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Storing and retrieving text, audio or picture notes is a breeze with both Evernote and Springpad. More people have heard of and use Evernote (10M users), but over several months I’ve shifted over to Springpad (2M users). Evernote is a little slicker, but I’ve found it becomes the digital equivalent of my junk drawer with everything crammed in. I can only find items by search because I tag and categorize inconsistently. The way you add items to Springpad, how it looks up information for you and handles tasks sets it apart. I’ve simply found that I can add, retrieve and act on items in Springpad with less effort.
Whether you’re just now exploring using a digital notebook or are curious how Evernote and Springpad compare, the table below is for you. I’ve asterisked items that are the biggest differentiators. Please add comments if you have other opinions or further questions.
| Category | Feature | Evernote | Springpad | Why the difference matters |
| How items are added | Add items by type* |
✕ |
✓ |
With two clicks when adding a new item, Springpad lets you designate what type of item it is from a task or reminder to a specific item like a restaurant, book or movie, which include helpful look up features. This makes finding information much easier v. needing to categorize/tag or rely on search. |
| When adding items, look up by type* |
✕ |
✓ |
If you add an item Springpad can look up on the web, it does so, which means you have more information at your fingertips with less work. Web look ups include places, books, music, movies, wine, recipes, etc. | |
| When adding items, look up by location |
✕ |
✓ |
Makes adding places easier by looking up based on your location. | |
| Add audio notes |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| Add picture items |
✓ |
✓ |
Evernote includes scanning pictures and handwriting for text. A feature Springpad should add. | |
| Add documents |
✓ |
✕ |
Evernote supports adding scanned docs, pdf files, etc. A feature Springpad should add. | |
| Add items by barcode scan |
✕ |
✓ |
Saves you time when adding items if you can simply scan a barcode with your phone. Great for creating a shopping list, remembering wines, etc. | |
| Send email to create an item |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| Send email to create a task* |
✕ |
✓ |
Efficiently create tasks from emails by forwarding to Springpad with task type and due date information added to the email. | |
| Task Management* | Add items as tasks |
✕ |
✓ |
You can use one app for notes and tasks and turn into note or email into a task. [Springpad needs to add delegation and recurring task support though to be a full feature task manager.] |
| Add date/time reminder to any item |
✕ |
✓ |
Lets you treat any item as a task by adding a due date or reminder. | |
| Sharing | Share items by email |
✓ |
✓ |
|
| Share and view items from friends. |
✕ |
✓ |
Items marked public are viewable by people you chose to share them with (e.g. movies, recipes) | |
| Organization | Search items |
✓ |
✓ |
|
| Organize items into notebooks |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| Add tags to any item |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| Add a flag to any item |
✕ |
✓ |
Another option for sorting items | |
| Brainstorming Board |
✕ |
✓ |
Say you’re designing a room, you can create a collage of pics, notes, etc. | |
| Automatic syncing |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| Tools & Apps | 3rd Party App & Device Integration |
Very limited |
You can use scanners or other apps or sites to add items to your notebooks. | |
| Clip pages from web |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| iPhone App |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| iPad App |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| Android App |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| Offline Desktop App |
✓ |
✕ |
Take your info on the go without being dependent on an internet connection or access to a mobile device. [Springpad does support offline Chrome access.] | |
| Price | Plans | Freemium | Free | If you store a lot or want premium features, you have to pay $45/yr for Evernote. |
Next step: View Evernote’s Getting Started or Springpad’s Feature guide and sign-up to check them out. If you want to move from Evernote to Springpad, Springpad has a free import tool.
Posted in: Featured, Technology
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