Keep notes close with a pocket briefcase
I’ve mentioned before that I’m a huge fan of using 3×5 cards to capture and organize tasks and ideas, but they can be somewhat inconvenient to use. Various cases and Hipster PDAs attempt to make note cards easily accessible, but they rely on carrying around yet another item in your pocket.
Last year, I picked up a Pocket Briefcase, which has now become one of my favorite organizational tools. Instead of carrying around a wallet and a stack of note cards, I’m able to carry just a wallet, because the cards fit inside. This particular briefcase has a pocket for cash, slots for a few debit and ID cards, and two pockets to organize used cards. I recently went on a trip out of the US and discovered that my Pocket Briefcase will even fit my passport.
This works for me because even when I don’t want to carry a notebook, I’m always carrying my wallet, so I’m never without a pen and paper. If you use note cards with your personal information on them, then you’re carrying business cards too!
Levenger’s pocket briefcase isn’t cheap, so if you want to see if this kind of tool will work for you without spending a lot of money, you can find similar items in many stores that carry office supplies.
Posted by Brian on Oct 12, 2009 |
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22 comments posted
Posted by Lose That Girl - 10/12/2009
I’d miss the compartment for change but otherwise, I think it’s a great idea.
Posted by Tim - 10/12/2009
I made a duct tape wallet via instructables.com over two years ago and it is still going strong, so I think I will try to cook up a duct tape version of this thing. I can’t see spending $70 for three pieces of leather.
Posted by miss minimalist - 10/12/2009
Cool idea. I use note cards too, and keep a small stash in the checkbook compartment of my wallet (since I don’t carry a checkbook).
Posted by Michelle - 10/12/2009
So while you incorporated your notebook into your wallet, I did the opposite and incorporated my wallet into my moleskine notebook. I use the interior of the back folder for cash, and on the outside I used paper & tape to make a “credit card tier” for my ID & cards. I guess either way can work, depending on how much you use your notebook, vs. how much is in your wallet.
Posted by Glenn - 10/12/2009
This looks totally cool, but I must be missing something. How can something that holds a 3×5 card possibly fit in my pocket? Maybe if my wardrobe consisted of cargo pants or suits with jacket pockets. I wear jeans mostly, will this thing really fit?
Posted by TedH - 10/12/2009
I like using a smartphone for this type of thing. I think it fits into the ‘less clutter’ mindset as one device handles phone calls, notes, mp3s, eBooks and more. No multiple devices to carry around.
I bought last year’s model and don’t have a data plan so it ended up being quite affordable.
Posted by Rod - 10/12/2009
Here is a $11.99 version at OfficeDepot that I’ve been using every day as my wallet for several years now, with nearly identical features, as far as I can tell: http://www.officedepot.com/a/p.....-Holder-1/
Posted by Rod - 10/12/2009
Here’s a little more info on the above-mentioned $11.99 FranklinCovey vs. the Levenger:
http://www.fountainpennetwork......opic=51682
Posted by Lori - 10/12/2009
There is a red International Pocket Briefcase on the Levenger website that is on sale for $29.95. I know what I’ll be spending my birthday money on!
Posted by Matt - 10/12/2009
My All-Ett wallet holds index cards in the deep pocket. You have to pull them out to write, but it’s a start.
http://www.all-ett.com/product.....?prodID=10
Posted by Sue - 10/12/2009
I have this exact Levenger card wallet and I love love LOVE it. Only downside is I need separate coin purse, but I guess nothing is perfect.
Posted by RC - 10/12/2009
I keep my wallet in my back pocket. How could you keep a pen in there and not have it break when you sit down?
Posted by stan - 10/12/2009
My bf had that same wallet but just donated it because it was way too bulky. the leather became discolored strangely and cash gets lost in that deep pocket. new sleek (but plain) wallet is much better.
Posted by Courtney - 10/13/2009
@Glenn: I want to know, too!!
Posted by Anita - 10/13/2009
Agree with others, this would not fit in most people’s pockets, and it doesn’t make it easy for a small purse either.
I still prefer having a smaller wallet (but complete with coin pocket) and a Moleskine. I’m not a fan of note cards, but they would fit in the cover pocket of my Moleskine, if I decided to use them…
Posted by Brad - 10/13/2009
I have the Franklin Covey version of this that others mentioned. It does fit in the back pocket of pants or jeans just fine. I keep a Zebra G-301 pen in there it’s not a problem. I usually take it out of my pocket to sit down because it could be uncomfortable, but also because I like to have it out to write. Same scenario with my phone.
Posted by Brad - 10/13/2009
OK, so the irony is that when I just took out my wallet to look at the pen to check the model, the pen was broken. So maybe the back pocket isn’t the best place for it…
Posted by sandra - 10/13/2009
I made a version of the pocket PDA using Levenger Circa circles rather than binder clips.
http://www.levenger.com/PAGETE.....y=326-1008|Level=2-3|pageid=6309
Posted by Joanne - 10/13/2009
Regarding a pen, I use (and recommend) the Fisher Space Pen – the “bullet” model. It even fits in the front pocket of my jeans. See http://www.spacepen.com.
Posted by chacha1 - 10/13/2009
Well, I just visited Levenger thanks to this article, and got the red “pocket briefcase” on sale. I expect I could have made do with the black one from Office Depot.
Would have been more frugal! But for the last bunch of years I’ve been making do with a checkbook register cover acting as my wallet (was this uncluttered or just lazy?) and this li’l red jacket will slip nicely in and out of my daily bag, and into my cargo pockets when we travel. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by Jason - 10/18/2009
For all those who think this will not fit in your pocket….YES…IT WILL. I have been carrying the Franklin Covey (less expensive version) as my every day wallet for close to 4 years now. It fits perfectly not only in the back pocket of my jeans, but also the back pocket of shorts and yes even khakis and dress pants.
I wear dress pants, long sleeve shirt and tie to work every day. There is no problem with this fitting in the back pocket and it does not stick out the top.
The only issues I have is that mine doesn’t have the ‘thumb hole’ for the ID pocket to easily slide out your ID. The other one is that it’s not as easy to keep your dollar bills organized when you get change. Normally I just stick it back in and sort it out later.
This wallet has helped me numerous times as I’ve needed to jot down a quick note or write something down to give to someone. I don’t always have my phone with me and have only recently bought a smart phone. I used to print out all my travel info (flight, hotel, car) as well as directions on 3×5 cards and kept them in this wallet when I traveled. It was quicker at the airport and easier than digging through a phone electronically. Plus I had no battery concerns.
So it DOES work. You just have to have a need for it.
Posted by Suzyn - 10/19/2009
I use a coupon sorter to carry my 3×5 GTD system in my bag. I have sections for phone, desk, home, errands, waiting, read/review, file, and someday/maybe. It works great.
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