I'm always on the search for "The Perfect Bag."
The Belkin Ceylon shoulder bag is a respectable attempt- at least, if you're looking for a bag that can carry your laptop plus various other digital devices.
This bag straddles "Professional" and "Hip Techie" better than any bag I found so far. The color choices are great- reserved main color with an accent color that says "I have fun, even when I'm carry my laptop for work." The material feels and looks great. The magnetic flap means it stays closed while walking but I can open it during meetings with out any distracting sound!
The small center handle allows for this bag to play at being a "briefcase" and the self standing feature- wow, I never realized I wanted this until now. It's great- Keeps the bag from falling over under chairs while at a meeting or dinner!
The interior laptop compartment is soft and fairly well padded. It fits my 12 inch laptop (even in its sleeve) like a charm- would probably easily fit a larger 15 inch laptop, though if you use a sleeve it might be a little tight.
The interior pocket design is nicely laid out. One of the most difficult things for me when searching for a bag is finding one that comfortably fits both my laptop and my digital camera. The stretchy pockets inside keeps my camera nice & snug. I am also able to fit my nintendo ds, a book, and my mp3 player inside with no problem. The triangular nature of the bag- wide base narrowing quickly to the top- keeps things from shifting around- nice! However, there are no pen holders inside, which I think is a minus.
The bag has a cell phone holder on the strap which seems like it will work for most clamshell, non-razor cell phones. However, since I carry my bag diagonal over my _right_ shoulder down to my left side, the cell phone holder is on my back! : ( I tried switching shoulders but it just doesn't feel right- I wish there was an alternative version with the cell phone holder on the other side.. or a way to move the holder on the strap. In addition the holder is completely opaque- this is a shame. It's nice when the cell phone holder uses a lighter netting so you can see the caller id/time without taking out the cell phone. Also, I prefer cell phone holders use an elastic rim to hold their pouch closed rather than the velcro that this bag employs.
As for the bag strap itself- it barely adjusts length at all! This is probably the biggest failing of this bag. It feels like it's tailored for a slightly taller body type (I'm 5'3"). I'd really like to shorten the strap a few inches more so that my fingers can reach the bottom of the interior of the bag while I'm still wearing it.
Other people have mentioned that the bag seems bigger than it should. I think this has to do with the stiff nature of the bag that gives it its aforementioned standing ability. Basically the bag does not contour around the body, which makes it seem wider and may bother some people.
Despite the shortcomings of the strap, I've found that it feels very light on my shoulders, even when loaded up with my laptop, camera, etc.
There is an mp3 player holder in the top of the bag- don't use it in the rain because there's no way to secure the opening from water. : /
Finally, I sort of wish there was some sort of quick access mesh pocket on the exterior of the bag so that if I'm traveling or taking photos I can quickly slip my camera or book or ds in and out of that exterior pocket rather than having to lift up the large flap. I had hoped the mp3 player pocket might provide this functionality but it's too narrow.. but I suppose an exterior mesh pocket would detract from the clean professional look of the bag. I guess you can't have everything!
All in all, there are some features that really "stand out" in the bag, so if you can get over the strap issues, I do recommend it!
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Product description
Product Description
Belkin Ceylon Shoulder Bag is a stylish, lightweight bag for local outings with your laptop.
Amazon.com
The Belkin Ceylon Messenger Bag is a slim, lightweight, and versatile shoulder bag that's designed to carry your laptop and everyday essentials. Designed to carry both standard and widescreen 15.4-inch laptops, this bag also includes compartments for pens, notebooks and even a water bottle.
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 The Ceylon has multiple compartments for storing essentials in addition to your laptop. View larger. |
The bag features built-in stability for easy packing and is designed to stand upright on its own. In addition to the shoulder strap, the bag features a hidden handle for added convenience and versatility. A secure magnetic enclosure gives you easy access to your laptop and essentials.
The exterior of the bag measures 16 x 14 x 4 inches, with the inner notebook compartment measuring 14 x 11 x 2 inches, giving your laptop a snug and secure fit. The Belkin Ceylon Shoulder Bag is backed by Belkin's Lifetime Warranty.
 The Ceylon keeps your organized wherever you go. (Gray and light blue color shown.) |
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Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2008
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Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2010
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Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2009
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