I tend to use either a Wiki page (if I'm connected to a network) or Microsoft OneNote for free form notetaking. However, if neither of those options appeals to you, you might want to take a look at the freeware version of...

EverNote 1.5

...to capture your notetaking typing, freehand drawings, and web clippings.

There is also a $39.95 EverNote Plus that synching with USB drives, handwriting/shape recognition, and searching handwritten notes.