Filofax size?

[Mathew J]

So I have an amazon wish list and had the personal filofax classic on there which someone was kind enough to get me as a gift, however I never knew that they offered a larger size in the A5...I always assumed the personal was "it" and have read that it is the most known size for filofax. I also use a zippered 8x11 notepad for writing. Just wondering if anyone has any personal preference in terms of size for the organizer? I can see it for dates, contact info, and the occasional note, but will probabily continue to use my primary zippered notepad for notes and then transcribe into the Filofax. Thoughts appreciated, thanks

[ray905]

I've used a personal size for 10-12 years. I have also tried the next size up and down. Personal is large enough for me for daily use, I also keep a extra pen and a pencil plus my checkbook in mine. Of course, YMMV.

[Miss Behaviour]

I very happily used my Personal size Filofax for 12 years (in fact, it's still in great shape). I decided to upgrade to the A5 size recently (received a gorgeous A5 size Finsbury from my husband for Christmas). The Personal is great for keeping information in one place and taking a few notes, but I found that I required one size up to do the things I need to do in it, namely write up lesson plans and take more extensive notes on various work-related admin.

 

The downside to the A5 size planner is that it is very heavy to carry around.

[hollyuk]

I find the smaller sizes a bit limiting when writing - particularly with a fountain pen. I much prefer an A5 or even an A4 for business. Downside is they are bulkier, but in your case you would probably end up oonly carrying the one item rather than the two you do now. If you can't return the personal one, you could probably sell it on ebay or somewhere, especially if it is new with 2009 inserts. The other option is to come clean with the person who bought it for you and send it back in exchange and put any extra to it yourself.

 

They do some great colours don't they? I have an A5 in a lovely rose pink leather which is very pretty. I tend not to use the diary as I use outlook, but it's great for notes and things you need to carry with you.

[Mathew J]

I find the smaller sizes a bit limiting when writing - particularly with a fountain pen. I much prefer an A5 or even an A4 for business. Downside is they are bulkier, but in your case you would probably end up oonly carrying the one item rather than the two you do now. If you can't return the personal one, you could probably sell it on ebay or somewhere, especially if it is new with 2009 inserts. The other option is to come clean with the person who bought it for you and send it back in exchange and put any extra to it yourself.

 

They do some great colours don't they? I have an A5 in a lovely rose pink leather which is very pretty. I tend not to use the diary as I use outlook, but it's great for notes and things you need to carry with you.

 

Hi all and thanks for the reply, I should clarify that I have no desire to lose the 8 x 11 notepad as I just prefer writing business notes on standard paper, the filofax would be more for dates, appts, and short notes if necessary. Also typically I don't use fountain pens when writing in journals such as this and instead opt for a ballpoint. Thanks

[fuchsiaprincess]

I find the smaller sizes a bit limiting when writing - particularly with a fountain pen. I much prefer an A5 or even an A4 for business. Downside is they are bulkier, but in your case you would probably end up oonly carrying the one item rather than the two you do now. If you can't return the personal one, you could probably sell it on ebay or somewhere, especially if it is new with 2009 inserts. The other option is to come clean with the person who bought it for you and send it back in exchange and put any extra to it yourself.

 

They do some great colours don't they? I have an A5 in a lovely rose pink leather which is very pretty. I tend not to use the diary as I use outlook, but it's great for notes and things you need to carry with you.

 

Hi all and thanks for the reply, I should clarify that I have no desire to lose the 8 x 11 notepad as I just prefer writing business notes on standard paper, the filofax would be more for dates, appts, and short notes if necessary. Also typically I don't use fountain pens when writing in journals such as this and instead opt for a ballpoint. Thanks

 

 

Hi Matt,

 

If that's the case, I would suggest keeping the Personal size.

 

I have the Personal and was going to suggest that you upsize to the A5, as I've found it to be a tad too small, especially because I love broad nibs in my FPs. The portability aspect of the Personal won me over though.

 

However, if you're going to continue using your A4 pad and will use mainly BPs in the Filo, then the Personal size should be sufficient.

 

Hope I've helped you decide and not made it harder for you.

 

Regards,

Soki

[Chris]

I sympathise...

 

I have the Personal, and the smaller pocket, and the A5 and I still can't decide!!

 

Actually, the A5 is my work/office diary/planner and I had intended to carry it to outside meetings, but it is heavy - though a lovely tan Italian calf leather (Belmont) and I think it is gorgeous.

 

I thought the pocket size would be ideal to keep in my jacket pocket to ensure I don't double-book myself when out and about, but it is a bit too small and quickly became over-stuffed. So, I'm back to my Personal for out-and-about carry and I've had that for perhaps 15 years at least, maybe even 20 and it is still as good as new.

 

There is no simple answer, but they are a great product so whichever you pick, enjoy it.

 

Chris

 

ps - Finsbury is nice - real leather

Edited January 8, 2009 by Chris

[Mathew J]

I sympathise...

 

I have the Personal, and the smaller pocket, and the A5 and I still can't decide!!

 

Actually, the A5 is my work/office diary/planner and I had intended to carry it to outside meetings, but it is heavy - though a lovely tan Italian calf leather (Belmont) and I think it is gorgeous.

 

I thought the pocket size would be ideal to keep in my jacket pocket to ensure I don't double-book myself when out and about, but it is a bit too small and quickly became over-stuffed. So, I'm back to my Personal for out-and-about carry and I've had that for perhaps 15 years at least, maybe even 20 and it is still as good as new.

 

There is no simple answer, but they are a great product so whichever you pick, enjoy it.

 

Chris

 

ps - Finsbury is nice - real leather

 

Thanks, I am still on the fence, but I do like the quality of the product, I got the classic cross in black leather and it is just so my style...the more I think about it the more the personal seems to be the way I am leaning given that I will use it with my A4 notebook. Thanks

[Marek Li]

I find the smaller sizes a bit limiting when writing - particularly with a fountain pen.

 

I need an organizer, because for last 3 month, every year, I have to use 2 calendars. The organizer solves this problem. Can I write FP on the Filofax paper? For last two years I have used calendars and notebooks of Paperblanks (has the paper, which is good to my wet FP). Please, write me, can I do the same with Filofax?

[Chris]

Given the problems of poor paper in so many quite expensive journals and notebooks, I am pleased to say that so far I have never had problems with any Filofax paper item or any fountain pen ink. But, I do tend to use pencil a lot because (a) I can rub out things when they change in the diary and ( Ooh, where did he come from? i wanted to put a I can highlight the items on the 'to do' list when they are done. The increasing number of yellow stripes is a psychological inducement to get things done.

 

Chris

Edited March 23, 2011 by Chris

[Lorna Reed]

I had the personal size for several years, but found it a bit small, especially as I am left-handed and found the rings were always in the way of my hand (or vice versa!) so I bought myself an A5 Kendal Filofax for Christmas and am finding it much better. I can keep my cheque book in the inside front pocket. I don't need to carry it around so the weight is not an issue.

[rogerb]

This year I retired my 25+yo Personal ...still functional and in great shape, but too bulky to carry around all day, without a 'man-bag'! And I just don't need the size, now I am retired, and really only need a diary/notebook + a wallet.

So, as my wallet was very 'tired', I replaced both with a ff Mini which fits nicely into my ever-present, and relatively unobtrusive, hip-pack.

I was given a matching filofax BP and a hole-punch as b'day presents, so I can use FP-friendly paper if I wish.

It's the Finchley model, very nice leather, and half-price, because, presumably, it wasn't a 'popular' colour. I think the name... 'Mustard'.. didn't help, but it isn't anything like my idea of what mustard looks like! (I s'pose it's a bit like Dijon, which I never use!)

[inkyblot]

if you get the personal, get the alligator! sorry, alligator. sorry, wallet. lol.

[Marek Li]

Thx for your advices. I usually use a pen and a pencil when I write inside the organizer. Do I have to use nibs EF / F? Is the ink from the B nib size will not be visible on the other side of paper?

If I buy Filofax organizer, it will be black Scanda (personal) or brown Kendall (personal/A5) maybe Classic black. It's hard to choose, because ... my records relate mostly Wednesdays and Tuesdays. The most convenient way (for me) to write in the system http://www.filofax.c...productId=2372. The rings of this organizer doesn't be on the way of my hand.

Edited March 24, 2011 by Marek Li

[ArchiMark]

I had the personal size for several years, but found it a bit small, especially as I am left-handed and found the rings were always in the way of my hand (or vice versa!) so I bought myself an A5 Kendal Filofax for Christmas and am finding it much better. I can keep my cheque book in the inside front pocket. I don't need to carry it around so the weight is not an issue.

 

Know this is an old thread, but have been toying with getting another Filofax binder....was using an A5 size one about 2 years ago for a while......

 

Considered getting a Personal size one, but like you I'm a leftie and felt same way when I briefly tested one that those rings get in the way....

 

On other hand, like others have said, A5 is quite a bit heavier/bulkier to carry around....but much nicer to write on space-wise......

 

Ah, decisions, decisions.....

 

[Chris]

Get both - you know you want to

 

I use my A5 size Belmont in the office with a day-to-a page diary and all sorts of other pages and my personal (it says Filofax 5 CLF 7/8 inside, but no other name) with week-to-a-view diary in my briefcase.

 

I also tried a slimline for a year but missed the note pages, phone numbers and addresses so reverted to my personal this year. I've had it over twenty years and it still looks almost like new - a bit of a polish once a year and the leather is great.

 

Great product - buy the best and keep it for ever.

 

Chris

[ArchiMark]

Get both - you know you want to

 

Brilliant idea, Chris!

 

 

I use my A5 size Belmont in the office with a day-to-a page diary and all sorts of other pages and my personal (it says Filofax 5 CLF 7/8 inside, but no other name) with week-to-a-view diary in my briefcase.

 

I also tried a slimline for a year but missed the note pages, phone numbers and addresses so reverted to my personal this year. I've had it over twenty years and it still looks almost like new - a bit of a polish once a year and the leather is great.

 

Great product - buy the best and keep it for ever.

 

Chris

 

Thanks so much for the helpful input. Appreciate it!

 

Other decision is which design/color to get....so, another decision!

 

Like brown leather usually. So, that narrows it down a bit...

 

;-)

 

Mark