A look at three new notebook computer bags
By MIKE BERMAN
Scripps Howard News Service
December 19, 2001

The mobile computer geek's urge to accessorize is second only to his need to upgrade. So, with that in mind, I took a look at three new notebook computer bags that allow us to take our offices on the road.

The Crumpler Very Busy Man Lap Top Messenger ($125) is a lightweight Cordura nylon bag that, according to the folks at www.crumplerusa.com, "is the extra-large notebook bag for the efficacious humanoid with room for 18 cell phones, 13 notebooks, 43 electronic organizers, a scooter and a leftover banana skin."

Although I didn't have the time - or desire -to see if that was true, I did discover that this was one of the sturdiest and lightest bags I've used, which is extremely important for those of us who have spent half our lives toting notebook computers wherever we go.

Among other notable features:

- Heavy-duty zippers for the internal zipped pocket and the pocket inside the front flap.

- It is lined with Ripstop nylon - not the flimsy stuff that rips if you look at it cross-eyed.

- There's an "escape hole" under the flap so you can stay connected to an audio or communication device without opening the bag.

- It has a stabilized pocket for your notebook with a velcro flap.

- There are multiple internal pockets.

- The heavily padded, glide-through shoulder strap is made of industrial seat-belt webbing and can be worn on the shoulder or across your chest.

- A quick-release buckle and clever buckle are used to adjust the strap without leaving "hanging strap ends."

The second bag I looked at was the Mobile Urban ($399) from Brenthaven, which is actually an office on wheels.

Although it isn't as light as the Crumpler, this computer bag-on-wheels is made for those of us who whiz through train stations, airports and bus depots and need quick access to our stuff. There are pockets galore, plus a three-section accordion file and a heavily-padded removable computer suspension sleeve.

Made of military-grade ballistic nylon, the bag also features:

- Oversized zippers.

- Synthetic leather handles.

- A hidden telescopic handle system, where the handle "disappears" into a center compartment of the bag when not in use.

- The SoftDrive wheel suspension system, which redirects shock or vibrations to wheel suspension modules, minimizing possible damage to your notebook computer.

- A readily accessible organizer panel with pockets designed to accommodate oversized pens, business cards, PDA and calculators.

- Computer media pockets for CD-ROMs, floppies and PC cards.

- Hardware organizer pockets that are easily accessible and can be used to store cables, external storage devices or a spare battery.

- Quick-access pockets designed so you can quickly retrieve your cell phone, airline tickets or whatever else you need.

The third bag is the heaviest of the trio. The Flightable Computer Pac Polyester ($139) from Azpac International is not just another computer bag on wheels. This baby contains a collapsible table that folds into the side of the bag and can be used anywhere you need to use your computer - or anything else that may require a table. The table also protects the contents of the bag as you wheel it along.

The Flightable also features:

- Easily-accessible outside pockets, including an accordion file and a padded compartment for your notebook.

- A retractable handle that disappears into the top of the bag.

- Padded handles on the top and side to make it easer to lift and carry.

- A roomy, suitcase-sized compartment and an internal pouch for that extra shirt or other essentials.

-Oversized zippers on every compartment.

- Lined with heavy-duty nylon.