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Wednesday April 29, 2009
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 Like the netbooks it was designed to transport, the Mobile Edge Netbook Briefcase ($40 street) is very compact and reasonably priced. Netbooks are often significantly smaller than their notebook brethren, making a small bag a much better fit than a large notebook messenger.
Measuring 10.5- by 14- by 4.5-inches (HWD), the 1.6-pound Briefcase can accommodate netbooks up to 13-inches (the 12-inch Dell Mini 12 is currently the largest netbook available), with an adjustable divider creating a second pocket when paired with a smaller netbook. The bag's largest zippered compartment contains the netbook sleeve, and offers enough space for a few small books and accessories.
 A second, smaller zippered compartment can store additional books and accessories. Two large pockets provide storage for a cell phone, compact camera, or MP3 player, as well as three pen-and-pencil sleeves. The compartment can be fully unzipped, which makes contents at the bottom of the bag much more accessible. With room for a camera or pair of sunglasses, a smaller front compartment includes a strip of Velcro to help keep its contents secure.
I brought the Briefcase along on a recent vacation and found it to be a fairly good fit for everyday use. I left the netbook at the hotel each day, making room in the bag for daily essentials. I was able to squeeze my large point & shoot camera into the main compartment, plus a guidebook and compact umbrella. The side mesh water bottle pocket came in handy, and the rear file pocket was perfect for storing random brochures and receipts. Perhaps my favorite feature, the included shoulder strap is incredibly comfortable and is excellent at distributing weight.
If size is your primary concern, then you should be happy with the Mobile Edge Netbook Briefcase--it's certainly small. But if your netbook purchase was based more on price than size, the slightly larger LowePro Messenger Factor M is just as light, very roomy, and available for under $30.
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