Finding a lost Filofax?

No I've not lost one, sorry for the 'click-bait' title!!

I recently came across an advert for a 'gadget' that would help with finding a lost organiser or wallet. 

A credit card size tag that works with Apple Find My. Once linked to your Apple account, the tag appears in the app along with your other Apple AirTags which I have on my keys, bags etc.

 The advantage of this credit card size one  is that it is much thinner (2.5mm) than an Apple AirTag (8mm) and this one is rechargeable, compared to other similar credit card tags are not rechargeable. 

I saw the card advertised on Instagram and available via Action, a budget chain of shops here in France. A quick visit to my local store and I was able to pick up a couple of them for €11.95 each (About £10) 

Once charged and linked to my account I've tucked it in to one of the pockets on my current in use organiser. 

Yes this one has changed colour, my wife liked the off-white one for her wallet, so I did a swap! 

Have you ever lost a Filofax? And hopefully found it again? 

Filofax A5 Lockwood Zip - Revisited

It is several years since I got this organiser and reviewed it along side the Personal size zip. Just over 10 years ago in fact.  I will not repeat the detail that you will find in that review.

However, as part of my desire to use more of my A5 organisers I chose this one to start with, it is one of the few A5 Zip organisers that I own and the only one with 25mm rings the others are either bigger (Holborn zip -30mm) or smaller (Malden and Fusion iPad/Organisers 20mm) 

As I commented with the original review the A5 zip lays totally flat, and the personal size zip is quite good too, and I would think it would improve with use. 

In actual use I've found the pocket arrangements adequate for my needs. It has two elasticated pen loops one in the front the other at the back, so not lacking there either. 

On the outside there is a slip pocket on the front and a zip pocket on the back cover, these can save you from having to unzip the organiser to place something inside or retrieve a slip of paper stored in one of these pockets. 

The leather does show finger nail scratches, but these blemishes quickly disappear over time with a bit of TLC. It is a very smooth leather. It's too early to say if in constant use how it would stand up to daily use. 

The outer zipper has a nice leather tab which works smoothly when closing the organiser and with my 'fill' of pages of a full 12-13 months of week on two pages and other home-printed inserts on 80gsm paper, (about 20mm thick) it closes just fine with no bulges or difficulty. 

Being a zip closure does make the overall size of the organiser factionally bigger than a clasp closure organiser. But you do gain the extra protection/security of being an all around enclosed organiser. 

I've not tried a clasp closure Lockwood, but I can recommend the A5 Lockwood Zip it is certainly a well made organiser and will serve most people well. 

Have you ever tried a Lockwood? 

 

Filofax Brand Guidelines

I came across this file whilst looking for something else the other day. 

Whilst I don't necessarily follow all of them 100% of the time, I still think they are valid. 

AI no try FI

I teased you with a bit of Artificial Intelligence (AI) via Chat GPT in describing the benefits of using a Filofax in the modern age. 

However, I will not go any deeper in to using AI, there is a lot of scare stories and hype around the notion of machine learning and machines spying on us every day. AI being used to create perfect photographs and images. 

Instead, I will pose the idea of Filofax Intelligence or FI.... I'm sure you can come up with some alternatives for the meaning of FI.... but this is a family show, so we won't go any further with that one!

Jokes aside your Filofax is not connected to anyones AI network, they can't spy on what you write on your pages, it's just pen and paper. Unless you photograph your pages that is. 

You have full control over what is contained in your Filofax, there is only the ring size that limits the storage capacity, you can swap the contents any time you want. 

FI doesn't require to be have any software patches/upgrades, pages written over 100 years ago can be added to your Filofax, they are readable now just as well as they were 100 years ago, try that with any recent technology, 20 years might be your limit most probably much less in certain cases

Going forward in to the future long after you are not in this world people will still be able to access and read what you had planned every 4th Monday when there was an 'R' in the month, that is unless you wrote in some sort of code, in other words my own hand writing! 

Your Filofax puts less strain on your own memory and its capacity to remember a huge range of facts and information in addition to recording where you should be next Monday at 10:00. The facts that you need to have a few page turns away is totally in your control not some software developer who you have never met. 

Next time someone looks at you curiously when you pull out your Filofax to look up something, just tell them "This is FI" and if they look puzzled just say "Those that know about FI know the advantages of FI" with a casual rub of your index finger on your left hand on the left hand side of your nose.... it's the signal of those with 'the knowledge' 

The Timeless Benefits of Using a Filofax

In an age where digital devices dominate our daily lives, the Filofax remains a steadfast companion for many professionals and enthusiasts alike. This personal organiser, with its distinctive ring binder and customisable inserts, offers a plethora of advantages that digital alternatives struggle to match. Here are some of the key benefits of using a Filofax:

Tangible Organisation: The Filofax provides a physical space to write down appointments, notes, and reminders. The act of writing by hand aids memory retention and the satisfaction of ticking off completed tasks is unmatched. Unlike digital devices, there are no distractions from notifications or the temptation to switch to social media.

Customisation and Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of a Filofax is its adaptability. Users can tailor their organisers to their specific needs, whether it's by adding, removing, or rearranging pages. From calendars and to-do lists to address books and notepads, the Filofax can become whatever its user requires.

Durability and Reliability: A Filofax is not subject to battery life or electronic failures. It's a dependable tool that's always on, ready to be used whenever needed. The quality materials used in its construction ensure that it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, often becoming more characterful with age.

Privacy and Security: In a world where digital privacy is a growing concern, the Filofax offers a secure alternative. Personal information stored in a Filofax is not vulnerable to hacking or data breaches, providing peace of mind for those who value their privacy.

Professional Aesthetic: A Filofax exudes a professional and classic aesthetic that technology cannot replicate. It can make a statement in a business meeting or an interview, showcasing an individual's commitment to organisation and attention to detail.

Mindfulness and Focus: Using a Filofax encourages mindfulness and focus. The process of planning and reflection without the interference of technology promotes a clearer mind and a more deliberate approach to time management.

Archival Record: A Filofax serves as a tangible archive of one's personal and professional history. Unlike digital records that can be lost or corrupted, the pages of a Filofax can be kept for years, providing a physical record of achievements, milestones, and memories.

Environmental Considerations: For those concerned about the environmental impact of electronic waste, a Filofax is a more sustainable option. It requires no electricity, and paper inserts can be recycled, reducing the carbon footprint associated with digital devices.

Networking Tool: The business card holder inserts make a Filofax an excellent networking tool. It allows for the immediate storage and organisation of contacts met in professional settings, facilitating follow-ups and relationship building.

Stress Reduction: The clarity and control provided by a well-organised Filofax can significantly reduce stress. Knowing that all tasks and appointments are accounted for in one place can bring a sense of calm and order to a busy life.

In conclusion, the Filofax offers a unique combination of practicality, customization, and style that digital devices cannot fully replicate. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness as a personal organization tool. Whether for professional use, personal planning, or as a creative outlet, the Filofax remains a relevant and valuable asset in any individual's arsenal of productivity tools.

Do you agree with Chat-GPT? 

Filofax Personalised Inserts - A potential quality control issue

There has been a lot of discussion about the new Filofax Inserts with the QR codes included for every day.

After a lot people complained, Filofax offered a solution, if you didn't want QR codes on each day. You could order one of their Personalised Diary Inserts and tick the option to not have QR codes. 

One of our readers Kerry in the USA did exactly this, she ordered a diary insert without QR codes, but this is what arrived: 

Look closely at the images above. No QR codes, but what has happened with not only page size but more importantly the hole alignment? 

The page looks like it is 1-2 mm taller which shouldn't be too much of an issue, but the miss alignment of the hole spacing with the central gap (holes 3 to 4) being wider than it should be is a major issue. Kerri tells me in an email that the pages will not go on to the rings of any Filofax she has. 

I have advised her to contact Filofax Customer Service to get a replacement or a refund. 

Has anyone else had this issue? 

If you are commenting below, please include your first name at the end of the comment. Thank you. 

Desert Island Filofax

You are ship wrecked on a desert island, but you rescued your bag before it went in to the water....

You can only keep one Filofax and one pen, which Filofax will it be and which pen? 

Tell us in the comments which size and model of Filofax you would keep and which pen and what type would it be you would use?

Filofax Reminder App

Filofax have recently launched a Reminders App, thank you Tim for spotting it. 

The app is available for Android and iPhone, you can see the full details on this page. 

Using new inserts with a QR code you can scan your written notes and input them in to the app and get audible reminders for tasks etc. 

The way the app works seems to be the wrong way around to how I work! I use the built in Calendar and Reminders app on my Apple devices and these can be shared with family members etc. 

At least once a week I scan through these and copy them to my organiser. 

Remember once you put your information in to an app of any sort there might be privacy issues compared to only using your Filofax. 

This isn't the first time Filofax has offered software, there have been apps for printing out your contacts list in the past and printing pages. Both of these apps are no longer available or supported. I still have the one for printing contacts! 

This app seems to have been supplied by 'InkLink' who ever they are? For it to work your diary inserts seem to require the QR code for the date information it seems. 

Would you use this type of app? 

Unusual Filofax Organiser Designs

The general design of a Filofax organiser has not really changed that much over the many decades they have been made. 

A Norman and Hill organiser from the 1950's

Occasionally though they will throw something very different in to the mix, sometimes these are limited in numbers or they only appear for one year or so. 

In 2013 they brought out The Journey Travel Companion, it is a slimline personal size organiser, but with large zipped pockets on the outside of the cover. 

As a travel organiser it is a very useful organiser/wallet. 

Looking back through the catalogue collection, in the year 2000, Filofax released a pocket size organiser simply called the 2021 which looks like this:

From the catalogue description they used quite a variety of materials as well. 

That same year they also tried to resurrect a kind of duplex design with the Filofax Westminster. That was two organisers, an A5 Zip and a Slimline or a Personal Zip and Slimline that slotted together.  

I recreated a modern version of this using an A5 Holborn Zip and a slimline Holborn with a similar result. You get a great combination and the practicality of using the two together. 

I was surprised that the left hand pen loop is still usable and the combination still closes and zips up without any struggles, as long as you didn't 'stuff' too many pages on to the 30mm rings of the A5. 

Will we see anything different in design from Filofax in the future? Will they step out of their comfort zone and offer something radical and new? I really don't know is the honest answer. 

They still bring out new designs, but these seem limited to a different design of floral cover or similar, the basic organiser is still there as the foundation to these products. May be a slightly different pocket layout but nothing that earth shatteringly different. 

What would you like to see offered? 

 

Filofax Personalised Diary Inserts

Filofax UK have recently announced their own Personalised Diary Inserts. 

At first viewing I didn't think there was anything different about these compared to their existing range. However, I took some time to look at what they are offering in detail and I was pleasantly surprised. 

On the positive side of things:

• You can choose the colour and the weight of paper that the inserts are printed on;
  
• They are only in English, not multi-language;
• You can start your year on any month;
• Saturday and Sunday have equal space as Monday to Friday;
  
• You can have the public holidays for more than one country; 

There are other small advantages that I'm sure people will like. 

Unfortunately these are only available on the Filofax UK at the moment. 

They are only available in Personal, A5 and A4 sizes. It's a shame they haven't included Pocket size as well.  

The Filofax 'Day to View' appears to be a Day on One Page, not a Day on Two Pages. 

I'm also concerned that they will continue to keep these available, they have previously had specialised diary insert collection (Filofax Enthusiasts Collection), but they discontinued them within a year. 

I might be tempted to order a set of these inserts for Personal size, the price is very reasonable and I could get them delivered to my son's address in UK to avoid silly delivery + tax costs. 

Take a look you might be pleasantly surprised, they are a welcome addition and at a sensible price.

Filofax and Artificial Intelligence

There has been a slew of new Artificial Intelligence sites coming on line this year. Some more accomplished than others. Before you can believe anything they say you have to test them out with something you know to be true yourself. 

Google recently launched 'Bard' so I have been trying out a few simple questions: 

Why do people still use Filofax organisers?

 And it came back with a great answer:

Filofax organizers are still popular for a number of reasons:

• They are versatile. Filofax organizers can be used for a variety of purposes, from personal planning to business use. There are a wide range of inserts available, so you can customize your organizer to fit your needs.
• They are durable. Filofax organizers are made from high-quality materials, so they can withstand everyday use. They are also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about them getting damaged if they get wet.
• They are portable. Filofax organizers are small and lightweight, so you can easily take them with you wherever you go. This makes them ideal for people who are on the go or who need to be able to access their planner at all times.
• They are stylish. Filofax organizers come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your personality. They also make a great gift for anyone who loves stationery or who is looking for a way to improve their productivity.

In addition to these reasons, some people also prefer Filofax organizers because they believe that they are more conducive to focus and productivity than electronic devices. The act of writing things down can help to solidify memories and ideas, and the tactile experience of using a Filofax can be calming and meditative.

Of course, there are also some downsides to using Filofax organizers. They can be more expensive than electronic planners, and they can be more difficult to keep organized. However, for many people, the benefits of using a Filofax outweigh the drawbacks.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to use a Filofax organizer is a personal decision. However, if you are looking for a versatile, durable, and stylish way to stay organized, then a Filofax organizer is a great option.

Note that it used the American spelling of organiser even though I used the normal English spelling!  They describe it as an experiment. It might be fun to test it out with some other day to day planning problems. 

Travel Filofax

I'm currently on holiday in Solvenia, a new country for us and it is a delightful place. 

I was faced with the usual issue of selecting a suitable organiser to take with me for the two and half week trip.

I could have selected a smaller size, but instead I opted to stay in my usual A5 size, and just reduce the number of pages I needed to take and use a smaller ring organiser. 

I have a couple of A5 Filofax organisers with 16 mm size rings, a Heritage and Chester. But I also have two with 20mm rings. The organiser parts of the organiser/iPad case in the Fusion and Malden models. 

I picked the Fusion in the end mainly because it is the most robust of the four I picked out. The slightly bigger rings meant I didn't have to cut down what pages I'm carrying. 

I have all of 2023 for my Planner and also my blog planner for 2023. I added in some simple lined paper that I had lurking around! 

With so many things going on at the moment it was good to not have to transfer lots of appointments/events in to another size format and just move my usual pages across to a different organiser. 

What do you do when you travel? 

Previously Unknown Filofax Organisers

Our catalogue collection is not 100% complete in coverage of all years. However, we occasionally get sent photos of organisers that don't appear in the catalogues and therefore they are also not shown in FiloWiki either. 

Thank you to our reader Knut Grassmann for sending us these photos and all the information on the following two examples: 

Academy:

• personal size, rings 23mm, material plastic - four colours,
• left: 6 x credit card, 1 pocket full height,
• right: slot for a pad, does not lie flat without printing,
• Plastic-strap with visible popper,
• plastic pen-loop,

On the last photos you can see the original packaging

'4 ring pocket'

 

The next one doesn't have a model name on the front inside cover:

• Pocket size, 4 rings 13mm, fine grained very soft shiny black leather,
• left: 1 pocket,
• right: 3 pockets for credit cards, 1 pocket full height,
• Leather-strap with visible popper,
• Leather pen-loop,
• The "rail" with the four rings is gold and it is not curved as usual but square.

Four ring pockets were introduced in 1989 with 6 ring pockets coming in 1994.

Do you have any additional information about either of these models?  Please comment below. 

Filofax York - Revisited

Looking back through Philofaxy from around about 2015 last weekend, I thought this post deserved to be revisited with a new eye to details we have learnt since then. 

1993 was a period of transition for the Filofax company, they were ending production of organisers in UK and in this case in Italy and sending production overseas to the Far East, where I suspect production costs were only a fraction of what they were in UK and Europe. 

This era was in my opinion has the best quality organisers in their range. The accuracy and closeness of the stitching on this York is a joy to look at. 

Rare

You will often see the words 'Vintage' and 'Rare' attached to the descriptions of various Filofax organisers in adverts. Whether that is a correct word to use in each case it debatable. 

We have covered what is 'Vintage' before and it recently resurfaced on one of the Facebook groups after Neil published his recent video on the topic: What exactly is a vintage Filofax? // Flatability 

There is no definitive definition of Vintage and how it applies to Filofax, people have their own opinions I know, is it a particular age or before a particular year or whatever. 

However, what about 'Rare' what defines that? 

In the case of a Filofax (a thing) 'not found in large numbers and so of interest or value. 

The one problem I have with that definition is who decides how many have to be made before it is no longer 'rare' ?? 

Some adverts seem to declare something as 'rare' if you don't often see them up for sale. To give an example, the Filofax Eton doesn't often pop up for sale on Ebay these days, so is it rare? I guess not hundreds of them would have been made in an overseas factory somewhere in the world in the early 2000's so not vintage either!

Do I have any 'Rare' Filofax organisers?  I do have an Eton Compact, which I consider to be 'rare' because it never made it in to full production and what I have is a production sample/prototype that escaped in to the open market. 

I suspect it didn't make it in to production because the PDA organisers that it was intended to carry were changing in design so fast. I'm just lucky that I still have a Psion 5MX that this design was intended to carry!. 

Read about the Eton Compact here. After doing some further research it turns out that there would have been no more than 10 of these made and they were sent to the different Filofax distributors to assess their sales potential. 

The other model I have in my collection that is considered by some people is the Journey Travel Companion Organiser. 

This model is from 2013 and I was told by someone at Filofax UK that they only made sixty of these. 

So rare or made in limited numbers? 

There have been other limited production runs by Filofax through out the years. Some didn't sell as well as others. 

What do you consider to be 'Rare' when it comes to Filofax organisers? And do you own any rare ones? 

Filofax Leaflet - 2001

A big thank you to one of our readers Maria for sending me these scans. The leaflet came with a Filofax Kensington she bought recently that looks like it was 'New Old Stock' a great find in red from 2001. 

Technology has changed a lot in the last 20+ years, but our Filofax organisers have not changed that much!

Side 2

How it was originally laid out.

I confirmed the year of publication by comparing the images used in the leaflet to those used in the full catalogue for 2001. 

You can find higher resolution scans of these pages here.

The scans are reproduced here for educational and research purposes only