I'm thinking about somehow incorporating text-based lists and Quicksilver into my setup, which is currently evolving. Right now I'm using an hPDA with notecards. At the moment it's more like three hPDAs, one with @Context items and two more with everything else. (There were too many to put into one clip.)

I'd suggest starting with textfiles. If there's something textfiles won't do for you, write it down. Once you've got a few of those, work out what /does/ those things and then consider migrating to it.

That, and with Quicksilver and the right triggers set up, you can drop something into a list with nearly zero effort. For example, I've got cmd-opt-ctrl-enter set up as a trigger to append to my worklog. When I hit it, QS just pops up, I type what I wanted to log and it's done. No text editors, no context switching, no friction. The modifier's so long because I have a whole series of little hacks set up using cmd-opt-ctrl, but would otherwise be crazy. :)

HTH,
-s

I'm currently using two different programs for managing information. As a web designer I have to have quick access to client's log-in info: URL's, passwords and usernames. Stickybrain does a great job of handling such short bits of information. It is also good for storing product registration strings, and can be made reasonably secure.

It has a contextual menu plugin that allows me to send snippets to a predefined directory with a simple right mouse click. It also has an option that lets me access notes by clicking on a little flashlight icon in my menu bar, making quick retrieval a snap.

I don't use it in sticky mode as I hate having my screen cluttered, but for temporary notes, I imagine it could be useful. Stickybrain also syncs with my Palm, making it good for portable notes.

It isn't a heavyweight data manager, but as it evolved from a upscale post-it note program, it was never intended to be. I use DEVONthink for that.