I wanted a globe to help illustrate the idea that the earth is round in a geography lesson.  I don't really have space to store a large globe, so the small size was a plus.  There is some distortion around the equator (where the two pieces of the sphere are joined together - the seam is a bit wide), but other than that the actual map is fine - and surprisingly easy to read.  We also have a couple of world atlases, so we use those if we need to see details, but for quickly answering the children's "where is _________?" questions this globe has been great.  And I love the antique color scheme.