One of the lesser known and used components of Microsoft Office is OneNote, a notetaking tool that can be used to compile and organise all manner of notes. Whether you are researching a project online, putting together ideas for a work venture or simply compiling a shopping list, OneNote can be tailored to suit your needs. Continuing its entry into the world of iOS, an iPhone, iPad and iPod compatible version of OneNote has just been added to the App Store.

Creating notes in the app is a simple enough process – just tap the Quick Note icon. You can then type away using the on-screen keyboard, and take advantage of the quick link buttons to create bulleted list or check lists. Notes can include images from your camera roll, or you can use your iPhone’s camera to snap a photo there and then. An image does not have to be attached to a note, it can also be a note in its own right.

Used as a note-taking tool in its own right, OneNote is a little limited, but the app’s real strength comes in its ability to sync with the desktop versions of the application – which is available for both Mac and PC. The app works in conjunction with your Windows Live ID and automatically synchronises data in the background. This means that the notes you create on your iPhone can be accessed on your computer and vice versa. OneNote integrates not only with the standard software version of Office, but also Windows Live services such as Office Web Apps and SkyDrive.

OneNote is free for a limited time, and while Microsoft has given no indication of just how the app will be priced, or when the free download period will come to an end, this is an excellent opportunity to either get more from the OneNote you have come to know and love, or learn about an incredibly useful tool you didn’t even know you had installed. This app also looks like being the closest we’ll get to seeing an iOS version of Microsoft Office for some time yet.

Visit the OneNote download page to find out more and grab your free copy of the app.