Gone are the days when a clipboard was a plain piece of wood with a strong clip at the top for holding papers. Sure, there was nothing wrong with the design. It was functional and it was durable. But as most things we buy and use today, people wanted variety. Each person wanted a unique clipboard to stand out from the rest. One of the main reasons individuals wanted something different was the fact that everyone kept mixing up their clipboards with someone else's.
Thus, they wanted personalized clipboards, a way to tell one from another at a quick glance. And, then there were others who wanted a tool that was both functional and trendy, a board that was bright, perky and noticeable. So, the clipboard became a fashion statement.
Everybody thinks that clipboards are obsolete because so much data is now kept on computers, but the truth is, there are plenty of reasons to still use clipboards. In fact, you probably cannot go into any factory without seeing a clipboard. Most businesses still have a use for clipboards. Plus, you regularly see individuals walking down the street with clipboards in hand or under their arms, in an attempt to conduct surveys, solicit information, and make sales for any number of products or services.
Since I saw the continued need for clipboards, I decided that talking about the five best clipboards on the market today would be helpful. So, you guessed it, I am Dana and this is my website, ClipboardsByDana.com.
Clipboard #1 - Hardwood Board with Capacity Slip
Although this design might be considered a dinosaur, it is still the most popular clipboard sold. You'll find it in any office supply store and many dollar stores. It is relatively inexpensive, and discounts are usually given for purchases of large quantities. If you need a clipboard that is durable because it will be thrown about quite a bit, then be sure to check the rivets and the clip. Thinner rivets and poorly designed clips will just break and you have wasted your money regardless of how cheaply priced the board. Look for better quality and you will still probably pay under five dollars per clipboard.
Another advantage of the plain hardboard is each employee can get his or her own board and personalize it with name badges. For children, this type of clipboard is perfect because they can add stickers, draw their own designs, or add sparkles and rhinestones. Lastly, the hardwood board with high capacity clip is usually designed so that it can be hung on the wall. This might be important in a factory setting.
Clipboard #2 - Molded Plastic or Acrylic with Wide Metal Clip
An acrylic clipboard is generally as durable as hardwood. As long as it is not thin plastic, the clipboard will endure being tossed around and dropped on the floor. And the nice part about acrylic or molded plastic clipboards is they are offered in a variety of colors. This means that different departments in a business can have color coded boards. For a large enterprise with many employees, this feature is advantageous to keep everything organized.
Acrylic tends to be more expensive than hardwood, but again, if you buy in bulk, the price is greatly reduced per unit. The standard color is usually transparent. The boards come in full sizes, nine by twelve inches which holds a regular sheet of paper, or in half sizes for smaller notepads. Like the hardwood, stickers and other deco designs can be affixed to the surface for more personalization. Actually, the plastic is probably better for outdoor use since the rain and snow will not deteriorate the material like wood or pressed board.
Clipboard #3 - Clipboards with Covers or Closures like Books
If you need to keep you papers all nice and neat, especially if you are traveling with them attached to the clipboard, it is probably wise to have some kind of flap covering the papers, so that they do not get ruined from the weather or other negative factors. Even putting your clipboard in a briefcase or bag can cause the papers to rip and fold. Some form of protection is better.
Usually called clipboard folders, the front cover folds back behind the sheets of paper to create a standard clipboard, but, then folds back on the front to protect the papers when closed. Several styles close from the bottom-up, as well, instead of from the left side. Although cheaper models covered in vinyl are available, the better ones are made of aluminum or polypropylene. Aluminum is the most expensive of clipboards, but would not be considered cost prohibitive at all, if you need something sleek and durable. Interestingly, the aluminum material also comes with an antimicrobial additive in order to prevent the spreading of germs, bacteria and fungi. The design is usually manufactured with rounded corners for safety and rubber corners can be ordered, too.
Clipboard #4 – Storage Clipboards
Nowadays, people want to carry things with as little trouble as possible. Where one might have previously chosen to carry a bag or briefcase for work or school items, today, the storage clipboard works just as well, and there is less to worry about, especially if you are someone who often misplaces your bag. Everything, from calculators to pencils, protractors and paper, is snug and tight right inside the clipboard. Depending on the material and size, storage clipboards can run as little as ten dollars each.
Usually made of plastic or the more expensive aluminum, these kinds of holders can even be made with locking devices. Lastly, some are styled like a box where everything is placed inside loose, while others are made with components so that everything is held firmly in place while in transit.
Clipboard #5 – Computer Printout Clipboards
If you work at a job where you regularly review or consult computer printouts, then you will need a clip board that holds the special sizes of computer paper. This type of clipboard is perfect for students, as well, who are required to use main frame systems at colleges and universities. Ranging in widths from fifteen inch to nineteen inch, these boards are often made with recyclable materials.
What Not to Buy
Finally, avoid the following poor quality characteristics when purchasing clipboards
- plastic clips which tend to snap and break easily
- cardboard sheets covered with colored vinyl which rip and tear easily
- clips or hinges that do not match up, you can see they are crooked when new
- paper-thin wood sheets that bow with use
- rivets with tiny heads that will just break through the thin boards
- and designs that do not allow for normal size sheets of paper because they are made too small
Well, this was my personal opinion about some of the best clipboards you can currently buy. Would you however still like a second opinion or additional information, you can visit one of these quality links