This case is sturdy, waterproof and holds lots of stuff. I can put my laptop, some files, toiletries and even lunch inside without having to cram. When I'm on the train, I like to read and usually rest my forearms on the case. Others I've had start to sag after a few months of this kind of abuse but it's been almost a year and this one has still retained it's shape. Also unlike some others I've had, this one doesn't seem to have any metal supporting the cardboard that is stitched into the side panels. I've found that after a year or so of wear and tear, the metal starts to stick out of the bottom and sometimes out of the sides and can rip clothing or cut skin. The case is well-stitched and seems to be fairly watertight. I had a freak accident and some beer (about 500 ml.or 16 oz.) spilled inside but aside from a few drops leaking from the bottom, the case basically contained (mostly by absorption) the entire spill and shows no signs of being weakened in any way.