I was looking for a 1/2" binder for periodical newsletters. A 1/2" would have sufficed but none available. Next closest was the 1" and it has the outside view sleeves on front back and spine These were much better quality than the ones without the sleeves. The upgrade and the quality weren't that much more expensive making it an even better value. Also the 7 2" D-ring binders i bought about six years ago look almost as good as new and they're added to monthly.