Two things combined to bring TextEdit into my life. First, switching to a paperless office workflow and,second, getting a Stressless chair with laptop holder. Suddenly, pens and paper became not only difficult to locate, but also difficult to use in the absence of a solid writing surface. Checking my voicemail led to panic…. “Hi, this is Mr. X adjustor and we wanted to let you know we would be willing to settle the case, please call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX and reference our file number XY79HG when calling. Click.” All of this spit out before I can even locate a pen, let alone find a place to write it down. 

 

Now, the lowly little TextEdit replaces the scratch pad and pen. Whenever you get a phone call or retrieve voice mail you need somewhere to jot down that little bit of info which cannot be (and perhaps should not be) filed away for later reference. Using Command-Space, TextEdit gets opened and you can hammer out those few little bits of info being fed to you and then later dispose or file and retain as needed.