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Empire Builder Laptop Briefcase

About.com Rating five out of Five

From Catherine Roseberry, for About.com

Empire Builder front view

Front view of the Empire Builder laptop briefcase by Tom Bihn

Catherine Roseberry

The Bottom Line

The Empire Builder clearly shows what three years of research and product development can produce. For mobile workers who need to carry everything but the kitchen sink, this laptop briefcase is exactly what you need. With the addition of a Brain Cell, you won't ever worry about your laptop or other mobile accessories getting bounced around while traveling. If you are looking for a strong, durable and roomy laptop briefcase, the Empire Builder has it all.
Pros
  • Very durable construction
  • Well padded to protect mobile gear
  • Roomy - it is your own mobile office desk
Cons
  • You might find yourself buying more mobile gear just because you have the room

Description

  • Construction: 1050 Dernier Ballistic Nylon
  • Dimensions: 17"x12.75"x7"
  • Capacity: 1700 cu.in
  • Fastenings: #9 and #10 YKK Coil Zippers
  • Removable file dividers (3 included) but more can be ordered
  • Extra large main compartment for laptop, files or mobile peripheral storage
  • Outer compartment with large, strong buckle fastener
  • Two outer zippered compartments for more mobile accessories
  • Handles are padded and are easy to grip, even with a heavy load
  • Can choose a specific shoulder strap to meet your needs - Absolute Shoulder strap or the Terra Grip

Guide Review - Empire Builder Laptop Briefcase

The first thing that impressed me with the Empire Builder was the amount of room for mobile gear. This is a laptop bag that is not just for laptops. Mobile workers should have no problem carrying all the gear they need for business trips.

After loading in my laptop in the Brain Cell and attaching it inside the main compartment, I was able to add a few other accessories in the main compartment. Files fit in nicely as well as some binders that I use for different projects.

I was provided with two straps; the Absolute Shoulder Strap which is ideal for when carrying heavy loads. The strap balances the weight and fit snugly on my shoulder. The straps connect to the briefcase on opposing sides, which is different from those that connect on the ends. I found that with the strap connected on either side it prevented the bag from swinging back and forth as I walked. Without the briefcase swinging and banging into my hip made it very comfortable and I didn't feel as though I was carrying a great weight. The Absolute Shoulder strap is very comfortable and molds to your shoulder.

The second strap provided was the Terra Grip Shoulder Strap which is better suited to light loads but just as comfortable as the Absolute Shoulder Strap.

Quite often when it comes time for smaller accessories, laptop carrying cases leave you frustrated at the lack of space. Not so with the Empire Builder. I was able to pack plenty of mobile accessories and have room left over.

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