Using Microsoft OneNote is a great way to keep track of notes, receipts, ideas, documents, passwords and much more. While having this information while at your computer is convenient being able to access the information from a mobile device, such as a smartphone or iPad, increases the mobility of OneNote making it a more practical application.

For example, I keep notes for my clients including work performed and account information in OneNote. Instead of having to carry around my laptop when visiting clients I can access their information in OneNote via my phone or iPad. By having the information accessible via a mobile device I always have the information I need regardless if I have my laptop with me.

There are two methods for setting up OneNote for access via a mobile device. The first method is to use the Microsoft OneNote mobile application and the second method is to use a third party application. Each method has advantages along with disadvantages for accessing OneNote via a mobile device. The selection of which application to use depends on the following:

• Ease of use

  • Installation

  • Upgrade

  • Setup

• Interface

  • Clean look

  • Easy navigation

• Features

  • OneNote features

• Cost

  • Free or paid

  • Support options

• Platform

  • Android

  • iPad/iPhone

Unfortunately there is no easy way to select which method will work the best without trying the different options. Each application varies in the above categories and it is up to the individual user to determine what their needs are for accessing OneNote while mobile. Though it sounds like a lot of work to test multiple applications the process for installing and setting up OneNote mobile is not very time consuming or difficult.

To help in the selection of the correct application the next article will provide instructions on how to use the Microsoft OneNote mobile application to access OneNote while mobile. After that the next article will provide instructions on using a third party application, free and purchased versions, for accessing OneNote while mobile.

Stay tuned for the next article to learn how to setup the Microsoft OneNote mobile application!