"Hands-On" Laptop Case Reviews

Kenneth Cole Reaction Business and Luggage 5" Single Gusset Ladies Zip-Top Computer Tote Laptop Case

Review Score: 7.5 out of 10 (Very Good)

Pros:  Fashionable with solid construction, and lots of room; can double as a regular briefcase as well as a laptop case.

Cons:  No shoulder-strap; some front pockets may be less functional.

Bottom Line:  A reasonably-priced option for businesswomen who are looking for functionality but also a bit of style in their laptop case.

The Full Review

The Kenneth Cole Reaction Business and Luggage 5" Single Gusset Ladies Zip-Top Computer Tote is a fashionable, functional, good-quality offering from Kenneth Cole, that will likely please a wide-range of business women.
 

There are two small pockets on the vertical sides of the bag, which can snugly fit a cell phone or an iPod or other MP3 player.  Given the high visibility of these pockets, however, one should be careful about carrying valuablesin them, so in some ways these pockets may be a bit limited in their usefulness.  There is also a bigger pocket on the horizontal back of the bag that looks like a great place for a small notepad, and other miscellaneous items.

The leather is reminicent of patent leather, as it is shiny and firm.  This is not a bad thing, but definitely different than say napa leather, which is far more supple to the touch.  It   appears that this choice in leather gives the bag a sturdier exterior, and will help keep the bag’s shape over time (and should also provide added protection to a laptop inside).

The stitching around the laptop bag's exterior looks pretty well crafted, as do the buckles. The main zipper, which goes across the top of the bag, appears well-stitched, and features a nice leather extender on the end for easy grabbing.  It is finished with a nice piece of metal that gives it a polished look.  The top-zip feature also makes it easier to get the laptop out, which may be particularly important to business travellers who must remove their laptop from their laptop bag when passing the security checkpoint.

Inside the bag, the first feature that jumped out was a detachable makeup bag, which could be quite useful to a woman-on-the-go.  It is mostly nylon, with leather highlights in the corners and the top.  It is attached to the bag with a sturdy polished-metal clip and is easy to remove.

The inside of the bag is made of standard nylon, which is likely fine for inner use as it will surely wear well.

The laptop compartment itself is off to one side of the case, and is enclosed by a leather strap that loops over the top and seals with Velcro.  The inner compartment wall is padded for extra protection, as is the bottom of the compartment which sports a pad the length of the bag.  It is not immediately clear if the outer part of the laptop compartment (which is the side of the bag itself) has extra padding, but it does not appear to.  However, the side of the bag is thick and firm, and looks to offer ample protection.

The main compartment in the center of the bag is cavernous with room for lots of items, from folders, to notepads, to MP3 players, sunglass cases, you name it.

The other inner wall has a zippered compartment for keeping little things secure, and in the front of that are several pockets which appear perfect for a phone, business cards, and a couple of pens.  Additionally, the largest pocket looks like a great fit for the power cord.
 
The case has two large hand straps, that can be carried in-hand or easily put on one shoulder as another carrying option.  However, there is no “regular” shoulder strap, so if that is a must, you’ll have to look elsewhere.  Some women prefer to carry their bags using the hand-straps-on-shoulder,  as from a security perspective it lets you keep the laptop bag (and its valuables) closer to your body.

It’s important to note that the laptop compartment itself is not large.  A Gateway ultraportable fit snugly in, while a ThinkPad was too wide.  So, as with all laptop cases, make sure you have a good sense that your notebook will fit before buying (and if you have a 17” be sure to get a laptop case or backpack laptop case that is made for 17 inch laptops).

Overall, this bag clearly exhibits a good amount of style and professionalism.  Those seeking something with greater flair may want to look at other women's fashion computer bags, but someone looking for a solid laptop case, that offers fashion and function, as well as lots of room for a laptop and many other items, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Ladies Zip-Top Computer Tote could be a perfect fit.

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