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ROAD WARRIOR ALERT – SAMSONITE LAPTOP CASES
It was a challenge to find a laptop computer carry case
that could meet the requirements of one of the top 15% of American road
warriors (i.e., 892,766 current American Airline Frequent Flyer total
miles). But one of the two Samsonite laptop cases exceeded even our demanding
specifications – and earned the Editor’s Choice as the “must
have” accessory!
IMPORTANT – the Samsonite Model Business One Mobile
Office is the only model currently available that will easily fit the
larger laptops! As described below, this is a very important piece of
information for many, many users.
Background
There are two prime requirements for laptop cases: (1) the
laptop must fit in the case with sufficient padding and adequate room
for peripherals; and (2) the case must be rugged and easily mobile.
We were able to review two new Samsonite cases: (A) the
Model Business One Mobile Office, a top-loading model with 4 compartments;
and (B) the Model Side Loader Mobile Office, a side-loading smaller model
with 3 compartments. Both units had in-line skate wheels, and a telescoping
handle.
We used the Model Business One Mobile Office for two months
in actual daily field usage. We piled inches of meeting minute handouts,
hardcover binders, digital camera equipment, noise canceling headphones,
JUICE DC converter (for airline DC outlets), cables, connectors, CDROMS,
and books/notes. During this period, we flew (American Airlines) 11,430
miles, on 14 separate flights, taking it to Washington DC (twice), San
Diego, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. We raced
from Terminal C to Terminal A in Dallas (3/4 mile) in under 5 minutes
(hey – I’m not in college anymore), and battled the DC METRO.
This was a true road rage test from the professional Road Warrior.
Backpack or Briefcase versus Rolling
One of the major decisions (once you are sure the laptop
will fit), is whether you want to actually carry the lug the damn thing
on your shoulder or roll it along after you. We have used both types and
(to us) this is a no-brainer. While Arnold Schwarzenegger can carry these
things, normal people shouldn’t have to. Your laptop will usually
weight in from 4 (ultra-lite) to 10 pounds, and then you add the weight
of the case, power supply and cables. At this point, you are well over
10 to 12 pounds… and you can double that when you start carrying
materials for meetings with you.
So, since the rolling case is the smart move – what
are the drawbacks: Case construction, size limitations, roller wheel construction,
and telescoping handle structural integrity?
Construction
Both the Samsonite models were the Ballistic Nylon fabric
(not leather). The zippers were extra heavy duty and the zipper-pulls
were of heavier construction than that found on many typical suitcases.
The sidewalls are reinforced, and the fasteners for handles and panels
are large grommets. All these items are standard on the “higher
end” cases by quality manufacturers like Samsonite. Yet these same
items are the most important for you as the consumer – for if you
only get one year out of the case – you have wasted more money that
if you had just bought the better quality case in the first place!
Size Limitations
The Samsonite Business One Mobile Office was the larger
of the two tested. As shown in the photographs, we were able to pack an
enormous amount of “stuff” into the case. Frankly, the center
section of the case is large enough to “pack” a shirt, slacks,
socks and underwear into for a quick overnighter.
HOWEVER, it is the impressively large computer compartment
which makes this a Prime Time player in the review. The laptop we used
during the test was the Toshiba Satellite 5205-S703 model. The laptop
is 13.1” x 11.6” x 1.8”. While only a 15 inch screen,
the S703 had impressive stereo speakers which expand the size to that
nearly the size of the 16 inch laptops.
As shown in the photograph, there is ample room for the
S703 and it can certainly accommodate larger laptops. How large a laptop
can fit is certain beyond this article, but suffice it to say that anyone
with a large laptop should certainly check out the Samsonite Business
One Mobile Office before they “settle” for something else.
We also included a photo showing the true Road Warrior’s
cache of equipment to survive on the road. Lesser cases mean lesser equipment,
and we are prepared to take this unit overseas for a long European trip.
That means there will be no supplies except what I take with me…
and the Samsonite has ample room!
The other model tested, the Samsonite model Side Loader
Mobile Office, would not fit the S703. For tests on this unit, we used
a 14 inch Compaq laptop and had no problems with the smaller size. This
unit was judged as satisfactory for use when all you want is just to carry
the laptop and a few additional items.
Roller Wheel Construction
The roller wheels are a vital part of any rolling case.
All wheels roll fine for the first 30 days or so, the key is in prolonged
heavy usage. We have had previous experience with a roller case where
the wheels became unbalanced – and the unit would “wobble”
when you pulled it… the faster you pulled it, the worse the wobble
became.
Therefore, our speed test through DFW Airport, at a dead
run to make connections, pulling the case all the way – was a true
endurance test for the case… and Samsonite came through like a champion.
Telescoping Handle
A frequent issue with rolling cases is the telescoping handle.
If the handle, supports, and structural members are not well made, the
case can also “wobble” and damage to the handle supports result.
The Samsonite construction was judged to be excellent. The materials are
rugged and also survived our airport dashes/turns. In one episode, while
my back was turned, the curbside agent grabbed the fully-loaded case by
the handle, and lifted it onto the shuttle bus… sure death to any
lesser made case. While I would not recommend trying such a test, I was
very pleasantly surprised that the Samsonite was totally tight and unaffected.
Summary
The Samsonite Model Business One Mobile Office is considered
a “Must Have” for the serious professional Road Warrior. It’s
construction is exceptional, and it has sufficient room and ease of use
to make it a virtual “no problem” to take through airports
and hotels. We have awarded the unit our coveted EDITOR’S CHOICE
AWARD.
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10 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
98%
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10 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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10 / 10 |
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10 / 10 |
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9.8 /
10 |
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