The Word of God in a practical portable format. - Rated 
Not only was I curious about the ESV translation, I was looking for small format as a companion for my daily activities. I do have to admit that the size of the print is small, but to pack God's Word into such a small package there is no other alternative. Eventhough small, it is readable and to my surprise the quality of print and binding is outstanding. I have a copy of the NIV (from another publisher) and am also quite pleased eventhough the Bible was printed in of all places - China. The ESV from Crossway is printed in the EU. Another super "add on" is the possibility to receive, either via free CD or download, a copy a Bible Resource program. This program is fantastic and will greatly aid your study and understanding of the Book of Books. Would I do it again? Yes, but my next copy will be a full sized version of this wonderful translation.
ESV Why, why, why. - Rated 
I chose the ESV after being utterly dissatisfied with the translations (or rather interprestations) of previous bibles. After reading reviews I thought that this would be the one which faithfully took the King James terminology and put it into common language ie. Thee, thou, thine, goest, whereof, shalt etc.
But alas, they just cannot help themselves in changing even classic verses. I have only had mine for a few days and already I have come across errors. They chose to write "race" in stead of nation or people. Race is a tern NEVER mentioned in the bible - it is unbiblical, as we were all created from Adam. One race - The human race! OK. maybe that does not matter to many.
So how about Phillipians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me". So, what do the ESV translators do? The replace "Christ" with "him". Not even a capital 'H'. 'he' could be anyone! This simply removes Christ from the picture - TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! If I have found these in the first few days without looking, there must be more. I am dissapointed again and the ESV will probably go on the pile of 'do not rust it without checking with KJV and keep your pencil handy'
Read with care!
Nice, but small writing - Rated 
I knew I was getting a small bible, but the writing here is smaller than I expected.
The mini concordance in the back is useful and "contains more than 2,600 word entries and more than 12,000 Scripture references"
A sturdy bible with a nice page-holding ribbon, the design even glows in the dark. :-)
Sturdier than thou... - Rated
My colleague has just seen this Bible, and has dubbed it the "sturdier-than-thou" edition. It's certainly able to take a beating! This has become my new travelling bible, as it's compact, readable and, well, sturdy.
I don't anticipate needing to replace this any time soon. The font-size is small, but readable. The translation is one I've been a reasonably keen advocate of since it was first out. All in all, a good product that should last a few years!
Review and Specification - Rated
This compact 'trutone' bible has a real nice design on the front (seen above in the picture), and is plain on the back. However there is not the definite contrast in colour as seen above.
The words of Christ are in red and the pages have gold edges
It is more durable than other compact versions (of other translations) I have seen. This is because the cover is quite strong, and the cover's corners are well rounded preventing 'dog-ears'.
The 2,600 entry (12,000 verses) concordance is handy and reasonable for the bible's size. It has a ribbon page marker but no maps and no centre column cross reference.
For me the bible lost a star because I was hoping for more of a contrast in the colour of the design on the front (it doesn't stand out like the picture above) and I don't like the gold edges.
If you are looking to change versions with your travel bible, and prefer the traditional look then this would be a good choice.
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