Customer Reviews

Kenneth Cole Expandable Computer Compatible Messenger Bag

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was looking for a 'grown-up' messenger bag for interviews as well as my job and this bag doesn't disappoint. It seems extremely well made, has great stitching and a great style. It fits my 15" MacBook Pro perfectly in the separated, velcro'd pouch and has a lot of room in the other section for accessories and papers. I will have to see how it holds up to scarring and such, but initial impressions are very good.

I needed a carrying bag for work and travel that would allow me to carry both my netbook, accessories, and work papers, notebooks, etc. I did not want a tacky vinyl or polyester bag that looked like a laptop case. The problem is that the really nice, leather messenger bags are in the $150-$250 range and I just didn't want to spend that much. This Kenneth Cole case turned out to be the best compromise. It has a classy, simple style accented by the brushed silver buckle. It is perfect for carrying a 10" netbook, which I have within it's own sleeve in the separate compartment in this messenger bag. There is still plenty of room (probably another 4-5 inches in width) for papers, notebooks, a portfolio, or whatever. That being said, this bag is probably not suitable for a student who needs to carry three thick hardcover textbooks and notebooks -- a backpack or bigger bag would be needed. For my purposes, though, this is perfect. There are plenty of handy extras, too: a zip pocket on the outside (under the flap), a zip pocket inside the bag, and a pouch on the back (outside) of the bag. Also has pen holders and other helpful features inside. The only negative about this bag is that it lacks a handle. Since it is a messenger bag with a flap, the only way to have a handle is to have a cutaway on the top of the flap so the handle can go through it...I had a bag like that previously...it didn't look as good, but the handle was functional simply for grabbing the bag from the floor. I haven't found this to be a deal-breaker, as I just pick up the bag using the shoulder strap. Still, some might prefer a case with a handle. Also, while the entire bag is leather, the shoulder strap is nylon except for the shoulder cushion. I think that a full leather shoulder strap would have looked better, though I'm sure it would have increased the cost. Overall, for the $75-$90 price point, this is one of the best messenger bags you can find...trust me, I looked at dozens of them.

I strongly suggest getting this bag. It is extremely classy, soft leather, and the shape of the bag endures. The clasp in the front of the bag is a little difficult to work when the bag is very full, but not clasping it works just as well. The strap is comfortable and doesn't cut into your neck. This holds three of my huge anatomy books, my macbook, charger, two notebooks, and one three ring binder.

Great bag, great look!

So, I tested out several of the Kenneth Cole Reaction messenger bags for carrying my laptop (a 15.6" 16x9 Lenovo W520) to work and none of them seemed to fit my laptop... They were all just barely not long enough (or way too snug to carry anything else, like my charger, with the laptop). Finally, I found this bag. Even without expanding the bag, my laptop fits perfectly in the laptop pocket (thus leaving it more protected) along with my work binder (1") and charger, along with a few accessories (pens, wireless mouse, etc). I love this bag. It looks great. The buckle actually looks pretty good and although at first I was more interested in the bags that have the magnetic closures, this one actually ends up working better, looking better, and it's just as easy to open. The leather is well-made and the bag feels classy and professional.

So I ordered the bag at the beginning of the week, and after 4 days of use I feel like I'm ready to write my review on it.

Pros:
-The bag looks very nice, and I've gotten many comments on it in the few days that I've been using it. (Most of them saying I look more like a graduate student!)
-The pockets are well placed, and it holds everything I need for classes, but not much more. That being said, I only carry around an 11" laptop, not a 17 monster.
-It has held up physically without any problems, and no part of it seems like it is liable to wear and/or break over time.

Cons:
-The portion where the strap meets the bag on the left side (when looking towards the side that has the buckle, you can see it in the main image of the product) seems to not want to stay straight. It's not a huge problem, but it bothers me slightly when the loop that connects the strap to the bag turns vertical and scrunches the strap material together. I cannot find a way to prevent this from happening.
-After putting many things into the bag, it can become uncomfortable. The strap has a cushioned portion at the top (which isn't shown in the pictures), which could be a little bigger. This is primarily the reason I don't carry too much in it.
-The expansion zipper opens the bag up only slightly, and then makes it look awkward. However, I think it's nice to be able to, if I ever need to fit in "one more book".

Overall, I'm very happy with the bag, and I think it will make a great replacement for my backpack.

I really like the bag, but I definitely expected the leather to be softer. I paid for an all-leather bag because I wanted the all-leather feel, but it feels like plastic. Perhaps once some of the finish wears off and I break it in, it'll get softer. But overall, for the cost and quality, the bag looks great out of the box. It fits a 15.6" laptop, but just barely. I would definitely recommend this bag.

I'm a big fan of Kenneth Cole from quality to design and this bag doesn't disappoint. It's well made, stylish and a great deal at this price point.

My husband loves this bag for work. I purchased it for 85 bucks from E-bags and I have to say it's a great bag. Macy's wanted 250 they can go scratch. It's 100% Genuine Leather too :) Enjoy

Very nice bag for work. I like to take it everywhere - has enough space for all my stuff. Material is impecable - nice and smooth

This bag is Awesome! I use it as my backpack for school and it fits everything I need and is still really light. Of course you aren't going to fit huge books in here, but it does fit quite a bit.

The leather is really soft, and the look is very stylish, I often get compliments from girls(although sometimes they call it a man purse")

PROS

1. Soft leather and a stylish look

2. Large Bag, which can be expanded if you need to cram a book or two more in

3. Light, even though it is made of quality leather.

CONS

1. The shoulder pad on the strap could be a little bigger.

2. The bag is difficult to get into standing up. I guess this helps if someone tries to steal something from your bag though.

3. It isn't big enough to carry more than 1 or 2 textbooks with my other notebooks/folders.

Overall though, I feel like I got a steal for this bag. Definitely keep this bag in mind when shopping for one.