Quite simply stated, this is a very high quality microphone.  It has a very rugged build.  The sound pickup on this mic is so good that it can be used for many tasks.  My very best advice is to just purchase this mic (OR the Shure SM58 non-switched) and do not waste your hard earned money on cheaper dynamic or condenser mics just to save a few bucks.  The sensitivity of this mic is just incredible as the tech specs clearly point out.  The cross platform uses for this particular mic are quite extensive to say the very least.