Few third-party productivity apps are as lauded as Evernote. If you're the type of person who insists upon always-synced organization of all your ideas and projects, the program is invaluable. But even as the Evernote desktop client stands high atop the pillar of productivity tools, its iOS app leaves something to be desired. If you're looking for an alternative, Springpad is probably the best bet.
Earlier this month, Springpad went from a simple note-saving application to a full-on social collaboration service. The 3.0 update, just recently launched for iOS devices, kind of looks like Evernote and Pinterest had a really productive baby. Instead of just clipping web-bits and fleshing out ideas for your own personal use, Springpad affords the opportunity to set your notebooks online. Friends -- or collaborators -- can see updates, post comments, or even add to any number of projects.
Publicly posting your secret idea to take over the world with an army of ferrets may sound horrifying, but you're in no way required to make anything public. A simple slider under the app's settings protects the stuff -- really, ferrets? -- you would rather remain private. In essence, Springpad still packs in most of Evernote's features -- web clips, notes, picture uploads -- but provides the added bonus of a social network.
Unfortunately, Springpad lacks the super handy desktop client of Evernote. That said, you're still able to access all of your stuff through a web-based interface. There's even a bookmarklet you can add to your browser's bar, providing quick links to your various notebooks. Desktop interface notwithstanding, I found Springpad's slick iOS app to far exceed Evernote's mobile options.
The app -- also available for Android devices -- offers quick access to any of your synced notebooks. Each notebook's appearance is customizable, and the entire interface is a big step-up from Evernote's rather bland, gray tones. Creating and populating notebooks with your stuff is a cinch, thanks to a search bar in the upper corner. Simply type a headline for the item and create your own entry. You can also search for products like album releases, and Springpad will integrate reviews.
Three other great features -- absent from Evernote iOS -- are boards, task lists, and collaborative invites. Boards work much like Pinterest, except with the added bonus of pulling items directly from your notebooks. Task lists offer an online to-do list, complete with reminders. Inviting others to share your notebook is as simple as hitting a button and entering an email address.
Beating Evernote at their own game is a tough task, but Springpad performs remarkably well on the mobile front. If a desktop client comes into play, I may just leave the little green elephant behind altogether.
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