Actually, a security blog I follow pointed out that a notebook avoids online hacks completely. In my experience, it works fine if you keep it in a safe spot at home. Just don't lose the book, obviously.

How often do flaws become the main charm?

Totally, and it's not just in garages. You see it everywhere now, people replacing phones every two years because the calendar says to, or tossing appliances that still work fine. We've gotten so used to following the upgrade cycle that we forget to check if the thing is actually broken. It's like we're all on autopilot, just consuming according to the schedule some company set. Real common sense means looking at what's in front of you, not what's on the chart.

Found any old work notes mixed in with those project plans?

Seriously? Ten whole minutes going the wrong way? That's a huge chunk of time to be lost out there. Those markers must be a complete mess if they let you wander that far off. I'd be so frustrated after backtracking all that way. They really need to get that fixed before someone gets properly turned around.