My rolling laptop bag is about to bite the dust. I need something that will hold a 17" laptop, some files, etc. and should fit in the overhead. Price isn;t much object and protection of the pc is top priority.
I value the opinions of real travelers and have been looking at kensington, solo, wenger, etc but none have shown me much that impresses me.
I have a Briggs & Riley that I picked up at Century 21 some years ago for $99. I think it retails for at least twice as much, but would be well worth the retail price. Mine came with two removable inserts -- one to fit the laptop; one that was segmented to fit file folders (though also fits a 12" laptop). It is my absolute favorite piece of luggage. I think it has a great repair/replacement warranty. It is well constructed, rolls very smoothly, and has held up quite well. The only thing is that my laptop is a 15" and that appears to be the largest that will fit in the bag, but I think it would be worth checking out other B&R bags that fit your laptop.
I looked hard at the Briggs & Riley. I have several items from Skooba Design so I went with http://www.skoobadesign.com/product/...convertible-9/ the Roadster Convertible... I got it online for 109.00 so I am pretty happy with the price.
I'll report on it.
BTW I am replacing a Targus model that has been decent but has a broken handle, ripped sides, etc. When it is absolutely critical I use the Pelican 1495 cc2 laptop case (not a roller) or if it has to 0pack a Pelican 1610.... that rolls as well. But those guys are a bit heavy and clunky
I think I will pick up the Briggs & Riley as well and do a couple runs with each. This is the most important piece of luggage for me. I have had several colleagues seriously wound their computers from the banging around these take.
If it helps, eBags has a Laptop Finder search page that lets you enter in the dimensions of your laptop to help you find a suitable match. Also look for the "Will my laptop fit" link in the Product Features section on many of the product summary pages for their laptop cases.
If anyone know anything about them, please let me know.
The dicota looks like a great bag. I have seen it in a shop. What I don't like about it is the telescope handle being just one tube. Makes it very difficult to attach a second bag, should I have one. Also, in this size the laptop compartment can not be removed.
The targus has the proper telescope and a removable laptop sleeve. Good for gate checks.
I am leaning more towards the targus than the dicota.
I like my TravelPro Wallstreet VIP Deluxe Expandable Rolling Computer Brief. It's larger than most briefs and I don't use it for daily computer/file carrying, but for a 1-2 night trip is is perfect with room for clothes, laptop, electronics, and accessories. Retail is around $180 but I got mine for $40 refurbished at Crew Outfitters. If I hadn't found that one I likely would have picked up a Samsonite or similar from TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross.
I had a $30 American Tourister 20" roll-aboard w/ side laptop access that lasted for 2 years before the handle broke... great size for 2 night trips and the bag I usually reccomend for people starting in my department when we're still getting a feel for their skills and how much they'll actually be traveling.
