Last year was the first time in a long while that I didn’t acquire any computer gear. Well, I bought a mobile phone. That’s actually more of a computer. But otherwise the same old servers and the same old laptops have served us well here at Reinvented HQ.
In that spirit, here’s a list of the tiny bits of analog technology that I can absolutely not be without here in the office:
- Standard-Duty Slide Lock Utility Knife (A) — I became an Olfa user when I apprenticed in the composing room, back in the day when the tools of the trade were a knife and a line gauge. I use my knife mostly for slicing open envelopes these days, and there’s nothing like it for that.
- Gaebel 12” Printers Line Gauge — Another composing room holdover. These days I use the inches scale more than the agate lines or points; I also use it as a guide for keeping my place when going through bank statements and similar reports. It will last forever.
- Swingline Commercial Desk Stapler — This will also last forever. Never jams and built like a tank. My world grinds to a halt when I run out of staples, so I always keep a spare box around.
- Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Marker (Black) — For writing on CDs, on file folders, to address big envelopes, and for when I run out of pens and need something to write with (because you may lose pens, but you never lose a Sharpie).
Give me a MacBook and those four items, throw in a few Bic ballpoint pens, and you’ve outfitted my office. What are your own analog must-haves?
Comments
“And I said, I don’t care if they lay me off either, because I told, I told Bill that if they move my desk one more time, then, then I’m, I’m quitting, I’m going to quit. And, and I told Don too, because they’ve moved my desk four times already this year, and I used to be over by the window, and I could see the squirrels, and they were married, but then, they switched from the Swingline to the Boston stapler, but I kept my Swingline stapler because it didn’t bind up as much, and I kept the staples for the Swingline stapler and it’s not okay because if they take my stapler then I’ll set the building on fire…” Milton Waddams
I couldn’t help myself, everytime I hear swingline I think of Office Space.
Analog must haves:
Pocket mapping ruler/compass — Silva System type 7 NL
Simple, but very useful, not so much in the office.. but sometimes!
GretagMacbeth ColorChecker®
24 painted squares on cardboard. Consistant color reproduction is key!
Heavy Duty Shop Scissors
2” blades, 1 side serrated. Bottle opener, wire cutter/stripper, rubber grip and safety lock. I go crazy when these aren’t within reach.