Evernote v. OneNote

[mdambitions]

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I've used both Evernote and Onenote in the past, but neither extensively, since I haven't had to deal with copious volumes of material yet. I also haven't found any comprehensive reviews comparing the two recently.

I'll be working off a Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga, and would like some opinions on the pros and cons of each program. How do you take notes efficiently in med school?

 

[FCMike11]

I've used both Evernote and Onenote in the past, but neither extensively, since I haven't had to deal with copious volumes of material yet. I also haven't found any comprehensive reviews comparing the two recently.

I'll be working off a Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga, and would like some opinions on the pros and cons of each program. How do you take notes efficiently in med school?

Are you annotating pdf's primarily? Lecturenotes is the best.

 

[aklark]

Do most people print powepoint slides to PDF and use these programs to annotate in the cloud?

 

[majestic red]

When I was an MS1-MS2, I used OneNote's "Send to OneNote" utility to print PowerPoint slides and/or PDFs to OneNote and then used OneNote to take notes on the slides. That worked pretty well for me and allowed me to keep my notes organized using sections/pages. I haven't used Evernote very much, so I can't comment on that, although as far as I could tell, there was no way to import slides and annotate on them.

 

[bluefalcon32]

When I was an MS1-MS2, I used OneNote's "Send to OneNote" utility to print PowerPoint slides and/or PDFs to OneNote and then used OneNote to take notes on the slides. That worked pretty well for me and allowed me to keep my notes organized using sections/pages. I haven't used Evernote very much, so I can't comment on that, although as far as I could tell, there was no way to import slides and annotate on them.

@majestic red, what version of OneNote did you use-- the 365 version, Windoes/Mac Free Version, 2013 version, older version? I am new to OneNote but have 2 questions about it. How can, if any, one back up their notes on OneNote to say a USB drive? After annotating class notes on OneNote, can one open the annotated class notes in a New Windows so that one can make a review sheet in OneNote if they so desire while purusing the class notes as they make one and sift through the info?

 

[majestic red]

@majestic red, what version of OneNote did you use-- the 365 version, Windoes/Mac Free Version, 2013 version, older version? I am new to OneNote but have 2 questions about it. How can, if any, one back up their notes on OneNote to say a USB drive? After annotating class notes on OneNote, can one open the annotated class notes in a New Windows so that one can make a review sheet in OneNote if they so desire while purusing the class notes as they make one and sift through the info?

My MS1 and Ms2 years were in 2009-2011, so I was using the one included with Office 2010. That version of OneNote saved its data in .one files locally on your hard drive, and I used Dropbox to sync these files between multiple computers. Since then, I have also used the Office 365 version, which by default saves the notebooks OneDrive, allowing them to be accessed anywhere. I'm not sure if you can export them to a USB drive, but I don't really see much need to, considering they are available in the cloud. It is also possible to open multiple instances of OneNote on your computer and put the windows side-by-side (I think this is what you're asking about).

 

[Member 331305]

@majestic red, what version of OneNote did you use-- the 365 version, Windoes/Mac Free Version, 2013 version, older version? I am new to OneNote but have 2 questions about it. How can, if any, one back up their notes on OneNote to say a USB drive? After annotating class notes on OneNote, can one open the annotated class notes in a New Windows so that one can make a review sheet in OneNote if they so desire while purusing the class notes as they make one and sift through the info?

Yes and yes.

You can save a single page of notes, a section (tab) of notes, or an entire notebook (see screencap). You can then copy/paste these saved files to your flash drive.

You can open multiple windows by going to View/New Window (see screencap). This allows you to skim your lecture notes in one window and make a review sheet in the other window. Any changes you make in one window will apply to the other window too.

I have never used Evernote, so I can't make a comparison between the two. I really love OneNote, though. Not only can you type or hand-write notes directly on PowerPoint slides/pdfs, but OneNote also offers an infinite canvas of white space alongside your lecture notes for you to add additional notes or paste diagrams into. I can also erase mistakes, move my notes around, resize them, and recolor them in just a few clicks. If you take handwritten notes, then you have to try OneNote.

 

[bluefalcon32]

@Member 331305, thanks so much for your detailed explanation. It is awesome and super helpful. I have 2 questions for you. (1) What version of OneNote are you using-- 2013 or 365? Is there a diff in features b/w them aside from the 20gb onedrive storage space? (2) Is this on Windows 7 or 8?

 

[Member 331305]

@Member 331305, thanks so much for your detailed explanation. It is awesome and super helpful. I have 2 questions for you. (1) What version of OneNote are you using-- 2013 or 365? Is there a diff in features b/w them aside from the 20gb onedrive storage space? (2) Is this on Windows 7 or 8?

I am actually using OneNote 2010 on a Windows 7 Lenovo convertible laptop. Sorry, I don't know the differences between the newer OneNote versions. The best advice I can give is to find out whether one version has more importing or editing options than the other. Those are the most vital features to have, in my opinion.

 

[mdambitions]

OneNote seems to be winning here. In regard to how I plan to take notes/annotate. I have no idea yet. I was looking forward to hearing a few different perspectives regarding efficient note-taking skills. I plan on taking advantage of my school's pre-matriculation program to find a style that works for me; but at this point, I'm still just figuring out what options are out there. It seems like sending PPT slides to OneNote is pretty commonplace. I suppose I'll start there.

 

[Member 331305]

OneNote seems to be winning here. In regard to how I plan to take notes/annotate. I have no idea yet. I was looking forward to hearing a few different perspectives regarding efficient note-taking skills. I plan on taking advantage of my school's pre-matriculation program to find a style that works for me; but at this point, I'm still just figuring out what options are out there. It seems like sending PPT slides to OneNote is pretty commonplace. I suppose I'll start there.

Here is an example of how I take notes:

I print full-page lecture slides to OneNote and then hand-write my notes directly onto the slides. My notes are organized by class, exam, and lecture. The red notes are notes I took during lecture. The blue/pink notes and the highlighting are from my second pass through my notes. Pros: handwriting notes keeps me engaged in lecture, and it helps me retain facts better than just typing or reading. Cons: handwriting notes is slower than typing, and writing directly on slides can get very cluttered.

Some of my classmates just open the slides in PowerPoint and type notes into the notes section. I haven't seen anyone in my class print out the slides and annotate them with pen/pencil.

 

[mdambitions]

🙂 Very cool, thank you for this example. I do believe I am sold.

 

[bluefalcon32]

@Member 331305, thank you for the amazing notes and clarifications. Obviously each individual's organization is different. My school only has 1 exam/block. So my organizations with tabs will prob be by weeks. However, I have 2 quest: (1) when you said you go over your slides, is it by relistening to lecture or just you physically going over and further annotating them with info from other sources (ie FA, BRS, Pathoma, Goljan, etc)? (2) What laptop and stylus do you use? I assume windows 8 with OneNote 2013? Thanks.

 

[Hemorrage]

Here is an example of how I take notes:
View attachment 181628
I print full-page lecture slides to OneNote and then hand-write my notes directly onto the slides. My notes are organized by class, exam, and lecture. The red notes are notes I took during lecture. The blue/pink notes and the highlighting are from my second pass through my notes. Pros: handwriting notes keeps me engaged in lecture, and it helps me retain facts better than just typing or reading. Cons: handwriting notes is slower than typing, and writing directly on slides can get very cluttered.

Some of my classmates just open the slides in PowerPoint and type notes into the notes section. I haven't seen anyone in my class print out the slides and annotate them with pen/pencil.

just curious.. how do you write on the screen? is this an iPad?

 

[mdambitions]

just curious.. how do you write on the screen? is this an iPad?

I believe he's using a Lenovo convertible, a thinkpad or yoga probably. These have an active stylus so that you can write on the screen, similar to an iPad but with significantly more functionality and responsiveness. I just bought a Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga, and it is everything I always wanted my iPad to be but wasn't.

 

[@JackShephard]

This is pretty simple.

If you write a lot (hand writing input), then use One Note.

If you can manage with typing and screenshots - use Evernote.

Evernote is much better at organizing notes and files. One Note is much better at pen input.

 

[Hemorrage]

I believe he's using a Lenovo convertible, a thinkpad or yoga probably. These have an active stylus so that you can write on the screen, similar to an iPad but with significantly more functionality and responsiveness. I just bought a Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga, and it is everything I always wanted my iPad to be but wasn't.

Do you think the yoga is better than the new surface? I am contemplating what/if to get a new device for MS1. I currently have an iPad from 2011 and a macbook

 

[ChEMD]

Both one note and Evernote are pretty awful for purely annotating PDFs. Importing a PDF into one note seems to make the file extremely bloated. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using Windows at all. I'd go with android or iOS and use an app that is dedicated to PDF annotation; I promise, you won't be disappointed.

 

[WillburCobb]

Both one note and Evernote are pretty awful for purely annotating PDFs. Importing a PDF into one note seems to make the file extremely bloated. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using Windows at all. I'd go with android or iOS and use an app that is dedicated to PDF annotation; I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Are there any you recommend? I plan on trying taking notes on my iPad with a Bluetooth stylus. If I don't like it then I'm just going to go back to pen and paper.

 

[Hemorrage]

Are there any you recommend? I plan on trying taking notes on my iPad with a Bluetooth stylus. If I don't like it then I'm just going to go back to pen and paper.

Try iAnnotate PDF, i've used it for years and it gets the job done quite well.

Also, is the bluetooth stylus more responsive than the typical non-bluetooth one? I have one i got on amazon for $8 and it does its job but i wish i could get more precision.

 

[ChEMD]

Are there any you recommend? I plan on trying taking notes on my iPad with a Bluetooth stylus. If I don't like it then I'm just going to go back to pen and paper.

Notability and GoodNotes are two very solid apps (only on iOS). In my experience, GoodNotes handles larger files a little better (with less lag when scrolling) than Notability, but that's really the only big difference I see (aside from the interface).

One thing I do recommend is using the zoom feature to write. You'll be able to write a lot more in a smaller space and it will come out looking a lot cleaner. Plus, it basically eliminates the potential for your palm to touch the surface.

Regarding the Bluetooth stylus, I've never used one, but make sure that they are compatible with whatever app you decide to use (I know GoodNotes currently supports a couple). Also, Lynktec just came out with an interesting new stylus (although I haven't tried it). It's not Bluetooth, so it won't support added palm rejection, but it does use special circuitry to make it so you're writing with a pretty fine tip.

 

[WillburCobb]

Try iAnnotate PDF, i've used it for years and it gets the job done quite well.

Also, is the bluetooth stylus more responsive than the typical non-bluetooth one? I have one i got on amazon for $8 and it does its job but i wish i could get more precision.

It's more responsive, precise, and eleminates/removes any extraneous artifacts from your hand being on the screen - pretty much the only fault I can find with the iPad. $600 for an iPad + $80 for a Bluetooth stylus beats a $1000 POS PC tablet any day.

 

[Member 331305]

Both one note and Evernote are pretty awful for purely annotating PDFs. Importing a PDF into one note seems to make the file extremely bloated. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using Windows at all. I'd go with android or iOS and use an app that is dedicated to PDF annotation; I promise, you won't be disappointed.

I have entire textbooks imported into OneNote, and I haven't had any problems with file sizes or lagging. Are you using OneNote on a tablet?

Guys, just buy the hardware you want and install the compatible notetaking program. If you want an iPad, then stick to Notability or iAnnotate or whatever (probably not OneNote). If you want a Windows tablet or convertible laptop, then stick to OneNote.

 

[ChEMD]

I have entire textbooks imported into OneNote, and I haven't had any problems with file sizes or lagging. Are you using OneNote on a tablet?

Guys, just buy the hardware you want and install the compatible notetaking program. If you want an iPad, then stick to Notability or iAnnotate or whatever (probably not OneNote). If you want a Windows tablet or convertible laptop, then stick to OneNote.

Nope, I was using a PC. Maybe I was doing it incorrectly? I dunno, but I still stand by what I said. One note is just not as simple or intuitive as the apps or iOS. So for strictly annotating a PDF (writing notes in the margins, underlining, highlighting, etc), you don't need all of the extra features one note offers. In comparison, the simplicity of the iOS apps makes it a much better experience in my opinion.

 

[cronaldo7]

What advantage do either of these programs provide compared to just saving files in different folders on your computer's hard drive? Is it the ability to pull up materials on multiple devices (phone, tablet, computer)? Or is there something else?

 

[Member 331305]

Nope, I was using a PC. Maybe I was doing it incorrectly? I dunno, but I still stand by what I said. One note is just not as simple or intuitive as the apps or iOS. So for strictly annotating a PDF (writing notes in the margins, underlining, highlighting, etc), you don't need all of the extra features one note offers. In comparison, the simplicity of the iOS apps makes it a much better experience in my opinion.

That's fair. Comparing OneNote against the iOS apps is analogous to comparing Photoshop vs. Gimp. You will get similar outcomes regardless of which notetaking program you pick, so go with whatever interface you are more comfortable using.

 

[@JackShephard]

Both one note and Evernote are pretty awful for purely annotating PDFs. Importing a PDF into one note seems to make the file extremely bloated. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using Windows at all. I'd go with android or iOS and use an app that is dedicated to PDF annotation; I promise, you won't be disappointed.

What? The best PDF program in the world is on Window/Mac. Adobe Acrobat Pro XI.

 

[@JackShephard]

Nope, I was using a PC. Maybe I was doing it incorrectly? I dunno, but I still stand by what I said. One note is just not as simple or intuitive as the apps or iOS. So for strictly annotating a PDF (writing notes in the margins, underlining, highlighting, etc), you don't need all of the extra features one note offers. In comparison, the simplicity of the iOS apps makes it a much better experience in my opinion.

Yes and no. I guess if you are computer illiterate, One Note may seem overly complicated. But anyone that's been using a computer for years should be just fine. It may take around 2-3 hrs of playing with it to understand the functions - which is a small investment for how long a medical student spends studying in 4 years.

 

[ChEMD]

Yes and no. I guess if you are computer illiterate, One Note may seem overly complicated. But anyone that's been using a computer for years should be just fine. It may take around 2-3 hrs of playing with it to understand the functions - which is a small investment for how long a medical student spends studying in 4 years.

It has nothing to do with computer literacy. It's all about simplicity. For something that I'm going to be using for 8+ hours a day, look and feel plays an important role. To me, one note is overkill and feels bloated when it comes to simple annotation of a PDF.

 

[chickensoupdr]

Here is an example of how I take notes:

I print full-page lecture slides to OneNote and then hand-write my notes directly onto the slides. My notes are organized by class, exam, and lecture. The red notes are notes I took during lecture. The blue/pink notes and the highlighting are from my second pass through my notes. Pros: handwriting notes keeps me engaged in lecture, and it helps me retain facts better than just typing or reading. Cons: handwriting notes is slower than typing, and writing directly on slides can get very cluttered.

Some of my classmates just open the slides in PowerPoint and type notes into the notes section. I haven't seen anyone in my class print out the slides and annotate them with pen/pencil.

Is there a way to print 4 powerpoint slides (after having taken notes on them through OneNote) on one page? I know that the handout option does that, but I was wondering if it's possible to get rid of all the margins. Generally, I print directly from PowerPoint and choose 1 slide/page, and then 4 pages/sheet. This gives me 4 slides per page without all of the margin space. But I can't seem to do this when I take it to OneNote.

 

[Member 331305]

Is there a way to print 4 powerpoint slides (after having taken notes on them through OneNote) on one page? I know that the handout option does that, but I was wondering if it's possible to get rid of all the margins. Generally, I print directly from PowerPoint and choose 1 slide/page, and then 4 pages/sheet. This gives me 4 slides per page without all of the margin space. But I can't seem to do this when I take it to OneNote.

Are you asking how to print "4 slides/sheet" paper copies of your slides from OneNote after you have taken notes on them? Or are you asking how to import your slides in a "4 slides/sheet" format to OneNote?

 

[@JackShephard]

It has nothing to do with computer literacy. It's all about simplicity. For something that I'm going to be using for 8+ hours a day, look and feel plays an important role. To me, one note is overkill and feels bloated when it comes to simple annotation of a PDF.

Sure, I guess.

One note is a bloated program like Microsoft Word is a bloated program. There are plenty of word editors but when I do serious work, I try to use Microsoft Word.

I'm not saying you should use One Note - you don't seem to need it. I'm just letting others know that are in the market that One Note is a very easy program to use. If you can learn to use Word you can learn to use One Note.