Recently, I've moved to a job where the details matter, and I want to look more professional. That means the notebooks should look nice (sorry Composition notebooks) and the pens should be better (you've been great Bic's). That's why I decided to try the Moleskine notebook.
It's a prime-looking notebook with paper that ghosts pretty fiercely with a Pilot V5. I've gotten to play with about four different notebooks in a two month time-frame, and this was the most disappointing one. The first one was a simple journal style notebook from Walmart, the second was this Moleskine, the third was one from Minimalism Art, and the last was a Rhodia Rhodiarama notebook. Out of the four, the one from Minimalism Art was the best worth the money, followed by Rhodia's notebook. They have the same features, better paper (feels good, less shadow/bleed through), and looks about the same. Heck, I would say that the Walmart notebook has better value (and less shadowing/bleed through) than the Moleskine. That's how much similar notebooks are compared to the Moleskine.
FYI, here's their spec's:
Walmart brand notebook
- 80 gsm white paper, lined (typical notebook paper)
- leather-like cover, sewn details, elastic band closing mechanism
- 240 pages (120 sheets)
- Price: ~$4 (~$7 for the model with the back pocket)
Moleskine
- 70 gsm ivory paper, lined
- Leather-like cover, pocket in back, elastic closure
- 240 pages (120 sheets)
- Price: ~$15
Minimalism Art
- 100 gsm ivory paper, lined
- Leather-like cover, pocket in back, elastic closure
- 192 pages (96 sheets)
- Price: ~$11
Rhodia Rhodiarama
- 90 gsm ivory paper, lined
- Leather-like cover, pocket in back, elastic closure
- 192 pages (96 sheets)
- Price: ~$18
| Manufacturer | Moleskine |
|---|---|
| Brand | Moleskine |
| Item Weight | 11.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.2 x 1 x 8.2 inches |
| Item model number | S01127 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Black |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Ruling | Ruled |
| Sheet Size | 5 x 8.25 |
| Ink Color | Gray |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 9788883701122 |
