I have a Coach briefcase and I hate it. It is heavy and has no room once I put the laptop in. I need something that is light with a litle room for documents.
Any suggestions?

Check out the Tumi collection. Great stuff. You can look at the whole line at their site - www.tumi.com

The brand that I love (I have three luggage pieces and a computer case) is Briggs and Riley.

THe link below will display a case with the characteristics you are looking for (the rest of the line can be seen as well):

http://www.briggs-riley.com/products/atwork_bbw1.htm

Nylon is displayed, leather is also available.

I think that B&R is Tumi's equal in quality. Both brands come with lifetime guarantees including airline-caused damage. B&R is usually available at a "kinder and gentler" price

Disclaimer: I have no connection with B&R except as a extremely satisfied customer (and I'd never even heard of the brand until I first started reading FT 4 years ago).

[This message has been edited by Non-NonRev (edited 10-31-2003).]

thanks!
I looked at both web pages. The Briggs and Riley @ Work for her Montauk bag looks very nice. I will have to go check it out locally. I ordered the Coach one on line and realized upon receipt that you have to touch and feel these things to see if they work.
Thanks again, I have had great success with the Travel Pro Hardsided luggage for my carry on but this briefcase issue has become a quest.( I guess I am getting old, function has become more important than fashion )

I have a backpack for mine- brand name is Kensington and I got it at Staples so I doubt if it's in the same league as Coach. But, it's held together well and on plane flights I can stuff my purse into it as well so it counts as a "personal item" carry-on.

I swear by this little fellow:

http://www.outdoorco-op.co.uk/karrim...t_eco_pro.html

It does me very well for trips up to about 3-4 days (I travel light) on business or a week for leisure. Exactly fits economy-class carry-on allowance of most airlines - hasn't been refused on over 100 flights, even fully-laden...

Wow, you do travel light. I'd need one of those for each day if I were travelling a week.

For years I've always used Tamrac bags for carrying my cameras. They are always well-built and comfortable to carry. After starting to carry a laptop about 5 years ago, I must have tried 7-8 computer bags from a variety of companies. None were really satisfactory. I eventually started using (and still do) a 20 year old Tamrac camera bag for my computer for travel when I'm working locally.

However when I fly, I need a larger bag because I have to carry more accessories. Only in the last year have I found an air travel bag that I am happy with. Once again, it is from Tamrac. It's from their Authentic Traveler division and is called the Classic VI Computer Case. Without a doubt, it has the most comfortable shoulder strap that I have ever used.

thanks all!
I did some research and decided on the Briggs and Riley Montauk bag. Conveniently, I was in Detroit for work this week, had dinner and went to the mall with my Dad ( who lives in Detroit, he doesn't chaperone my trips ). He got it for me as a B Day present and so far I really like it ( 2 days and so far so good)!
Thanks again for the advice.

I'm a big fan of the Blackhawk Executive Wide Body attache case, made by Blackhawk Industries. It may be a bit military looking for most, but it's indestructible and made for serious use.

www.blackhawkindustries.com

Also take a look at Brenthaven. Mine has recorded 6+ years and probably about a million miles of travel and is still going strong.

It's always been my policy to avoid laptop bags, on the grounds that it's better not to adverise that you have something worth stealing.

My lappy goes in a slip case which I then put in my beaten up old Samsonite courier bag. It's protected, there's plenty of room for other stuff and it doesn't look at all interesting.

Great topic! Keep those suggestions coming. The shoulder strap on my beloved SunDog bag snapped this weekend after 5 years of great service. Some features I'm looking for:

- Top loading (vs. lay the bag down flat, zip around, and unload laptop)
- Colour options (I'm tired of black, black, black! Like a little grey, navy blue or other interesting colours)
- Wheelie strap (usually on the back of the bag, to slide over the handle of my rollaboard)
- Compartment for files

I like the Tumi products, but they're really cost prohibitive. I have to believe that one can find good products also for a decent price. So far, from what's been mentioned, the Brenthaven sticks out, but loses on the colour options.

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"There are those who travel, and those who travel well."

here is the one that I got.
http://www.briggs-riley.com/products...her_mbh501.htm

I guess it is too girly for you guys but it has that great Briggs and Riley "faux pocket" that slides over your rollerboard handle.

As a girl, I appreciate the montauk and will be calling my local bergman luggage to see if they have it in stock.


lala