I have started traveling for business and needed to replace my existing computer bag. My old one was a soft cloth Jantzen bag in which I could stuff everything laptop, files, extra cable, purse contents, etc. Of course it weighed a ton afterward! :-) It also did not look like a computer bag (which I loved).
The features that sold me on this bag were:
1.) Looks it may be hard to tell in photos, but there is stitching detail around the bag that helps to set off the bag design. My husband likes that more than I do, but I have to admit it is a nice detail. I, too, chose the red a very nice, dark red color.
2.) The extra pocket in front great to grab pens, glasses, keys, airline boarding passes, small (and I mean small) notebook, etc.
3.) I thought I would enjoy having the laptop sleeve I've been looking for a laptop bag that had almost a 'bag within a bag' so that I could carry the larger bag while traveling and when at a customer site, carry a small, sleek bag with just the laptop and charger. However, this is not the bag for that. Due to the width limitations (discussed below), I have not used the sleeve at all.
4.) Length / width: length would accommodate my laptop and width was somewhere 'in the middle' of laptops being offered on the market.
What I do like about the bag is:
1.) Its looks as I said, very professional
2.) Leather quality and color it adds some weight to have a leather bag over a nylon or cloth one, but there is nothing better for longetivity. I expect the leather to age nicely. The red color should complement anything I choose to wear.
3.) There is a pocket on the front (described above) and two additional zippered compartments inside.
4.) The handles are a good length to put over the shoulder without having to have another shoulder strap. (I'm 5'5") I can easily carry the bag over my shoulder or with my hand.
5.) It does allow me to carry the minimal amount of things I need to bring with me on a business trip.
What I don't like about this bag:
1.) The bag looks so nice, I wanted to use it both as a purse and a laptop bag so I could conveniently travel with just 2 items it and my roll-on suitcase. The laptop bag needs to be a bit wider to achieve that. I could not add my wallet (the bag would not zip) until I took out photos and some extraneous frequent purchase cards. Also, all pockets are very deep so it is hard to keep your lipstick, for example, easily accessible without having to dig through everything else at the bottom of a pocket. (I'm thinking of finding (making) some zippered bags to keep similar items together easier to find and store in the pocket.)
2.) As mentioned by another reviewer, the middle zippered pocket, where you would expect to be able to put a notebook portfolio, will not accommodate it. So that means that it must be put in the same compartment where you put your peripherals charger, mouse, cable, wallet, etc. Not a big problem, but you have to ensure you've shoved the peripherals aside so the portfolio can slide to the bottom. If you only travel with a few loose papers or a paper pad without the portfolio cover, this would not be a problem.
3.) A small item, there is a nice key holder hook in the front pocket, but it needs to have a longer length. It is so short, you can't raise it up to hook your keys onto it. You must put your hand with your keys inside the not-very-wide pocket and manage to slide your keys onto the hook. However, handy to find your keys, once done. (I'm getting better at it)
This bag is really nice. lots of room. I dont use the laptop sleeve in this or any of my bags so i can have more room for files with the laptop. My 15" sony fits great along with the periferals. the leather is soft but sturdy. handle is a nice over the shoulder length without being too long. it's a little darker and a tiny bit greyer than i was expecting but the color is beautiful. my only complaint is that the center zippered file compartment is not quite wide enough for a file folder. a little incovenient but the bag is beautiful. Wish i coudl afford one in every color.
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This is my second McKlein USA bag and I am pleased once again. It's a beautiful bag and I get compliments about once a week. The quality is top-notch and not only is it attractive but also very durable. I generally carry it over my shoulder and the handle is plenty long enough to be comfortable for my 5'9 frame. The front pocket has a nice organizer. My only complaint is that it could be a little bit deeper in order to accomodate more easily my medium sized water bottle. This bag is more of a streamline breifcase so if you plan on lugging a bunch of stuff around, this is not the bag for you. It's also a made of a thick leather and is definitely not the lightest bag available. For the price, an excellent bag.
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Love this bag!!
I have gotten complements on how it looks.
Not a lot of room after my laptop is in there
but it holds everything I need. Easy to get the
laptop in and out of bag with the removable
sleeve.
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I purchased this briefcase in red for my girlfriend 8 months ago, it looks great and she loved it. She travels a great deal for work and it still looks brand new after months of hauling her laptop around through airport security. It is a great deal!
I've always liked Dakine since my first bag xx years ago (which is still going strong). It's my 5th Dakine bag and the 2nd of this type. It's not a big bag but that is why I bought it. With the weight restrictions in airplanes nowadays you can't really travel heavy and bulky anyway. It's a handy size with more than sufficient pockets (larger size units tend often to have too many compartments). I still manage to get it up to 23 kg. It's a stable bag to pull as it's not as high as larger size bags. Quality materials, maybe not the same quality as xx years ago, but then again, what is nowadays. I would rate it as value for money.
