Pacsafe MetroSafe 300

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
  Detailed editors' rating
  Design : 7.0
  Features : 9.0
  Performance : 0.0
  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Dan Ackerman
• Reviewed on: 09/14/2007
• Released on: 08/01/2007

While suitcases and briefcases tend to have standard locking mechanisms, the humble laptop case is usually secured by nothing more formidable than a zipper, or maybe some Velcro. It makes sense that a bag containing your valuable laptop, and potentially even more valuable data, should have some fairly reasonable security of its own. That's the mentality behind the Pacsafe line of cases, which all incorporate various security features, from slash-proof shoulder straps to tamper-proof zippers. The $99 Pacsafe MetroSafe 300 also adds a mini combination lock for anchoring the strap around something like a table leg. It's a reasonable attractive, comfortable laptop bag that makes up for a slightly cramped design and high price with its notable emphasis on keeping your laptop safe.

At 12 inches wide by 13.5 inches high by 4 inches deep, the Pacsafe MetroSafe 300 isn't going to hold anything bigger than a 13-inch laptop, such as the Apple MacBook. The case is made from basic ballistic nylon, but the main laptop compartment has metal wires woven inside the material, which Pacsafe calls an eXomesh slashguard panel. That's to keep someone from using a sharp knife to slice open your bag and snag your laptop. The shoulder strap is likewise reinforced with slash-proof, high-tensile stainless steel wire, to stop blade-wielding thieves.

A small combination lock sits at one end of the shoulder strap. The lock can be used to anchor the strap around a table leg, light post or other secure object, and it includes a metal loop for threading through the zipper pullers, to keep the bag closed.

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uct is sold through select retailers. Please visit manufacturer's website for more information.