I just realized I never posted the link for Episode 31 of the podcast which Myke and I recorded earlier this week. We got together to discuss a few of our favorite stationery items this holiday season for addicts and non-addicts alike. Enjoy!
Monteverde Poquito Ballpoint Pen + Stylus Review
I was surprised at how diminutive the Monteverde Poquito was when I opened the package. I ordered it myself, so you would think I knew what I was doing, but I honestly had to double-check the packing slip to see what the pen actually was. My next step was to bring up the product page on JetPens and REALLY make sure it was what I ordered.
Yep, it was, and I'm glad I did. This is one of the more surprising pens I have used in quite some time. Most mini or compact ballpoint pens I have reviewed in the past have ranged from passable to unusable. The Poquito trumps them all by a long shot.
Aside from the excellent barrel design, the 0.7 mm black ballpoint ink cartridge is the hero here. Crisp, clean, and smooth lines flow with no mess or skipping to speak of. It was a very impressive performance from an ink category that generally disappoints. It was so good I am going to actively search out other Monteverde refills to test out.
Writing is only part of the picture with the Poquito as it features a stylus as well. I reviewed another mini ballpoint pen with stylus that was horrible but the Poquito stylus handled everything I threw at it with ease. It didn't fail on any swipes or taps on my iPhone and was very responsive overall.
Welcome to my every day carry Monteverde Poquito.
Alter Manufacturing Mod.02 Pen(cil) Case Review
I was contacted by Alter Manufacturing on Twitter a few weeks ago to check out a pen case they had just created called the Mod.02. It was an out-of-the-blue request, but once I checked out their story and noticed their proximity (ATL in the house!) I was excited to check the case out. A few tweets and emails later and I had a Mod.02 sample on the way.
When I first opened the package I was concerned. I'm not going to lie to you. I thought the case looked good, but it didn't feel all that substantial, especially since these retail for $30 (I received mine at no charge). I'm used to handling lighter weight nylon fabric cases from Nomadic that have more internal padding. It is a different feel in the hand for sure.
Once I finally got down to business and loaded it out, my opinion of the Mod.02 did a complete 180. I don't know my cloth density ratings at all, but the "PU Coated Cordura 1000D Exterior" feels as sturdy as can be without being stiff as a board. I loaded up 10 pens in it as fast as I could, and could probably squeeze in a couple more if I tried. The two right hand pockets fit three full-sized pens each, and the larger left hand pocket can fit a small notebook (like the Doane Paper mini Flap Jotter but not the standard memo book size of 3.5 x 5.5 inches). I went with five pens in that slot and could probably fit seven depending on the pen.
The inside of the pen case also contains a small horizontal pocket that can fit lead refills, ink cartridges, erasers, and the like. There is also a flap that partly covers the top of the pens to prevent them from sliding out if your case tumbles around a lot.
That right there is the key to the Mod.02. This is one of the most portable cases I have used from a design and construction perspective. Loaded out with pens, it still manages to fold impressively flat while keeping your pens and pencils stable and protected. The wide velcro strips allow you to stuff it even more full than I did and still have a tight closure.
If I was a mobile artist/urban sketcher type I would be all over the Mod.02. As it is, I am a backpack wearing, laptop toting cube jockey and this case suits me wonderfully. I can carry the right amount of gear and have all my bases covered and protected.
The now discontinued Nomadic Roller Pencil Case has been #1 in my case arsenal for years. Not anymore.
