I bought this backpack for my daughter who is in 5th grade. I figured she could use the laptop pouch later on when she actually had a laptop to use. The backpack is sturdy and rolls well. My suggestions to improve the design would be to make the handle smoother to pull and also to not have the shaft protrude so far into the main compartment. Space is reduced fairly dramatically with the interior of the handle but I guess there isn't a lot you can do about that. I felt the Calpack backpacks had more room for books but weren't quite as sturdy as this pack and also not as nice looking. My daughter can fit her lunch, her binder, and one book but not much else.
Pluses: rolls well, looks great, sturdy
Minuses: space capacity not as good as other backpacks, handle retraction not very smooth. 4 stars

I just purchased on 7/24/2007 for the 2007-2008 school year and already the handle on the bag is broken. I like the material and the straps, but this shouldn't be happening already. 2 stars

An excellent, very sturdy, fairly light-weight bag, for either wheels or backpack. It looks like it's made of a truly tough material, has a couple of front zippered pockets - a smallish one for large iPod-type objects, and a really large one with inner pockets and flaps and pencil-holders - sketchbooks, folders, magazines, etc - probably even a small laptop. And the main compartment is, of course, huge - easily stores a few days' clothes and toiletries, plus odds & ends - has a couple of good-size inner pockets also. Sturdy telescoping handle (mechanism takes up a small amount of space on the back surface of the large compartment.) Sturdy-looking wheels. Just got back from a trip to the Mainland with this bag as carry-on - oh, yes, there's also a good-size outside pocket on the back for magazines and last-minute purchases (water bottle, newspaper, book etc...)
A fantastic buy, IMHO! 5 stars

Have used this bag as an airline carry-on and for other travel. Love its versatility. Seems very well made. 5 stars

Exactly as described and working perfectly for me. Backpack with wheels gives you options as to transport.
Very well made - top quality. 5 stars