Tom Bihn Brain Cell and Empire Bag : Your LapTop Will Love Them

After using my new Apple iBook for several months, I wanted to take it with me on a trip to Seattle. But I was also a bit nervous about traveling with it; what if it got damaged?

Then my daughter told me about her PowerBook and the many many trips its been on with her. And she sent me what I think is the most protective case around--short of a hard shell style--the Tom Bihn Empire bag with a Brain Cell case. Based in Washington state, Tom Bihn makes some smart looking bags with top-notch protection. I like that they make bags to fit a variety of laptop sizes. Here's how my bag works:

The well-padded Brain Cell (pictured here) also has a hard shell layer on top of the padding. It also features a suspension system that holds my iBook in place, about 1 or 2 inches above the padded bottom of the case. A large side pocket has plenty of room for my papers. I use the Brain Cell when carrying my computer from room to room or for short outings.

When traveling, the Brain Cell fits perfectly (and securely, thanks to a clip system that holds the cell in place) into my Empire Bag (pictured top right). Again, an excellent suspension system keeps the bottom of the Brain Cell from touching the table or floor when I set down the bag.

The Empire Builder Briefcase is made of a durable nylon material with “splash-proof” zippers and weather coating on the inside to protect the contents from any moisture. I was able to carry several other items in this bag, as well as my iBook: documents that fit into the three built-in file folders, an 800-page book, and several small plastic bags of incidentals such as pills and cosmetics.  The case has an outside flap (also weather protected) on one side with several small zippered compartments, perfect for the various cords I need to carry.  Under the flap, there is another space for more papers and slots for all sorts of pens, pencils, rulers, a cell phone, lipstick, really, whatever you need with you on a long flight. 

Bottom Line: Finally, the Empire has comfortable padded handles and a shoulder strap that fastens on alternate sides of the bag to balance my load.  Altogether, this briefcase is functional, attractive, professional-looking, and light enough to carry from one end of the world to the other!  I highly recommend it. Available in several color options. Brain Cell available in 5 colors and 7 sizes.--(J.D. Dec '05)

Price: $140 Empire, $50 Brain Cell, $26 Shoulder Strap

Manufacturer's Site: www.tombihn.com

Buy Online: www.tombihn.com