A question came up via email from someone who wishes to remain anonymous — "Why Moleskine and not a PDA or my Tablet PC all the time?"

For those that know my technical history, this is a good question.  In the past I’ve been completely digital … from the Newton to Palm to Windows PocketPC and now a quad-solution of Tablet PC, Windows Mobile, Nokia smartphone, and my personal/podcasting iBook. 

I typically have my TabletPC in 80% of all work situations but to be honest without giving out too much detail during any given day I work out of 7 locations each with their own digital technology security rules.  So I just can’t always take a device with me and stay within security rules. 

To make matters more complicated in addition I also use 6 distinct, and not connected/integrated computer network systems.  It is even worse when I’m on travel.  Most of the places I visit in the
DC area allow for none of my electronic devices except my one-way pager
to come with me

The Moleskine is the only piece of gear I have I can move between each of these areas to track my new or updated Contracts, Calendar, Tasks, Projects, and References.

And the Moleskine has the right form factor.  It is light and fits into my back pocket or in my jacket.  And best of all it lets me be hands free.  Which means I have no hesitation to take it with me like I would with a DayTimer-like binder (which I’ve tried to use without much luck). 

So the combo of 3×5 card for quick capture, and then "transition" to the Moleskine in ~24 hours is the best thing for me.  I’d say 75% of what is captured on 3×5 cards is processed during the day (ie. makes into the computer), so it seems lie a pretty efficient and focused system for me.