Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Medium (4.5" x 7") Ruled/Lined, Black, 208 Pages

I recently purchased my third Moleskine Classic Notebook in the XXL size and use it for journalling and planning.Design and Build Quality:The Moleskine Classic Notebook XXL maintains the sleek, stylish design that Moleskine is known for. The hard cover feels durable and sturdy, giving a sense of reliability that is essential for a notebook that travels everywhere with you. Its black cover is not only classic but also professional, making it suitable for business meetings as well as personal use.Size and Portability:At 8.5" x 11", this notebook is quite large, providing ample space for extensive notes or drawings. Despite its size, it is surprisingly portable. The hardcover and elastic closure ensure that the pages remain secure, and the rounded corners prevent snagging, making it easy to slip into most bags or backpacks.Paper Quality:The 192 ruled pages are made from ivory-colored, acid-free paper. The paper quality is top-notch, with minimal bleed-through even when using fountain pens or markers. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer pens with heavier ink flow. The lines are clear and well-spaced, suitable for both writing and more structured layouts like bullet journaling.Features:One of the standout features of the Moleskine Classic Notebook is its expandable inner pocket. It's perfect for storing loose notes, business cards, or receipts, adding an extra layer of functionality. The notebook also includes a bookmark ribbon, which is incredibly handy for keeping your place without having to dog-ear pages.Usability:The lay-flat design of the spine deserves special mention. Whether you're a left-handed or right-handed writer, the notebook opens flat without needing to hold down the pages, making writing more comfortable and enjoyable.Overall Experience:The Moleskine Classic Notebook XXL is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and functional notebook. Whether for personal journaling, professional note-taking, or creative projects, it stands up to the task with elegance and durability. The only downside might be its size if you prefer something more compact, but for those who need the extra space, it's an ideal choice.

I have been using -Moleskine- for a few years now, and after having tried other brands for my journals or planners, I keep coming to Moleskine mainly for convenience. Last year I got my first -dotted- notebook (L) to use as a study journal, and I liked it so much I also switched to dotted pocket size for my daily planner.The paper is smoother than the plain version (those seem to have changed the paper, and i'm not a big fan, or maybe it was just a bad batch?). I have always used a combination of bullet points, arrows, mental maps, etc for my notes but now I write in a more organized and compact way, thus wasting less space on the page.The dots are visible enough to guide my writing straight, yet not strong enough to make me feel constrained by the grid. I can still comfortably draw freely on it.I have also tried the dotted -Field Notes- which I liked for their light weight BUT prefer the hard cover of MS as it provides a firm support for writing on uneven surfaces like my lap or holding it in my hand. I also like this paper better than FN as it gets my hand less tired. Its slight yellow tone makes the dots contrast less, compared to a white sheet (as in the FN). I consider this a good thing.The cover is very durable. Although my notebooks are very important for me and use them on a daily basis, I don't treat them carefully. So if you're like me and throw yours around or inside a messy bag while in a hurry, a hard cover is a must.There's a little pocket in the back but I don't use it much. And most brands of this kind are doing the same now, so it's not a factor for me when choosing a notebook.I use pens -Pilot Gtec- or -Pilot V5- mainly, but have also tried -Lamy- fountain pens and they all have worked fine, without much bleeding or spreading of the ink. Pencil won't work very well, there's not enough tooth for a good mark without pressing hard or having to sharpen every 10 seconds, BUT mechanical pencils (0.5mm or thinner) work fine. When using ink, you can see some of your writing on the next page due to the sheets being thin, but I got used to it already. Many people have complained about this fact, but if you want a paper that doesn't compromise on texture or thickness you'll likely have to pay more for a japanese or european-made notebook that could also be harder to buy or order more in the future.If you don't mind the price then I highly recommend this notebook, it feels and looks nice and elegant yet it is very simple. Plus there is a kind of satisfaction I get when I see mine filled-up and stacked. Maybe there are other cheaper options that work for your needs, but this is what's worked for me so far, so I will keep buying more in the future.I don't use Moleskine just for the brand; I'm not blindly following it without considering other options (for example, I prefer -Cottonwood Arts- for my sketchbook over MS) and I just hope my review helps you make a better decision on your purchase. Thanks

The quality of the paper is outstanding—thick enough to prevent bleed-through, yet smooth for a great writing experience. The classic design is both stylish and functional, making it perfect for jotting down ideas, sketches, or daily journaling.