I like this case, it is made of a stiff nylon, with pillowy padding inside on one side. It is nice to use in your lap, and even at home. I use it at home to safely carry it between rooms (nothing worse than dropping you laptop, especially at home!). I like having a handle on the case, much better than just a neoprene sleeve, and easier to grab. It goes into my main computer bag, a backpack type, and the stiff case adds plenty of extra protection, though I would not call it a "hard shell" as it is a stiff nylon, not a hard plastic or metal. The zipper is protected from scratching the computer,
An issue with it is since it sits inside the case, it blocks the DVD drive, so you have to move the laptop out of the case a bit to eject and put in discs. It kind of blocks the firewire and usb ports, but it is possible and it works, to plug in devices. The laptop can also be plugged into the computer's power adapter while using the case as well.
Another issue, the computer will still get warm in your lap (if doing lot of computer processes, or the dvd drive), though not as warm as if the computer is right on your lap. So this isn't a true cooling case.
