16x16 Icon needed: Professional notebook application

Not decided, but see the Requirements section

We are building a notebook product that enables to you store, organize and share your notes and other data. Existing products that compete in this space are Microsoft OneNote (http://www.onenote.com), Evernote (http://www.evernote.com), and Mind Manager (http://www.mindmanager.com).

The product combines features found across multiple existing applications and is extensible. It also incorporates a learning and periodic review system to ensure you remember the material you need.

Students
Information workers
Researchers

We need a gorgeous 16x16 icon. Other sizes are required as well, but the most important size on Windows is 16x16.

We are NOT interested in designs with 3D, gloss, shine, candy or toylike designs.

A flat design with an etched or engraved look such as machined metal might work.

The ideal icon will represent some of these: note-taking, self-learning, review, memorization, data availability, ease of organization, dependability. Obviously, one icon cannot represent all of these simultaneously. But these are the most important.

Please don't just combine images representing some of the above - we're looking for a single icon that communicates some of these attributes by color, shape, and content.

We haven't decided on a brand name yet, but consider some of these themes: a study (room), a study desk and chair, a studio, mental gym, journal, notebook, personal classroom, a student writing, a mind map (if you know what this is.)
These are just examples, please don't take them too literally.

Nothing garish please - we need an icon that users will be comfortable with looking at for years.

Please ensure your icon looks gorgeous at 16x16. This may require hand tuning each pixel.

We need the icon in multiple formats:
.ico file for Windows: 16x16, 32x32.
.png file for Mac and iPhone: 512x512 and lower resolutions
A Photoshop file
Hand tuned to look good in color in Windows, and Grayscale on Mac
The icon should have a well defined boundary or have the correct alpha transparency set that it works well with any background. This is important if your design contains shadows or antialiased edges.
The icon should be perfectly square with no rounded edges, border or shine.

Let your imagination run free. If you need more constraints, let us know.

Please add a line or two explaining your design. We understand that icons should be self-explanatory, however sometimes a brief statement helps us better appreciate your effort.