Briefcase Suggestions for 15.4inch MacBook Pro

[Gabrielle]

Hi, I recently bought a 15.4” MacBook Pro and am looking for a smart briefcase for my machine. I travel on work frequently and most of my trips are overnight. I would ideally like something that can be expanded, if necessary, to accommodate a pair of clothes. Also, I want to spend minimum time at airport security and want my briefcase to be TSA checkpoint friendly guidelines compliant. Needless to say, it should have lots of pockets to organize my files, power cord, USB drive, business cards, headphones, etc. Does anyone know of a good quality luggage manufacturer that makes such expandable briefs? I don’t mind spending money for a high quality product and a customer service to match.

 

[clarkmichelle]

Gabrielle, I can make a few suggestions that may suit your requirements of an expandable brief.
You can either go for Tumi’s wheeled expandable briefcase or Victorinox Trevi expandable laptop bag. The other option, and the one I like the most, is Briggs and Riley’s executive expandable brief (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=15-point-4-inch-Executive-Expandable-Brief_KB302X ). I personally feel that Tumi is a little too pricey for a laptop briefcase and you should choose between the Victorinox and Briggs and Riley briefs.

 

[gvsbdisco]

Check out the Checkpoint Flyer by Tom Bihn.

While I don't own this briefcase I do carry around my MBP in a Brain Cell inside of a Brain Bag. Tom Bihn bags are pricey but they are absolutely top-notch quality.

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/TBP/TB1701

They have many other bags that may work for you but I believe the Checkpoint Flyer is the only one that is checkpoint friendly.

 

[Moocher]

Check this out: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/764963/

Forum title is for men, but I don't see much difference if you find one you like. Scope out the manufacturers, not necessarily the specific models.


Mooch

 

[Gabrielle]

Thanks, Moocher, for pointing me to the other thread. The suggestions on that thread were for a 13” laptop. I did find a suggestion for a backpack that fits all sizes of MBPs, but I am not really looking for a backpack. Let me know if you can point to any suggestions for a 15.4” MacBook Pro.

Gvsbdisco, the Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer you suggested is no doubt cool. But it looked a little too casual for work. I would rather buy something that looks like a briefcase and can be expanded for extra space.

I like the suggestions made by Clark Michelle and was seriously considering the Briggs and Riley expandable brief. However, now I am thinking of getting a rolling briefcase. Does anyone know of any good rolling cases that suit my requirement?

 

[Moocher]

You need to work a little harder. If you see a 13" bag you like, see if they also have 15" bags.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&category_id=5487&~ck=bt

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/Slump-SK0200A.html

http://www.solocases.com/compatibility.aspx

http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/group.aspx?cat=laptop-briefs

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...=laptop+bags+15.6&x=0&y=0&sprefix=laptop+bags

Other than the last one, these are just from following leads from page one of the link I gave you above.

Good hunting.


Mooch

 

[Moocher]

Amazon search for rolling laptop cases.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...ling+laptop+case&x=0&y=0&sprefix=rolling+lapt

 

[gonewestcoast]

Gvsbdisco, the Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer you suggested is no doubt cool. But it looked a little too casual for work. I would rather buy something that looks like a briefcase and can be expanded for extra space.

I'm a traveling consultant, and show up in a tie or better with my Checkpoint Flyer. Get it in black or grey and this won't be an issue; I agree the blue and red are too much. If it's still "too casual," then I want to know where the heck you're working.

This thing is astonishing. Durable as all hell, getting through checkpoints is painless.

 

[Gabrielle]

Gonewestcoast, the Checkpoint Flyer is undoubtedly a top quality bag and the colors you suggested look a lot more formal than the red one. However, it doesn’t work for me because of two reasons. One, my company offers services to banks and financial institutions and I have to travel often to make presentations to the clients. I usually see them impeccably dressed in their formal best, because of which I try to dress formal and carry business cases that go with my attire. Second, I have seen my younger sibling and cousins carrying similar looking bags, which added to my hesitation in getting one like that for purely business reasons.

Thanks for the great suggestions, Moocher. I really like the rolling laptop cases on the link you sent. In fact, I was considering the Briggs and Riley rolling laptop case (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=15-point-4-inch-Slim-Rolling-Brief_KR305), but I also like a few other options. I like the ones by Samsonite (http://shop.samsonite.com/Samsonite-Business-Computer-Rolling-Laptop/dp/B0013USESQ) and Swiss Gear (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0019M6GLK/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1265880674&sr=1-68&condition=all). Do you have any specific recommendations? Which of the three brands would you suggest? Anyone with experience on any of these brands or products?

 

[jmoore5196]

I've been enviously eyeing the Mac-Case leather messenger bags with separate sleeve, but hesitant to pull the trigger for $300. Still, these are probably the nicest bags out there ... you get what you pay for!

 

[Gabrielle]

Finally, I ordered the 15.4” expandable rolling brief from Briggs and Riley. I should get the delivery in a few days. I am so excited, cannot wait to start using it. Thanks everyone for helping me decide!

 

[Dozerrox]

Finally, I ordered the 15.4” expandable rolling brief from Briggs and Riley. I should get the delivery in a few days. I am so excited, cannot wait to start using it. Thanks everyone for helping me decide!

Very professional looking choice. Hope it works out well for you!