The Hipster PDA is a paper-based personal organizer, popularized by Merlin Mann in 2004.[1] Originally a tongue-in-cheek reaction to the increasing expense and complexity of personal digital assistants (PDA), the Hipster PDA (said to stand for "Parietal Disgorgement Aid" and often abbreviated to "hPDA") comprises a sheaf of index cards held together with a binder clip. Following widespread coverage in the media[2] [3] and blogs, the hPDA became a popular personal management tool, particularly with followers of David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology.[4] [5]
Although it began as a joke, or perhaps a statement about technology fetishism, the Hipster PDA rapidly gained popularity with serious users,[6] with hundreds posting pictures of their customized hPDAs on photo sharing sites and exchanging tips on Internet mailing lists. Advocates of the hPDA claim that it is a cheap, lightweight, freeform organizer[7] that does not need batteries and is unlikely to be stolen. Enthusiasts also design and share index-card-size printable templates for storing contacts, to-do lists, calendars, notes, project plans, and so on.[6]
A Hipster Nano PDA uses business cards with blank backs and one that has a calendar on the back.[8]