Vertical Messenger...

[brantroz]

I agree with rabergnc.... Ristretto is shaping up to be my ultimate dream bag.

Can't wait to see the various sizing dimensions once they become finalized. I'd love to beta test this bag.

-B

[rabergnc]

Thanks - I may take you up on that invitation. Maybe May-June time frame? My brother is in Bellingham and we always go thru Seattle.

[Darcy]

Next time we are up Seattle way, my wife plans to come by the store and talk with you about not letting me buy any other bags no matter how much I beg and plead!!

hehe! Let us know when you'll be up next time and we can give you a tour of the factory (as long as you'll be here during factory hours.)

[rabergnc]

Excellent news! This has now become a "must buy" bag. Next time we are up Seattle way, my wife plans to come by the store and talk with you about not letting me buy any other bags no matter how much I beg and plead!!

[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.

[Darcy]

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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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??

[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...

[wildgeese]

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

[wildgeese]

The ristretto is beautiful, but

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

[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

[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?