Hipster PDA

The Hipster PDA is a paper-based personal organizer, popularized by San Francisco writer Merlin Mann. [http://www.43folders.com/2004/09/03/introducing-the-hipster-pda Introducing the Hipster PDA] ] Originally a tongue-in-cheek reaction to the increasing expense and complexity of personal digital assistants, the Hipster PDA (said to stand for 'Parietal Disgorgement Aid') simply comprises a sheaf of index cards held together with a binder clip. Following widespread coverage in the media [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/16/AR2005071600565_pf.html This Retro PDA Doesn't Need Batteries] ] and blogs, the Hipster PDA (abbreviated 'hPDA') has become a popular personal management tool particularly with followers of David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology and users of the Fisher Space Pen. [http://www.jonlee.ca/review-fisher-bullet-space-pen/ Review: Fisher Bullet Space Pen] ]

Advocates of the hPDA claim that it is a cheap, lightweight, free-form organizer [http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/news/2005/06/the_hunt_for_th_1.html Card Sharp] ] that doesn't need batteries and is unlikely to be stolen. Critics cite the lack of integration with desktop PC productivity software [http://metrohair.blogspot.com/2007/01/why-hipster-pda-is-rubbish.html Why the Hipster PDA is rubbish] ] and point out that there is no easy way to back up the often critical information stored in an hPDA.

Although it began as a joke, or perhaps a statement about technology fetishism, the Hipster PDA has rapidly gained a population of serious users, [http://slowburnproductions.wordpress.com/2006/07/15/hipster-pda-tips-for-people-obsessed-with-productivity-pr0n-but-bad-at-actual-productivity/ Hipster PDA tips] ] with hundreds posting pictures of their customized hPDAs on photo sharing sites and exchanging tips on Internet mailing lists. Enthusiasts also design and share index card-size printable templates for storing contacts, to-do lists, calendars, notes, project plans, and so on.

A Hipster Nano PDA utilizes business cards (often given superfluously at trade shows) with blank backs and one that has a calendar on the back.

External links

* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/16/AR2005071600565_pf.html This Retro PDA Doesn't Need Batteries] (Washington Post, July 2005)
* [http://technology.guardian.co.uk/businesssense/story/0,16568,1580208,00.html Who needs a PDA when I've got paper?] (Guardian News, September 2005)
* [http://www.diyplanner.com/templates/official/hpda D*I*Y Planner Hipster PDA templates]
* [http://john-norris.net John Norris Hipster PDA templates (see Hipster area)]
* [http://eleven21.com/hipster/ Hipster PDA Cover Generator]
* [http://www.pocketmod.com PocketMod official site]
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/EPSBV5ALHREUE0JARM/ Making a Moleskine Hipster PDA case] an [http://www.instructables.com instructables] post on hacking a Moleskine into a case for the Hipster PDA.
* [http://www.outofmemory.co.uk/post/2007/09/Hipster-Shuffle.aspx Introducing The Hipster Shuffle]
* [http://www.ideonautics.com/neojotter.html "neojotter" hPDA variant based on the Rollabind looseleaf system]
* [http://monkpunk.org/?p=12 Mocking the Hipster PDA]
* [http://www.financialaidpodcast.com/2006/10/17/how-to-make-the-hipster-nano-pda/ How to construct the Hipster nano PDA]
* [http://www.calendarsquick.com/printables/free.html Hipster PDA Calendar Templates]
* [http://www.humorisdead.com/padnpen/index.html Pad n' Pen]

References