself was on-hand to launch the new platform at a large press event.

"The launch of the Tablet PC marks an exciting new era of mobile computing that is limited only by the imagination of its users," Gates said. "The Tablet PC is a great example of how computers are adapting to how people really work, whether they're taking notes in a meeting, collaborating wirelessly with colleagues or reading on screen. We're just scratching the surface of what is possible."

As it comes time to celebrate the 5 Year Anniversary of Tablet PCs, it's only natural to look at how far we've come since that first operating system release. So let's take a brief walk down the dusty paths of Tablet PC history and look at how far the OS has evolved in five short years.

Good news for those EverNote ink notetakers among us. EverNote Corp has just released EverNote 2.2. See below for their announcement on new features, etc. Notice that EverNote is 60% off until November 30th - $19.95! Can't beat that.

Also, be sure to check out our InkShow on EverNote.

We are pleased to announce the release of the latest and greatest EverNote, version 2.2, which offers the following new features:

- Improved search for printed and handwritten text within images
- Auto-import snapshots from your camera phone
- Google Desktop Search compatibility
- Universal Clipper with image markup
- Arranging and editing notes in separate windows
- Note List with sorting by notes attributes
- Image editing
...and numerous other enhancements

Current users, please open EverNote and check for updates from the Help menu. Paid users of desktop and portable versions and beta testers of version 2.2 are eligible for a free upgrade to 2.2.

Users of the free version of EverNote can buy EverNote until November 30th, 2007 for only $19.95, a 60% discount!