[steve-howard]

I'll second this. I keep a fountain pen with my notebook because fountain pens make me want to write more.

[borncrusader]

I've been meaning to get a fountain pen myself. Never did I expect to know about pens in this thread. :) The Pigma Micron looks fabulous (and not so expensive too) as well.

[open_bear]

Try Pilot Metropolitan, they are nice entry-level fountain pens.

[reggiegg]

This is the way to do it. With a nice notebook and a nice pen, writing becomes a pleasure. I has the added benefit of your notes naturally becoming neater.

[monknomo]

The pen is the toughest choice!

I like the Uniball Vision Elite with the bold point in blue.

I've run out today and am reduced to a US Government Skilcraft pen. A decided downgrade

[transitorykris]

Definitely! Second hardest is paper for me. I've finally settled on Muji's .7 pens and .5 grid notebooks. Very cheap, and the notebooks are thin enough that you get a frequent fresh start.

I choose physical notebooks over digital because it's easier to go freeform when needed and you don't need most of what you think is important at the time.

[zimpenfish]

Can recommend OHTO Horizon as a general fine ballpoint (and I have an OHTO Minimo in my card case for emergencies.)

[jdhawk]

I also love the Pigma Micron 03 pens.

[zimpenfish]

Pilot Capless (Matt Black, slowly turning bronze) - best pen I own by a long way.