I use a kneeboard for flight/fuel logging and have a pad for notes
(weather, clearance, etc). A mechanical pencil is attached via a 24"
lanyard so if it is dropped, it can be retrieved. Frequency changes are
recorded along with the time issued and facility.
I have a wide lapboard for IFR flight.
The lapboard holds approach plates expected for available approaches,
an open sectional and IFR charts for the area being flown, a copy of the
flight plan.
The lapboard sets beside the seat when not actively being used. Cockpit
organization is simplified.