Solid books, but hard to get to flatten out in shape. Pages are very smooth for a writing surface, which is a matter of preference. I prefer a more matted, rougher finish as I use Roller Ball pens. They will smear more easily in this sort of book. A cheap ballpoint will look good. You'll need a harder pencil for this, as a soft will be harder to mark/show up to read.

paper thinner than I would like

They are nice paper with s luxurious feel. A lot heavier than expected. Also, the pages tend you tear at the hole punch interface.

Works fine, I just with the cover was stiffer to provide better protection when loose in bags