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Why is the notes app so limited?

S

someone28624

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 15, 2007
849
11
Buffalo
I used to use notes a lot to make things like to do lists and grocery lists. More and more I'm using Reminders to do those things now. Now I'm realizing the Notes app is quite limited. Today I wanted to make a note about my furniture shopping. I wanted to add pictures to it. I never before realized there's no way to do that. I really feel this is a big limitation and would like to see that added in the future. I know I could use a third party app, but I like the iCloud syncing.

Further, on my MacBook I went to look at my notes and realized they're not there. Why? Because for the Mac Notes are synced with Calendars. I sync my calendars through Google, so no Note syncing for me.
 
someone28624 said:
I used to use notes a lot to make things like to do lists and grocery lists. More and more I'm using Reminders to do those things now. Now I'm realizing the Notes app is quite limited. Today I wanted to make a note about my furniture shopping. I wanted to add pictures to it. I never before realized there's no way to do that. I really feel this is a big limitation and would like to see that added in the future. I know I could use a third party app, but I like the iCloud syncing.

Further, on my MacBook I went to look at my notes and realized they're not there. Why? Because for the Mac Notes are synced with Calendars. I sync my calendars through Google, so no Note syncing for me.
Click to expand...

Notes can be synced through iCloud on iOS 6 and Mountain Lion. Mine are.

I see you can add pictures on the mac, doesn't seem to show up in iOS 6 though.
 
Notes should populate across devices using iCloud - just make sure you have it setup correctly.

It will gain more features over time, and there are plenty of alternatives on the app stores if you want more features.
 
someone28624 said:
Further, on my MacBook I went to look at my notes and realized they're not there. Why? Because for the Mac Notes are synced with Calendars. I sync my calendars through Google, so no Note syncing for me.
Click to expand...

Nope, Notes are synced as Notes.
 

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Another poor attempt by apple. But there are better note apps out there. Maybe apple justifies their laziness by saying they are supporting the app makers by letting them get money for notes apps.
 
Italianblend said:
Another poor attempt by apple. But there are better note apps out there. Maybe apple justifies their laziness by saying they are supporting the app makers by letting them get money for notes apps.
Click to expand...

It's not laziness - it's strategy which supports the strongest App infrastructure out there. There are PLENTY of other choices if the default Notes app doesn't do what you need.
 
notes needs SOME updates...why can't i group them alphabetically? (we can FINALLY do that on our macs).

and if you want to see something REALLY sad...look at notes on icloud.
horrible font, ridiculous fake notebook...ugh.

am sure we'll see improvements...hopefully sooner than later...
 
Why? Because nobody will buy a device simple because it has a great native note app.
 
I have hated the notes app since my first iPhone back in '09,& though I use NoteMaster (BEST notes app EVER),I do wish Apple improved their native one to at least be able to add pictures.
I think it'd be nice to have the OPTION to use the native notes,but you can't cause it's so crippled :(
 
TheRealDamager said:
It's not laziness - it's strategy which supports the strongest App infrastructure out there. There are PLENTY of other choices if the default Notes app doesn't do what you need.
Click to expand...

Then they should let me delete it and get it off my phone. Why put bad apps on my phone by default and force them to stay?
 
Sorry, for the syncing part I was confusing Notes and Reminders. It's Reminders that can't be synced to the Mac independently of Calendars. I have no interest is installing 3rd party solutions when I have an OS included solution I feel is needlessly limited and can't be deleted.
 
If you don't like Notes, there are a bazillion apps available on the App Store. It's just an app for writing notes like on a notepad.
 
someone28624 said:
I have no interest is installing 3rd party solutions when I have an OS included solution I feel is needlessly limited and can't be deleted.
Click to expand...
I guess you'll never have the functionality you want, then, if you refuse to use apps not included with the OS.

Besides, I don't think the notes app is needlessly limited. It's simple by design.
There's a million other apps that add more function if the simple built-in one doesn't cut it.
 
Notes is great for quickly jotting down something

I use Evernote for lecture notes, study guides, and more time consuming notes.
 
xraydoc said:
I guess you'll never have the functionality you want, then, if you refuse to use apps not included with the OS.

Besides, I don't think the notes app is needlessly limited. It's simple by design.
There's a million other apps that add more function if the simple built-in one doesn't cut it.
Click to expand...

these two statements will make your life with iOS a much happier one.
 
personally, i'd be fine with it as long as i could:

1. alphabetize my notes (as i can on the mac)

2. NEVER have to look at notes in iCloud (shudder)...
 
someone28624 said:
Sorry, for the syncing part I was confusing Notes and Reminders. It's Reminders that can't be synced to the Mac independently of Calendars. I have no interest is installing 3rd party solutions when I have an OS included solution I feel is needlessly limited and can't be deleted.
Click to expand...

They can be turned on & off independently on mine?
 
I use notes as a scratch pad.. My digital version of a sticky note so to speak. I don't need it to be more complex. I don't alphabetize my sticky notes in my desk. And Reminders handles to-do lists, etc. Notes is a great little kiss app (keep it simple, stupid).
 
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