I bought two in purple after seeing a friend with one a few years ago. Definitely not dark purple, but still beautiful, and they were the envy of everyone. The solid table on the side was very useful as two people could use it if interspersed between regular sling-type chairs. And, unlike our sling chairs, you have a place to rest your plate! We didn't really use the pockets. Its seat is firm, and it does seat you higher than sling chairs, but I see this as a real plus as it's easier to get out of.