The B5 notebook is a favourite among Japanese stationery makers and aficionados. It offers a little more space than the A5 notebook, but is not as unwieldy as an A4 notebook.
A notebook’s paper size dictates its overall size and sizing. But it is also important to consider your creative intentions and work habits.
A-Series
The A-Series notebook is a popular choice for many note-takers and journal enthusiasts. The notebook small size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag for use on the go. It is perfect for writing lists, recording observations in shorthand, tracking habits, and keeping logs of information.
A4
Notebook sizes vary, and having a variety is a good idea. Whether you’re on the move and need to jot down quick notes, or if you’re journaling or taking extensive notes at your desk, having different size notebooks helps. For example, you might carry a pocket-sized notebook in your shirt pocket or in a small bag for note-taking on the go, while keeping an A4 notebook at work with a smooth Midori diary paper that’s suitable for fountain pens.
Keep your audience in mind when selecting a notebook’s size, especially when purchasing branded notebooks. Remember, paper and notebook sizes are named using an alphabetical series name followed by a number.
A5
The A5 notebook is a popular option for note-taking, journaling, and general writing. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in bags and pockets.
This size also accommodates a variety of creative applications, including habit tracking, journaling, and sketching. It is an ideal choice for Bullet Journalers.
The A series sizes are arranged such that each sheet is half the size of the next larger size. This allows for a smooth transition from the largest pad to the smallest. Choosing the right notebook size depends on individual note-taking habits and preferences. It’s important to try several sizes to find the one that works best for you.
The B-series paper sizes are less common but have some specialized applications. Their dimensions are based on the geometric mean of the A-series, which provides a smooth progression from largest to smallest.
B-Series
A notebook small size that works well for jotting down short lists and notes. This top-bound journal from Midori is a great option that comes with bleed-resistant paper and can be stored in a pocket or pen case for on-the-go listmaking, habit monitoring, and notetaking.
The B-Series notebook is a great option for people who like the portability of an A5 notebook but dislike its lack of room. You’ll often find this size in Japanese-made notebooks, and it’s a popular option for bullet journaling.
E-Series
Regardless of how much research you may do on finding the perfect notebook size, it’s ultimately a trial and error process. Living with one size for a while and then trying another is essential to finding a notebook that works well for your unique creative habits.
Sony’s SV-E series notebook is a great choice for students or home office users that want a sleek, stylish design with excellent performance. The SV-E notebooks offer powerful Intel processors and AMD options for less money than most competitors. The EG, EH, and EJ models use Intel “Sandy Bridge” Core and Pentium processors. They come in a variety of sizes from 11.6 to 17.3 inch.
C-Series
Notebooks come in a variety of sizes. The most common are Letter, Half-Letter and Junior Legal, plus the informally known pocket-sized notebook. Paper styles also vary. Some notebook aficionados swear by blank pages; others prefer traditional ruled lines or gridded (sometimes called graph) sheets.
To dim the screen, some notebooks use a technology that cycles the backlight on and off at a frequency undetectable to human eyes. This can cause eye strain for sensitive users and aggravate headaches in others. Look for a model with a low PWM frequency and an anti-glare screen. You should also check whether it supports Bluetooth 5.0 wireless standards.