They are not the devil so I don't see a problem in using them if used in the correct way. They can be quite useful. The only reason why I would caution anyone in their decision to buy outlines is to make sure they use them for the right purpose. Use it as a supplement to your reading.
After I do my reading and when I am reviewing for class, I often read over a specifi section of a commercial outline to get an overall "big picture" for what we are doing that day. I also use them when I start my own outlines to get an idea of a good structure (I use those and the table of contents of my book). I would caution people not to use them in place of your reading or as your own outline when studying for finals. So much of your finals depends on the particular slant your professor puts on the material, so doing your own outlines to study for finals is the best. They can be an invaluable aid, but it should be just that, an aid. Just my opinion.
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