I'm warning out to you right now, the following post is going to turn into a love letter. It'll get real mushy, real fast. It's designer/geek-love for an Web 2.0 service. Why I can't get enough of Evernote.

Since I picked up the blogging bug a few months ago (and can't seem to shake it) my go-to tool has been Evernote. Even before the post writing began, I've relied on Evernote to keep me sane and keep my thoughts semi-organized. It's become a combination of a junk drawer for thoughts, a book shelf for projects, and a personal assistant that knows where everything's been placed.

A place for every thought.
One of the killer features in Evernote is also one of the most basic; Notebooks. Whether you want to keep your personal notes in different "stacks" or need a way to keep business projects organized, setting up Notebooks is one of the easist ways to get this done. I use more notebooks than I can count, but they help keep me organized and that's half the battle.

Something for everyone.
There's no telling when inspiration will hit or in what form it will come and for that, Evernote has you covered. Besides written notes, you can upload photos or snap them from your phone or computer for those that are visually-inclined. If you'd rather talk things through, their apps support audio notes as well, so you could use it to record podcast audio or brief meeting notes if you'd want. On top of all of that, you can also clip Web pages and Web content into a note for later reading or inspiration.

The apps...the apps!
Another killer feature of Evernote is the portability and mobility it has. They've got apps for Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and Blackberry, plus you can even go platform independent by emailing or tweeting (via a Twitter DM) a note to your account.

A just-released feature for bloggers and Website owners, the Site Memory button, allows site readers the ability to clip individual posts and save them to their Evernote accounts. A one more useful tool for an already-useful service.

What do you get when you take one creatively-driven, entrepreneurial person and give them an iPad? An outlet for sharing, creating, cooking, and even a little gaming. Kicking off my iPad owner interview series, I asked a good friend, colleague, and client, Pat Ingelse about her iPad usage and how it fits into her part-time venture Escape Route.

Why did you get an iPad?

I truly enjoy my iPhone-it has become a critical part of the day. I also enjoyed my iPod a great deal. The iPad looked like it was/could become a viable replacement for the iPod expanding its use to a design or promotional tool as well.

Do you like it/love it?

I am definitely glad I made the purchase.

What need did it fill, or was it a want?

While I can say it filled a need I had with starting a craft business, I do think it was more a want than a need! Either way, it was worth it.

If you had to make the decision to purchase it again, would you?

Absolutely

How has the iPad changed your "normal" computer habits?

No so much changed as enhanced. If I want to quickly check something on the internet or my email, it can be done in a snap. It is an easier tool to use to demonstrate an item or show a product. What are you doing with the iPad that has made your life easier or has surprised you? I like to check my email and the news before heading off to work. This makes that a quick step in the morning routine. I also used it this weekend when cooking. I brought up the recipe and had the iPad right along side as I cooked. Can’t say it made the meal any tastier, but I didn’t kill a tree printing off the recipe!

Do you use it for personal use or have you been able to integrate its use into business?

Right now, its more personal use. However, as I start doing trade shows, it will be a valuable tool to show product.

How often do you use your iPad?

At least an hour a day – weekends more.

Is that use more that you'd expected?

Pretty much Do you still use other computers as much?

I do not use the laptop in the morning any longer, which is a definite plus!

What apps do you use or have you purchased?

iBooks, Think Ink, iTeleport, Quickmark, and several programs to assist in determining product markup, sales analysis, etc.

What would you change about it or what features would you add/take away?

I am trying to take more advantage of the Kindle app but I find it is a little heavy to hold up for any length of time. It is a bit challenging to read it in brighter light. An easier way to print would be great. Also, something similar to MS Office (Word and Excel type focus). Maybe that does exist and I haven’t discovered it yet.

How are you using the portability of the iPad to your advantage? Is it allowing you to write more blog posts or at least start ideas because of its mobility?

It fits nicely in a briefcase-not as bulky as a laptop. It was so easy to prop up on the kitchen counter to refer to the recipes using minimal counter space. I think at this point, I would classify myself as the “typical” user.

Are you using the iPad in any non-conventional ways? If so, how?

Not at this point.

What's your favorite app and what made you choose it?

I like using ColorSplash and Brushes on this. It allows better space for seeing the designs making it easier to get excited about the creations! Sounds crazy, but it does make a difference for me.

Has the iPad helped your hobbies at all?

I have been able to find a couple apps that focus on needlework. The upside is that it has also given me some ideas for other apps, demo recordings, etc.