Back in May, I wrote:
I’m keeping Evernote for PDFs and images I need offline. For the most part, these files are work-related, such as plans for the building that we’re currently constructing.
My notes, however, along with non-essential files, are back in Dropbox. It just feels … cleaner. Plus, I get to deal with plain text files, which is my preference on any platform.
Since then, I’ve been further tinkering with my Evernote setup, and this is where I’ve landed in the “Evernote or Dropbox” debate:
- Evernote is for information. Notes, reference documents and PDFs all form a personal database of knowledge.
- Dropbox is for files I’m working on or need archived for possible future use.
Some examples of this system are obvious.
I have a notebook for the site. In it, I have notes for FTP connection information, notes from my tinkering with CDNs and a running list of apps I want to review.
However, the logo I just wrapped for my brother’s new secret project is filed away in Dropbox.
Some are in the gray area, though. For example, a good bit of my work week was spent working on our cable TV delivery system in the building at work. I have notes from calls, copies of emails and sketches of distribution boxes in Evernote. Once this project is wrapped up, I’ll pick it all up and move it to Dropbox for archiving.
On the Evernote Apps
I wish I was in love with Evernote’s iOS apps. I pay for offline access, and the process of syncing notebooks is more than a little janky. I also wish the app was faster, especially on the iPhone. I often find myself using Drafts to get something in to Evernote while on the go.
Nerd Cred
With many nerd writing scripts for their folders full of Markdown-formatted text, I do feel like I’m missing some of the party by having the bulk of my notes in Evernote. That said, I’m still writing in Markdown, both personally and for the site. The benefits of having my notes and reference information all together is outweighing the con of using an app that might not be as cool as nvALT.
Moving Forward
It’s taken me a long time to get to this point. While I’m happy with this system, I’m sure I’m not done tinkering with it.
If you’re using Evernote, and haven’t checked out Brett Kelly’s book, you really should. I recently scanned it again and learned some new tricks. It’s well worth the time it takes to read through it.