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The biggest problem with three-ring binders is that they can look "cheap"
next to perfect-bound versions.
I realize that this is more a marketing issue, but it is nonetheless a real
issue (i.e. one that must be seriously considered and addessed.
It also depends on your product and the market.
====slight diversion ====
If I can recall the study I once read, Three-ring binders (3RBs) were
acceptable for engineering, military, or mainframe/mini computer apps.
The "classiest" binding is Case. (like textbooks). The only company I know of
that ships a case-bound manual is Autodesk for its AutoCAD product.
The next level down is Perfect. This is especially true in the Retail market.
Next is Wire-O and Velo-bind.
Wire-O binding is acceptible for small manuals and for low-cost retail apps.
(such as modem manuals, etc.)
The same is true for velo-binding.
Here is where 3RBs fit in.
Moving on down the status row, we come to Plastic Comb binding.
Good for training manuals or beta release docs.
Fold-and-staple is considered one level down from these.
Finally, of course , there is just loose sheets, either tacked together at
the corner, or just clipped together.
