Moleskine Classic Notebook, Notebook With Plain Pages, Hard Cover and Elastic Closure, Black, Large, 13 x 21 cm, 240 Pages

I am an English Language student and I feel naked without a good journal or writing pad to my side. Previously I have found Pukka Pad writing pads and journals to be quite good. Moleskine appear to be very well praised for their journals- I am happy with this product. Arrived in two days. The Moleskine I received is not what appears in the product picture which looks as if it has some light coloured pattern, but rather it is plain black with a subtly leather look and feel. I prefer blank pages, and especially creamy coloured blank pages. I am using either a ball point Parker pen or a Uniball Jetstream 0.7. The paper is smooth to write on (considering you also have a good pen, I've heard that Moleskine paper may not be as friendly with a fountain pen. Look it up). There is 'ghosting', where the writing can be seen on the next page. I have no qualms with this but some people may do, so it's worth mentioning. In the back of the notebook is a pocket to keep stray sheets of paper or whatnot. Handy, I use these often with other notebooks. Over all, good size and it's quite comfortable to write in, it lays rather flat and does not fight back when you lay it flat to write. I am very particular with my journals as I often intend to keep them for a long time (a year or so) and they often contain important ideas and plans. I am not intending to join the Moleskine fan club that I see on the net where people will swear and live by the name as if it provides them oxygen- I am simply only interested in a functional product. This is a nicely made notebook and I am happy to pay the price I paid as it does not feel cheap at all. Edit: Since writing this review I have began to use a Uni Pin fine line 0.5 pen. It is a good compliment to the Moleskine paper, smooth action that glides, doesn't blotch or bleed, nor show through the page anymore than a regular ballpoint. Edit 6/2/16: The book mark ribbon is starting to fray quite a bit. My Pukka pad's bookmark didn't after a yer of use.

I originally bought the large ruled notebook, but found that the line spaces were a little on the narrow side for me. Having now got hold of the plain version, it's obvious that this is the one I should have bought in the first place; I much prefer a blank space rather than blank lines. But each to their own. Having used mine for a few weeks, I can find no fault with the classic Moleskine design or the quality of the workmanship. I like the off-white paper which is neither too thin or too thick. The overall size of this notebook - rather than the pocket version - is perfect, neither too large or too small. And there are enough pages to store my genius ideas or inane ramblings for a long time, if not years. If you tend to jot things down on scraps of paper, as I do, you can either stuff them in the expandable pocket at the back or between the pages - and the elastic keeper will prevent anything falling out. In short, it's a joy to own and use. I've seen other notebooks that might be 'finer' (and more expensive) but this is a supremely practical notebook designed for heavy, every day use by the thinkers of the species. And it's unlikely to fall apart after a couple of months as cheaper notebooks do. I wouldn't be without mine. Long live Moleskine. Note: The Amazon description states that this notebook, and others in the Moleskine range, are leather bound. Well, mine isn't. It's 'merely' hardback. But don't let that put you off. Personally, it makes no difference to me.

I keep journals at work where I take meetings notes, jot down ideas and sketches and other things I need to remember. I like to keep them in rather sturdy books that I keep on my bookshelf for future reference. This is very practical. I often find myself going back to check discussions and ideas from years back when this is needed -- which is surprisingly often. I realize this sounds a bit backwards in these days of electronic tablets, but it is not at all a matter of being conservative. I often mix sketches and text in my notes, and this is extremely difficult to do quickly on a tablet. Writing "manually" also keeps my handwriting from degrading to that of a third grader (increasingly common these days). And very few people are likely to steal a notebook from a meeting room while you are out to fetch a cup of coffee, whereas a computer... When I started using this Moleskine variety I immediately found several benefits. First, the book is bound in a way that makes it possible to open it flat on the table without it closing itself -- very practical when you need to use the notes as a support for writing something up on the computer later. Other books tend to break in the back when you have done this a couple of times. The Moleskine is also lightweight compared to my previous hardbound notebooks, which makes it easier to carry around in a backpack. It has a practical bookmarker string and a pocket in the back for keeping handy things like paper clips and business cards. Finally, while realizing it may not be the major reason to buy one, I must say the paper quality is very good and the leather cover is nice to touch, and this adds to the wonderful experience of using these notebooks. I recommend you to indulge in one. I am not going back.

One of my essentials - I have it on repeat subscription and use them all the time. Great quality, size - I love the plain version so I can write, draw, brainstorm, whatever without restrictions.

The Moleskine plain notebooks have great quality paper. I use a fountain pen and I find the paper really smooth to write on - I personally haven't experienced the feathering effect you sometimes get with poor quality paper, where the ink spreads out uncontrollably, and I find the ink dries quickly. Because the paper is so thin I can see my writing on the other side, but I can still use the other side and read both sides of what I've written clearly. I like the plain pages as I can use it to do quick sketches and diagrams, or turn it on its side and use it in landscape. The small document pouch in the back cover is useful and the elastic closure means I can slot in more lose papers and feel comfortable they won't fall straight out again. I use this notebook at work and buy a new one every couple of months. There are now many imitators (even with the elastic closure and document wallet in the cover) and I have tried a few to see if I can save a few quid, but the quality of paper in the Moleskine has always brought me back again. However, I think if you use a biro, then the cheaper options may well suit just as well, particularly when considering the difference in cost.

I bought this because I like to write my thoughts down during the day. It's nice to have a record of your ideas and what you are up to. The book is very nicely bound! My only problem is that the paper is fairly thin and I tend to write with a fountain pen, so you can always see a faint version of the text on the other side.

I've had a few of these over the years, they look smart and the paper is thick and nice.

The Rolls Royce of notebooks, the classic Moleskine is excellent quality and looks great. My husband uses his to write endless lists of jobs and chores he'll never get round to. I buy him one every year, whether he likes it or not.