Organizing with a Small Footprint = More Desk Space
Written: May 03 '04 (Updated Jan 11 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: compact size, cover keeps out dust and smoothly opens and closes, optional accessories for organizing
Cons: over time the file cards and index tabs will rip or show wear
The Bottom Line: Do I file the Bottom Line under "B" or "L"? Either way, it will be well organized in my Rolodex Petite Card File.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Eldon Petite Covered Card File 250 2 1/4 X 4 Cards... |
I've used many Rolodex file card holders and like them. Currently on my work desk is the Rolodex Petite Card File. This card file comes in two sizes: one size with 6 A-Z divider cards and one size with 9 A-Z divider cards. It is interesting to compare the two organizers ... since a co-worker and I use both of these models.
Description
Rolodex Petite with 6 Dividers
This little card file measures 4" long x 4 3/8" wide. There are 6 coated A-Z tabs. It holds 125 cards that measure 2 1/4" high x 4" wide.
Rolodex Petite with 9 Dividers
This card file has a larger footprint at 5 3/4" long x 4 1/2" wide. There are 9 coated A-Z tabs. It holds 250 cards that measure 2 1/4" high x 4" wide.
Similarities
Both Rolodex files have a smoke-tinted plastic cover that allows viewing of the box interior. When the cover is lifted, the cards move backward, spreading a bit for easier viewing. The cover has a front lip that extends beyond the plastic base about a 1/2", and the word "Rolodex" is embossed in the center of the lip. The bottom plastic is black and thicker than the plastic in the lid. Four rubber feet on the bottom of the card file help keep the file in place on the desk. When opening the cover, the file does not shift on the desk surface. Along the bottom of the card file are two plastic rails where the cards snap into place. When I turn my Rolodex Petite Card File upside-down, the cards that are snapped into position on those two rails stay put. They don't fall out.
The file cards that come with these Rolodex models are white and pre-printed with lines for Name, Telephone, Fax Number, E-mail and Address. There are lines on the front and back of the cards. Each card has two notches on the bottom edge so that the cards snap into place on the two rails along the bottom of the card file.
Uses & Experiences
Both my coworker and I use our card files for organizing contact information. Since I have fewer contacts relating to my job, I like the smaller of the card files that holds 125 cards. I also prefer the smaller footprint on my desk, leaving room for other essential office equipment. I either fill out the cards using a typewriter or by handwriting the information. A few business cards have found their way into this file, too. I slip them between the Rolodex cards, and the business cards sit almost as high as the A-Z tabs. One of my A-Z tabs (the A-D tab) has a slight bend on one corner, but the card is not creased. I also keep a list of personnel birthdays in the front of my card file for easy access.
My coworker has many contacts outside the company as her job entails communication with sales representatives and vendors. That's why she prefers the larger Rolodex Petite Card File. As a result of her many contacts, her card file is loaded to almost the exploding point with accumulated business cards. It is so full that the smoke-tinted lid will not completely shut. Her card file is so often used that her A-Z dividers are showing a lot of wear.
When closed, the cover encases the file contents, keeping it free from dust. I find this important since dust seems to accumulate with alarming speed in our building. The cover also protects the contents from becoming drenched from accidental liquid spills such as from coffee or water. Note the cover does not snap into place but rests in place. There is no lock.
The plastic used to construct these card files is very durable. No plastic part of these card files has broken or cracked. The smoke-tinted cover will show smudges and fingerprints but is easy to wipe clean. A few scratches are visible, but very few and they are difficult to see.
It is very helpful when we receive a business card that has the Rolodex notches on the bottom of the card so that it easily snaps into place in the holder. That way the business cards aren't loose in the file.
Accessories -- For a Card File?
Who would have thought that a card file would have accessories ... well Rolodex has created some fun ways of not only jazzing up those boring white file cards but also adding additional ways to organize the data.
Rolodex Business Card Punch
This tool punches notches in the bottom of business cards so that the cards snap into place in the card file. Staples sells this punch for $6.75. (I'm going to suggest to our purchasing department that the company order this.)
Card Colors
Don't limit yourself to white cards. Especially when organizing, it is helpful to have different colored cards for color-coding contact information. For example, use green cards for sales contacts and pink cards for vendor information. Office Depot sells a pack of 50 assorted Neon- colored cards for $3.99.
Transparent Sleeves
If the file cards are repeatedly handled, they can become worn. Worse yet, the notches in the bottom of the cards can bend or rip. Slide the paper cards into these plastic sleeves to extend the life of each card. Transparent sleeves come in clear or color plastic. The colored sleeves offer yet another way to color-code file cards. Staples sells a 50-pack of assorted color Transparent Sleeves for $5.49. OfficeMax sells the sleeves for $4.99.
Laser or Inkjet Rolodex Cards
Perhaps you need to create a lot of Rolodex file cards for your card holder or for someone else. Or maybe you want to create many copies of the same card. If so, it might be easier to type the card information into the computer and print the Rolodex cards on the printer. These card sheets can also be used in typewriters and photocopiers. I've never tried them, but I can see where it would make the cards uniform in appearance and easy to read. Staples sells a pack of 240 cards (30 sheets) for $9.44. OfficeMax sells these for $10.99, and Office Depot offers them for $11.16.
Replacement Tabs
I'll have to mention these to my coworker. She can use new index tabs. You can buy a pack of 24 A-Z index tab cards at Staples for $2.99.
Mirror Rolodex Card
I don't know where you can purchase one of these ... but I had to mention it because it is the greatest little item. I have an acrylic mirror with a plastic notched attachment so that it fits in a Rolodex card file. When I went to an office show, I was given one of these as a gift from a vendor that manufacturers novelty items. The mirror sits in front of my card file and is the most often borrowed thing on my desk!
Adhesive Notched Strips
Maybe you have a small mirror that will fit in your Rolodex card file but need the notches. Make your own Rolodex mirror! You can purchase a pack of 40 notched strips for $4.99 at Office Depot.
Likes
* Easy to use & organize cards
* Cover protects cards from dust
* Compact size to save desk space
* File cards snap into place so they don't fall out
* Many accessories make the card file even more versatile
Purchasing
Rolodex Petite Card File with 6 Dividers --
Office Depot $10.97 / OfficeMax $11.49 / Staples $11.55
Rolodex Petite Card File with 9 Dividers --
Office Depot $13.98 / OfficeMax $14.69 / Staples $14.69
Summary
My coworker and I enjoy using our Rolodex Petite Card Files. They save space on our desks and make it easier to find contact information. Rolodex makes it simple to customize these card files with all of the accessories for optional purchase. I'm very happy with my card file and plan to keep it on my desk for a long time. However, my coworker definitely has outgrown her petite file and needs to determine how she wants to reorganize her contact information. She doesn't want a larger card file on her desk, so she may opt to keep her Rolodex Petite Card File until it bursts with the strain of holding all those business cards she keeps adding!
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Office Depot -- www.officedepot.com
OfficeMax -- www.officemax.com
Staples -- www.staples.com
Please read my other reviews:
Rolodex Open VIP Card File
Fellowes Magnetic Copyholder
Stanley Contemporary Electric Pencil Sharpener
Tombow White Correction Tape
Scotch Double-Coated Tape
Sharpie Twin-Tip Permanent Marker
Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets
Stanley Quick Point Knife
Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers
Wausau Exact Vellum Bristol Cover Stock -- in Blue (created brochures with it)
HON Metal Bookcase
Cramer Stop-Step Aluminum Ladder
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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