Amazon Basics Classic Lined Notebook, 240 Pages Hardcover, 5 x 8.25-Inch, Black

I recently picked up the Amazon Basics Classic Grid Notebook, and I have to say, it’s quickly become my go-to for everything from sketching out ideas to jotting down notes. The 5 x 8.25-inch size is perfect—compact enough to carry around but still gives you plenty of space to work with. The hardcover feels sturdy, and the black finish gives it a sleek, professional look that I really appreciate.What really stands out to me is the grid-ruled pages. As someone who likes to keep things neat and organized, the grid layout is perfect for both writing and drawing. The paper quality is surprisingly good—smooth, with just the right amount of thickness to prevent ink from bleeding through. With 240 pages, I’m confident this notebook will last me a good while.Overall, I’m impressed with the quality, especially for the price. Whether you’re a student, artist, or just someone who loves a good notebook, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It's simple, functional, and has everything you need in a classic notebook - like the real deal.

Purchased for own use, very good, lays flat, nice color, durable, convenient.

I've typically shied away from using a bound book to take notes in. My notes seem so fleeting and temporary; putting them down in a book seemed entirely more permanent than anything I'd need. That being said, after years of switching between various pads of paper, digital notes (which have their place, don't misunderstand), index cards, post-it notes, dry-erase boards, etc., I think I've finally come around on the idea of taking notes in a book -- particularly one that manages to so deftly balance quality with affordability.There's nothing special about this book. It does not have a pen holder, or pockets for loose papers, or a calendar, or pre-printed page numbers, or anything else extraneous. There isn't even a "This Book Belongs To" title page of any sort. It's just a very well crafted book for writing. I prefer graphing paper for note-taking: it keeps my writing from wandering vertically and allows me to line up indents for headers or topic changes. If I need to sketch out an idea, it provides scale. When I need to scan through my previous notes, the cleanliness of my indentations afforded by the graphing paper make finding the needed information simple and frustration-free.The pages have a slight sepia coloration to them, which I very much enjoy - it is neither glaringly bright nor ickily cream. The graph lines are clearly distinguished but do not distract from your writing. The first graphing page of the book does seem to be somewhat married to the thicker stocked separator page, but skipping the first page also allows for a clean entrance into the book each time it's opened from the front cover (as opposed to using the bookmark to jump directly into one's current position). Otherwise, the pages can fold over flat when writing in the book without separating from the binding.The built-in bookmark keeps your place in the book, as you'd expect. The elastic band keeps the book closed when storing and transporting it. The corners of the non-binding side of the book are rounded just enough so that they won't catch on anything or cut into one's hand while resting it on the edges to write.I use the Sakura Pigma 50221 Micron pens to write in the book; they don't bleed through the pages or smear on my hand (or onto opposite pages when the book is closed). As I have not tried any other sort of pen, I cannot attribute the lack of bleed-through to the quality of the paper, or the quality of the pens; in any case, they go well together and I would recommend the user of one to consider the other.Other than the very small, discrete "AmazonBasics" imprint on the lower back cover, there's no labels or badges on the book at all. It's a very elegant design that does exactly what you're purchasing it to do. If, for archival purposes, the need arises for an external label, it is up to the owner to devise their own solution -- and I'm fine with that.The size of the book itself is perfect: large enough to record a reasonable amount of information on a page, but not uncomfortable or unwieldy to use in a moment's notice or on an unexpected surface. Its small footprint makes it easy to leave out on a desk without feeling as though valuable real estate is being consumed, which also ensures that it's quickly available for your writing needs.Overall, I strongly recommend this book.

Thick, sturdy journal notebook. Nice quality for the price. Going to use for notes.

The Amazon Basics Classic Grid Notebook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine. Its simple yet functional design, combined with excellent paper quality, makes it a reliable choice for jotting down notes, sketches, and ideas.Pros:High-Quality Paper: The notebook features 240 pages of thick, acid-free paper. It's a pleasure to write or draw on, as there's minimal ink bleed-through, even with fountain pens or markers. The paper is also resistant to yellowing over time.Graph Ruled Pages: The graph-ruled pages are perfect for various tasks, from creating organized lists and diagrams to sketching or doing complex calculations. The grid lines are clear and consistent, aiding in neat and precise work.Durable Hardcover: The hardcover provides excellent protection for your notes and sketches, ensuring they remain intact and safe from damage in your bag or on your desk.Lay-Flat Design: The notebook lies flat when opened, allowing for a seamless writing or drawing experience across the entire page. There's no need to wrestle with pages that curl up at the edges.Generous Page Count: With 240 pages, this notebook lasts a long time, making it suitable for both short-term projects and long-term journaling.Built-in Ribbon Marker: A built-in ribbon marker makes it easy to find your current page quickly, whether you're using the notebook for daily journaling or keeping track of tasks and deadlines.Pocket at the Back: The pocket at the back of the notebook is handy for storing loose papers, business cards, or small notes.Affordable Price: The Amazon Basics brand offers excellent value for the quality you receive. You get a high-quality notebook without breaking the bank.Cons:Limited Color Options: While the classic black cover is sleek and timeless, some users might appreciate more color choices to suit their personal preferences.In summary, the Amazon Basics Classic Grid Notebook is a reliable and high-quality choice for anyone in need of a versatile notebook. Whether you're a student, professional, artist, or simply someone who enjoys jotting down thoughts and ideas, this notebook is up to the task. The combination of excellent paper quality, durable hardcover, and thoughtful design features sets it apart. And with its budget-friendly price point, it's an exceptional value. I highly recommend the Amazon Basics Classic Grid Notebook for anyone seeking a dependable and versatile notebook for daily use.

Great notebook. Bought 2 more.