I'm sold, now which one....

[johnbom]

OK, so I'm sold. Quality, in workmanship, materials, customer service, etc....

Now which one for a new laptop / commuter bag?

I want to replace my aging and dilapidated bag I received attending the PeopleSoft Connect conference in 2002! Please see a picture of it far below. I put a 12 inch ruler in the middle so you can get an idea of scale.

The outside is in good condition -- it is the inside main compartment that has now become one large compartment. This is where the laptop normally lives along with the laptop cords and the other chargers for my electronic devices.

As you can tell it from below, it has two outer pockets that are useful for my checkbook, wallet, pens, cell phone, PDA and assorted CF/ SD memory cards. Not terribly organized pockets, but with a zipper, I am ensured that they arrive @ my destination with me.

There is a back compartment that is divided into three that is useful for papers, magazines, notebooks etc. It is useful to segregate work and personal stuff.

I've been looking between the Empire Builder, Super Ego, and ID. None really look like an identical replacement. The Empire Builder looks like the leading candidate.

Also, reading some of the posts here, should I wait for the Ultrasuede material to make its way to the Empire Builder?

Thanks for all of your help!


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/2197273279/" title="OLD_PS_BAG by pickle_shark, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2197273279_41381b3256.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="OLD_PS_BAG" /></a>

[Darcy]

Hi johnbom! Welcome!

What kind of laptop do you have? Do you already have a laptop sleeve you plan to use inside of one of our bags? If not, you will need a Brain Cell in addition to the Empire Builder, Super Ego, or whichever bag you choose: none of our bags (with the exception of the Buzz and Ristretto) have built-in pockets for laptops.

I ask because what size of Brain Cell you need for your laptop can, in part, determine which bag you choose because not all sizes of Brain Cells fit in all bags.

Overall, I think you're going in the right direction: my first suggestions to you would be the Zephyr or the Empire Builder.

Re: Ultrasuede -- it's unlikely that Ultrasuede will be used on the Empire Builder anytime soon.

[johnbom]

type of laptop

My laptop is the HP NC6230. Looks like I'll get the 6T Horizontal. I need a sleeve (planned on it).

Why would you get the Zephyr vs the Builder?

Thanks for your help!!

[Darcy]

You're welcome!

The 6T Brain Cell will clip securely in most of our bags, including the Empire Builder and Zephyr.

The Empire Builder is larger than the Zephyr, but otherwise they are the same bag. People who prefer a smaller bag choose the Zephyr while those who need a bigger bag to organize more stuff choose the Empire Builder. A customer recently posted a great comparison of the two bags in these forums.

Again, I'd recommend the Empire Builder or the Zephyr -- based on how many files/papers and accessories you carry in addition to your laptop. (The 6T Brain Cell does take up some space in the main compartment: maybe 2" or so of depth.) There are two zipperd pockets (and one open-top pocket) on the front flap, a flat pocket on the back for files/papers/magazines, file dividers in the main compartment for files/papers, and a series of organizer pockets under the front flap, as well as a zippered compartment that spans most of the length of the bag.

I see that your current bag has a shoulder strap: while the Empire Builder and Zephyr are designed to be able to be comfortably carried like a briefcase by their handles, most people choose to buy an Absolute Shoulder Strap along with either bag, either to carry the bag exclusively as a shoulder bag or give themselves the option of carrying it that way.

I hope this helps! Feel free to post any further questions. And remember: you have 60 days to either exchange or return your bag as long as it is in its original condition.

[johnbom]

Darcy,

Yes, to shoulder strap. I would be getting the absolute shoulder strap no matter the bag I purchased. I always carry over the shoulder. Thanks for the reinforcement.

I carry a lot of stuff, and have been known to carry two laptops in there on occasion. For the first laptop (6T) I would absolutely get a Brain Cell for, the other one is a NX9010, on its last legs used as a floater only once or twice a year, so probably a no for that one.

I think I will go with the Empire. I will configure over the weekend and submit order via online. I don't know a thing about matching the colors of the Brain Cell and the available colors of the Empire -- need help from the wife for that.

You've been most helpful. I look forward to being a customer for a long time.

[moriond]

The 6T Brain Cell will clip securely in most of our bags, including the Empire Builder and Zephyr.

Hi Darcy,

See my recent query about the 6T Brain Cell and the Western Flyer.

[Darcy]

You've been most helpful. I look forward to being a customer for a long time.

You are very welcome! Thank you for being our customer and for posting your questions on our forums: I think many other customers have (or had!) questions similar to those that you had and will be helped by this thread.

[Darcy]

See my recent query about the 6T Brain Cell and the Western Flyer.

I've replied...