Patrick,
Although I do not have an extensive knowledge of the TabStrip control,
I have used it in a few applications and find its use quite nice.
I'm assuming you would be using it in conjunction with the multipage
control, which goes hand in hand. I'm sure there are several uses
for the control, however, using it with the multipage has been my only
experience.
If you decide not to go the tab route, but rather a different menu
route, I'd suggest taking a look at the following third party control
(free):
http://skmmenu.com/menu/
Hope this helps,
Aaron