Ours has a softop. I replaced the original with a Bestop sailcloth unit this summer and it is quieter. As far as folding it, you just release everything and take out the windows. It will fold down without removing the rear window but folds better if you do. It's okay in the winter but our Jeep does not have A/C (heresy to some, I realize) and in the summer I can't imagine driving it with a hardtop on.
I'm at an age where I have more forehead every day and ballcaps tend to blow off, so this past summer I would usually take the windows out and sometimes take the doors off, but leave the top on for shade.