The pen is completely unnecessary and there is nowhere to store it.
Another criticism (and again): it is true that Sony has made great efforts to make its lightweight tablet. With a cover like this, it almost doubles the weight and bulk. Inevitably, it's always nice to have less shelf + the cover, but at least the tablet takes longer because it is well protected. It is a choice to make. Personally, I prefer to have the cover and hold in my hands something solid rather than having the bare shelf and afraid to break it into two with each use.
Note GROUPON unlike another comment, I find very close visually pictures shown on the website.