Outline+ - App Review

Do you use Microsoft OneNote?

This App may be the answer to your prayers as it promises compatibility (view and edit) with the Microsoft offering.

If you are looking for a sophisticated note taking App, this might be the one for you... the publisher promises 'as simple and intuitive as your old paper notebook'.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
Unusually for an App, there is a quick start guide, as well as a comprehensive user guide.

If you are in a hurry then, touch the `+` and start your first note. The date and time are automatically added. Your first task is to add a title to your note. By double tapping it, you can select the style, bold, italic, underline, font size, colour, bulleting, alignment, as well as markers for to-do, important, question, highlight, and contact.

Adding text is as simple as a long tap and then entering the text. The text can be formatted in he same way as the headline, as well as moved anywhere on the screen.

You can also use script and drawing with pens, highlighters (which work properly, without obscuring the background), and marker. There can each have a colour and width assigned, so that your palette is very much how you want it to be.

Photographs (either from your albums, or taken within the App) can also be added to your notes, and annotated at will.

You have now created your first Outline+ note but, have also just scratched the surface.

The settings will allow you to link the App to Dropbox, SkyDrive, or Box, and then decide on parameters for synchronisation. You can also protect your precious notes with a pass code, although this is limited to 4 numbers.

Cost
Outline+ is $15 which might seem a lot at first sight but, remember that the big difference is the interchangeability with Microsoft OneNote... and that cost you considerably more than $15.

Indispensability
I would suggest that a note taking App, with more bells and whistles that the iOS 'Notes', is an essential part of your tablet armoury. If you already use Microsoft OneNote, it may well be a no-brainer.

Dependability
The App is great but... and investing a little time in at least glancing at the manual will pay dividends.

There doesn't appear to have wrist protection so, using a stylus is not as easy as it might otherwise be.

Security
The usual warnings about synchronising apply.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Real OneNote support on iOS.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get Outline+ here and support for the App here.