Hello,

I have always used a physical notebook to hand write lab notes in the past (I work in a biology lab). It's a great way to jot down thoughts, notes, and general use as a lab related scrap book.

I know there are some software like Tomboy or Zim Desktop Wiki which might work well as a digital lab notebook. But before I dive into one (and I am afraid it might be hard to switch if I ever find another software that's better), I am wondering if anyone here also works in a lab and what software do you use as a lab notebook?

I don't have a lot of specific requirements other than a preference for file formats that are more easily portable (i.e. maybe everything is stored in the files as human-readable/editable text, etc.), but even this preference is not a strict requirement.

Thanks!

Look at a tablet before you buy. Some tablets have word recognition, speech, pens, recording, and are more flexible in the power supply department. Just be careful what you invest in. We have Android & Apple tablets, and the apple is very fussy who/what it communicates with. It wants you to buy everything you load on it from them. You have to work to get around that, and it's not always possible; bluetooth is an example.

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That is a good point! Thanks for the suggestion.

However, I am still interested in software options. Do let me know if you have any suggestions!

Fine, perhaps if you are studying for an exam. I have never found anything to beat a hard backed notebook, which you can record stuff, draw out ideas, record tests, eben start programs, etc. with. When uyou put stuff into any program, it gets filed and is lost to your memory and ready access. So it doesn't get involved in your decision making.