If you're looking to pack 1-2 nights of clothes also I like the TravelPro Wall-Streen VIP Expandable Rolling Computer Brief. I use it for 1-3 night trips and for international trips so as to pack 1-2 nights clothing incase my checked luggage is lost.
It's not strictly a computer case but it does have a built-in computer sleeve with room for much much more (2100 in**3).
The JanSport "Driver 8." 4 pounds 5 oz.
The ebags web site has a "Will my laptop fit?" feature.
It is a legal carry on as long as you don't overstuff it. It will fit in the overhead or under the seat.
I am interested in your reviews on the best rolling computer bag for international travel. Cost is not an issue.
The bag needs to have the following characteristics:
Light-weight (Ideally under 12 lbs.)
Durable
Accomodate a 15" computer
Size Within International Airline Carry On Guidelines
I have looked at TUMI, Briggs and Riley, Hartman and Victorinox. Any additional brand suggestions are appreciated.
I'm a travel luggage obsessive, always trying to find the perfect combination of size, compartments, capacity for every kind of trip. As a result, I have rollaboards from TravelPro, Delsay,Eagle Creek, a RedOxx Air Boss, a laptop backpack, a Tom Bihn Empire Builder, several other briefcases. I bought a Wenger Patriot 3 months ago as I was doing a lot of one night away trips, with business papers and a laptop needed on the trip. It has been the best purchase to date.
Even though cost is not an issue, the fact it can be found easily on the net for <$100 makes it compelling (suggested retail is $140). Quality is outstanding and while it seems pretty fat when you first load it up, it has fitted in every overhead bin I have tried it in so far and gone under the seat in front twice without a problem. Highly recommended.
I have the Briggs and Riley rolling computer multi-case, and I like it a lot. It's just under 12 lbs. Although I haven't used it a lot (just got it a few months ago), it seems really durable. We'll see what happens after I put it through several months of heavy travelling.
The downsides include the fact that it's black (like everyone else's bags!), and the fact that it's kind of difficult (if not impossible) to fit into the overhead space on some of the really small planes. I have had to gate check it a number of times due to this. It's not really that big, just an awkward boxy shape, I guess.
If I want to use it for packing stuff for an overnight trip, there's enough space in it to get a change of clothes and some toiletries. There's even more space if I choose to leave my laptop at home, and remove the computer sleeve.
I vote for the Victorinox Architecture 2.0 Rolling Trevi. I have owned a lot of computer rolling bags but this one has the best organization with most pockets etc and it looks good - to me anyway. I also have the previous version (Architecture 1.0) but the 2.0 version has a better front compartment. Expensive but well worth it.
This may be slightly newer model of the same bag --It fits everywhere -- under seats, in all overheads, in the sizer at LHR, never a problem. And it rides above any B&R rolling carryon on the handle perfectly so the weight is not much of an issue.
You should be able to get it at a much better price than the quote on the B&R site -- either online or at a B&R dealer. I think I got about 40% off on mine.
That's a fantastic deal! Anyone who needs a great rolling computer bag, grab it! Thanks for posting.
I know this will open a 'can-of-worms' because there is so much (justified) enthusiasm for B&R, and I really like the B&R bags in general and have an older 18" upright which is still in great shape and used a lot ......
but for a straight out rolling computer bag, the B&R versions including the new ones (eg., BR306X) with the handle and 'other bag handle gripper" on the back basically wastes space because you have a bag that is overall as deep as the depth including the handles yet the space - maybe 1 to 1.25" inbetween the handles and alongside them is unusable because it is on the outside of the bag and so you can't put something in it.
The Vict Architecture 2.0 'uses' this space - or the equivalent of it in a bag of the roughly same depth with two very clever hanging pockets at the back alongside the handles and which contain 1-1.25" deep packing cubes - and you can also use the similar space inbetween the handles (because it is inside the bag) - and I frequently do use it by putting extra socks, underwear in it. This works of course just because the handles ARE inside the bag and the space alongside and inside the handles can be used.
The outside handles also make for more 'clutter' and a less smooth outside on the bag (more to get caught on?)- but this is much more arguable of course.
There - I've said it - now disagree.
Last edited by bagobsessive; Sep 7, 09 at 7:47 pm.
Reason: completeness
I have the Briggs and Riley rolling computer multi-case, and I like it a lot. It's just under 12 lbs. Although I haven't used it a lot (just got it a few months ago), it seems really durable. We'll see what happens after I put it through several months of heavy travelling.
The downsides include the fact that it's black (like everyone else's bags!), and the fact that it's kind of difficult (if not impossible) to fit into the overhead space on some of the really small planes. I have had to gate check it a number of times due to this. It's not really that big, just an awkward boxy shape, I guess.
If I want to use it for packing stuff for an overnight trip, there's enough space in it to get a change of clothes and some toiletries. There's even more space if I choose to leave my laptop at home, and remove the computer sleeve.
I have the B&R Multi-case as well. I'm very pleased with it. What I love most is that if I get to my destination and I just need my laptop or I just need a briefcase, I can pull out the separate cases and leave the wheeled bag at the hotel.
If needed, I can even fit a change of clothes for overnight in the bag. If I'm staying for more than one night, I pack a soft-sided bag and slide it over the handle of the Multi-case and still don't have to check any luggage.
Regarding it not fitting in the overhead compartment of some aircraft, I concur. I regularly fly on Delta and it will not fit the overhead compartment of the CRJ's, which unfortunately are a common aircraft in and out of my home airport. However, I've NEVER gate checked the bag (wouldn't want to - because it has my laptop in it - but I could check it if I wanted to because it has the removable laptop sleeve in it). The Multi-case does fit just right underneath the seat on aircraft that has a too small overhead compartment.
I know this will open a 'can-of-worms' because there is so much (justified) enthusiasm for B&R, and I really like the B&R bags in general and have an older 18" upright which is still in great shape and used a lot ......
but for a straight out rolling computer bag, the B&R versions including the new ones (eg., BR306X) with the handle and 'other bag handle gripper" on the back basically wastes space because you have a bag that is overall as deep as the depth including the handles yet the space - maybe 1 to 1.25" inbetween the handles and alongside them is unusable because it is on the outside of the bag and so you can't put something in it.
The Vict Architecture 2.0 'uses' this space - or the equivalent of it in a bag of the roughly same depth with two very clever hanging pockets at the back alongside the handles and which contain 1-1.25" deep packing cubes - and you can also use the similar space inbetween the handles (because it is inside the bag) - and I frequently do use it by putting extra socks, underwear in it. This works of course just because the handles ARE inside the bag and the space alongside and inside the handles can be used.
The outside handles also make for more 'clutter' and a less smooth outside on the bag (more to get caught on?)- but this is much more arguable of course.
There - I've said it - now disagree.
I totally agree and have said many times that I think the outsider handles are a bad idea for the precise reasons you mention. In German we call that a Schnappsidee (an idea that is born over too much Schnapps (brandy)). Nobody with half an engineering sense will dispute that the outside handles have more cons than pros. No worries. It's a pretty clear cut case.
That said, the $99 for that case are a very interesting price.
I shall add that I'd definitely nominate the T300 and T500 Mvision models by EZM about which I have started a thread recently. Excellent design.
Programs: AA PLT, F9 Summit, Avis First, Marriot PLT
Posts: 31
Just noticed this thread, should've posted my response from my other thread here
I just ended up buying a BR214, but I know what you mean about the Victorinox. I was looking for a latop case with wheels for an up-coming overseas trip, but for me, I wanted one that would also fit underneath the seat as well as the overhead. I was originally gonna get the BR212, but it was awfully fat, we (the store sales lady and myself) measured it at 10" when the case was laying down as it would be in a plane, and that's without anything in it (even though the tag said 8"). Anyhow, I asked them at the store if it would fit under an airline seat and they said it would be iffy. The manager of the store was very knowledgeable and she actually uses B&R for her own travels. So I brought my current laptop case into the store (targus corporate traveller CUCT02A) and found that everything fit nicely in the BR214 with room to spare. My current laptop is a widescreen HP dv5t pavillion with a 17" widescreen so I was very surprised it fit. Latptop dimensions are 14x10x1.8" for those that want to know. I just wish they had a little outside pocket in front to put a book or something... Also, the bag was relatively light (8lbs), and surprising easy to carry. So that's the BR214, which I ended up buying.
The 212 is a wonderful bag though, for the price, I really liked it. I'm gonna bring a tape measure with me when I fly this next trip to measure the under-seat area and see if it the 212 will fit. If it does, I'll probably go back and buy it. The sales folks also brought out a Victorinox architect 2.0 parliament rolling bag. It was real nice as well, very similar to B&R but they have pockets on the outside next to the handle where B&R just has air as bagobsessive mentions. It also had a softer bag bottom (the BR was very firm), and that was nice because it has some "give" for the times you might need to squish it a bit to fit under a tight seat. The external pockets next to the handle are great for stowing things like cables and chargers, and is a big advantage to engineers such as me who might need to bring a lot of cables with them when they fly. The only downside to that bag was it was ~$480, so for the price (about 50% less), I still like the BR212. If the price differential were <$75, I'd get the Victorinox. Again, it may not fit under an airline seat though, it was wide (though with the soft bottom, it will squish a bit).
