Five Star Zipper Binder, 2 Inch 3-Ring Binder for School, 6 Pocket Expanding File, 380 Sheet Capacity, Purple (72540)

The media could not be loaded. Our 6 grader is having some hard time getting used to the local school system: we moved here from EU and teaching style, homework are completely different over there...After having watched some tutorials online, we decided to purchase a good organizer binder and help him with the work organization. Since the different full size organizers look very similar to each other, we decided to purchase the most popular four and compare them before taking our decision. This fromm Five Star was our winner, no doubts.We compared this Five Star one with an "Amazon Basics 3 Ring Binder with Zipper", a "Case-it The Mighty Zip Tab Zipper Binder 3 Inch O-Rings 5 Pocket" and a "Case-it Universal 2 Inch 3 Ring Zipper Binder". Please watch the video attached for better understanding.Besides the fact Five Star is definitely better made, more sturdy, better made handle and in general more attention to details, it has also more internal pockets and useful storage space.Amazon basic was immediately canceled from the selection as a matter of fact rings are way too big, huge I would say, and materials are quite poor. No space for chromebook, nor for calculator and pens.The 2 Case-it - even if nice - are also not the best in terms of quality: the 3 inches one (bigger of the two) is nice but does not have space for chromebook and calculator. The 2 inches one (smaller of the two) has a pocket for chromebook but not for pens and calculators. Furthermore it is not big enough for the use we wanna do.This one from Five Star is big enough, well made, has space dedicated for calculator, for pens and the front pocket - even if not specifically made for chromebook - it can be used without problems for that purpose.We cannot say how long this is going to last but - so far - we are happy with the decision taken.According to tutorials online, the organizer must hold 4 pocket folders (2 x math, language, science) and 2 for homework (to be done, to be turned in) plus a notebook, a ring pen pouch, calculator, extra pens, chromebook).

UPDATE 3/2/2016: Roughly halfway through the school year, the binder was falling apart -- broken handle, binding by the zipper coming undone. I remembered that the binder came with a guarantee to last a full school year, so I contacted ACCO via email expecting them to tell me my child had misused the binder and the warranty was void. But no! I sent them a photo and an email with date of purchase here on Amazon, along with our snailmail address, and they shipped me a new one that arrived ~10 days after my initial contact. Very impressed with the company, and would absolutely buy this product again with confidence that they stand behind their products!(Original review): We're 2 months into the school year, and it's holding up way better than I expected to daily use. My kid likes it a lot. It holds EVERYTHING for school -- it's kind of amazing how much she crams into the binder, and she no longer uses a backpack! One of her classmates was over a few days ago, and her (cheaper & different brand) binder was already looking frayed on the seams and handle. That made me happy I'd splurged for this one, which was recommended by a friend. Very happy with this purchase. I'll try to remember to update this review at the end of the school year, too.

Some people have had bad experiences with Mead Five Star products. I have not and have had various products by Mead Five Star since the late 90's. That being said, this is the best binder I've had in that time.I am a college student and my main need was lots of space for papers, notes, and definite durability. This binder has everything I need in a binder. The 2 inches of space for papers, folders, even notebooks is something that can be difficult to find in other "higher quality" binders. It also has a good built in folder system which is accessible both from the inside of the binder, and out. There is a wonderful pocket that is the perfect size for a graphing calculator such as the TI-83 or 84 (a must in college), and the built-in pencil pouch is a must-have. That being said, if stuffed full, it gets quite heavy, and can be difficult to fit into even the roomiest of backpacks, especially with textbooks and laptops alongside it, but I suppose that is why Mead Five-Star put the handle there for so it is not an issue for me.However, I can see where, in a careless moment, a person could easily ruin the zippers on this binder, especially if it is jam-packed with materials. This is something to be considered, especially for younger folks who are less cautious about their possessions or those who intend to be so busy they cannot take the time to close it without pulling. I did have some trouble with the zipper for the pencil pouch, but I was able to get it working correctly very easily. I can't really say much for those who complain about the handle breaking other than to contact MEAD's customer support or something. Mine is jam packed with school stuff and does just fine.In short, if you need the durability, the extra space and ability to carry it outside of your backpack with ease, this is the binder for you. If you tend to overfill pencil pouches to the point they're nearly bursting, buy an extra pencil pouch along with it, and you can't go wrong.

I like the pockets in this and the size, plus the carrying handle. I just wish it lasted a while school year. I've repurchased several times because it's a better price than other brands that don't last any longer. I would pay more if the rings didn't become misaligned and the outer fabric didn't tear.