I have read the sidebar and went through every laptop/bag thread I could find in this sub, over the past ten days. I have googled and looked at numerous youtube reviews. I'm not being lazy, it's getting desperate!
I would prefer a bag that is sold in the UK or Europe. I live in Ireland, so am conscious over duty etc, so would prefer something sold in the UK.
Price range: under €500.
I'm a barrister and plan on using this for work. That said, I would not be bringing this into the courtroom itself, it'll be left in the bar room. So I'm not overly concerned as to it being leather, etc.
I don't want a messenger bag or backpack. I also hate buckles. If the buckles are "fake", sort of like how fossil does it, that's fine. It isn't the look of buckles I hate, but the functionality. I also prefer the bag have a shoulder strap.
Contents: I have a 15" laptop with PC power brick. I carry a hard cover pocket diary (day planner), a mobile battery, mobile charging cables, rosary, a couple of disposable pens, business cards loose (other people), business cards in a business card case (my own), medicine tin, bose over-ear headphones in a case, a 2-3 A4 folders with 20-30 pages each. A packet of forms (approx 50 sheets). And a portfolio filled with papers I use on a regular basis (about 1.5" thick). I presently (on an outside side pocket) have a Davek Solo umbrella. I also have a large, thin leather case. I can't easily describe it, so I'll link it. It's thin and about 5 inches tall.
What I've looked at already:
Filson: the Original Briefcase and Padded Briefcase. I was looking at the 257, which may be suitable, but it's discontinued. Haven't really found a place that sells it in the UK at a price that isn't dramatically inflated. The 256 looks like it be too small for what I want and the 258 too big.
Tom Bihn: I liked the look of the Founder, but it is definitely too small for what I want. I am sort of considering the Empire Builder, but certain reviews show it to have some flaws with respect of ease-of-access of the laptop. I can't buy Tom Bihn in Europe, so I'd have to import it.
Briggs and Riley: I have a rollerbag from them, I like the brand. I looked at their collection though and nothing wows me. It's a bit ugly and their laptop bags seem to be the same that I have, just without the wheels.
Tumi: Never again. I am using a Tumi bag and not at all impressed with how it has held up. I want to replace it asap.
Saddleback: Don't like these. They are heavy and I hate buckles.
Timbuk2: I had a messenger bag long ago. It was ok, but I really don't like messenger style bags. I am sure they are great, but I just don't like wearing bags "messenger style".
Booq: I don't know if these are BIFL, but I had a look. I do like the Saddle Carbon, but that could be desperation. It does look like it might fit my needs, but some of the Booq reviews aren't the greatest.
LL Bean: I looked at the heritage wax bag, but the reviews on the website seem frighteningly mixed.
Pad and Quill: Not sure if these are BIFL. They seem to be a Filson clone, but there's shipping to Ireland issues. I'm not sure "the briefcase" would suit my needs. I probably would rather go with Filson 257 if I could find one.
ThinkGeek: Bag of Holding I looked at. Again, some of the reviews talk about magnets falling off and while I don't mind what the bag looks like, this isn't the most pleasant to me.
Wingcase: I like the look of it. It isn't out yet and who knows if it ever will be. There's no reviews, but it had an interesting design.
I have looked at a lot more, but the above is what I can remember offhand.
I'm getting a bit desperate. I may just order the Booq, but it probably is overpriced rubbish.
Any help or ideas is greatly appreciated. Many thanks
Submitted March 01, 2017 at 07:41PM by wigface http://ift.tt/2mb1Rol
