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Tom Bihn Ristretto Messenger
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CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Michelle Thatcher
- Reviewed on:
The good: Unique minimalist style; available in five color combinations; small pockets to organize the essentials; padded laptop sleeve; comfortable to carry; detachable waist strap.
The bad: Very expensive; open main compartment may slightly expose laptop to the elements.
The bottom line: The sturdily constructed Tom Bihn Ristretto Messenger is an attractive, if expensive, option for those who want to carry their 13-inch laptops (and not much else).
One of the biggest advantages to carrying a 13-inch laptop is its sleek portability, so it's almost a pity to carry your MacBook, MacBook Air, or ThinkPad X301 in a bulky laptop case. At least, that's the philosophy behind the Ristretto Messenger ($90) from Seattle-based designer Tom Bihn, which provides just enough space for your ultraportable laptop and a few accessories, but not much else.
Available in your choice of five color combinations (we test-drove the green bag with an orange interior), the vertically oriented Ristretto Messenger measures 12.5 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 3 ... Expand full review
One of the biggest advantages to carrying a 13-inch laptop is its sleek portability, so it's almost a pity to carry your MacBook, MacBook Air, or ThinkPad X301 in a bulky laptop case. At least, that's the philosophy behind the Ristretto Messenger ($90) from Seattle-based designer Tom Bihn, which provides just enough space for your ultraportable laptop and a few accessories, but not much else.
Available in your choice of five color combinations (we test-drove the green bag with an orange interior), the vertically oriented Ristretto Messenger measures 12.5 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. Like most messenger bags, it includes a top flap that's held closed by a large plastic buckle; however, the buckle on the Ristretto is off center, and the flap features an unusual diagonal cut that adds visual interest.
Inside, the open main compartment includes a lightly padded laptop pocket that's lined with soft brushed nylon; a top flap folds over and behind the laptop's edge like an envelope to keep it in place and protected. The front wall of this main compartment incorporates two organizer pockets, each large enough for a smartphone, MP3 player, or wallet, plus two pen loops. Clipped onto a ring on one of the side walls is a handy key fob; you can attach one of the company's organizer pouches (sold separately) to the ring if you'd prefer. What's left of the narrow main compartment is entirely open and is roomy enough to accommodate a power cord and a paperback book.
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"Best bag I've ever had!" By citrush2o
Pros: High quality materials uses, very comfortable to wear, incredibly durable in good and bad weather.
Cons: Waist strap is placed a little low so it feels like t wraps around your legs sometimes.
Summary: I got this bag for Christmas this year and let me tell you, this is hands down the best bag I've ever had. I was never a huge fan of backpacks so a messenger bag was really the only way to go. And out of al the bags I'... Expand full review
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