This tape binder is AWESOME! It was ready to use, pretty much straight out of the box, and is so fast (takes most of us just 10-15 seconds per book) and automated that my whole staff can use it with no problem. I love the flexibility that the tape binding offers, and the fact that they bind really flat, so when sales people take presentations on the road they are easier to transport and the binding can't be damaged (I use to use twin look wire, so I know the hassle of a bent binding spine). I love how automated it is too, and that there's no heat-up time... when we need to use it, we just get to it and it's ready to work hard for us! The initial investment was high, but I already think it has paid for itself in our case (bought it in January).