What is the reason or supposed benefit you are expecting when changing to a hardside? When you say accomodate laptop bag, do you mean that it rides better on top of a hardside? That is not necessarily true. Or that it is better protected or it looks better? Please explain.

Some hardsides are lighter. Hardside spinners might be easier to maneuver, especially if they also have a rigid frame. In general, I'd venture to say that almost all hardsides offer somewhat better protection of the goods inside. Mind you, with ordinary clothes or even a laptop in a laptop bag inside a hardside suitcase that is NOT necessary even for fearful types.

Harder to overstuff a hard-sided piece. Looks neater. But also not as flexible when you try to stuff it into an overhead bin.

Till