The Brenthaven Expandable Trek backpack seemed like a great backpack when I first got it: it has a nice padded computer sleeve built in for my MacBook; it has a nice expandable compartment that can hold my camera, a few books, and a lunch; it has all kinds of useful little pockets and features.
Until the zipper went out for the main compartment I would have rated it 4 or 5 stars for sure. But since the zipper went out its now nothing but a useless dud, so thus the 1-star rating. Bummer. And that was after very little use.
I contacted Brenthaven about having it repaired, and they've provided me a return authorization #, and asked me to ship the bag to them for repairs. Ok, I will, but it is an inconvenince, it costs money, and it takes time to get it fixed. It is something that should have never happened in what is billed as a quality product. After all, my Rick Steves cheapo backpack has gone through years of hard use with nary a problem, and it was only $15. Sigh.
UPDATE: I just received back 'my' backpack from Brenthaven, and I have to say that their customer service was superb. Not only was their turn-around time incredibly quick, they actually 'repaired' my bag by replacing it with the latest model. I'm impressed. I also noticed that the new version has much more rugged zippers, as well as a few new additional features. Way to go Brenthaven! Although the Amazon rating system doesn't allow for it, if I could I'd raise my rating to 4-stars based on Brenthaven's customer service(not 5-stars because I believe it shouldn't have failed to begin with).
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Saturday, July 25, 2009
Brenthaven 2079102 Expandable Trek for Notebook - Steel Blue Review
Friday, July 24, 2009
Be.ez 100568 LE vertigo 17 Street Shoulder Bag for Macbook Pro 17 ( Grey / Blue) Review
There are a lot of options for carrying your laptop around. I was looking for something a little different from what I had used before. This bag carries well, but the addition of a rubberized grip on the strap to keep it from slipping on your shoulder would be a welcome addition. The inner pocket that holds my MacBook Pro is snug. Not too tight unless you also use a snap on cover for the laptop. The interior pockets seem well crafted and carry the odds and ends that accompany a laptop adequately. This is not really a business bag, but the look will probably not appeal to the business guys. I do like the vertical orientation - it seems to be a little easier to carry without banging into things. This bag is well made and looks like it would take a beating. The materials look first class. Overall a great bag for the price.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Brenthaven Sling I for 13.3-Inch MacBook Air/ MacBook Review
First off, the color of this bag is not light gray. I just received my Sling I and it is the same color as the Sling II, very dark, steel metallic gray. Second, it BARELY holds a 13" laptap, and with a my laptop inside, I have room for ONE book for school..that is it. It does not expand much and the padding for the laptop takes up a lot of the space in the bag. It is completely non functional for college. As a laptop bag alone, I can see it being adequate, but as a messenger bag..well..you can't really messenger much. Third complaint, the pockets for extra storage are very awkwardly placed and hard to access. 4th, the water bottle compartment on the side is ridiculous. It is shaped like a V which tends to "squeeze" the water bottle out and on to the ground if you jolt the bag or tip it side ways at all. Ahhhh...what a waste of shipping cost!! Oh..one pro...it is very comfortable when on the shoulder, even with the weight of my lap top in it and the one book it held. It didn't slide off either, like many sling bags tend to do.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
SAMSONITE VM-101S All Steel TV Wall Mount for 13" - 17" TVs (SAMSONITE VM101S) Review
Main Features
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Universal Projector Case with Shoulder Strap 13INX9INX3.5IN Review
Product Information
Physical Characteristics
Miscellaneous
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Samsonite 17910 15-Inch Proteo Casual Messenger Bag (Black) Review
The ultimate in laptop protection with Laptop Shock Absorber technology to keep the modern traveler's most precious possession safe and sound.
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Sunday, July 19, 2009
Samsonite 24961-1041 Aramon Large Neoprene Sleeve (Black) Review
Slim, lightweight sleeve with protective rubber corners
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Saturday, July 18, 2009
Samsonite 24962-1139 Aramon Medium Neoprene Sleeve (Brown) Review
Looks good and pretty useful, just as long you stay away from velcro-like tie band otherwise the threads will shown all over.
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Friday, July 17, 2009
Samsonite 24765-1041 Unity Office Case (Black) Review
I love the Samsonite Office case. I bought this case for my 13" Laptop. Its has side pocket so you can put cell phone..chargers...wireless mouse..Thank you for fast shipping too.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Samsonite 18676-1388 Unity 3-in-1 Laptop Bag (Green) Review
Business case suitable for both day-to-day use and business trips
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Samsonite 18676-1041 Unity 3-in-1 Laptop Bag (Black) Review
Business case suitable for both day-to-day use and business trips
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Samsonite 18683-1041 17-Inch Unity Office Case Plus (Black) Review
Business case suitable for both day-to-day use and business trips
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Samsonite 4700 Triton PRO Tripod Review
The height is great, and not too heavy to tote around. Only thing I don't like about this tripod is the head. The head is not strong enough to hold any substantial camera and lens combo at any angle (Digital Rebel Xti w/ 70-200mm). Not sure if this head can be replaced, but ordered one anyway. Will replace legs if head is not interchangeable.
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Sunday, July 12, 2009
Samsonite 18677-1041 15.4-Inch Unity Office Case Plus (Black) Review
Business case suitable for both day-to-day use and business trips
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Saturday, July 11, 2009
CHECKMATE II Black Laptop Bag 15.4IN Casual Checkpoint Friendly Review
If you've got a 15.4 inch laptop and you travel a lot, this might be EXACTLY what you're looking for. It's extremely durable; it's light weight; it has pockets for all of your laptop's accessories, and it has a plethora of slots and compartments so that you can use it as an all purpose briefcase.
A really cool feature is the slim, separate compartment for the laptop. The laptop's compartment is on the back of the case and meant solely for the laptop. It is well padded to keep your laptop secure from bumps and dings. And it is airport checkpoint friendly...meaning all you do when you get to security at an airport is unzip the laptop compartment, fold the case open like an open book, and run it through security that way...no need to pull the laptop out of your bag anymore.
My 15.4 HP EliteBook fits perfectly.
The middle compartment of the case is huge; you could fit a second laptop into it! It's got two large pockets and 3 slots for my (fat) calendar / datebook, and to store all sorts of other folders and papers. It's also a nice compartment to store the shoulder strap that comes with the case if you'd rather carry the case by the handle, but want to have the strap handy (better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!).
The compartment on the side opposite of the laptop compartment has slots for your cell phone, business cards, pens, airline tickets or other stuff. And right above this compartment is a relatively small, separate for the big, bulky AC Adapter that came with the EliteBook that also fits my mouse and a spare Ethernet cord that I like to carry.
The Samsonite Checkmate II is meant to be your single, all purpose business travel briefcase.
On the other hand, you know those stretchy things that you wrap around a bottle of beer to keep it cold on a hot summer's day? That's what the Built NY Portfolio Case that I initially purchased reminded me of; I sent that immediately back to Amazon. That's not a case....THIS is a case!
Case closed.
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Samsonite 24963-1776 Aramon Small Neoprene Sleeve (Silver) Review
Slim, lightweight sleeve with protective rubber corners
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Thursday, July 9, 2009
Samsonite 18679-1041 Unity Toploader with Wheels (Black) Review
Business case suitable for both day-to-day use and business trips
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Samsonite 24962-1776 Aramon Medium Neoprene Sleeve (Silver) Review
Looks good and pretty useful, just as long you stay away from velcro-like tie band otherwise the threads will shown all over.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Samsonite Luggage Strap, Neon Green Review
I like this strap. I have standard black luggage so it helps make mine look different than the next guy's. I did however see 2 other bags with the same one on my last trip. I guess green is one of the nicer colors. I bet that the uglier the color you use, the less likely someone else is to have it. Also if you have overstuffed your suitcase, I would think that this strap decreases the likelihood of the zipper bursting and all your stuff pouring out. Plus the buckle part is a flat plastic surface, so I wrote my last name in permanent marker really big of the buckle.
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Monday, July 6, 2009
Samsonite 10503 XT480 Notebook Case (Black) Review
Smartly styled laptop bags designed for the modern business traveler.
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Sunday, July 5, 2009
Samsonite 17908 15-Inch Proteo Casual Backpack (Black) Review
Simple and straight forward for carrying all I need. It's has a perfect amount of small pockets for all your computing and personal needs. There is a place for the laptop that is safe and comfortable on my back and room for papers and books. It has a sporty look. It is not bulky like other laptop backpacks. Perfect for everyday work and personal use.
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Saturday, July 4, 2009
Samsonite 24962-1041 Aramon Medium Neoprene Sleeve (Black) Review
Looks good and pretty useful, just as long you stay away from velcro-like tie band otherwise the threads will shown all over.
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Friday, July 3, 2009
Samsonite 10558 Focus III 6-Inch Attache (Black) Review
Durable ABS hardside shells can take even the roughest treatment and still look good.
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Thursday, July 2, 2009
Samsonite 11370 XT530 Office Notebook Case (Black) Review
It is a very good piece. If you are not a leather lover, this piece is highly recommended. I am quite happy. It carries my 15.4" notbook and has enough space for my books, gadgets, etc.
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Samsonite 15696 Focus III 4-Inch Attache (Black) Review
If you do not require the space of a larger attache, this is a very nice piece. Light weight yet rugged construction make this case comfortable and durable. I am very pleased with this purchase.
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