ID: a laptop case masquerading as a messenger bag
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Oct 31, 2005 at 12:05am
What I like best about the ID Messenger Bag from Tom Bihn: since it’s a mid-sized messenger bag as opposed to a full-fledged laptop bag, you can haul your valuable iBook or PowerBook around without the world knowing that you’ve got some expensive hardware inside.
The ID Messenger bag is well-padded and reasonably tough, though not as rugged as some laptop bags designed totally for protection. It’s made of 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with 500 denier Cordura nylon on the inside. The shoulder strap is sturdy yet comfortable. The strap sports two adjusters, whereas most messenger bags just have one. That shows the quality of the design, but I found the straps a bit difficult and “stiff” to adjust.
There’s a second strap across the back that goes around your waist to provide extra support when you’ve really got the bag loaded down. Plus, there’s a handle on the top g, allowing you to carry it briefcase-style if you like. For added visibility, you can attach a flasher/ reflector by Cat Eye, a nice touch for those who hoof it a lot or ride a motorcycle or bicycle.
The Tom Bihn bag is flexible, as befits a messenger bag, and has oodles of pockets. The front flap features a large pocket with a splash-proof zipper to hold your iPod or CD player. Secured under the front flap is an open-top pouch with organizer pockets for business cards, pens, PDAs, etc., and a dual-position snap-strap for your keys. The front of this pouch has another zippered pocket and an open-top pocket sized for a plane ticket or a utility bill. The back of the ID sports a flat pocket designed to hold a magazine or newspaper.
Inside the main compartment, the ID is pretty simple: You’ll find clips on the foam-stiffened back side to secure the Size 4 or Size 5 Brain Cell, turning the ID into a laptop messenger bag. (We’ll review the Brain Cell tomorrow). Available in a variety of color combinations (crimson/steel, steel/wasabi, kiwi/deep blue, black/steel, grape/wasabi, steel/crimson), it’s attractive in a demure, rather than flashy sort of way.
At US$100, the ID Messenger Bag isn’t cheap. But it’s flexible and, when equipped with the Brain Cell, provides a nice mixture of protection, comfort and style. If you need the utmost in protection, you should look elsewhere. And if you only travel with your laptop on occasion, the bag could be overkill. But road warriors should give it a peek.
Macsimum rating: 7 out of 10.
Beardedfish Says:
Please do more reviews like this. I don’t really care about movies, I come here for Mac stuff. I’ve been having trouble deciding on a laptop bag and this may be my answer. But more computer related reviews please.
Posted on October 31, 2005
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Contributor
Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
Joe V Says:
Timbuk2 has had some great messenger-style Powerbook & iBook bags for a long time. They are also not cheap, but they’re customizable and extremely durable.
Posted on October 31, 2005