I started traveling out-of-state a lot on business trips and I definitely think this is one carry-on that packs a punch. At first I thought it was somewhat small, but it actually could fit a lot of stuff in it. I managed to fit clothes for 3-4 days in it, a pair of extra shoes, a pair of sandals, together with toiletries, all my gadget chargers, and sometimes magazines in its back pocket. All without using the expansion zipper! It is also very lightweight, given my petite figure I get clumsy trying to lift my carry-ons and shove it into the airplane overhead bins, and for this bag it wasn't an effort to do so. Granted, when the bag is expanded it may not fit some small planes (those that can only accommodate the humble backpack), but I'm pretty sure it would fit the overheads of bigger jets with room to spare. It looks compact, maybe because it somewhat is - but then I tend to overpack, so this "limited" space helps me control what I pack. Also, having the eBags packing cubes (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/eBags-Packing-Cubes-3pc-Set/dp/B003R2Z224/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">eBags Packing Cubes - 3pc Set</a>) helps a LOT!

I also like the 4-way wheels, I now realize how that can be of advantage - my laptop bag contains my work laptop, netbook, eBook, and personal effects, which makes it heavy, and strapping it on this Samsonite's strong handle and rolling it in all 4 wheels make it easier than pulling the luggage on 2 wheels. It makes everything so convenient - I can quickly grab a coffee in the airport and pull my stuff around like a little doggie on a leash, only easier.

The wheels are pretty strong, too, and runs smoothly - so far I have been toting my Samsonite over airports for a month (and counting), relentlessly dragging it over pavement, escalators, carpets... and the wheels are still in one piece. Overall, it was a good buy and I like it a lot!