Friday, April 25, 2008

Notebook and Scrivener: take the two together!

Okay, so I'm taking a break from writing an outline for something I need to present in the next day or so, and I thought I post some final thoughts, or maybe not so final thoughts, on the merits of Notebook and Scrivener.

I like both these products and so it has been interesting to try and think what I would do if I had to choose one over the other.

The simple answer is that I wouldn't choose, I'd have both. If we were living in Microsoft land, then choosing would have to happen because I suspect I wouldn't be able to justify buying both. But I don't dwell there, so I don't have to choose.

Notebook ($50) is great for collecting and organising information and ideas. Scrivener ($40) is great for writing about them. Scrivener's interface is so good when it comes to the thinking process for writing. You can write small sections and simply move them around, and better still look at them in two panels within one window, or as a collection with each alternate section highlighted.

Working with iClip, which I use to grab things quickly that I want for a while but not long-term, I think I've got a good set-up for all my research, study and writing projects. All I now need is a good Bible Study package to replace what I had on the PC.

If you're a PC user them I'd suggest you check out Pagefour ($35) as an alternative to Scrivener, and Surfulater ($59) for Notebook. 

If, like me, you live in the UK then the strong pound means you can get Notebook and Scrivener for less than £50.

1 comment:

Jeff Cavins said...

For your bible program I would suggest using Accordance Software on the Mac. It is incredible.
Jeff