When you first install Windows 7 RC1 one of the default items on the revamped Start Menu is the new Sticky Notes. Vista users would definitely remember this one because it used to be a gadget. In this version though, it was promoted into a stand alone application.
We all have to take down notes at one point or another while we’re in front of our computers, so this little program would definitely come handy.
There’s just a couple of things I don’t like about it though:
- It won’t let you change the default font
You’re pretty much stuck with the one it comes with. I appreciate how they went with a handwriting type font to reflect the “note” feel but from a programmer’s point of view I feel like it’s a travesty not to go the extra mile and put in a customization feature that would allow users to change fonts (colors, highlighting, etc). - No support for Windows 7 features.
I’m referring to JumpLists and Peek/Preview to be precise. Microsoft has been doing a very good job trying to come up with a unified “look and feel” to their products and services lately (Have you tried out Windows Live?) and as such I would expect products like Sticky Notes to be able to use core features in the new OS.
Case in point: When you hover the mouse pointer over the Sticky Notes shortcut on the Task Manager it just gives you a consolidated “snapshot”:
It would have been nice to have it spread out the preview notes like how it’s done on the Internet Explorer 8 tabs:
Granted we still have some months before Windows 7 is finally released so they’re probably planning to redesign Sticky Notes for added features (crossing fingers).
Quick TIP
When you close out a Sticky Note using the X button at the upper right hand corner it would actually be a “delete” action. I don’t know about other people but I wanted a way to quickly hide/show Sticky Notes (I don’t want them on my desktop all the time). The problem with this is that the Sticky Notes do not have a button to minimize or hide them.
Solution: Pin the Sticky Notes shortcut on your Taskbar (right click the Sticky Notes launcher on your Start Menu and choose “Pin to Taskbar”).
Once the shortcut is already on your Taskbar, you can click on it to hide/unhide your Sticky Notes.
