Review: Electric Pocket's BugMe! Notepad

BugMe!, optimized for PalmOS 5, is a graphics note program with several key features: one can insert jpeg files, stock graphics, and text into a note, and everything can be saved onto a memory card as a jpeg file. Each note shows up as a page in one big database, although they can be categorized; arrow icons in the top menubar allows for navigation between those notes. Each note is (I estimate) about 310x750 (one screen scroll on a half-VGA portrait capable machine). The bottom row of tool icons have the usual collection of functions: return to notes manager, add a new page, add jpegs, add from a stock of images, and changing pen colors. Unlike the Notes program from Pennovate, one can use multiple colors on a page. Further, drawing tools such as creating rectangular or ovular shapes, filled or bordered, and drawing straight lines are present; bounded area fill option avails itself as well. The "external" picture elements - the imported jpegs or the stock images - can be moved. An eraser rounds out the drawing features.

The title of the note is set by the creation date; this too can be changed, if the is toggled on. For quick, handwritten notes, Bugme! excels. A drop down menu lets the user set a timer for up to 7 days; specific alarm time can be set via the "Custom" function. Alarm tones and duration can also be set. BugMe! also has a last used program function; the previous program is iconified and displayed at the top of the screen. A quick note can be followed by a return to the previous program. In addition, templates can be created -- here they are stored as "Favorites." Selecting "New from Favorites" copies the template as a new page in the notes database.

As a graphics notebook, BugMe! does not work for me. I would prefer being able to group notes together, to form an actual booklet of pages. The multiple pen colors are useful, since in many scientific data multiple lines on a graph can be hard to see, especially if I'm quickly jotting them from seminar -- colors should help here. But I need a more powerful organization tool, even if all notes are stored in one database. Perhaps a hierarchical graphics notepad would best suit me. Although BugMe! excels at letting the user set alarms quickly, it isn't something I need. The "last program" function is an innovation that must spread to other information management programs; it lets one interrupt work flow, but with the least disruption possible.