Can the Smart Alec stand?

[Denshinou]

My Spire Zoom, which I've had for 2 years now, is suffering from massive zipper failure, due largely to the fact that I overstuff it :S I really need to get a new laptop bag, since I'll be travelling soon, and I don't want to risk plane-hopping with faulty luggage.

I'm looking to replace it with the Smart Alec, but I was wonder if the bag is capable of standing upright with having to lean on anything. It's always annoyed me that my Spire Zoom always flops forwards, since the bottom of the bag is at an angle.

Thanks kindly,

Alex

[aakepley]

The Smart Alec is definitely able to stand upright on its own most of the time. Sometimes when I pack heavy stuff in the front it will fall over, but it is much more stable than my Spire Volt XL.

[Denshinou]

aakepley, thanks for your response. If you don't mind my asking, as someone who owns both a Tom Bihn bag and a Spire one, do you have a preference overall? How do you think they stack against each other in terms of worksmanship and such?

Much obliged,

Alex

[aakepley]

The workmanship for both is very good. I dragged my Spire bag literally around the world and it still looks great. I changed to the Smart Alec largely because the Volt XL was much too long on my torso (I'm 5'4"). I also like the TB Monolith much better than the Spire Boot (I always used the TB Monolith in my Spire bag).

Cheers,

Amanda