Some of us "Old Farts" that are securely set in our ways try to open the currently popular Microsoft software packaging like a book and sometimes it takes us a few seconds to figure out that it doesn't open that way. I think I had to actually read the instructions before I got my Office 2007 package open. But once I get my mind in proper rotation, it is no problem. However, I imagine that both shipping and shelf stocking costs could be reduced with a more compact package. The extra bulk of the package is likely by design to make it more visible on the store shelf.