Curiously, I have the opposite experience. I try to use other systems but can’t unglue myself from Devonthink. In the past I’ve probably been guilty of thinking DT’s UI is somewhat industrial-looking. There is so much power, I’m happy with the look.
How much power? Why, just this morning I was in a DMV office for a driver’s license renewal. My most artful dodging would only get me most of the way to getting the new license.
The sticking point was proving my Social Security Number. I had a W-2 (pay report from my employer), showing the last four digits. I had a tax return showing all the digits, but that wasn’t acceptable. Only a W-2 with all digits would do.
Quick, to my laptop where I launched Devonthink. Fifteen minutes of syncing got years and years of financial records in place. A search for 123-45-6789 (not my real SSN!) found a bunch of PDF’s including W-2’s from years ago with the full number.
I emailed a W-2, using my cell phone hot spot, to a sympathetic DMV employee and I’m now legal to roam the byways once again.
In other words, on a field of honor in mortal combat Devonthink prevailed over the worst the DMV could do.
That’s power.