Customer Reviews

McKleinUSA Glen Ellyn 94365 W Series Italian Leather Detachable-Wheeled Ladies Briefcase (Black)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

What sets this bag appart from others is its femininity. I have seen many wheeled cases... all of them "luggage looking" in construction... and couldn't bring myself to purchase one. I'm a woman, I have style, I don't want to be lumped with all the men but rather stand out on my own. This bag allows me to do that. It's made of nice quality leather, the stitching is strong, and it holds quite a bit. It's not for those who need to lug a ton, but my 15.4" laptop fits the sleeve (snug, but it does fit), there's room for a few files and my leather portfolio, and in the front area I carry a power cord, extra USB connector, and some basics like pens, extra discs, etc. The detachable wheels are a GREAT idea. It does take a few minutes to remove them and then conceal the open zippers, and it's not the most graceful task, so I'd recommend removing it prior to meeting your clients! That being said, those minor inconveniences are a small price to pay for the ability to relieve my neck and shoulder of the burdon of a briefcase.

I purchased the red and it's gorgeous. It's a show-stopping shade very similar to the color of lipstick the starlets wore in the 50's and 60's. I'd recommend looking at all of the colors directly on the McKlein website (www.mckleinusa.com) because the interior and thread colors are sometimes ususual and obvious (such as what appears to be red thread with black leather, and orange thread with brown leather). The interiors also come in different colors (mine is orange). I found the McKlein representatives very helpful in answering any questions I had.

Oh, if anyone is interested in the pink, the rep told me it was closer to a bubble-gum pink than a blush pink :)

I absolutely love this product! I wanted a rolling briefcase that wasn't so manly, and I found it. This bag fits my laptop, files, and a few other essentials. This is very functional as well as feminine. I also like that you can unzip the wheels and carry the bag. Thank you for designing a professional, functional bag for women in the workplace.

I am very satisfied with my new briefcase. The outer pocket is large enough for my planner/notes. The large inner pocket fits my laptop in the included protective envelope and fits my power cord, Ethernet Cord, mouse, ipod, and earphones. I put file folders behind the laptop along the back. I can't say this is ROOMY, but it fit all the essentials. It rolls very easily and the back has a pocket so it can be piggy-backed on top of another rolling tote. The handle does stick from time to time going down but no trouble going up and very sturdy.

Exactly what I had been looking for. Holds my notebook computer, a good sized stack of files, and my Franklin-Covey planner fits perfectly in the front flap pocket.

I get a LOT of compliments on it. I also get teased often enough about 'dragging around a bowling ball'. The style is a little too rounded... slightly more squared corners would have been preferable to me.

It seems to be excellent quality, nice heavy leather. The handle seems just a little flimsier than I expected, and it sticks on occasion, but otherwise overall a good quality product and I would probably buy it again.

Update Oct'09
After a few months of use, the latch on the front pocket is detaching, so if the bag is not upright, the planner and any papers in the front pocket slide out.
I'm hoping I can find a shoe repair place or something to fix it, because shipping the entire bag all the way to Chicago to repair the latch under McKlein's warranty... well, I might as well just buy a new one for all the expense and trouble. bummmer. Otherwise, this is still a beautiful piece. Hopefully the plastic zippers will hold up better than the metal latch.

Oct '10: Forgot to update when I discovered this, but...
I discovered that the latch could be tightened down again with tiny screws on the back side of the latch, similar size to sunglasses - or when you tighten the little screw on towel hooks & rods.
SO, joy regained. I tightened the screws and then added a bit of superglue on top of them to help prevent them from loosening again. YAY!
Can't go to 5 stars though because I still haven't figured out a fix for the slightly temperamental handle. And, the bag is kind of heavy, but I guess that comes with the territory given the quality construction.

Overall, it is a good bag. It suprised me for its being stylish and multi-functional.
Still, I would not buy it again. It is too heavy and less roomy than I expected, considering its volume. It does not open wide, so I find it difficult to move items in and out of it. And when I do it, my hands get all scratched by the big zips. I am thinking to return it.

This is a lovely bag, but the included laptop sleeve was too small for my wife's 15" Thinkpad. In fact, it was too small for a 15" Macbook pro or a 15" Sony Vaio. Even without the sleeve, the Thinkpad barely fit in the bag, so we had to return it. Very disappointing. Item description should be changed.

I purchased my McKlein Glen Ellyn rolling briefcase in October 2008. Within the first month, my rolling assembly handle began to stick... within another month, the handle became frozen in the down position. With some manhandling I was able to get it back up but would not fully close it again for fear of it getting stuck again. I sent an email to McKlein asking for assistance and never received a response. Now, after a year of handling this bag with kid gloves, the handle is fully broken. I've sent another email to McKlein asking for help but am less than hopeful about receiving a response. In short, the bag is beautiful and I get compliments all the time. But the bag has not functioned properly nearly from the start. After spending $200 on a bag, I expected better from McKlein.

I've had the bag well over a year now and still love it! I've put thousands of miles on it and it still looks and works great. Latches, zippers, wheels, handles and straps are all still functioning as well as the day I bought it.

I use the space between the bag and the wheel case for storing power cords. Front pocket is perfect for a wallet, book, sunglass case. Laptop and and portfolio fit inside along w/ a few other incidentals.

Fits under the seat and in the luggage bin fine, except on very small planes; you will have to take the wheel base off for small planes. Takes a few minutes to get it unzipped from the wheel base - not something easily tackled while boarding a plane, so be prepared/start early if you need to detach or re-attach it.

Love the luggage strap on the back - so easy to pop onto my suitcase! A must have for business travelers! Retractable handle is also great for traveling - I can pop the handle up and start rolling it while walking down the jetway with out even breaking stride.

So functional and absolutely gorgeous. I have the red - it's a deep, elegant red and I get lots of compliments on it. It's not looking like this one will ever wear out - but if it did I would definitely buy another.

Bought this for my wife. She wanted a laptop bag that was a more feminine than the usual. This is it. From a guys perspective, very well made - however, would have given it 5 stars if it were a little roomier...

Update - wife has had this for a about 1.5 years. Have had to return it once. (customer service not too friendly).

The snap on the front is not attached well. It will come off. My wife now just rolls without it.

Also, The handle is a mess. Felt good to start - but just keeps deteriorating.

About ready for a new one- and it will not be this brand.

I've had this bag for a few months now, and have taken it along with me to several conferences and routine trips to New York City. I love the ability to stow away my laptop, documents and accessories in an attractive bag that saves my shoulders and back from the strain of a heavy briefcase or laptop bag. It's even nicer that the bag is a brilliant red leather and really stands out. I've received so many compliments that I've stopped counting. It's by far one of my favorite travel companions when I hit the road.