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Ask HN: Windows Notepad Replacement?

1 points by ddemchuk ↗ HN
Recently I've taken to keeping basic task lists in outline format using Notepad in Vista. It works great for just spewing info into it but I need just a little bit more for it to be perfect.

I'm looking for the most basic editor that exists that allows timestamping, bold/italic/underlined text, bullet lists, and strikethrough text. This is a rare moment as well where I would prefer a desktop app over a web app as I want the quickest working solution possible.

This isn't for coding, I use Intype for that. Also, notepad++ has way too many options/is too programmer centric. I just need it for taking down notes and task lists.

Anyone know of anything that fits the bill?

7 comments

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noodle
notepad2 might be a good choice, although not the complete solution you're asking for.
gojomo
If you can live with plain text (using conventions to simulate the formatting you mention), emacs inside cygwin might be a good choice.

(Well, I'm sure there's a way to create a highlight mode that includes your formatting, but for just 'notes and task lists' plain text should be plenty.)

js65536
Editplus is my goto quick Notepad like app. http://Editplus.com

Evernote is a decent 'note taking' app. http://evernote.com . Microsoft Onenote is okay as a standalone app, but has pretty nice integration with Outlook and the rest of the MS Suite. Try it out if you are working at an organization that's running MS products.

brianto2010
Would Wordpad work? It does basic formatting as per your requirement and is bundled with the OS.
buugs
Agreed, basic formatting (rtf) and easy to use and bundled.
pasbesoin
It doesn't fit your description of "a minimal text editor", but I"ve been happy with the free and well supported ToDoList:

http://www.codeproject.com/KB/applications/todolist2.aspx

It supports fairly full featured, hierarchical to do lists. However, it also has a rich text component for its comments, that supports the features you describe. I use that component for quickie logs; Control-D inserts a timestamp at the insertion point.

Again, I realize it doesn't precisely fit your description, but on the chance you or another reader finds it of interest.

ddemchuk
Hey everyone, thanks for the replies. After digging for what was probably longer than necessary, I think I've found the perfect solution:

http://www.sgssoft.com/winpad/winpad.asp

hopefully that app will help someone else who is in the same boat as me...