By Andrew Johnson

When you hear the word notebook, what do you think of? If you're like most individuals today, your mind might go straight to the portable computer. This was not always the association. Notebooks used to pertain to paper bound by spiral coil or other method. They were for writing by hand.

When a child brings home his or her school supply list the first thing that is listed is a notebook. They are not talking about a portable desktop. They want the child to bring in something to journal in, more than likely.

Looking at the notebook today, you would not know how many changes it has gone through, or that the kinds you can get has skyrocketed over the years. Here is a glance at some of them.

In the late eighties and early nineties, the notebook was being used as a merchandising vehicle. They had celebrities plastered on them, cartoons, and even movies. This trend is continuing today. The pictures are more varied though.

Other types of designs include photography or other abstract designs. This helps budding artists get their work out to the masses, or offer fans of a certain photographer take their work anywhere.

Binding has evolved too. Most tablets were spiral bound back then. In the nineties, a different type of binding was introduced that allowed for cleaner sheet tearing. Teachers began to request that type of notebook. Today, the notebook comes in even more varied styles. You need only look around you at an office supply store or the home office aisle of a discount store to find them.

There are many other types out there. One of the newer trends is the note binder. These are alternately called hybrids by loyal users. The idea behind the note binder is to combine the ease of a notebook with the organization of a binder.

This eliminates the need to consistently buy a new notebook when the paper runs out. These hybrids also have folder pockets, recalling the days of the Trapper Keeper by Mead.

The Trapper Keeper is also making its own comeback. It has resurfaced looking more sophisticated than ever before. In the place of the Velcro they have placed snaps. That should make them a little more tolerable to teachers and bosses alike.

Consider this the next time you are looking around the stores for notebooks. They have gone through a few changes, but they are still the instant access supply you can depend on. They are easier to travel with, and do not require a plug. All you need is a writing utensil and several ideas to write down.

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