Going analog 
I write a lot about technology in this space. Portable devices, desktop applications, and Web tools. But sometimes you need to go old school. And that means the analog method — writing things down in a notebook.
My weapon of choice is a Moleskine notebook. Not because it’s trendy, but because Moleskines give me a combination of ruggedness and portability. They’re a bit pricey, but worth the money.
Why a physical notebook and not a laptop, my Eee PC, or even a PDA? The Moleskine fits comfortable into the pocket of a pair of pants or shorts or a jacket; none of those devices do. OK, a PDA does. While I’ve used PDAs over the years, outside of my Psion series 5 I’ve never really liked them. On top of that, there’s the risk of the device running out of power or of me damaging or losing it. I’m more comfortable losing a Moleskine than I am with losing a piece of electronics.
The great thing about carrying a small notebook around is that you can use it anywhere. On a train or bus, in an airplane, or anywhere else I can pull out my pen and notebook to:
Jot down an idea that strikes me
Sketch an outline
Record something interesting that I’ve read or heard
Write a chunk of a first draft of an article
And a lot more. It just goes to show you that doing things the old fashioned way can still be effective.
Image from http://www.sxc.hu
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