Got my HardShell
Ok...got it, and here are my first impressions:
Lightweight and doesn't add much weight to the iPad. Slightly more bulky than I'd prefer, but definitely not big...it's no silicone glove, but pretty slim. Material is hard but flexible. We'll see how durable it ends up being. Enough texture to be grippable without being rough; actually pretty smooth but not slippery. Access to all ports, even with front cover on. Front cover snaps on and off very easily. You can charge with the front cover on, and with it off, is supposed to fit into the iPad stand (don't have one to test). The legs seem sturdy...they're not going to support a lot of weight, but they don't need to; there's no wobble and they have a smooth motion that seems tight. Time will tell if that loosens. Some slight areas where it looks like it was trimmed by a human and not a machine which results in imperfections. Slight, barely noticeable unless looking right at them, completely non-important except for cosmetics.
Overall, I like it. Protects the edges, props it up like I wanted. I might actually use the lid (I didn't think i would before.) Slight imperfections are not a big deal.
Was it worth $60? Not sure it's construction/finish justify that expense, but I'm not going to send it back for a refund.
(sorry, didn't realize it would make all pics landscape...)