Recently I posted about Managing My Todo List and I had a question via email about what notepad I was using - good to know I'm not the only one that sweats the details. For the past few months I've been using a Journalbooks 91340 that I was given by a friend during an office visit that is actually 7x10, and has worked well. The downside is that I haven't found a source to just order a few, all the places I saw online want you to order a 100 copies...at about $8 each. Not sure I need $800 worth of notepads.

I'm trying out two different new models, one is by GBC/Acco, the 9"x6" Professional Series Select with 80 pages, spiral bound. Even though I purchased at Staples I couldn't find an exact match online, this is close. Was about $7. Not cheap for 80 sheets of paper! The other is also from Staples (and perhaps other places), the 5.5x8" Rolla refillable notebook. It's an eight ring binder with the rings exposed, paper that pops in - the refillable part. About $7 too, 80 sheet refill $4 and change.

All these get marketed as 'executive' notebooks, which I believe is marketing for 'we will charge you more'. Not sure any of them worth $7-8 compared to a 8.5x11 pad. The other part that aggravates me a little is trying to pick something and be able to get it again - they have stuff in the store you can't find online, and vice versa. More marketing scheme I imagine.

Of the three, I liked the Journalbook best, maybe just because I've been using it. Others will do for now, or maybe they'll grow on me. It's only paper, but it's a tool, and I like to use tools I like. Funny how we all like different tools/approaches, but good to work through the process, pick one, and then just stick with it.