MeePlus Slimpad vs Plotter Notebook

 

Plotter is a nice-looking binder system for the following reasons:

  • Flexibility: It features rings, which make it easy to add, remove, or rearrange pages, allowing for better project organization. You can also add accessories like card holders or pen loops.
  • Not bulky: Plotter's small ring diameter limits the number of pages you can fit, which forces you to focus on what’s truly essential. At the same time, the small rings make it non-bulky, so you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag.
  • Lays flat: Another major advantage of the Plotter is that it lays flat, reducing any obstacles while writing.

    • If you find the Plotter a bit pricey and are looking for a cheaper alternative, MeePlus Slimpad might be a great option. I’ll be comparing both products in terms of leather material, craftsmanship, size, and accessories to help you make an informed decision.

    1. Types of Leather:

    Both Plotter and MeePlus Slimpad use relatively high-quality genuine leather, providing customers with a more luxurious and premium experience. MeePlus Slimpad currently offers four types of genuine leather: Italian Pueblo, Italian Buttero, Bridle, and Fog Wax leather. Except for Buttero, the other three leathers are the same as those used by Plotter.

    • Italian Pueblo leather: undergoes a special sanding process that gives it a rough texture at first. Initially, it feels slightly fuzzy, but over time, the leather develops a shiny, smooth surface, and the fuzziness disappears. The color deepens with use, giving it a unique, aged patina that reflects the passage of time.
     (photo from reddit-InterestingBench7669)

     

    • Italian Buttero Leather: undergoes a waxing and pressure polishing process, which increases its density. The leather is relatively stiff and durable, combining both toughness and a smooth hand feel. It has a rich, oily texture and feels smooth to the touch. It gains a natural sheen with use. However, it is prone to scratches.

     

    • Bridle Leather: Bridle leather is stiff and durable, with a waxed surface that gradually wears off with use, revealing a more lustrous inner layer.

     

    • Fog Wax Leather: This vegetable-tanned leather is coated with white wax, which protects and extends its lifespan. The wax layer can rub off easily and is sensitive to water and oil. It feels cool and smooth, with no noticeable texture. Over time, some wax wears off while the rest absorbs into the leather, revealing its natural color, which deepens. The leather becomes shinier and more polished with use, creating a unique aging process.
      • MeePlus Slimpad: Fog Wax
      • Plotter: not yet available on their U.S. website

     

    Plotter also offers more leather options, including Shrink (Litchi Grain Leather), Liscio (Full-Grain Leather), and Horse Hair (Vegetable-Tanned Leather with Horsehair Texture), each with its own distinctive and beautiful appearance.

     

     

     2. Size Comparison

    MeePlus Plotter

    A8

    Cover: 3.3"x4.7"
    Compatible refills: 2.6"x4.1"

    Mini 5

    Cover: 3.1"x4.7"
    Compatible refill: 2.4"x4.1"

    When searching for M5 or A8 refills on Etsy or Amazon, most of the results tend to be for wider versions. To better accommodate the market, we've widened the cover by 0.2 inches.

    A8+

    Cover: 3.5"x4.7"
    Compatible refills: 2.8"x4.1"

    		 Widen by another 0.2 inches to accommodate wider refills.

    A7 Pocket 

    Cover: 3.9"x5.5"

    Compatible refills: 3.2"x4.9"

    Mini 

    Cover: 3.9"x5.5"
    Compatible refill: 3.2"x5"

    		 Similar

    Available upon request

    Narrow

    Cover: 3.9"x7"
    Compatible refill: 3.1"x6.7"

    Difficulty in purchasing the right refill size.

    A6 Personal

    Cover: 4.5"x7.3"
    Compatible refills: 3.8"x6.8"

    Bible

    Cover: 4.5"x7"
    Compatible refills: 3.7"x6.7"

    Similar
     Available upon request

    A5

    Cover: 6.7"x8.7"
    Compatible refills: 5.8"x8.3"

    Due to the larger surface area, the likelihood of natural imperfections increases. Given our strict standards for acceptable flaws, the rate of production failures also rises.

    3.Leather Processing Techniques:

    Plotter's leather backing is left without waxing and polishing to conceal imperfections and maintain a more natural state of the leather. However, some users may find this treatment prone to shedding.

     


    In contrast, MeePlus Slimpad’s leather backing is evenly coated with a surface agent and polished, providing a smooth feel and preventing shedding over time. This treatment significantly reduces stain retention, and the edges are carefully sealed, making the cover more durable. This choice largely depends on personal preference, as each method has its benefits.

    4. Laying Flat and Closing Effect:

    Many planners are criticized for not lying flat. Both Plotter and MeePlus address this issue effectively by thinning the leather near the rings to ensure the cover can close properly.

    5. Rings:

    Both use German Krause rings, which have a tight grip and avoid the metal clinking sounds associated with cheaper rings.

    6. Spine Edge Processing:

    Plotter’s spine corners are relatively sharp and may scratch hands or the lining of bags. MeePlus ensures that each corner of the spine is smoothed to prevent any potential scratches for customers.

    7. Accessories:

    MeePlus Slimpad currently offers only three types of accessories, while Plotter provides a wider variety of options. MeePlus is working on expanding its range and adding new accessories.

    Plotter also has a wider selection of other accessories, such as a project manager, ruler pad, and fastener case.
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