I ordered this for a trip my son was making and I was planning on using it on a trip for myself later in the year.  I actually returned it but here's my opinion.

It meets the overhead bin requirements for the flight I was looking at (Jet Blue).  The wheels seem to operate well in any direction and it's light.  The case seems well-made although the handle that can be expanded seemed a little wobbly but not a big deal.

To get into the suitcase you have to unzip it all the way around and open both sides, which are of equal size.  You have room behind the 'top' portion to zip items behind the material, like shoes, and then netted compartments for other items.  It has straps on the other section to hold your items down and there is a very decent amount of room.  I was able to easily put 2 pairs of shoes behind the top fabric which left plenty of room on the bottom for clothing. Additionally I fit a pair of dress pants, two shirts, 2 bathing suits, and easily had room for probably another 5 days of clothing on the other side. It's more spacious than I would have figured. There is also an expansion zipper area but that would likely put you over the limit for carry on.

That being said, there are no outer pockets you can quickly access to get small items.  You cannot just lift up the top of this suitcase to grab something inside, since both halves are equal size you have to open both flat out to get at something.  Additionally although this is a hard-side, the hard sides do not snap together with clasps like my old giant Atlantic hard-shell suitcase. No, the hard sides have a zipper between them that hold it together.  I was wary that it would hold up like that. Who would think to take two hard shells and connect them with a ZIPPER? That seems silly.

All in all, for the price, this is a very decent suitcase in my opinion.  I actually ended up purchasing something at twice the cost but this was a very good deal.