Here is the Tools & Toys Guide to Research Implements, a pretty good list by Steven Owens of digital and analog things good to have around if you work with texts, online/digital information, or some combination thereof (and who doesn’t?).
My favorites from among those he covers here:
- iOS Notes: Drafts iPhone, Drafts iPad
- Mac Notes: Justnotes (nvALT is good, too—and free)
- Mac Personal Database (you need one): Devonthink
- On pens: everyone should have at least one good, non-disposable pen. Of the inexpensive gel variety (their review of disposables here), I like the Parker Urban
- My plastic pen of choice: Pilot VBall, black ink, extra fine
- Field Notes, yes