I have used the classic lightweight music stands for many years, and they invariably wear out after a year or two. The sliding joint that adjusts height starts slipping and the little hook that holds the legs open starts to fail. I am so glad that I finally bought this stand instead. It is just as compact, the knurled knobs that control height, leg opening and angle of book holder are so much more adjustable and dependable. The book holder is larger and less flimsy. My only complaint is that the lip on the book holder is not very deep, so larger notebooks or books may tend to slide off. Of course, if you are using a large book, you should probably be looking for a more substantial stand in the first place!