Tumi briefcase question
 

Having trouble deciding between the 26132D2 Alpha 2 Organizer Brief and the 26141D2 Alpha 2 Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief. Other than the waterproof pocket and the expansion option, are they pretty much the same ??

They are pretty much the same. I've carried the predecessor to the Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief for about 12 years. Never once have I used the expansion feature. Unless you think you might really have occasions where you need extra space, I'd say the feature adds weight and cost that aren't worth it. But you can't go wrong with either!

Tumi luggage sometimes gets berated on this forum. But as far as briefcases go, I have found them to be functional, practical, and durable.

Thanks, Alohashirt, for your reply. The $ 20.00 difference in price is not much of an issue at this $$$ level but the weight factor is definitely something to consider. Still debating which one to purchase.

I've got a 2009 Tumi Expandable Ballistic briefcase. One of Tumi's best products! Solid design, workmanship impeccable.

I have it for fast overnight or day trips, where an extra change of clothes and small dopp kit come in handy.

If you don't need this or would not use the extra space for excess files or a double laptop, I'd recommend just buying the regular non expandable laptop version.

My advice: If you even have a question about whether you'll really need the expandable capability, go ahead an buy the expandable It certainly does not get in the way or add any inconvenience. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

I should add that I recently retired my expandable ballistic and bought Tumi's new Arrive Sawyer. It really is a masterpiece and I'm confident it will bring me joy for at least another 12 years. I don't miss the expandability.

Don't know if you've already made a decision on this purchase, but I was debating between both models for a very long time.

26132 positives :

• Looks cleaner
• Simpler setup
• Main front compartment is quite small in comparison

26141 positives :

• Comes with a removable laptop sleeve
• Expandable

26141 is ideal for overnight trips, road warriors, heavy loaders (the kind that lugs half their possessions with them everywhere they go)
26132 is simply a convenient every-day briefcase with plenty of storage for anything I'd need during any business day.

I considered "what does it matter" to have the expandable bit of the 26141, but I just love the tight, clean look and felt the 26141 looked a bit 'messier' in general. I needed a briefcase, when I travel I will always have my trifold (22137D2) with me for my suits and my briefcase won't look any different going to the office or away.

Bought the 26132 and I'm loving it.

Hope this helps for you or someone else in making the decision.

The Tumi briefcases are really well built. My Tumi expandable laptop brief is 13 years old and still going strong. The expansion is nice if you ever face a trip and have to carry a lot of stuff, although if you don't carefully clear the bag out periodically it will slowly creep up in weight as they can carry so much. I will say the straps they provide are not comfortable with as much weight as you can stick in the bag. I've been much happier since I replaced the Tumi strap with the Tom Bihn Absolute Strap.