Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook Talking technology, computers, and the Internet… for the average computer user

I recently purchased a new laptop messenger bag for my 15.6″ Toshiba. My old neoprene bag had seen better days, and the broken zipper was no longer keeping out rain and snow. After shopping around for quite some time, I chose the “Notebook Messenger.” I like it because it’s not the typical long, briefcase-type shape, but it’s narrow and tall. These are much easier to hoist around, full of stuff. Because of the unique shape and multiple pockets, this is the best laptop bag I’ve ever owned.

It comes at a pretty penny, however. Mobile Edge sells it retail for $59.99. I paid less than that at a discount store. But even with the discount, it was still rather expensive.

I like the roomy section under the front flap. It’s a great place to hide all the computer accesories and my peppermints. The bag is constructed of ballistic nylon, comes in a very classy red color, and has reflective strips along the seams.

The laptop compartment has two slots divided by a non-removable soft pad. I wish the pad was removable, because then the bag could serve as a backpack-type bag, too. The straps are well done, with solid seams and a comfortable molded plastic handle. The bag is extremely roomy and has pockets for everything.

The description of the size of the bag is muddled, though. The Mobile Edge website says it fits “most laptops up to 16″ and MacBooks up to 17.” The tag on the bag says it “fits up to 15.4″ widescreen” laptops. And the discount website I purchased from said it fit up to 17″ laptops. That’s a HUGE margin, and the inaccuracy is inexcusable. The consumer MUST know what size laptop the bag is for! I took a chance, and my 15.6″ Toshiba (widescreen) just BARELY fits. BARELY. I can zip it up and that’s it. The top of the laptop is not protected by any padding, so I must be careful when I haul it around.

Pros:
Very roomy interior.
Durable nylon material.
Narrow, tall shape makes it easy to carry heavy stuff.
Good straps.
Attractive.
Lifetime warranty.

Cons:
Mislabeled laptop sizes.
Non-removable pad in laptop compartment.
Bag often flops forward; won’t stand upright unless laptop compartment is filled.
Expensive.

This is the best messenger bag I’ve had, despite the cons. Is it worth shelling out $60 for? No. Maybe half that, if you can find it. It’s a very, very nice bag, though.

Note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. I’m just reviewing it because I love to review things and I thought my readers would like to know about this product.