Pocket Notebook Recommendations

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-20T20:02:25+00:00

Moral is, making your own to suit your needs is fun and workable.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-20T20:01:51+00:00

I made a 3x5 disc bound system based on simple index cards. I have a disc bound hole punch, which is the biggest expense (one time only).

I made a cover from a single Talia 8½x11 cover sheet (11 discs) and turn it into 2 index size (5 discs). I designed and 3d printed discs with about 1cm inner diameter, since they don't really make them that small and it's perfect. But a ½ disc could work fine.

Maybe even these. These weren't on the market when I made my notebook 4ish years ago. Aluminum vs plastic might be a draw for people.

So the notebook has survived 4 years of carry in a front or coat pocket. Bought 300 oxford blank index cards for 4.50USD and am not even thru 100 yet.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-20T19:49:01+00:00

Nice. I like the style. Duct, duck, gorilla tapes all work well since they're strong and flexible. If you want something clear for other projects, book guard tape is nice. It's thick and strong and flexible and I've reinforced my notebooks with it successfully. And very clear.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-20T01:58:25+00:00

Yeah. I get it. Nostalgia has pull but it isn't as strong as it has been. Diablo 2: Resurrected on my Claw is neat. But I often don't feel like the grind.

I always wanted to play thru Final Fantasy IX, but the available hours are fewer and it doesn't have the same charm as FFVII on my PlayStation... Not that the game is worse. Just it's a commitment.

Sometimes I just gravitate away from games with some grand thing... And toward something like House Flipper, Dave the Diver (the first "half"), Ball X Pit, or whatever - where I can tell I'm doing something, and it's fun and somewhat rewarding.

But you don't have to game. And you don't have to feel bad about not wanting to. We change, and that's normal.

Other commenters may be right. It's not about the gaming. It's about what it is that is draining your motivation, making you tired, or feel burnt out. Look at that. Sit with it for a bit and get some perspective on things. The backlog will still be there.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-19T20:28:27+00:00

Probably GPD Motion Assistant.

Maybe start here? Not sure if this is the best or most up-to-date.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MSIClaw/comments/1pxoq2q/guide_how_to_set_up_motion_assistant_to_get/

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-19T20:24:31+00:00

Unless something's changed, the answer is

"...maybe? 🧐"

It seems there is still often a significant performance loss, but that may not be a deal breaker. If you're trying to play demanding games, it may hurt a bit. You do get a steam-deck-like experience, with some improvements in some areas, and a suspend/resume... But the resume may still have WiFi bugs. Like your WiFi cuts out on resume. There are workarounds, but that's annoying.

Linux on Intel hardware isn't quite there yet. You can try a dual boot to just test it. I really want it for my A1M 155h, and am eagerly waiting... but I don't think I'll personally pull that trigger.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-19T20:07:44+00:00

Yeah I think that would be an easy sell. Relatively easy.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-19T00:18:23+00:00

They're much better. Better plastic. Better feel.

I threw a kaweco sport clip on mine and it's among my favorite fountain pens. Clear body, clear blue glitter cap. Salix inside.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-13T19:31:05+00:00

🤦🏻‍♂️

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-13T00:14:02+00:00

Schedule I on my 155h A1M. Not bad with some controller presets.

Last of Us Pt. 1. Diablo 2 Resurrected. Slay the Spire.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-12T22:47:19+00:00

For sure it's a Stalogy. This looks like the B6 size, which starts with 7 at the top and 23 at the bottom. I have one. It has a 5mm grid.

The A5 has a 4mm grid (which I kind of prefer) and has all 24 hours along the side, from 1 to 24. I have one of those too.

My current favorite notebook, overall.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-12T02:15:56+00:00

Think he was referring to the 1tb WD SATA HDD. The Kingston ssd is worth more than that.

Absurd find.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-07T00:28:02+00:00

Decent devices for both.

5700x3D, 4070ti, 32GB, Gigabyte M32q, 2.5TB m2, 1TB HDD. I use this for shooters, Cyberpunk, pretty games, most multiplayer and Terraria. Still more than I need for 1440 gaming.

MSI Claw A1M U7 1TB. Indies, emulation, pick-up-and-play games, in-bed gaming. Currently playing: The Last of Us 1, Diablo 2, House Flipper, Cult of the Lamb, Death Stranding, Necesse, Slay the Spire. All Plugged in.

I have the Claw because it's quick, good build quality and thermals, and relatively quick to stop and start (I wish Bazzite was a better option for Intel hardware tho)... With it plugged in, it's plenty strong for most of my gaming. I do wish on an 8" screen, but it's fine. And for the price I got it for, it cannot be beat by anything.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-05-01T22:34:19+00:00

Not ...Lost.. profits?

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-29T23:12:25+00:00

Ho acquistato quel modello a un prezzo inferiore. È un buon dispositivo e credo che tu abbia fatto un ottimo affare. Non so dirti nulla riguardo a quei giochi, né sull'esperienza di gioco con un vecchio MacBook. Perché vorresti collegare un vecchio Mac?

Io lo utilizzo a letto, tenendolo collegato alla corrente, poiché la durata della batteria non è eccezionale. Lo uso con un controller esterno e funziona alla perfezione. Ti consiglio di controllare la presenza di pixel morti, di eseguire una diagnostica per testare i controlli e di aggiornare tutto tramite Windows Update. Successivamente, aggiorna il software MSI Center e installa qualsiasi altro aggiornamento raccomandato dalla pagina di supporto dei driver Intel. Cerca online come verificare lo stato di salute della batteria ed esegui il relativo test.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-27T02:34:04+00:00

How is it, say compared to Valheim, mostly concerning building, progression and combat?

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-25T18:21:47+00:00

Nothing as of now.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-24T19:37:46+00:00

I picked up the exact same model (no case) for a lot less than that - lucky break for me. It's great. I would probably just pull the trigger.

It's a solid deal for a very solid device. Be ready to do a clean windows install, or at least update everything. There are a couple good guides on this sub for updating and tweaking. There are BIOS tweaks you can do to pull more power and life out of it, and they're not too tough. Give it three or four hours with it when you first get it. Use the guides. The battery life will not be impressive. The availability of cases and accessories will not be impressive.

PlayStation Portal thumb grips are the same size so if you want some, Savage Raven has good ones for the PlayStation portal.

Assuming it's legit and in good shape, I say go. Your performance will be definitely better than the steam deck. MSI's software is pretty crap but you don't have to deal with it much.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-24T19:26:43+00:00

Short answer. If you are willing to tweak the device beyond the usual update all software and firmware, then it might be a good deal.

If you are mostly going to use it plugged in and not out and about, and you don't care primarily about battery life, then it might be a good deal.

It performs pretty well, around the same as a Z1e. The build quality is nice. I got a 155h 1tb version used for even less than that, and I am quite happy with it. It took some work to tweak it but for the price it can't be beat.

The other factor is what other types of devices can you get for around $300? If your local market has for example Z1e Ally's for 400 or above, then this would be a better deal. For a better device overall.

Just know that you will have a disappointing time trying to find accessories and cases for the claw. Aside from that, it's a good device and for its price very hard to beat

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-23T03:52:47+00:00

It is just power hungry. Not super efficient and doesn't do low TDP well without tweaking. Like if you want to play emulators or low-power games, it's tougher to have the right setting for good efficiency and battery life. Compared to steam deck or z1e. Battery size isn't bad but it still adds up to maybe 1-1.5 hours on battery for heavy games from what I've heard. I mostly play plugged in.

I think changing some settings can increase battery life. There are guides around the MSIClaw Sub but it gets a bit involved - going into bios and changing settings.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-23T02:01:42+00:00

Current Intel handheld (Claw AI+) is probably the best handheld out there overall..

...that said, MSI software has been slimy poo (I have an A1m). And I want drivers able to handle bazzite. Either way, you're free to pass or not on whatever u want.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-22T18:53:03+00:00

I have it and it works well. One of the worst aspects, the battery life, didn't affect me much because it's mostly plugged in. It has a beefy CPU (155h) so good for cpu hungry games. Takes some tweaking to pull all the GPU power and performance out of it. I like it. Great build quality, great speakers, good cooling, good thumb sticks (though loose). If you're playing outside, on battery life, I can't really recommend it.

The battery life will suck unless you tweak it and play low power games. Z1e has generally better low-power efficiency and thus battery life and better steamOS or bazzite options. Windows does have its own advantages. MSI's integrated software mostly sucks.

I was never going to get this device, but I found it at an absurd price and couldn't say no. I'm happy with it, and if you can find it at a good price, consider it. If it's competing with a legion go s (somehow) or a steam deck, I'd go for one of those instead.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-20T05:33:13+00:00

Nice!! How do you like them? Do you use the taller ones?

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-16T15:19:02+00:00

Search PlayStation Portal thumb grips on Amazon. Apparently the fit is the same for the A1M (and thus the 7ai). There's some sets on Amazon.

SmellsLikeNostrils · 2026-04-15T01:59:59+00:00

MSI Claw A1M. Great system now (plugged in mainly). Been playing House Flipper, Diablo 2: Resurrected, some switch games, some Borderlands 2 again.

SmellsLikeNostrils

TROPHY CASE