Thecoverprotects the wirebinding, so it doesnt get caught on fabric or stuff in your backpack. Itscollege-ruled for optimal page economy. The diameter of thebinding and thedie-cut holes that the binding passes through are optimizedfor maximum flippability. Andthehandy pocket in theback covermakes for a thicker,more stable hand-held writing surface, and also gives you a placeto stash a shred of evidence, or a receipt for the cocktails you bought to ply a reluctant witness.