professional briefcase

[Keller]

Now that I have a paying job this summer I need a nice black leather bag.

I was thinking along the lines of http://www.ebags.com/kenneth_cole_reaction_business_and_luggage/long_story_port_expandable_computer_case/product_detail/index.cfm?modelID=19693, but I want other suggestions.

From what I have looked at I've liked Kenneth Cole the most, maybe Tayre has some different stylish brands to consider? I don't have a firm budget but would like to keep it under $350.

[Stanley Burrell]

Only women should spend that much for a bag.

And they shouldn't.

[The Ponzzz]

Whelp, what kinda job ya got and what do you need to transport?

I have almost the EXACT same type you have posted, and I'll say, it's too big for what I need.

I transport my laptop in another bag however.

I'm a big fan of this one myself.

http://www.allbriefcases.com/cart/iso.cfm?detail=child_swatch&sku=CLA009-3&imgfile=CLA009-3.jpg&val=Vachetta

[Gan]

The KC bag is a beast to shoulder if you fill it up with laptop and other material. Looks great if your'e in sales. ;)

I like the Vachetta though, I think I might add that to my list when the current bag I'm using is ready for retiring. I just need something for my portfolio, so it looks like a perfect size.

[TheEschaton]

Get the Fendi. It's a nice briefcase.

-TheE-

[Xaerve]

Uhh... I just worked for a major consulting firm for the past two summers, traveled a ton, and all I ever used (like all the other interns) was a backpack ;)

[Gan]

If the turn-lock model doesnt have enough space, here's another model vachetta which expands out should you need the room.

http://www.ebags.com/clava/vachetta_leather_expandable_briefcase/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=10655

I also like this model.
http://www.ebags.com/clava/vachetta_leather_legal_briefcase/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=10661

[Gan]

Uhh... I just worked for a major consulting firm for the past two summers, traveled a ton, and all I ever used (like all the other interns) was a backpack ;)

And you were right in doing so. A backpack is the perfect look for an intern or a college student. However, carrying around a backpack while wearing a suit looks real silly unless you're name is Josh Lyman and you work in the West Wing.

[Back]

Yea, brothers. Cast off the oppressive ball & chain of the man-bag. If it does not fit into one of your multiple pockets then you don't need it. Here endith the wisdom.

[Gan]

Yea, brothers. Cast off the oppressive ball & chain of the man-bag. If it does not fit into one of your multiple pockets then you don't need it. Here endith the wisdom.

Thats pretty comical coming from one who considers a clean t-shirt and cargo pants as professional attire.

:lol:

[Back]

I’ve already got one sack and thats all I need.

Seriously though, I carried a freaking bag for years. My last one, Keneth Cole, was a gift and it was the best one I ever owned. I considered it a lunch box/tool kit/utility holder/briefcase/overnight bag. But if you aren’t actually carting important documents around its just an accessory.

Along with having internet access at home and work I can carry everything I need in one of my many pockets.

[Keller]

Whelp, what kinda job ya got and what do you need to transport?

I have almost the EXACT same type you have posted, and I'll say, it's too big for what I need.

I transport my laptop in another bag however.

I'm a big fan of this one myself.

http://www.allbriefcases.com/cart/iso.cfm?detail=child_swatch&sku=CLA009-3&imgfile=CLA009-3.jpg&val=Vachetta

I will be transporting my laptop, +1-2 files, and 2 800-1000 page reference books. That's my estimation although I am not really sure.

[Valthissa]

What you picked looks fine to my eye and is reasonably priced.

When I made VP my parents gave me an antique Louis Vuitton briefcase. It draws a lot of interest when I travel and provides me with a false sense of individuality. I would recommend something similar to anyone trying to project a sense of style around the office or while visiting customers.

C/Valth

[Latrinsorm]

Pink is the new black. I recommend taking nail polish to your bag, paint is just too lumpy.

[Xaerve]

This thread creeps me out! I've never put so much thought into anything clothing related!

[CrystalTears]

I can't believe this thread has gone this long over a briefcase decision.

[DeV]

Yea, this is why customer ratings are put in place. I'd rely on those overall.

[The Ponzzz]

A briefcase is a major thing. You don't want something ultra heavy on your shoulder, and Ganalon pointed that out. I have ALMOST the same bag as you picked and I HAVE to carry my laptop in another bag due to the weight. Granted my laptop is heavy.

For what you are lugging around, you are gonna want a bigger bag though. Two 800-1000 page books are big, along with a laptop and a small portfolio for files. I would stick to what you picked out. The price, $150, is a good price for a nice briefcase. I made the mistake and paid retail for the one I have for $230, and I've replaced the shoulder strap twice.

[Gan]

Those two 1000 page reference books are going to weigh ~10 lb. each. Add to that other miscellaneous items and possibly a laptop/battery/power cord and you're going to be looking at one massive shoulder ache if you have to do any trek'ing around (waking to and from transportation areas, and oh yea.. STAIRS when elevators arent accessable or convenient). You might consider something with industrial size clasps for the shoulder straps and or something with wheels and a handle since you're going to be tipping 20+ lb.

Of course, you could still use a backpack. But you'd have to buy it at REI and not Coach. And you'll look like Grizzly Adams on a trip to Denali instead of a young urban professional. You could also hire a personal assistant to carry that shit for you. ;) Or see if those reference manuals could be obtained in electronic/digial copy. I 1GB pen drive and a laptop would be way easier to manage.



I can't believe this thread has gone this long over a briefcase decision.
I gave it 5 stars.

[Daniel]

Do we bitch when you make 1000 post threads about outfits in GEMSTONE?

[Gan]

zing!

[Daniel]

High five!

[The Ponzzz]

LMAO

[Gan]

As an aside, when I was IT consulting for hospitals. I travelled around the country with a laptop, mini LCD projector, software samples/brochures, my personal portfolio, presentation speakers/remote, and other miscellaneous documentation folders and power cords etc. My bag, very similar in size and style of the KC bag in the first post, weighed 32 lb. It was a bitch to lug through airports, parking lots, through large hospitals/executive office buildings, etc. But it was necessary because of all the stuff I had to have for operational analysis and presentations to hospital executives.

Take it from someone who's been there, done that. If you can minimize what you carry on your shoulder into a good looking medium sized shoulder carry briefcase it will look like you're on your game instead of bringing the whole stadium with you. Your shoulder and back will thank you for it in the long run.

Of course, if you can find a translucent spidersilk backpack that holds VLA and is shoulder worn. I say GO FOR IT DOOODE! True Gemstoners will know you are teh l33t. Or you could brush up on your scroll reading and find a few 704 scrolls to use... /gemstone sarcasm

[CrystalTears]

Eh? First of all, this is a Gemstone board primarily. Dur. Second, I don't play GS. So there! :tongue:

I'm sorry if I trivialized a briefcase. My bad.

[Gan]

Eh? First of all, this is a Gemstone board primarily. Dur. Second, I don't play GS. So there! :tongue:

I'm sorry if I trivialized a briefcase. My bad.

ROFL at bringing out the "This is a Gemstone BBS, all other topics are secondary!" card.

Apology accepted.

[Keller]

A briefcase is a major thing. You don't want something ultra heavy on your shoulder, and Ganalon pointed that out. I have ALMOST the same bag as you picked and I HAVE to carry my laptop in another bag due to the weight. Granted my laptop is heavy.

For what you are lugging around, you are gonna want a bigger bag though. Two 800-1000 page books are big, along with a laptop and a small portfolio for files. I would stick to what you picked out. The price, $150, is a good price for a nice briefcase. I made the mistake and paid retail for the one I have for $230, and I've replaced the shoulder strap twice.


http://www.ebags.com/manhattan_portage/new_york_messenger_bag_large/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=16898 is my current bag in which I carry my laptop, accessories, 1 reference book, 2 casebooks, and 2 binders daily. So the weight is not so much the issue.

What I really hoped for out of this thread was some alternate designers to KC, but it looks like there is just not much out there that suits my fancy. I found a really nice looking bag http://adobe.mediumdesigngroup.com/, but from all the reviews I've read it's better looking than it is functioning.

Anyways, thanks everyone for the input.

[Daniel]

If Liz Claiborne makes briefcases than it is undoubtedly pimp.

[Gan]

http://www.leathertree.com/shopproducts.asp?categoryid=13&categoryname=%2E%2E%2ELaptop+bags++

Another good source for browsing higher quality cases.

[The Ponzzz]

http://www.leathertree.com/viewdetails.asp?productid=1268

Now THAT is nice!

Hah, way too expensive, but Italian leather!

[Back]

Now that I have a paying job this summer I need a nice black leather bag.

I was thinking along the lines of http://www.ebags.com/kenneth_cole_reaction_business_and_luggage/long_story_port_expandable_computer_case/product_detail/index.cfm?modelID=19693, but I want other suggestions.

From what I have looked at I've liked Kenneth Cole the most, maybe Tayre has some different stylish brands to consider? I don't have a firm budget but would like to keep it under $350.

Just realized that bag you posted was what I was using when I finally threw off the ball & chain. It is an excellent bag however. Had to fix the shoulder strap link once in close to two years wear. It keeps slim when you don’t have a lot of stuff in it, but expands well to hold a ton of crap.

[Keller]

Just realized that bag you posted was what I was using when I finally threw off the ball & chain. It is an excellent bag however. Had to fix the shoulder strap link once in close to two years wear. It keeps slim when you don’t have a lot of stuff in it, but expands well to hold a ton of crap.

I've read a couple of reviews complaining about replacing the shoulder-strap link. I guess it comes with the territory of carrying a heavy bag, but it still sucks knowing I'll have to replace it.

[Soulpieced]

Man up and get a Coach Manbag.

http://www.coach.com/content/product.aspx?product_no=8753&category_id=537

[The Ponzzz]

Yea, the shoulder strap gives out if you lug over 30lbs. Least for the bag you originally posted.

It's a pain in the ass, luckily, each time, I've had cat like reflexes and caught it before dumping everything.

The last time it happened to me, I said fuck it, and got just a laptop bag(seeing that doesn't go with me when I do a demo).

[Back]

Man up and get a Coach Manbag.

http://www.coach.com/content/product.aspx?product_no=8753&category_id=537

Holy hell. Thats slightly more expensive than my last Mother’s Day gift.

[Soulpieced]

But it's real fly in the doe color.

[Sean of the Thread]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b236/Japgross/fp1-040615-53-2.jpg

[Mistomeer]

http://www.leathertree.com/viewdetails.asp?productid=1268

Now THAT is nice!

Hah, way too expensive, but Italian leather!

That's gaudy as hell.

If you buy something nice then you can reasonably use it for the next 10 years, so go big:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod26950120&parentId=cat8670736&masterId=cat5480731&index=4&cmCat=cat000000cat000470cat000526cat5480731cat8670 736

[Stanley Burrell]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b236/Japgross/fp1-040615-53-2.jpg

R. O. F. L.

[Back]

That's gaudy as hell.

If you buy something nice then you can reasonably use it for the next 10 years, so go big:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod26950120&parentId=cat8670736&masterId=cat5480731&index=4&cmCat=cat000000cat000470cat000526cat5480731cat8670 736

Calf-skin. Thats horrible.

[Sean of the Thread]

Mistomeer's suggestion is UGLY.

[The Ponzzz]

I'm going for CMO. It's all in the bag!

[AestheticDeath]

That's gaudy as hell.

If you buy something nice then you can reasonably use it for the next 10 years, so go big:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod26950120&parentId=cat8670736&masterId=cat5480731&index=4&cmCat=cat000000cat000470cat000526cat5480731cat8670 736

Thats WAY overpriced. Damn...

[Mistomeer]

Thats WAY overpriced. Damn...

Fuck yeah it is. $1200 is alot of lap dances.

[Gan]

After looking at all the suggestions here, I think its time for me to replace my old briefcase to something a little smaller than the laptop/multi-folder version.

[Keller]

After looking at all the suggestions here, I think its time for me to replace my old briefcase to something a little smaller than the laptop/multi-folder version.


So you're going w/ Xyelin's suggestion?

[Skeeter]

I just carry a day planner. call me old fashioned

[Gan]

So you're going w/ Xyelin's suggestion?

ROFL

I'm not an intern nor a college student, so I'm not going after a backpack. Or the flaming man bag.

I like the turn & lock model in the dark brown color.

http://www.ebags.com/clava/turn_lock_briefcase/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=10658

[Back]

If you want to be really cool get yourself a Black Israeli Paratrooper Bag.

http://www.armynavyshop.com/prods/rc8127.html

[AestheticDeath]

I like the turn & lock model in the dark brown color.

http://www.ebags.com/clava/turn_lock_briefcase/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=10658

I like the dark brown or black. The light brown is kinda ugly though I think.

[Gan]

I like the dark brown or black. The light brown is kinda ugly though I think.

The tan looks yucky. It also looks like the leather isnt as supple due to the tannin or dye process.

[Daniel]

plz don't use the word supple again.

[Stanley Burrell]

plz don't use the word supple again.

For real though, what happened to those objects people used to tote around to carry their documents in?

Rectangular... Normal... Leather/naugahyde vinyl.

[Back]

plz don't use the word supple again.

lol. Never use the word yucky either.

[Gan]

plz don't use the word supple again.


lol. Never use the word yucky either.

Supple, soft, pliable...

Yucky, shitty, ugly, fugly...

Dont hate, appreciate.

[Artha]

Ganalon's such a thilly goothe.

[Back]

Ganalon's such a thilly goothe.

Thop it! Thaths tho thilly!

[peam]

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/valetstand_1935_1492159

Make a statement.

[Gan]

Ganalon's such a thilly goothe.


Thop it! Thaths tho thilly!

:lol: hahaha

Thats ok, I bet I got more 'supple'ness than you did last night. ;) And it did NOT involve a leather briefcase.

[Gan]

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/valetstand_1935_1492159

Make a statement.

Brilliant! Especially if you're going for the 007 look.