Vertical Messenger...

[EGL]

Hole in product line?

This thread identifies a hole in the product line: the Brain Cell is great for carrying just the laptop, but if you also need to carry a notebook, book, or a few file folders, you have to jump up to Brain Cell + Id/Empire/etc. This is a big jump in weight and cost. Something minimally featured like a Cafe bag but with a little more room plus Brain Cell clips would do the trick.

[brantroz]

UPDATE:

Found this bag from Case Logic that comes VERY close to what I would love to see in this product suggestion: http://www.caselogic.com/xn_vertical...?modelid=90261

One might ask: "Well, why don't you just go and buy that one then?"

My Answer:

1. It is not a TB bag (implies that I am suspect about quality of construction and durability/quality of materials).

2. It is JUST a bit larger than I am looking for... (laptop bag fit space is oddly out-proportioned with overall bag size... see dimensions for details.)

3. IT IS NOT A TB BAG. Duh.

I post this link in hopes that it inspires the creative juices of TB and crew.

Thanks!

-B

[Darcy]

Hey brantroz:

Take a look at the Ristretto Vertical Messenger Bag that Tom is designing to fit the 13" MacBook Air and MacBook. (Other sizes will be introduced later.)

[brantroz]

Darcy,

Wow---that is a REALLY beautiful bag.

My only wish is that it were just 1/2 an inch taller--so it could fit an industry standard 15 inch widescreen laptop. Literally... just 13" tall instead of 12.5" tall.

Maybe I just need to wake up to the fact that I cannot get a lightweight/minimalist bag for a 15 inch widescreen... but I really don't want to give up hope.

I REALLY think that extra 1/2" would open this bag up to a much wider variety of both business and personal use laptop models.

-Brandon

[Darcy]

Hi Brandon,

The idea is that the Ristretto would be made in several different sizes for various laptops. Tom has already made one for the tiny Eee PC, and the next size would most likely be for 15" PC laptops. Can you remind me which make/model of 15" laptop you'd be carrying in this bag?

[brantroz]

Darcy,

Have I mentioned that you are not only a courteous and sensible forum host, but also as quick as the wind at staying on top of threads and replies??? Whatever Tom's paying you... it CANNOT be enough.

For work I use an HP Compaq NC6400... roughly:
13 in x 9.4 in x 1.3 in

For pleasure I carry an IBM x31... which actually fits into both the Medium and Large cafe bags with the custom clamshell padded case I use from Booq. (Not sold anymore.)

Sorry I missed the message on this being a custom sized project... HAT's off to great design. I should not have doubted that you guys were thinking scalability when you came up with this design. I also LOVE that you have multiple shoulder strap design options.

It probably goes without saying that the other thread we have going about a cafe bag zip-pocket organizer would ABSOLUTELY be relevant to this line of bags as well.

Thanks!

-Brandon

[wildgeese]

The ristretto is beautiful, but

um, I really like the heft of ballistic too. It makes the bag keep its shape better...

[wildgeese]

oh wait. Maybe since the whole bag is padded, it stands up better than the regular cafe bags anyway?

[wildgeese]

Alternate straps?

Does the fact that you are offering a choice of strap with the Ristretto mean that the strap is removable? That would be cool.

I think I just figured out why I've been using my utility tote as a daily bag instead of my medium cafe bag, which is a better size for what I've been carrying lately. It's because I like to put the handles of the UT over my shoulder!

So last night, I cut off the rubber grip/padding thing in the middle of the strap and I completely doubled up the strap so that it is very short. I like it much better this way, just kind of under my arm. But, it still doesn't feel quite as good as the handles on the Lux and Utility totes.

So, what about a handle like that that could be added to the Ristretto? Is that too weird? It would have to be test worn to see how it feels, but I think it might feel good. Hmmm, maybe I should think about sewing the strap of my cafe bag doubled over a padding...

[brantroz]

Does the fact that you are offering a choice of strap with the Ristretto mean that the strap is removable? That would be cool.

I can't tell from the pictures if it would be removable... but I agree that would be a cool option.

In all honesty, I cut the sliding plastic "gripper" on both my medium and large Cafe bag straps as soon as I got the bags, because it just seemed to get in the way or be uncomfortable for common wear.

The stock strap is perfect for my daily cafe bag carry items (which excludes a laptop, btw)... but the second you add the extra 2-6 lbs a laptop brings--you really need some additional padding. You don't want the strap to overwhelm the bag--and thus offering customer options just makes so much sense.

I love the idea of offering the padded laptop slip to even your current cafe bag sizes. I think if I were to end up getting an Eee PC (which I'm considering)... my ideal bag would actually just be my regular Medium Cafe bag, plus that padded laptop "pocket". That way, I could carry my regular everyday items PLUS the machine, and not really notice the difference.

Oh, an I would imagine an eBook Reader such as the Sony 505 would be perfect in that little spot as well.
____________________________

So after a long digression here (apologies on the eyeballs)... I guess I'm saying: GOOD on the new bag. GOOD on the strap options.

Is there a possibility of adding the padded "gizmo" pouch to the current cafe series???

I would imagine that I'll end up getting whichever version fits both my work and home laptops... but might be ideal for future customers as well??

[pretzelb]

Hi Brandon,
The idea is that the Ristretto would be made in several different sizes for various laptops. Tom has already made one for the tiny Eee PC, and the next size would most likely be for 15" PC laptops. Can you remind me which make/model of 15" laptop you'd be carrying in this bag?

I might be interested in a vertical messenger bag also for my Dell D810 which is wide screen. I am trying to wait for the latest redesign of the Smart Alec before I make a decision but this might be an option also.

Maybe this is on the Ristretto and we can't see from the pictures but I would HIGHLY recommend a hand strap on the back if possible like the image from the non TB bag a few posts ago. I find that with my Imago (which has no handle) it can swing wildly by picking it up by the strap. If you're keeping a laptop or other delicate item in your bag you don't want it to swing. I think a short handle type strap should be pretty much required for any bag that will carry a laptop.

[rabergnc]

I would have to agree that a grab handle would be an excellent addition to this type of bag. While not as pleasing aesthetically as it would detract from the sleek look of the bag, it would be highly practical.

[brantroz]

I would have to agree that a grab handle would be an excellent addition to this type of bag. While not as pleasing aesthetically as it would detract from the sleek look of the bag, it would be highly practical.

I'd like to jump on the "must have handle" train as well. I love this about the current Cafe line... and find the simple inclusion of a minimal handle just makes too much sense in everyday use not to offer.

-B

[Darcy]

Don't worry: there's a grab handle on the design already. Just like the Cafe bags.

[pretzelb]

Don't worry: there's a grab handle on the design already. Just like the Cafe bags.

Ah, my bad. I don't have a Cafe bag (yet) and didn't think they came with a grab handle.