Wayne: I’m not sure if this will work for everyone or if it’s just allowing me in because I’m already into the Evernote beta (I think it’s an open URL because one of my friends was able to download directly). UPDATE: Some users are not able to get into the beta via the link shown at the end of this post – if you have trouble – leave a note in the comments and I’ll forward you an invite from my account.

Instead of applying for the Evernote Beta (which is just a marketing gimmick imho) — keep reading and I have a link that I found which seems to get you into the beta without having to wait for an invite.

picture-1.png

This software has clients for Windows, MAC, Mobile — and the sync happens automatically over the web.

I have some privacy related questions about syncing things over an insecure connection – but my notes are not so earth shattering that it would stop me from downloading. However if you store things like passwords and other sensitive information I’m a little iffy on the secure-nes.

Doug Goldring: I don’t think you can download the Evernote Web beta 3 from there. Just the offline tools, which are not part of the new Beta (though I will say the Windows Mobile tool is excellent).

I agree with you about privacy concerns. But really, what I am using it for is pretty much jotting stuff down when I get an idea on a post and can’t get to the computer right away.

Wayne: Since I’m already signed on I can’t really test whether it works unless I create another account.

One of my friends was able to download what looked like the client — and I downloaded the MAC client on my MacBook Pro without having a copy of Evernote (or login info there) — and it installed. Once I put in my Evernote login and PW it sync’d me right up.

I believe if you were to download this and you did not have an account already that it prompts you to create one.

Once you have the account you should be able to log in online via the beta page – — which is openly displayed on their home page.

Cool software. I wish I had more confidence in the security because I think that’s going to hold me back from using it heavier than just for simple notes as you are doing as well.

Doug G: Yeah, I don’t know, Wayne. I know that the offline clients were not part of Beta 3, that was just the web based upgrade.

Either way, it is pretty cool if you use a lot of notes from different locations. But I agree iwth Wayne, I am not about to put my bank account info up there. :)

Wayne: What I use it for is random note taking – and then synchronizing those notes to my work, home and laptop.

I started to find that while I was in the office I’d take notes on a scrap of paper. Then I’d leave — and forget the paper. Now I’m home. Damn – the paper with the notes are back in my office and I need the info for tomorrow.

What Evernote brings to the table is a central place for notes that I can easily search.

There are other options — I think Google has a notebook of sorts – but searching and adding information seemed clunky.

The web notes make me nervous, especially since some of the notes that I may take during the day involved confidential client information like passwords, etc.

It’s worth a look but only if you have the need to centrally organize a lot of notes and have them sync. I’ve never tried the photo stuff where they say if you insert a picture with writing Evernote will read within the photo. Evernote also has a cool web clipper where I have clipped and added pages from web sites — usually receipts when I’ve ordered something.

Not earth shattering but very useful in the right situation.

Doug G: I agree Wayne. I would say that if you are someone who takes a lot of notes, particularly electronic notes, then this is a fantastic option. Otherwise, it is just a cool toy. :)

Wayne: I put in a request for some beta invites (even though I think a direct link would get people in) and I’m waiting to hear back from Evernote…in the meantime I think http://www.evernote.com/support/beta/ works and bypasses having to request a beta invite which is nothing but marketing gimmickery in my opinion…

Related posts:

  1. 24 Hour Evernote Open Beta Registration Ends May 20, 2008
  2. Evernote Beta Open To All Until 9pm PST Tonight
  3. Evernote Beta: So Much More Than Note Taking
  4. Evernote launches BlackBerry version of their note taking client
  5. Interview with Evernote CEO Phil Libin