What is our primary use case?
I have tried Notion for several months. My main use case for Notion is that I was recommended by my friend to use it for tasks such as to-do lists, task management, productivity boost, and organization, so I tried it and implemented my work inside it.
I can give a specific example of how I used Notion for task management. I worked on new code in my new company, and the code was very difficult, with a lot to remember and handle. I found it very tricky, so I needed a tool to manage everything together. My friend suggested I use Notion for this task.
I have used Notion in two different ways. The first way was as a to-do list, but I have a specific app for to-do lists that I found much easier to use than Notion, which also syncs to my device very easily. For a to-do list, Notion was not a good idea. My second and main use case was to manage my code and understand the different methods and how to use them, so I used Notion for this management.
What is most valuable?
In my opinion, the best features Notion offers include a flexible database and the ability to use it with different kinds of views. However, I found it very difficult since it started to order things in groups, which really challenged how I look at things. I found myself struggling more with the tool instead of using it.
I suppose I used Notion incorrectly because so many people recommend this tool. I kept struggling with it, and even when I did my best, I kept struggling. I found it not useful for me, and I actually do not recommend this tool. However, I understand that a lot of people are using it and they are very satisfied with it.
I gave Notion a big chance and ordered things over there, trying to make it very organized. However, maybe I used the right tool for the wrong task, or maybe I used it incorrectly. All the time, this table was ordered in different ways and the table kept moving, sorted in different ways, such as in groups, which was so annoying for me. After I built this table, I just left it as is.
What needs improvement?
The experience was mostly a struggle from start to finish, and maybe I need to give it one more try on another task. For me, it was very annoying. I also tried syncing it with my phone since I wanted it to be synced on my PC and my phone, and it did not catch up.
Based on my experience, the main issue was that the table was sorted differently all the time. However, to be honest, I think I used the right tool for the wrong purpose. I do not know how it can be improved since maybe I just used it incorrectly.
I know from my friend that when the database becomes large, it becomes very slow and laggy. I did not feel it since it was still small on my side. However, he uses it all the time and it has become huge, so I believe it is slow when it becomes huge.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working in my current field for about a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Notion is stable, but I found it a little bit tricky using it on my phone.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
My friend is a heavy user, and for a big database, it is challenging.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I previously used OneNote. I tried to switch because I wanted to try a new product since everybody recommended this product to me. However, I eventually came back to OneNote.
What was our ROI?
Unfortunately, I have not seen a return on investment because I did not like it and I did not use it. Basically, I spent time creating this table, and eventually I did not use it. For me, it was a waste of time.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I use the free tier for pricing, setup cost, and licensing.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Before choosing Notion, I now evaluate other options and I am trying Obsidian for management of my tasks, so it is interesting to see if this will handle it.
What other advice do I have?
My advice to others looking into using Notion is to watch YouTube and understand if this tool fits your needs. I think overall Notion is a great tool, but I need to learn better how to use it and adjust it to the right task. I give this review a rating of four out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.