Nomadic PN-02 Side Pocket Pencil Case Review

Last Updated on Sunday, 30 May 2010 00:25 Written by Atticus Friday, 26 March 2010 00:00

Welcome to another Nomadic pencil case review.  This week I had the pleasure of using the Nomadic PN-02 model which is a side pocket pouch case.  This pencil case is slimmer and sleeker than the other nomadic pencil cases I have used so far.  It has an unusual design with compartments designed for those who carry a minimum amount of stationery.  The material used is the same nylon material the Nomadic PN08 is made from so it is certainly strong enough to handle some rough treatment.

The main compartment is situated at the back of the case and the zip for it begins just over halfway up the bag.  The zipper comes with two handles which is something common in the Nomadic range of pencil cases.  I like this because I can position the zipper handles at any point along the zip and keep the case closed.

The front pouch of the PN-02

At the front is a three slot gusseted pocket.  Two of the slots inside the pocket will take pens but the third is smaller and appears to be designed for I.D. cards or something of similar size.  The picture above shows three pens with one in each of these three slots.  If you do decide to fill this third card slot with a couple of pens they can still be covered by the pocket's lid/flap.  This is an example of what I think is great, versatile design.

The PN-02 with the flap opened.

You can see the Nomadic brand tag when you open the front pocket's flap.  I like this because Nomadic isn't shoving their logo in our face.  Instead it is understated and a classy way of branding their work.  I must say though I am confused by the motto on the tag. 'For Budget & Save Money'.  This must be a direct translation and doesn't really work well in English.  Note too the wide velcro strip should ensure the flap will stay shut when you close it.

The main compartment of the PN02

You can see from the picture above that the main compartment has room for perhaps two layers or rows of pens.  I usually have a row of whiteboard markers and after I put them into this compartment it is quite the squeeze fitting in any other pens.  Note also the small pouch near the top.  You can fit a couple of erasers in there.

A side profile of the PN02's front pocket

I am always worried about pen security when I see pens exposed like this. I know the odds of them falling out are minute but I still don't like it.

The sleek form of the PN02

The flap or lid that covers the front pocket also comes with its own pocket its front.  Access to this pocket is via a small zip and the front panel of the pocket is made of clear plastic so you can see its contents.

The tag attached to the PN02

Something I really like about the Nomadic range is the tag they attach to each case.  On this tag is a diagram showing how they suggest you can use the pencil case.  Obviously we can use it how we want but the diagram does help explain the odd confusing pocket and what the designer's intent was.

As some of you may already know I road test my pencil cases at school.  I also ask my students for their impressions.  Both my students and I liked the look of the Nomadic PN-02.  It is smart and stylish.  The red colour is luscious too and neither overly masculine nor feminine.  But both my students and I also thought it was too small for school use.  I expected this of my students, after all their pencil cases are behemoths.  I was surprised though.  I thought I would really like this pencil case but after two days I found it too cramped.  I also had to sacrifice a couple of my pens to my desk to be able to use it.  Let me be clear though, this is a great pencil case in the right hands.  It just wasn't suited to my particular needs.

Finally, I had the idea that a belt loop or velcro strap on the back of this case would be good for attaching it to the shoulder straps of a bag.  This feature would be appreciated by someone 'on the move'.  All in all this case is great for those that don't carry a lot of stationery around with them or perhaps don't have a lot of carrying space.  It really is slimmer than most pencil cases.

Summary

Dimensions - 20 (l) x 4.5 (h) x 9.5 (w) cm

Positives - Tough, stylish, small

Concerns - Security of items in the front pocket.

Negatives - None.

Users - Those on the move.

Price - Medium (15-30 AUD)

Other reviews - Crazy About Pens (video), Pens'n'Paper.

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