I prefer to operate lean, mean and mobile when it comes to tech. I live by the Principles of Digital liquidity – A discipline for the digital lifestyle consisting of  constant pursuit of 6 factors; speed, simplicity, independence, mobility, control and tactility. The tools that make it onto my utility belt help keep me free and in control of my digital lifestyle. All of these applications are cross-platform, synchronized, mobile-reachable from the web as well as via apps for iOS, Android, etc. Though I use many apps and solutions, these are kept in my pocket and on call everywhere I roam- digitally speaking. Here are 5 I never leave home without:

1. Evernote– Evernote is simply the best notebook program on the market. It works on Mac and PC, can recognize characters in photos and is completely searchable, sharable and postable.  I keep track of my dog, school, multiple projects, executive clients, creative thoughts/ideas/photos/writing all in Evernote. Before it’s a document, it is drafted in Evernote.

*Note to Microsoft One  Note users-I know there are a lot of you out there but I don’t like my programs locking me into an operating system obligations or have strings and fees attached to their web versions. I’m a big fan of platform independence. Tying me down to just one OS, one solution or platform is a huge commitment that we take for granted. I love having the ability to take my digital lifestyle on the road anywhere and everywhere, to various environments that suit me for that particular moment.

2. Google  Apps– Gmail, GDocs, Chrome (when I can)- When it needs to be a professional document it is composed in Google Docs. If you need something more professional- you can print it out on pretty pink paper or thick stock. I focus on efficiency. When it comes to applications, especially regarding documents, I like the phrase  “Don’t bother me. I’m working.” There is a minimal effective tool set I need to create most documents. 80/20 rule lends itself nicely to advocating for Google Apps. There are some glitches at times and sometimes I step it up a notch in Open Office, but rarely do I reach for MS Word.

Microsoft products tend to be like Cigarettes, they make you look and feel cool but they cost a fortune and tend to be addictive and bad for you. Apple has created a similar environment. So every time I decide to use one solution or another that correlates to a platform (OS), I think of it like eating a doughnut or smoking a cigarette. These occasions are rare and for different reasons both brands offer addictive experiences that are ultimately bad for my bottom line and principles.

3. DropBox – Sync and share folders and files easily with a great user interface. One of the few tools that I actually enjoy purchasing, this is great for collaborative efforts in design, music, you name it.

4. Logmein– Remote access at it’s simplest. No network tweaking required. There is a free version that suits most just fine but it is well worth it’s price and I enjoy remotely accessing client’s PCs from my iPhone.

5. Crashplan– Backups have never been so affordable or accessible in times when all hell breaks loose.

These 5 keep me mobile. The principles of digital liquidity keep me in charge.

Photo Credit: alexhophotography cc