I haven't seen the new one yet, but am a big fan of the book by Richard Matheson, it and "Earth Abides" by George Stewart both written in the 50's are the "Alas Babylons" of the super bug plague genre.

None of the four movies are "remakes" of a previous movie, but are all "inspired" by the book.

The Last Man on Earth (Vincent Price) 1964
Omega Man (Heston) 1971
I Am Omega (Mark Decascos) 2007 straight to DVD release.
I Am Legend (Smith) 200

As for journal, I carry a small pocket notebook daily in my pack, and can't imagine a PSK without one. Even moderate injury or sickness could play havoc with your ability to remember some things, and I have even seen normal people in day to day life, that have used cell and landline phones with speed dial so much, that even under slight stress couldn't remember their own family and friends numbers at the time.