EB or Super Ego?

[orthopod]

Been reading up, and going to order a bag this weekend.

Needs to be able to carry:
-Journal articles, 10-20 (EB with file system)
-Room for 1 textbook
-Surgical Loupes (In aluminum case 4x4x7 inches)
-Other small stuff

Not really needing a laptop bag just now, and think the Empire Builder is the way to go for me.

QUestion: with the file system, do the files fit in the main compartment, and how much room does adding an additional 3-6 files (total of 6-9)??

Also, can decide on color. Would probably like the Blac/Black/Steel, but considering the black/black/deep blue or black/silver/crimson .

Any opinions on theses colors. Does the silver exterior panel get dirty pretty easily?

thanks!!

[moriond]

Been reading up, and going to order a bag this weekend.

Needs to be able to carry:
-Journal articles, 10-20 (EB with file system)
-Room for 1 textbook
-Surgical Loupes (In aluminum case 4x4x7 inches)
-Other small stuff

Not really needing a laptop bag just now, and think the Empire Builder is the way to go for me.

QUestion: with the file system, do the files fit in the main compartment, and how much room does adding an additional 3-6 files (total of 6-9)??

Also, can decide on color. Would probably like the Blac/Black/Steel, but considering the black/black/deep blue or black/silver/crimson .

Any opinions on theses colors. Does the silver exterior panel get dirty pretty easily?

thanks!!

Quick reply: I think the Empire Builder would work well for you. The file dividers fit into the main compartment and you can easily slide in another 3+ dividers in addition to the 3 that come with the EB, especially since you're not using a laptop. (I'm not sure how many more than 3 you can usefully put in; it depends on the thickness of the textbook).

The outside flap has a woven texture, which resists showing dirt. I hadn't realized before buying an EB, but having a contrasting interior color is really useful in locating stashed items. I saw a comment about this (demonstrated in pictures) in an earlier customer review on the Empire Builder -- but that was on a personal web site and the pages have long since been taken down.

You'll probably get more useful replies from other EB owners since I use other Bihn bags now. (This is not a problem with the EB, just personal preference.)

[Cobos]

I've never even seen the EB in real life so I will not comment on that. But choosing an inside color that is bright/light does really help you see stuff at the bottom of the bag. And since it's on the inside anyway, it will still look boring, eh.. I mean proffesional

Cobos

[Darcy]

I agree with moriond and Cobos.

The Empire Builder sounds like the bag for you. Adding extra file dividers doesn't take up that much space at all (until you add those extra files).

Black/Steel/Crimson is a great color combination.

[orthopod]

thanks

Ordered the Black-steel-steel version and brain cell for my laptop.

Got it yesterday and its a VERY well made, thought out bag.

I am finally able to carry my surgical loupes in their aluminum case, radiation glasses, ipod, ipod speakers, palm pilot, laptop, many journal articles, a small textbook, and more...without seeming like I am over stuffing the bag, it is surprizingly accommodating.

Thanks!

BTW, went with the black-steel-steel, but after getting it I think I could have handled the black-steel crimson. I initially backed out because I was concerned the color would look a bit girly...now I wish I had gone with the crimson, although this color combo is mucho professional looking. The steel is a very muted grey, not terribly shiney.

[Zephyrnoid]

I agree RE Empire Builder. The Super Ego is a true Messenger Bag, The Empire builder is more 'Samples' friendly in shape.

[renegadeot]

If it's the same Crimson that is on the Ballistic Imago, it's not girly looking IMO. It's a really awesome red without being too bright or unproffesional (or screaming laptop inside). But if you need to 100% guarantee proffesionalism, then the black/black/steel is where to go.

If I ever need a bag for work I'd get the Empire Builder in black/black/steel.

[grumpy3b]

BTW, went with the black-steel-steel, but after getting it I think I could have handled the black-steel crimson. I initially backed out because I was concerned the color would look a bit girly...now I wish I had gone with the crimson, although this color combo is mucho professional looking. The steel is a very muted grey, not terribly shiney.

real men can carry ANY color...hehehehehe...heck i would tote around a pink and optic yellow bag if they had one...just to annoy other folks if for no other reason...

For now my fav Tom Bihn color is Olive...