1
3 Comments

Would you carry a dedicated device just for capturing ideas?

Hello,
I’m just starting a new project and would love some honest feedback.

I personally struggle with this: an interesting idea crosses my mind at a random time, and I try to remember it for later. But then, other thoughts appear and I eventually forget the best ones. I believe taking notes is vital, but I haven't found the right tool.

Notebooks: Searching is difficult and I rarely review them.

Loose paper: No system; they just get lost.

Mobile apps: Too distracting, and I miss the feel of handwriting.

Because of this, I’m developing a small, pocketable device for quick, frictionless idea-capture. I’m in the very early stages and not attached to a specific solution yet. I’d love to know: Is this a project worth pursuing? What would your ideal idea-capture device look like?

P.S. Just to be clear—I’m not pitching a product or looking to hire. I’m just in the very early "problem-validation" stage and want to see if this resonates with other creators.

Thank you very much - every feedback helps me a lot.

on March 7, 2026
  1. 1

    I'm thinking that a device at one point of my productivity journey and I would have said yes, now I'm not sure. A great app with an angle yes, a device, I'm not sure
    In terms of angle, atm I tend to throw everything in a Todosit and or note app and more capture items are neither a note nor a task so it is cluttering.

    1. 1

      Hello,
      I completely understand that frustration - I feel the same way. Sorting notes often feels like a chore, an extra effort you have to do. It is always easier to just save the note and delay sorting until later, but the chance of doing it in the future - when more and more notes stack - actually drops to zero.

      That's exactly why I'm exploring a focused device - I personally prefer the natural experience of handwriting instead of typing on a distraction-filled mobile phone.
      To your point about clutter: what would be the ideal solution for you to minimize the effort of organizing notes so they are findable later?

      1. 1

        Yet handwriting (to which I’m turning more and more) feels a bit too frictional for a capture, i think i can’t really answer without having more details to what you think about. But it has to be carryable, very very easily. Pencil i wouldn’t consider it, also it has to an experience while using it, not just a gadget

Trending on Indie Hackers
I shipped a productivity SaaS in 30 days as a solo dev — here's what AI actually changed (and what it didn't) User Avatar 217 comments Never hire an SEO Agency for your Saas Startup User Avatar 103 comments A simple way to keep AI automations from making bad decisions User Avatar 68 comments Are indie makers actually bad customers? User Avatar 37 comments We automated our business vetting with OpenClaw User Avatar 36 comments I sent 10 cold DMs about failed Stripe payments. Here's what actually happened. User Avatar 33 comments