Vertical Messenger...

[brantroz]

I am the proud owner of both the Medium and Large Cafe Bags... and while they serve my needs well as an "excursion bag" and in the case of the Large Cafe a laptop bag for my 12" IBM x31, I find myself out of luck on my primary daily bag need.

It came time for me recently to replace my commuter bag... the one I take to work 5 days a week. I just got a new widescreen, 14" HP nc6400 that accompanies me on my daily commute. Now, I don't take this laptop (or bag) on a plane very often. In fact, it very rarely leaves my shoulder. Unfortunately, the laptop is too big (by about 1") for my Large Cafe bag, and out of preference I like the vertical arrangement--I just think it is more stylish and gives a less "bouncy" center of gravity.

My proposal is for a modified Large Cafe Bag... whose internal dimensions would give it 13.5/14" clearance. Perhaps an additional internal pocket would be good, but room to accommodate any of the size 4 cells is the niche essential. NOT something as robust as an ID mind you--more like a vertical Large Cafe/Imago love child.

For what it is worth... NOBODY makes a good vertical messenger anymore. The only thing close is Wakefield designs, but their bags are the fashion equivalent of celery. Plain-Jane, no flavor, no fun.

Seeking the perfect "commuter bag,"

-Brandon

[Darcy]

Tom's working on something like what you're suggesting. Our factory has already made a version of it that's a Small Cafe Bag designed to fit the upcoming Eee PC. Stay tuned!!

[brantroz]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll keep checking the site for updates/photos. Good news if it fits the bill... I love the rugged simplicity of Tom's bags; that's what keeps me coming back for more.

Best,

-Brandon

[jchinds]

Any updates?

I posted separately shortly after this thread about a similar "Extra Large" Cafe bag, and I'm still holding off on any bag purchase until I can at least check out what happens (and I hope very much that it ends up being big enough for my MacBook Pro). Darcy, I know you mentioned on my thread that something along the lines of both these similar suggestions might be out by the end of the year - any updates on this would be greatly appreciated - my current bag is starting to pale in comparison to the possibilities!

[Darcy]

Let me ask Tom about this...he has so many things on his design schedule right now (two new bags will be out very soon).

[jchinds]

Best customer service around!

Thanks so much, Darcy...I can only imagine how busy you guys are since you make some of the best-quality bags around. I'll keep my eye out for an update, I really appreciate how responsive you guys are to this forum!

[Darcy]

You're welcome!!

Tom said he's working today on a taller, padded Medium Cafe-style bag that will fit the 13" MacBook. If it's popular, the next size would be for 15" laptops like the MacBook Pro 15".

[jlee97]

Hey Darcy! I just saw this post about a vertical messenger bag. I wants it, yesss! I was thinking that if Tom was making them specifically for laptop use, then how about a spin-off of the Brain Cell? I imagine a bag with a Brain Cell-like compartment for the laptop in the back, and in front an extra inch or so of space for files, books, etc, which is closed by a waterproof zipper, and covered by a flap like the Cafe bags over an open pouch with organization pockets ala Super Ego/Ego. Add a rear slash pocket, maybe an umbrella/rolled newspaper/water bottle pocket on the side and finally an Absolute shoulder strap - voila! All the protection of a vertical Brain Cell with added carrying capacity. Call it the--- I dunno, Brain Pan? Brain Vault? Medulla Oblongata? Whaddaya think?

[Darcy]

I was thinking that if Tom was making them specifically for laptop use, then how about a spin-off of the Brain Cell?

We used to make a bag called the Cafe Computer Case that was like a Brain Cell/Cafe Bag combo but without the hard, corrugated plastic insert that the Brain Cell has. I think what Tom is working on right now is an updated version of that bag. Maybe the larger version will be more like the kind of bag you're describing.

[jchinds]

Any Updates?

Darcy, I was just wondering if there had been any progress on the bag you mentioned in previous postings. I know everyone's busy with the two new bags, but I'm hopeful that this one's still coming along!

[AVService]

Just an FYI as I just saw this thread.
I have a Briggs & Riley Vertical bag that is very much like what you are seeking.
I know it is not Bihn in any sense but it is a well made bag and has some very nice features and a great form.
I really like it and it is also very understated for what it is.
At least worth a look.

[Darcy]

Darcy, I was just wondering if there had been any progress on the bag you mentioned in previous postings. I know everyone's busy with the two new bags, but I'm hopeful that this one's still coming along!

Tom is still thinking of it and making sketches. It's really hard to give you a timeline, though: if the inspiration strikes him you could see the vertical messenger as soon as March. Or it might be as far off as next fall.

[brantroz]

Glad to hear this hasn't lost steam. My Medium and Large cafe bags get my by for most occasions... but the vertical messenger is still my "ultimate any-occasion bag." Go, Tom--GO!

-B

[scholar]

I'm definitely interested in this, even if my imago is serving me well as a daily carry bag, simply because it was the vertical stylings of the large cafe bag that brought me to this wonderful company, when I was looking for a bag to carry my toshiba u205 in

[dra2d]

I just stumbled on this thread and I would like to add my voice to those asking for a new cafe bag. I use my large cafe bag all the time-it is my standard carry. For work I use a Waterfield Designs VertiGo bag because it is big enough to hold my work laptop and all of the other junk that I carry back and forth.

I also have a personal MacBook, the 13.3 inch version. I can fit it in the large cafe bag, but there isn't any protection for it. My current solution is to carry both a brain cell with the MacBook and my large cafe bag. While this works, it is not ideal.

If we are asking for a new cafe bag that can carry a laptop, I would like to have one that is not too much bigger than the current large cafe bag. It is just about the perfect size for me.