I went to Staples last night to check out the goods. I've been using a similarly-designed basic notebook, called Atoma, but they do not make a punch (and the Atoma guy told me the shape and spacing is different from Rollabind/Circa). I wanted to try some DIYPLanner pages, or at least my own (cheaper paper). This is probably why they don't make a punch...

Anyhoo, I really wanted to like the Rollabind stuff at Staples, but I just couldn't. he layout was cool - you get a lot of features for the money (I think $7.99 and $5.99). The faux leather felt way too "foamy," and I didn't really like the feel of the cloth covers either.

I know, I'm not going to get Levenger leather for $7.99. But the feel of these pieces made me wish they were $15 or $20 and nicer. Maybe I'm just a becoming a gear snob.

The real disappointment to me was the flipping of the pages & covers. They did not turn smoothly at all, and turning the cover all the way around was a bit of a hassle.

I can't imagine that the Circas work this way. My Atoma notebook (with just a basic plastic cover) pages turn easily, just as smooth as spiral-bound. Maybe the punches are a little more open, or maybe it's just a better design/quality of rings.

Oh, well. I suppose it's a good thing that there is something in the productivity pr0n arms race that I don't want. (although my interest in a Circa is now still intact).