I have this model, or it's iteration two years ago:
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=11905&bb_id=s99&sub_site_id=0 &TMI_PL_0_Link=Details
The black option is obviously much better than the red. I use the expandable feature to check it more than I would have thought. Like you I bought a Travelpro after seeing so many adds in World Traveler and FA's using them. It didn't even make it 6 months, I was pretty disgusted. My Tumi and another Andiamo are all I have needed for the past few years.
[This message has been edited by bergamini (edited Jan 08, 2004).]