One Note vs Google Docs
We live in an age where the traditional 9-to-5 no longer exists. We’re always working, we’re constantly solicited, we’re bombarded with information and, cruelly, our daily allotment of 24 hours, which once seemed like plenty, now seems like not quite enough. Parallel to this, in our new digital age, new helpful tools and technologies are developing at breakneck speeds. They are omnipresent and work to help us sift through and organize the ton of information that lands daily on our doorsteps.
Let’s look at 2 great options that will help you clear out the information chaos and return order to your lives. We will elaborate on their functionality and look at the pros and challenges for each solution.
Google Docs https://www.google.ca/intl/en/docs/about/
Google Docs allows you to create high-impact documents on which several people can work on together. These documents are easily accessed and edited at any time.
Pros
- Being part of the family of Google applications, this option provides you with access to the best search capabilities and most refined parameters on the Internet. For example, it’s possible to search for a document using the name of its author
- Takes only seconds to find documents
- Share notes and documents with other users in real time. If there happens to be more than one person working on a document at the same time, it’s even possible to chat within the document itself
- Find documents easily
- Modifications are registered directly within the document. This is perfect for those in a hurry who may sometimes forget to click on or press the save button
- Your Google searches appear in Google Docs
- Free to download
Challenges
- Does not work with a stylus
- Difficulty in creating a detailed organization structure
OneNote https://www.onenote.com/
OneNote is a note taking application that can be used with all your digital platforms.
Pros
- Allows for the inclusion of vocal notes
- Perfect when there’s a number of documents to scan and when you’re working on multiple projects at the same time.
- For those who own a Surface Pro, the app’s integration on the tablet is a strong point. In just one click you have access to all your notes
- For those who tend to take numerous notes, it’s easy to organize them under pertinent subject folders
- OneNote permits the adding of tags to make searching easier. We can do the same thing with documents found on the Internet that we can choose to read later. It’s even possible to colour code the tags
- The mobile version is free and can be accessed through Microsoft Sky Drive, iOS and Windows Phone. The desktop version comes with a cost, but does feature additional options. OneNote comes free with the purchase of Microsoft Office 365
- The page set up allows for the inclusion of boxes that can be checked once a task has been completed
- The “Business” option is an interesting alternative for small to medium businesses. Your IT department can easily configure a hierarchy and give adequate access to files that each team will need
- A variety of extensions can be added for increased functionality. For the complete list, simply click here: https://www.onenote.com/apps
- Fully integrated dictionary
Challenges
- Those looking for something simple and easy to use might have a bit of a learning curve
- There are certain limitations for both MAC users (using documents created in other platforms) and Android users (less available functionality)
- You must have an Internet connection and be online to use the free version
Before making your choice
As with everything, you must understand your own needs before making a choice. Before reading our recommendation, here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself before downloading your app choice:
- What do I need to organize? Documents for work, brainstorming ideas, to-do lists, etc.
- Which platform am I most comfortable with and which cellular operating system do I use?
- Will I require access to my documents at all times? Will I always have access to Internet?
- Will more than one person require access to my documents in real time?
- Am I willing to pay for additional application functions?
Recommendation
OneNote offers a bunch of features and options that result in better precision when organizing different aspects of your life. Though it requires a little more leg work to be set up on the part of the user, in our opinion, OneNote offers a more robust solution.
