For ages, I have been on a quest for the ultimate productivity setup, constantly tweaking, adding, and removing tools in an endless cycle of optimization.
Recently, something shifted. I integrated NotebookLM into my daily routine, and it’s been a game-changer.
This isn’t another app review. It’s a testament to why I’m never going back to my old ways. Let me show you how NotebookLM fundamentally transformed the way I work and think.
Using NotebookLM with Google Docs
NotebookLM is an official offering from Google that offers smooth integration with Workspace apps, such as Docs and Slides.
When I tackle a big project, I open a dozen Google Docs documents for research notes, meeting transcripts, client feedback, content drafts, and a few Google Slides presentations for project outlines.
It used to get frustrating and time-consuming when I wanted to find a specific piece of information or cross-reference a detail from a meeting in one document with a point in a slide deck.
That’s where NotebookLM jumped in to combine all my Google Workspace files. Now, for any given project, the first thing I do is create a new notebook in NotebookLM and upload all the relevant Google Docs and Slides files.
I recently took on a website development project. I added Google Docs (for project briefs, feedback, and market research) and Google Slides (for design mockups and presentation decks) and started asking the following questions.
- What is the proposed timeline and budget for this project?
- What are the SEO keywords or content themes we should prioritize?
- Are there any legal requirements mentioned for this website?
- Describe the branding elements based on the design slides.
NotebookLM scans through my uploaded sources and gives relevant answers in no time.
Exploring NotebookLM for travel planning
One of the surprising and delightful ways I have integrated NotebookLM into my life is for travel planning. This might sound unconventional, but hear me out.
Now, when I plan a trip, I create a dedicated notebook in NotebookLM for that destination. I fill it with relevant travel blogs and articles I find about hidden gems, the best restaurants, PDFs of my flight and hotel booking confirmations, Google Docs where I have a rough daily itinerary, and more.
When the Notebook is ready, I can ask the questions below and receive relevant answers in no time.
- What are the top five must-see temples in Kyoto, and what are their typical opening hours?
- Summarize the best public transport options for getting from Hotel Radisson to Disneyland.
- What are the highly recommended local dishes to try in the Gion district of Kyoto?
- Given my budget PDF, what are the average daily costs for food and attractions in Tokyo versus Kyoto?
NotebookLM removes much of the pre-trip stress. For anyone who loves to travel but hates the planning, NotebookLM is a must-have companion.
Finalizing my car purchase with NotebookLM
Deciding on a new (and first) car is always confusing. I was eyeing a mid-size SUV this time, and the market is flooded with options from Hyundai, Skoda, Suzuki, Toyota, Kia, and Honda.
My usual approach would involve spending countless hours on individual reviews, watching a dozen YouTube videos, and trying to hold all the pros and cons of each model in my head.
That’s where NotebookLM became my ultimate car-buying guru. I started by creating a dedicated notebook called “Mid-SUV Hunt.” I added sources, such as written reviews, and a 30-minute comparison from a reputable YouTube reviewer.
When the bible of my research was ready, I asked NotebookLM:
- Which of these mid-size SUVs offers the best rear-seat legroom according to the comparison video?
- Compare the claimed fuel economy figures for the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos from the uploaded reviews.
- Which car offers six airbags from the base variant?
- Who has the best-in-segment boot space?
I like how NotebookLM always points me to the exact paragraph in a review or the specific timestamp in the YouTube video’s transcript where it found the information.
Learning complex subjects with NotebookLM
Here is another area where NotebookLM turned out to be a handy companion in my setup.
Recently, I wanted to learn about self-hosting via Docker. I gathered all the relevant articles about Docker, its containers, and a couple of lengthy YouTube videos and started asking questions.
- What are the best tools for self-hosting a service?
- What are the best productivity Docker containers?
- Which app should I use to manage containers?
- How do I secure my self-hosted services?
I received relevant answers, and within no time, I was able to self-host a Google Photos alternative (Immich) on my PC.
My productivity secret
When it comes to personal productivity, true breakthroughs are rare. Yet, for me, NotebookLM proved to be exactly that. It’s the intelligent hub that fundamentally reshaped how I organize and leverage information.
It’s a powerful ally that integrates seamlessly into my workflow and provides clarity in no time. I highly recommend creating several notebooks and experimenting with multiple sources in NotebookLM.
If you are new to Google’s AI note-taking tool, check out these tips to get started in no time.
