[twelvechairs]

I studied architecture (of the physical buildings kind), so I may be biased (its reasonably common practice to do this sort of thing), but I completely agree.

Whilst some things are fine to write on paper or in a web app etc, I think generally writing on paper still has a bunch of advantages because you simply have far more control as to what you are doing (emphasis, location, style, adding sketches, etc.) - people just tend to be afraid of it for some reason.

My set up is generally a small notebook (approx. passport sized, not too thick, stiched rather than ringbound) so it can fit into my pocket easily, along with a simple pen (0.4 felt tip). I like this because I can carry them around with me for use when the occasion arises (eg. lunch break, waiting for a train, at a cafe, etc.). Other people I know prefer big notebooks (carried in bags back and forth from the office) - depends on your routine and personality I guess.

Expensive ones (like Moleskine) aren't really any better than some of the cheap ones for my purpose, as long as the binding is solid and the paper is of reasonable quality.

Also, I agree that light dots (or light grids) are the way to go.