This is the new easier to handle shape. I love the fact that I can use a sponge with a scrub surface for the outside of certain pots and pans that have burned on grease and it comes off. Also, this sponge can be used on casseroles and other cooking items without worry of scratching the surface.
We used this product while we titled our floors. It allowed us to really clean the tiles and along the grout lines for a wonderful & professional finish.
I wouldn't be without Scotch-Brite sponges/scrubbers of all sorts--with cooking and cleaning and 3 cats and the resulting clean up's needed, there is always something which needs to be scrubbed. I must have almost a whole "store" of the different Scotch-Brite scrubbers--the Heavy-Duty Scrub Sponges are my favorites, but I love the rest, too.