Briefcases

The biggest reason that I went with a brief-case style carrier for my laptop was protection, which this case provides. It has a hard outer surface that gives the type of protection the softer laptop bags can't and on top of that there's a cushion-like nylon bag inside for further protection. Because the computer in the bag fits snuggly against the document sleeves you get even more extra cushioning and the computer doesn't shift, shake, or slide at all. Another benefit is that inside the case there are four snaps that hold it in its most compact state. Undo the snaps and the case expands ~1/4" or so to increase its capacity. I didn't use or appreciate this when I first bought the case, but since then I've bought a Kindle DX: with the snaps undone the laptop and the Kindle fit snuggly against each other without any damage to the kindle screen. If it didn't expand like this I would have been a lot more hesitant to put my Kindle in there with the lap top. The pockets are sufficient. There are 3 slots for business cards, one larger pocket with a fold over flap (I think this is for a blackberry, but I don't have one so I keep other stuff in it), a pocket with just a strap over it (I keep the square part of my power adapter in this), two holders for pens on the right, and above both of those two sleeves for documents. The document sleeves also have adjustable straps, with velcro instead of snaps, so that you can hold even more documents. The only thing I would like improved on the pocket arangement is another couple of pen holders. I like to carry a blue pen, a black pen, a red pen, and a mechanical pencil. With only two pen holders I put the red pen and the pencil in the pocket that was meant for the blackberry (plus I keep some cash in there for vending machines or fast food). The leather is of good enough quality. It feels nice to touch and looks okay. The hinges are very nice. They seem to have 3 stages: Open: the case is pretty much locked open. It takes a minor amount of force to start closing it. It's not going to fall or slide closed in this position. Midway: you can open it about 30 degrees or so to just slide something in or out. If you let go it will fall closed. Closed: with the cased closed and the latches closed nothing can possibly opening this thing accidentally. The locks work fine, but I don't know anything about picking locks so I can't comment on the quality of them. It's 3 digits on either side and they're pretty easy to set up. Most of the time I just leave it on the correct numbers to open automatically. The shoulder strap I haven't used at all. It does have the rings on the tops of the corners for it, and I have the strap somewhere, but it's not really heavy enough to justify using the strap so I just don't. The rings are there, but they don't detract very much from the look of a briefcase unless you really focus on them. It's advertised as being easy to take through airport security. I don't fly that often and haven't since I bought the case so I can't testify to that. In all I'm very pleased with this case. It looks professional, it does its job of protecting the computer well, the adaptability to stay slim if needed or expand to hold additional devices and documents is great, I've had it for about 3 months and it doesn't show any damage from use, and for the amount of protection it gives it's supprisingly light-weight. I'd recommend this case."..."  Read more

My wife is a project coordinator for a nonprofit organization, and I bought this (with a Sony Viao 15.6" laptop inside) as her graduation present. Her initial reaction was that it was pretty big - and that's true. It fits the 15.6" widescreen laptop just fine, and she can put the accessories and a binder or two in the additional pockets. It took her all of three days to get over the size (the shoulder strap works great for her, she rarely uses the rollers), and she rarely goes anywhere work-related without it. In addition to that, her mom, her boss, and several co-workers want one, and asked where I found it. It's very good quality leather, the print is distinct, but all the same color - it's just a cherry red with raised croc-leather patterning. I'd call it a semi-gloss, not quite a gloss - which is just perfect as far as sheen on leather goes. The stitching is strong, I don't see any pulls or popped seams anywhere after two whole months of constant use, and the only scuff she put on the bottom of the briefcase was easily mended. Leather doesn't appear to have taken any damage from it. If I could give half a star, I may be tempted to go for 4.5, if only because the seldom-used wheel+handle system is not as solidly made as I would have wanted. Granted, for a flattened-oval-shaped telescoping handle, it's an acceptable balance between compactness and rigidity. The button for telescoping it out and back in again was a little sticky on this particular one, but not to any significant degree. Overall, this is what I was looking for (as far as price, durability, quality, function, and style), and what my wife wanted (fashion, red croc leather, function, portability). Husbands, this will probably be a killer gift for any mid-to-high-level business/executive/aspiring wife."..."  Read more

I'm an attorney and use this bag for paperwork, computer, and files. The top opens nicely and stays open. The leather is high quality and has a scratch-resistant finish. Unlike some other bags, this bag will not "break-in" the same & won't take on a very distinct "character." This is due to the way the leather is made. If you like a clean look, this is a good bag for you. But if you want a bag that will develop character and look worn-in, I would recommend the Jack Georges Belting brief bag. Note that if you have the additional strap, Jack Georges will add a piece of leather on the side with a metal loop. In my opinion, this detracts from the bag's clean look. I deliberated awhile about the strap and concluded that, even fully loaded and heavy, the bag is still manageable for medium travel distances, such as from the car to office or from walks around the city. But if you are an extensive traveler, you may want the shoulder strap. I just think the bag is too nice looking to have a shoulder strap, personally, and deal with my arm getting tired when I carry it longer distances. The hardware is high-quality nickel. The front strap opens and closes in a sturdy fashion and with ease. The nylon liner is also nice and helps keep the weight down (as opposed to suede). The bag is spacious and will carry all the important stuff. Like I said before, the bag opens widely and stays open. The leather is stiff and gives it a very secure, stable feel. The bag is slightly bigger than it appears in the pictures. Jack Georges website has a picture of someone holding the bag, which gives you a better idea of its size and shape. The bag also does not curve as much on the sides as it appears to in the picture. It has a very nice shape. I gave four stars not because there's something I didn't like about the bag, but rather because I'm sure there're nicer bags out there if you want to spend $1,000+. So this is a GREAT bag for only $400. I would certainly recommend this for any attorney."..."  Read more

I purchased this product for its versatility. I wanted to use the roller bag when traveling for business trips, and to use just the carry briefcase for everyday office use. It does simply zip on and off. I am disappointed in the quality of the leather. I expected for the cost of this product for it to be soft and supple. It is quite hard, and seems that it might show scratches easily. Note it has not scratched yet, but I've only been using for about 2 weeks thus far. The primary interior pocket is great. Plenty of room for my big laptop, and one other section to hold papers, cell phone, etc... I wish there was a larger exterior pocket on the front, to hold cell phone, airline tickets, etc... This would make it more convenient and user friendly for airline travel."..."  Read more