Mobile Computing: Hands-On Guide to Notebook Bags

Feature: A Hands-On Guide to Notebook Bags

At this moment, there are approximately 6 trillion bags designed specifically to carry notebook computers. This is the estimate I came up with after visiting a luggage superstore, becoming overwhelmed with all the notebook bag styles and variations, and going home to lie down.

After regaining my strength, I went online and perused current notebook bag offerings to find three of the most intriguing models for business travelers and test them myself. I ordered bags from Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Kensington that represent a range of styles (from wheeled suitcase to backpack) and prices (from $50 to $600). Then I packed up my notebook in each one and hit the road, traveling cross-country via airplane with the Tumi and Briggs & Riley bags and around town with the Kensington backpack. Along the way, I paid attention to how easy or difficult each bag made it to travel with a notebook and other items.

Be aware that not all notebooks will fit into every notebook bag--models with a large screen (15 inches and up) may pose a challenge. Before you buy, check the height, width, and depth of the notebook compartment in the bag you're considering and compare it to your portable computer's dimensions.

For a list of features and items to consider when shopping for a notebook bag, see "Mobile Computing: Notebook Bag Buyers' Guide."

Tumi Wheel-A-Way Deluxe Expandable Brief With Computer Case

The Wheel-A-Way actually consists of four bags: a briefcase; a padded notebook bag; a small zippered pouch that fits into a front pocket; and an oblong, see-through mesh bag for holding power cords and such.

The wheeled briefcase includes four zippered front pockets (including an insulated pocket for a water bottle); a rear, interior compartment for files; and a front compartment that can hold either a few articles of clothing or the padded notebook bag. (Alternatively, the notebook bag can be carried separately via its shoulder strap or secured to the wheeled bag's pull-up handle.) Also, there's a handy expansion compartment in the middle of the bag.

During my airplane travels, I particularly appreciated the small zippered pouch that comes with the Wheel-A-Way. It's designed to hold items you wear or keep in your pockets--keys, coins, and such--that must be removed at airport security checkpoints. A clear plastic window on the bag's front side is designed to hold a driver's license.

The bag is attached to the wheeled Tumi briefcase via a coiled cord. On one end, the cord clips onto a ring on the small bag's left side. The other end of the cord clips onto a ring inside a left front pocket of the briefcase. The small pouch lets you quickly stash metal objects upon approaching the airport X-ray and flash your ID to the security agent. And the coiled cord keeps you from losing the pouch during the usual airport security commotion. As of this writing, unfortunately, the bag isn't available as a separate purchase, according to a Tumi spokesperson. It is included with some of Tumi's less expensive briefcases, however.

Bottom line: At $595, Tumi's wheeled, expandable briefcase isn't for bargain shoppers. But style-conscious travelers with disposable cash will appreciate its stylish, clever, convenient design.

More info and where to buy: Tumi

Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Briggs & Riley @Work 20-Inch Upright Business Traveler

This sturdy wheeled suitcase is taller and narrower than Tumi's briefcase and features three front zippered pockets. A padded notebook bag (included) is stored in the largest compartment. Because the zippers run horizontally across the bag's front and along its side, it's easy to retrieve your notebook once the bag is in an airplane's overhead compartment.

The flap covering the notebook compartment has a zippered pocket for storing magazines, newspapers, or other thin, flat items.

The bag's small third front pocket can be used for a variety of things, such as your notebook's power brick, a small toiletries bag (not included), and so on.

With the Upright Business Traveler, I was able to carry on board a change of clothes, toiletries, and a notebook in one bag--an appealing concept, in light of the airlines' recent carry-on restrictions. However, I needed to bring along a second bag, because I couldn't fit everything I wanted--notebook and accessories, MP3 player, reading material, toiletries--in the wheeled bag's front pockets. Then again, I have been accused of overpacking more than once.

Bottom line: I've owned several pieces of Briggs & Riley luggage over the years, and they've been sturdy and reliable. Though it lacks some of the Tumi bag's pizzazz, this wheeled suitcase is a solid choice for notebook-toting travelers. If you pack conservatively, this may be the only bag you'll need for a one- or two-night business trip.

More info: Briggs & Riley Travelware

Where to buy: Briggs & Riley doesn't sell directly online; EBags.com sells this bag for $349.

Return policy: The return policy depends on the retailer; EBags.com offers a full refund within 30 days.

Kensington Saddlebag Pro

The versatile, affordable SaddleBag Pro can be used as a backpack or over-the-shoulder carrying case. And though it lacks wheels, the bag features a strap on its backside so it can be secured to the pull-up handle of a wheeled suitcase.

The curved, stylish bag offers easy access to internal pockets. But its most interesting feature is the Junk-It drawer. Located at the bag's bottom, the narrow drawer is secured behind a zippered panel and pulls out easily for quick access to power cords, cables, and such. The downside: The drawer and its casing add about six ounces to the bag's weight.

Bottom line: The SaddleBag Pro is ideal for those who want a casual, affordable, and versatile notebook bag.

More info: Kensington

Where to buy: Kensington doesn't sell directly online; Amazon.com sells this bag under the "Liberator" name for $52. You can use the PCWorld.com Product Finder to check the latest prices and find other retailers.

Return policy: The return policy depends on the retailer; Amazon.com offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

One Bag for All?

While each bag I evaluated offered conveniences and features I appreciated, none of them hit a home run.

Ultimately, I've decided that I need two airplane carry-on bags, each with plenty of exterior pockets. One should be a wheeled suitcase that holds a change of clothes, electronics that I don't want in my checked suitcase but won't need during the flight (such as a digital camera), and other items. This bag would go in the airplane's overhead compartment and, ideally, be slender enough to roll down the airplane aisle without bumping into the seats.

The second bag should have a strap that attaches it to the telescoping handle of the wheeled suitcase, and it should fit under an airplane seat. In this bag I'll put my notebook, reading materials, DVDs, water bottle, and other items I want during the plane ride.

At the moment, I don't know which bags will suit those needs. (Suggestions are welcome.) But at least now I know what the options are.