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. Mozy- Backups have never been so affordable or accessible in times when all hell breaks loose. Mozy is my safety net.

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