The Pen Addict

Review: Maruman Mnemosyne Today's Act Note Pad

The idea of keeping a running to-do list is something I am always playing around with, but I am never satisfied with the format I come up with.  As digital of a life as I lead, online list sites like Remember The Milk haven't really grabbed me, and as easy as it is to keep a list in a standard pocket notbook, I just haven't done it.  Could the Maruman Mnemosyne Today's Act Note Pad be the answer I am looking for?

The best part about this notebook is that it is set up to do one task and one task only - keep lists.  It isn't a journal, it isn't a planner, and it isn't a sketchbook.  The page layout is designed specifically for your listmaking needs.  The top of the page has a section for a title or header, plus room for the date to the right of the page.  Below that, there are two small columns to the left to use for numbering or marking off, and the main lined writing section takes up the remaining width of the page.  It is a minimal layout and something that could easily be duplicated on your own, but I tend to take the presets for a lot of things, and this layout is just right for me.

I used my latest Zebra Sharbo X with Royal Blue and Carmine Red 0.4mm gel ink refills to put together a short list for some of the items I wanted to remember for a trip I took last week.  The A6 size suits me well, but if that isn't enough space for you, JetPens also carries a long version.  The sheets are perforated, which I like when I'm grabbing my list for a few errands and heading out the door, but the firm plastic cover makes this pad portable and packable.

Adding another item to go along with your already bulging planner or journal may not be necessary for some, but the Maruman Mnemosyne Today's Act Note Pad fills a need in my daily routine.

Review: Maruman Mnemosyne Inspiration Notebook

This notebook is a big time winner.  In fact, the Mnemosyne Inspiration is the best notebook/paper/sketchpad I have reviewed since getting my first Doane Legal Pads.  As odd as it sounds, it is the landscape layout that really gets me going.  I know, just take any sheet of paper or notebook I own and turn it sideways, right?  Well, it's not the same of course.  The design and construction of the notebook are fantastic, and makes me want to attack each page with great vengeance.  My sketch above (click for larger view) isn't exactly creative, but this is what I see this notebook being used for.  It is the perfect layout.

I haven't run my standard battery of ink tests yet, but the pen I used for this review is the Lamy Safari EF with the standard Lamy black ink.  There was no bleed, no feathering, and very little show through on the back of the page (see below).  If fountain pen ink holds up this well on the page, that says a lot about the type and quality of the paper.  Another feature I like about this notebook is the extra thick and rigid backboard.  You can take the Inspiration anywhere for inspiration and have a great writing experience.

I received this sample from JetPens, where they sell for $26.00 for a pack of three.  More details on the Mnemosyne Inspiration:

Measures 6.25 x 8.25 inches and contains 70 graph lined A5 size (5.8 × 8.25 inches) micro perforated sheets. Ideal for brainstorming and sketching. Graph lines are light gray for subtlety. Each page has a space on the top line for “Title/No” and features a small gray arrow in the middle of the top to signify the midpoint of the page. Pages are acid-free so they won't yellow over time.

These new Mnemosyne notebooks are an “it” product in Japan. They are perfectly designed with the professional in mind and are great for drawing down inspiration and ideas. Everyone from a college student to a working professional will find this notebook useful and particularly well-designed. Named after the Greek goddess for memory, each Mnemosyne notebook features a sturdy cover and is firmly bound with a dual ring system.

These are not the cheapest notebooks out there, but this is a case where I believe you are getting what you pay for.

New Notebook Reviews Coming Soon...

I have some great stuff waiting for me to put pen to paper, so here is a quick tease.  You can find more photos of these notebooks on my Flickr Page.  Reviews hopefully coming soon!

Mnemosyne Inspiration Notebook (Courtesy of JetPens)

Apica Rain Guard Waterproof Notebook (Courtesy of JetPens)

Copic 5x7 Sketchbook (Courtesy of Copic)

Piccadilly Medium Primo Journal (Courtesy of Picadilly, Inc.)