Vertical Messenger...

[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]

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]

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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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]

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".

[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]

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).