MOBILE EDGE MEBPW1 Paris Backpack Reviews

• Not the Usual Sherpa Bag

  
  By A3H9NI5FUXYATL on 2007-03-17
  If you're after a somewhat professional-looking option for carrying your laptop and like the weight distribution only backpacks can give, there are precious few alternatives out there. The Mobile Edge is a definite contender for top spot and at $59, it can't be beat.
  
  I spent a good deal of time trying to figure out if my laptop would fit in this bag before ordering. I had purchased a slightly less professional looking but more trim and much more compact bag from Ellington (called the multi-tasker vertical pack). The Ellington was top quality and very, very well made, but my computer was about 1 inch too long to fit even without my protective sleeve. So sadly, back it went. I loved that bag.
  
  Mobile Edge says the Paris Backpack will fit a 15.4" laptop (just like the Ellington), however over the phone they stated a 17" would fit. As it turned out, I ended up finding the light-colored, two-toned bag at Circuit City ($79.99) while traveling in San Diego and was able to try it on for size. I found MY computer fit perfectly with maybe an inch left over. I have a Macbook Pro 15" which I keep in the Incase neoprene sleeve from Apple. The Macbook's outer dimensions are 14"W x 9 1/2"D and with the case, maybe an inch more. (Note: the "Wide" dimension becomes the "Long" when put into the backpack.) It's not at all necessary to keep your laptop in a sleeve like I do. The laptop compartment in the backpack is lined with soft, somewhat egg-crate like padding. It looks like it will give terrific protection to the laptop.
  
  I finally decided the light colored fabric was a little odd looking. Definitely distinctive, but after a day of deliberation, I was too concerned it would pick up dirt too easily and the potential "bleed " problem indicated by another reviewer clinched it for me. Having a dressy-looking but filthy case would kind of defeat the purpose so I returned it. I also thought the light colored fabric would make it look larger than black would. However, if you like the look and think you'd be able to keep it clean, ignore this comment. I ended up returning mine to Circuit City in northern CA and the woman behind the counter exclaimed she had never seen one before and quickly spirited it off to the back. I'm pretty sure she nabbed it immediately for herself. As I said, if you want a dressy backpack, there are few to choose from. I ended up ordering the all black version on-line from an Amazon seller for $59 (new). I received it in a matter of days in sealed new condition and luckily have ended up preferring the black.
  
  As far as quality goes, it's good, but not excellent. It's better than you'd find at Target, about on par with Marshall's, but nowhere near as well made as, say, Tumi or even Ellington. But it's nowhere near as expensive as Tumi would be if they even offered a product like this - which they don't. And though the price point is similar to Ellington (multi-tasker pack $89), it's MUCH more bag than the Ellington. With the zippered laptop compartment at the back AND two generous-sized zippered compartments underneath the flap that can take legal sized files one of which includes a zippered accessories pouch, the other which includes two zippered pockets and 3 velcro-flapped neoprene pockets, this bag can hold a LOT of stuff! Oh - and a cool little hidden zippered pocket at the side for a bottle of water. But it ends up bulkier than I'd prefer. I could have made-do with the more compact Ellington, but if you have a large laptop and carry a LOT of stuff, you'll appreciate the space in the Mobile Edge.
  
  Both the light colored and the black body fabrics are a little unusual and would not be my first choice. The light colored is fuzzy and tweedy and the black is slippery with a sheen and almost dressy. Not your normal backpack, briefcase or suitcase materials. Not sure where you'd see the light colored fabric, but you might find the black fabric in small purses and evening bags. The hardware seems solid and hopefully, won't peel or chip. The bag has faux-leather parts which look to me like thin vinyl. It would be fine if these parts were confined to decorative trim, but Mobile Edge used this material for the gigantic front flap as well as all the points which take the greatest stress - and in many cases placed rivets (!) at these points to secure them. Since vinyl tends to tear, I would have preferred they used nylon webbing which they actually did use at the adjustable base part of the straps. My hope is they know what they're doing and the "vinyl" won't end up being a problem. I have taken pictures of the connections at the top of the straps and as soon as I figure out how to get them posted here, I'll put them up so you can judge this for yourself. The way they handled it was unexpected to me.
  
  The bulk of the bag is a little more than necessary and if fully loaded, must weigh a ton. But the straps are curved, padded and the pack is well balanced and comfortable on the back. The very large front flap flops over and buckles at the lower front. One might be happy with this maybe for security reasons, but it tends to get in the way for me. The buckle isn't designed to be adjustable to the amount of stuff you actually pack so it can end up too loose or too tight and I find it a little awkward. The compartment for the laptop is at the back, behind where this flap attaches so handling the laptop is unaffected by it. I love this feature because there's nothing I hate more than going through airport security and having to completely upend everything just to get at my laptop. This way, all your stuff stays secured and untouched beneath the flap and fellow passengers can't see anything but the laptop and maybe a little of the dedicated laptop compartment. Great privacy, and since the laptop is secured not only by the zippered closure but also by a large, velcro strap beneath, you don't have to compromise laptop security, either.
  
  Overall, I'm happy with the Mobile Edge. I'm encouraged a company recognizes the need for women to protect shoulders and backs by giving us the option of a backpack AND understands we might not always need to carry all our camping gear to work with our laptops. But I wish the execution were more tight. I like the "less is more" design motto and this bag doesn't follow that principle. It's a little too floppy and bulky and the materials and execution are not of the highest quality. On the other hand, it doesn't cost anywhere near $500 so in the end, I have to admit Mobile Edge did a very good job with the Paris Backpack. At $59, any criticism is really quibbling.
  
  

• Best Computer Backpack design

  
  By A1UB46NT3QX94A on 2006-03-10
  I purchased this backpack to hold my laptop. Great padding to protect my computer, a bit bulky but I find that is typical of all well made computer cases. I love the stylish design and the fact that I can carry it as a backpack. There is a handle but it is at the top of the backpack. Since I am short carrying the case by the handle is a bit akward since the end of the case is then close to the ground. It would be a nice feature to add a handle on the side so that you have the option of carrying it like a briefcase. There are plenty of pockets to hold accessories, and pockets are deep to easily hold bulky adapters. The faux leather finish and microfiber cloth gives it a professional and elegant look. In my opinion it is the best computer case on the market for quality and style.
  
  

• Not The Usual Sherpa bag

  
  By A3H9NI5FUXYATL on 2007-03-17
  If you're after a somewhat professional-looking option for carrying your laptop and like the weight distribution only backpacks can give, there are precious few alternatives out there. The Mobile Edge is a definite contender for top spot and at $59, it can't be beat.
  
  I spent a good deal of time trying to figure out if my laptop would fit in this bag before ordering. I had purchased a slightly less professional looking but more trim and much more compact bag from Ellington (called the multi-tasker vertical pack). The Ellington was top quality and very, very well made, but my computer was about 1 inch too long to fit even without my protective sleeve. So sadly, back it went. I loved that bag.
  
  Mobile Edge says the Paris Backpack will fit a 15.4" laptop (just like the Ellington), however over the phone they stated a 17" would fit. As it turned out, I ended up finding the light-colored, two-toned bag at Circuit City ($79.99) while traveling in San Diego and was able to try it on for size. I found MY computer fit perfectly with maybe an inch left over. I have a Macbook Pro 15" which I keep in the Incase neoprene sleeve from Apple. The Macbook's outer dimensions are 14"W x 9 1/2"D and with the case, maybe an inch more. (Note: the "Wide" dimension becomes the "Long" when put into the backpack.) It's not at all necessary to keep your laptop in a sleeve like I do. The laptop compartment in the backpack is lined with soft, somewhat egg-crate like padding. It looks like it will give terrific protection to the laptop.
  
  I finally decided the light colored fabric was a little odd looking. Definitely distinctive, but after a day of deliberation, I was too concerned it would pick up dirt too easily and the potential "bleed " problem indicated by another reviewer clinched it for me. Having a dressy-looking but filthy case would kind of defeat the purpose so I returned it. I also thought the light colored fabric would make it look larger than black would. However, if you like the look and think you'd be able to keep it clean, ignore this comment. I ended up returning mine to Circuit City in northern CA and the woman behind the counter exclaimed she had never seen one before and quickly spirited it off to the back. I'm pretty sure she nabbed it immediately for herself. As I said, if you want a dressy backpack, there are few to choose from. I ended up ordering the all black version on-line from an Amazon seller for $59 (new). I received it in a matter of days in sealed new condition and luckily have ended up preferring the black.
  
  As far as quality goes, it's good, but not excellent. It's better than you'd find at Target, about on par with Marshall's, but nowhere near as well made as, say, Tumi or even Ellington. But it's nowhere near as expensive as Tumi would be if they even offered a product like this - which they don't. And though the price point is similar to Ellington (multi-tasker pack $89), it's MUCH more bag than the Ellington. With the zippered laptop compartment at the back AND two generous-sized zippered compartments underneath the flap that can take legal sized files one of which includes a zippered accessories pouch, the other which includes two zippered pockets and 3 velcro-flapped neoprene pockets, this bag can hold a LOT of stuff! Oh - and a cool little hidden zippered pocket at the side for a bottle of water. But it ends up bulkier than I'd prefer. I could have made-do with the more compact Ellington, but if you have a large laptop and carry a LOT of stuff, you'll appreciate the space in the Mobile Edge.
  
  Both the light colored and the black body fabrics are a little unusual and would not be my first choice. The light colored is fuzzy and tweedy and the black is slippery with a sheen and almost dressy. Not your normal backpack, briefcase or suitcase materials. Not sure where you'd see the light colored fabric, but you might find the black fabric in small purses and evening bags. The hardware seems solid and hopefully, won't peel or chip. The bag has faux-leather parts which look to me like thin vinyl. It would be fine if these parts were confined to decorative trim, but Mobile Edge used this material for the gigantic front flap as well as all the points which take the greatest stress - and in many cases placed rivets (!) at these points to secure them. Since vinyl tends to tear, I would have preferred they used nylon webbing which they actually did use at the adjustable base part of the straps. My hope is they know what they're doing and the "vinyl" won't end up being a problem. I have taken pictures of the connections at the top of the straps and as soon as I figure out how to get them posted here, I'll put them up so you can judge this for yourself. The way they handled it was unexpected to me.
  
  The bulk of the bag is a little more than necessary and if fully loaded, must weigh a ton. But the straps are curved, padded and the pack is well balanced and comfortable on the back. The very large front flap flops over and buckles at the lower front. One might be happy with this maybe for security reasons, but it tends to get in the way for me. The buckle isn't designed to be adjustable to the amount of stuff you actually pack so it can end up too loose or too tight and I find it a little awkward. The compartment for the laptop is at the back, behind where this flap attaches so handling the laptop is unaffected by it. I love this feature because there's nothing I hate more than going through airport security and having to completely upend everything just to get at my laptop. This way, all your stuff stays secured and untouched beneath the flap and fellow passengers can't see anything but the laptop and maybe a little of the dedicated laptop compartment. Great privacy, and since the laptop is secured not only by the zippered closure but also by a large, velcro strap beneath, you don't have to compromise laptop security, either.
  
  Overall, I'm happy with the Mobile Edge. I'm encouraged a company recognizes the need for women to protect shoulders and backs by giving us the option of a backpack AND understands we might not always need to carry all our camping gear to work with our laptops. But I wish the execution were more tight. I like the "less is more" design motto and this bag doesn't follow that principle. It's a little too floppy and bulky and the materials and execution are not of the highest quality. On the other hand, it doesn't cost anywhere near $500 so in the end, I have to admit Mobile Edge did a very good job with the Paris Backpack. At $59, any criticism is really quibbling.
  
  

• Mobile Edge Paris Backpack

  
  By A23YY96SWGESN4 on 2006-08-25
  This is a great backpack for combining all your stuff along with your notebook computer. I particularly like the flap which makes the compartments more secure. There are separate compartments, so folders don't get bent, nor do they slide down if there isn't much in the pack. The front compartment has also sub-cubbies which can hold PDA, phone, pens, etc. The whole thing is a little square and bulky, but not uncomfortably so. I use it on public transportation every day. The straps are very comfortable as well. It slips on and off easily. Backpacks are easier on the back than briefcases, but most of them don't look very professional. This one does.
  
  

• Slick.. but VERY HEAVY

  
  By A3AAFP52BFQ14R on 2007-12-10
  This is a very slick and professional laptop backpack, with several well-organized comparments. However, it's twice as heavy as my laptop (which ain't no lightweight) and I don't recommend it for grad students.. specially if you're like me and carry your thesis around on your back. DO wish someone would come up with a good-looking yet lightweight bag..
  
  
• Backpack with class
  By A7BL2BBOPXYQS on 2006-08-21
  This backpack is almost perfect! It has a professional finish, which is very appropriate for the business world, and is optimized for carrying a laptop and the related accesories. The distributed inner pockets makes it impossible for the backpack to get slouchy, as traditional backpacks tend to, and the padded and venitlated back make life for your laptop, and your back, most comfortable. Stylish and crisp, I only wish there was an external pocket for my wallet.
  
  
• Excellent Backpack
  By A25XCSM3APW5H6 on 2007-01-09
  I was using a Swiss Army backpack to tote my laptop and all it's paraphernalia back and forth from work but it was just too bulky. I looked for something slimmer and more compact but with a classy look to it and I found the Mobile Edge Paris Backpack. I have been carrying it for months now, everyday, and it is comfortable and works very well for my purposes.
  
  
• Great laptop backtop for a profession woman
  By A28TGYRN26AW76 on 2006-11-09
  I really love this backpack. It gives me a bit of professionalism and that "girllie" look that most backpacks don't. And it is really comfortable. The only thing is would change would be to make it slightly smaller.
  
  
• Good, but not quite great
  By A1PL217ELL5FFV on 2007-01-03
  I searched for quite some time for a backpack that is professional looking that I could carry between home and work (30 minute walk)for my laptop and books. I am very happy with the backpack itself. The quality is good and the straps very comfortable. The only complaint I have applies to the two-toned backpack. I have found that the black coloring weeps into the rest of the fabric if it gets wet. I live very close to the Arctic Circle, so snow and rain are a given. Had I realized this before I bought the bag, I would have bought the solid black. Other than that, the bag is superb!
  
  (Also, even though Amazon does not ship overseas, it was worth paying a bit more for shipping from another merchant.)
  
  
• Nice Bag!
  By AWC5BSPSH0N44 on 2007-02-02
  I bought this bag about two months ago when I was looking for a backpack to carry my laptop, but didn't want to sacrifice the style of a shoulder bag. It is a quality bag. I *haven't* had the color bleeding problem one customer discribed, and I live in the Midwest, USA where we've had rain and a several inches of snow since I got the bag.
  
  I gave the bag a 4 because the bag is a bit bulky. Also, the latch on the flap of the bag is difficult to undo if the bag is full or if you need to access the bag in tight spaces.
  
  
• its great
  By AKWB1QB2PSYFO on 2007-01-18
  I'm really happy with my purchase. I love the bag and it fits my laptop perfectly. I had been looking for a Backpack rather than a tote because i wanted to be able to carry it to work comfortably.
  
  
• Love it!
  By A3T91NST9KAXXK on 2007-10-17
  Love this backpack! It's comfortable, well-designed and robust. I particularly like the easy access to the laptop compartment - very useful when travelling through security at the airport.
  
  
• Sleek, Stylish & Comfortable!
  By A1GWOCE1CBFW70 on 2007-11-20
  I ordered and am now toting around the Mobile Edge Paris Backpack. I LOVE this bag. I have a really bad back and carrying my old laptop bag was a pain - literally! The pads on the back of the bag and on the shoulder straps make carrying it a breeze - it's super comfortable! Also, this bag not only has tons of space/pockets inside for all of my cords and wires, etc. but it manages to provide the space and still maintain a sleek and attractive look. I was going to get a regular backpack, but this was a much better choice. I'm so glad that I purchased it - free shipping and it arrived just when Amazon said it would.
  
  
• Mobile Edge Paris Backpack
  By A3K9I8GI0A6FZ0 on 2007-03-08
  I was hesitant about ordering a backpack online, but I'm so glad I ordered this one. It's very stylish, with tons of room for computer accessories and papers, and a great padded computer space for my laptop. It can also be carried like a briefcase. It's sturdy and fashionable!I love it!
  
  
• Bulkier than Expected
  By A227PIK61261TP on 2007-04-06
  The bag seems a little big on my back - I am 5'-4" woman. Also, the black interior makes it hard to find stuff inside, but that is true of most laptop bags. But it is comfortable and does the job in an attractive package.
  
  

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