Shoplet.com Review: C-Line Expanding File & Presentation Book

These office supplies were sent by Shoplet for review. After Hurricane Sandy, and realizing how ill-prepared we are for a natural disaster/emergency (i.e wildfire), the C-Line Expanding File With Handles and the C-Line Bound Sheet Protector Presentation Book could not have come at a better time.

C-Line Expanding File With Handles - $11.94

This black propylene expanding file has handles and a Velcro closure to keep all documents safely inside. It resembles a small black briefcase, and has two small handles at the top for easy carrying. 

Like an accordian!

Features

• Professional-style expanding file keeps documents organized.
• Looks like a briefcase yet organizes like a filing system.
• 13 pockets with 12 color-coded tabbed dividers.

What Do I Like?
The Velcro closure is pretty convenient - it can be expanded to accommodate a lot of files inside. I like that the whole thing can be sat on a flat surface and be opened to easily see everything inside all at once. The kinds of expanding file folders that open on the side drive me nuts. You always have to hold the top up to see what's inside. It's a pretty good closure - nothing can really fall out of the file folder.

Colored tab options

What Don't I Like?
The only downside to Velcro is the sound it makes. For a business or professional-type setting, I always feel Velcro should be avoided because of the KSSSHT it makes when you open it.

C-Line Bound Sheet Protector Presentation Book - $3.20

This black presentation book has a firm plastic front and back cover - but is still flexible. Inside, there are 12 clear polypropylene sheets protectors. There is a clear view spine insert for customization.

Features

• Present your projects in a professional manner in minutes Presentation book features bound-in, clear top-loading polypropylene sheet protectors that lie flat while the book is open.
• Storage pocket on the inside front cover holds extra materials.
• Acid-free, archival quality sheet protectors fit 8 1/2" x 11" pages.

What Do I Like?
The overall quality of the presentation book is great. I very much like that the front and back covers extend beyond the sheet protectors inside, so the edges of the sheet protectors are well protected. I also like that it feels like a tiny binder in my hands - one without rings. Plus, there are free downloadable spine templates available at C-Line. The book holds up to 24 pages.

What Don't I Like?
I was excited that this presentation book would lie flat... only it's not as flat as I'd like. I'm not sure how to get it to lay flat completely. Basically, the front cover sits open, but it's not quite flat enough!

Also, the sheet protectors are a wee bit thin. They are certainly good enough to protect your papers, but I would prefer if they were a little bit thicker. Given that they are protected inside the presentation book, they will be just fine.

Price
C-Line Expanding File With Handles - $11.94
C-Line Bound Sheet Protector Presentation Book - $3.20
Overall
Both the C-Line Expanding File With Handles and the C-Line Bound Sheet Protector Presentation Book are well-made, well-designed products. I intend to use the presentation book for hard to replace documents like Kevin's SSN card, our birth certificates, etc, and the expanding file for everything else - copies of important documents, insurance papers, etc. For about $15.00, I'll have peace of mind for my emergency kit - easy to grab, just in case something happens.


Full disclosure: These office supplies were sent for review by Shoplet. I was not paid to write this review, but I do get to keep these cool goodies!