I mentioned a while back that I am going to graduate school. This week was orientation–a most fascinating experience–and classes start next week. Since I’m going to be working full time (including a new gig that I’ll write about soon), I’ve been looking for the tools and tips that will help keep me sane and productive while I do a bunch of things. Here are some of the things I’ve found:

I’m going to try ZuluPad for taking notes. It looks like a rather nifty affair, and since the price is right, I’ll probably go ahead and try the Pro version. I’ll let you know how it works out, but so far it looks promising. Why not just take notes in Word? The big reason is that Word has so many features it tends to get in your way when all you want to do is type.  I’m sure I could just use NoteTab Pro, which is my standard application for text and simple HTML editing, but it’s another very full app and, frankly, I just like trying new stuff.

I’m completely thrilled that AirSet has finally released a beta version that synchronizes with Microsoft Office 2007. Carol and I like AirSet for pulling our calendars together, and I’ve missed it since upgrading to Office 2007. There are a bunch of caveats that accompany the beta version, but it seems to be working pretty well, so far.

When it comes to paper, I’m sold on two things: 3 x 5 cards, and Circa notebooks. The Circa system just works beautifully for pulling lots of things together (including 3 x 5 cards), and it’s a pleasure to use for various projects. I’ve carried a bunch of PDAs, but for nearly 20 years I’ve rarely left the house without a small stack of 3 x 5 cards in my hip pocket. I carry them in a Levenger pocket briefcase that, unfortunately, they no longer make. When this one wears out (and it’s well beyond the “patina” stage now), I’m not sure what I’m going to do.

Another tool that I’ve come to depend on is Microsoft OneNote. Brian Chee introduced me to OneNote several years ago, and it took me a while to figure out how to really make good use of the software, but it has become a lifesaver since I’ve been working on a bunch of different on-line research projects. I’ve moved to the Office 2007 version, and it’s making my life much easier. This is one of the packages that I don’t feel bad recommending to a lot of people–if your work life involves a lot of research from Internet sources, OneNote is a Very Good Thing.

I have many more questions than answers at this point. I don’t know how professors will feel about taking notes on a keyboard (especially since I’m told that I pound the crap out of the keys), I’m not sure how collaboration with my fellow students will work out, and I don’t know how I’ll end up splitting my campus/office time. More on all those, and a whole lot more, after things really get rolling.

Technorati Tags: productivity, tools, notes, college

Categories: Consumer, General computing
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