I originally went looking for a neoprene case for my laptop to make it easier to lug back and forth from work. However, I'm glad that I stumbled across a recommendation about this bag somewhere on a web user forum, because this bag is excellent. It provided me all the weight savings I was looking for, without forcing me to make compromises about storage pockets or a shoulder strap, and it did it all without costing an arm and a leg. The bag is very lightweight; it weighs next to nothing on its own (though obviously a bit more than a plain neoprene case with only a handle and no pockets). It fits my MacBook Pro perfectly, and the included power supply carrying case is a nice touch. Inside the bag, there are plenty of pockets for pens, business cards, USB flash drives, etc. I can fairly easily carry a couple of spiral-bound notebooks with my laptop and power cord, but the bag really isn't meant to carry tons of stuff. The point I want to make is that if you want to carry your laptop *and* accessories, you can, which is more than can be said of most lightweight slim bags. The shoulder strap is fairly comfortable, and padded, and has a standard clip to facilitate easier removing of the bag rather than pulling it over your head. Unfortunately, the included pocket on the strap is too tight for me to put my iPhone in it, and I think the only thing that would fit comfortably is a RAZR or something smaller. I will point out that I've never had a bag fit me quite so nicely. I honestly think I could jog somewhere with my laptop on my back, and not feel awkward that I'm struggling to keep the bag on my back. I do agree with some of the other reviewers that there were a few stray threads here and there, but nothing I would consider to be a problem, and at $44, I'm willing to overlook that regardless. Overall, in my opinion, this bag rocks, and I wish it were easier to find in stores so that more people would know about it. You should get this bag if you're looking for a lightweight bag with room for a few extra things and like the idea of a sling strap. Belkin Laptop Sling Bag (Jet/Cabernet)
I love the bag itself. It is compact and the laptop, cord and mouse fit in nicely with enough room left over for a book or two. Not huge like other backpacks I have seen. I didn't like the "sling" feature as much as I thought I would. It was awkward to hold just over the shoulder unless you put it on properly which is to unclip it and put it around your left shoulder and clipping under your right arm. I am rather large busted and this was extremely uncomfortable and quite frankly, hilarious looking on me! I returned this bag for Belkin Laptop Backpack which is exactly the same bag, except two straps instead of the one sling strap.
Exactly what it should be, a stylish, padded shoulder-tote for a laptop. Comes with several small but useful inner pockets and a neat little bag to put the AC adaptor in.
But the the bag is not really designed for too much more than laptop and adaptor. You can fit in a mouse and some papers, but a real backpack or large laptop bag would be better if you need to carry a lot of stuff. Because it's only got one strap, a heavy load could cause some backstrain if you are prone to that. Consider it a more a portable bag for "quick-toting".
I'll admit to being a fashion whore. Style is as important to me as functionality, and I wanted a good bag to carry my MacBook Pro between home and client sites. Happily, this bag doesn't sacrifice practicality for its good looks. It's small, convenient, comfortable, and protective. While it's look wasn't the primary reason I chose the bag, I have gotten quite a few compliments on its styling. It perfectly suits my style and the type of person I am. I wouldn't say it's trendy. It's practical and modest, with an understated element of hipness with its clean lines and utilitarian design. This bag also stands out. I've never seen anyone else with it, even in a city as big as NYC, where I live.
Ergonomics and Practical Considerations:
I have bad back problems due to years of carrying a backpack full of heavy books on one shoulder as a kid, further ruined by several years on a rowing team, so I knew I didn't want a messenger style bag. They tended to distribute the weight all onto the shoulders, and aren't very suitable if you try to run while wearing one (like for catching cabs, subway trains, or dodging NYC taxi drivers). I've used messenger bags for years and this is the first sling-type bag I've owned. I'll NEVER go back to messenger bags again. The Belkin is the only bag I use now, for a number of reasons:
It's zippered and padded inside, unlike a messenger bag. The zippers have big rubberized tabs on them for easy locating and use. No velcro that can come undone. It's also rigid enough to put on your lap and have the laptop on top of it, to prevent the laptop from cooking your legs, and to elevate your machine closer to eye level.
The Belkin, because it hugs the body closely when the strap is shortened, distributes some of the weight along your back also. It makes rapid movement possible and doesn't swing around if you run. The strap is thickly cushioned and soft. This is important to people like me with back pain. The quick release push buckle is great for getting in and out of the bag. It can also be carried like a briefcase because of the handle on the top, or like a football because of its compactness. This may not make any sense to you, but for anyone who has to run unexpectedly out of the train and across the platform to catch a connecting train at an opportune moment, this is an important feature.
The strap also has a zippered pocket for holding business cards or transit passes. It's not big enough for a cellphone. A bigger holder would be a welcome addition.
The 15" MacBook fits perfectly inside the compartment, with almost no sloshing around, so it's protected on all sides. You can also fit some small items in there along with the laptop, but there's not much room for anything else. A 400 page typical computer book will fit in there. I occasionally carry my Wacom 4x6 around and the Mac AC adapter.
The front compartment (side zippers) are tight, so not much can go in there. If you're prone to carrying a lot of crap, then this is not your bag. This bag is meant primarily to carry your laptop and its related accessories. It comes with a cable pouch (not pictured) that is rather sizable at 11.5"Wx6"H. That's about 2 CD cases side by side.
I love this bag and purchased one for a client's daughter. If you live in NYC, don't buy this bag! I don't want to be Belkin twins with you on the train. - Notebook Case - Laptop Backpack - Sling Bag - Laptop Sling'
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