Last year, Karen sent me a great new product from Exaclair called the Exafolio, a sort of combination binder/accordion folder/notebook-and-pen holder that’s like an adult Trapper Keeper.

A couple of months ago, she sent me another product from the same line, the Exaboard. It’s like a clipboard, but so much better: it’s large and sturdy, with a front and a back plastic cover and a clip inside that holds a large Rhodia pad (or a President planner) and a pen. There’s also a slim pocket on the inside cover that could hold a couple of loose papers. Oh, and a little elastic closure to hold it all together.

Whereas my Exafolio is great for business meetings, the Exaboard is pure pleasure. I use it when I’m reading in my armchair and want a sturdy surface for taking notes. I use it when I want a break from my desk to do some offline outlining or brainstorming. I don’t draw, but I imagine it might also make a nifty surface for smaller on-the-road sketches, too.

At the moment, none of our retailers seems to show the Exaboard online, but Karen suggested people call Vickery in Colorado at 800-963-1050, or Racine’s Office & Art Supplies in California at 866-374-6972, if they want to try it out.