# Lightweight Writing Tools

## Chrome and My Old Laptop
I've been getting a little frustrated with Chrome on my laptop - google docs and Gmail are getting pretty damn slow. VS code is also sluggish.

There are a few options:
 - Double the laptop RAM 8GB->16GB
 - Use a native app like sublime, notepad++
 - Find a new native writing app for windows
 - Try something like Roam or a free alternative

## RAM Upgrade
I've been putting off a RAM upgrade because the 16GB SODIMM costs nearly half what I paid for the laptop and I'm not 100% certain how much it will help. Seems to make more sense to just buy a new laptop instead.

## Code Editors

### VSCode
VSCode is a bit slow for me but better than Chrome. There are also extensions for it like [VSCode Markdown](https://github.com/yzhang-gh/vscode-markdown).

### Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a fast native code editor. I haven't looked into using it as a Markdown editor.

### Notepad++
Another native code editor. Haven't tried using it for Markdown.

## Markdown Editors and Writing Applications
I found a few links on Markdown editors and writing tools in general but haven't looked at them yet:

 - [iA writer](https://ia.net/writer) 
 - [Typora](https://typora.io/) https://typora.io/#windows  (Electron based)
 - [Ulysses](https://ulysses.app/features/) - Mac only
 - [Open Sourcs Tools for Writers](https://itsfoss.com/open-source-tools-writers/)
 - [Best Markdown Editors](https://areknawo.com/best-markdown-editors-compared/)
 - [Free Writing Software](https://www.techradar.com/best/free-writing-software)
 - [I Created Writing Software for Writers](https://www.reddit.com/r/writing/comments/3j41t2/i_created_writing_software_for_writers_its_free/)
 - [Markdown and YAML](https://www.reddit.com/r/writing/comments/6d9tf3/my_state_of_writing_while_using_markdown_yaml_and/)
 - [Which text editing software do you use?](https://www.reddit.com/r/writing/comments/1vmd7b/which_text_editing_software_do_you_use/)

## Personal Knowledge Management
PKM isn't necessarily related to finding a lighter weight writing solution but it came up while I was reading on these topics. I've noticed Roam is really popular with bloggers like Nat Eliason and others in that realm. It looks really cool but I already have a enough subscriptions so I gathered some info on alternatives. Not all of them are free. 

### PKM Alternative
This reddit thread yielded a lot of options:
[Open Source Alternatives to Roam Research](https://www.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/comments/f0z6yd/open_source_alternatives_to_roam_research/)

 - [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/)
 - [TiddlyRoam](https://tiddlyroam.org/)
 - [TiddlyWiki](https://tiddlywiki.com/)
 - [Athens](https://github.com/athensresearch/athens) - early development
 - [Org-Roam](https://www.orgroam.com/)
 - [Remnote](https://www.remnote.io/)
 - [Notion](https://www.notion.so/product)
 - [Roam Alternatives](https://www.saasworthy.com/product-alternative/5758/roam-research)
 - [WikidPad](http://wikidpad.sourceforge.net/) - http://trac.wikidpad2.webfactional.com/
	
### Interesting Concepts
Some items that came up while I was reading:

 - [Intertwingularity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intertwingularity)
 - [Note Taking: Zettelkasten](https://eugeneyan.com/writing/note-taking-zettelkasten/)
 - [Zettelkasten](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zettelkasten)
 - [Transclusion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transclusion)
 - [Blocks as first class citizens](https://www.reddit.com/r/RoamResearch/comments/gssohf/what_are_the_best_roam_alternatives/fs7553f?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)