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by Doug Landry
Are you one of those PowerBook users? The ones that carry 15 cables, two power adapters, 3 external disk drives, and maybe an extra iBook with them just for kicks? For those that wouldn't be caught dead without all their gear, the Booq FoleeMessenger17 is the right bag.
After using it for awhile, we think it's the "Cadillac" of PowerBook bags--it carries all your stuff in style. While the width is determined by the 17" PowerBook itself, the bag is about 5" wide, affording plenty of protection and storage space.
PBZone Bag Week Review:
Booq's FoleeMessenger17-A Cadillac for Your 17" PowerBook
Price:
$159.99
Requirements:
Shoulders and a 17" PowerBook
What's Hot:
Very protective; can carry a ton of gear
What's Not:
A bit bulky
The core of the FoleeMessenger17 is its suspension system. We've seen this in other bags over the years, but not in any designed for the 17" PowerBook. The PowerBook rests in a "sling" that is suspended from the top of the case, giving it some room to travel up and down with any shocks your bag might encounter.
Outside of the main compartment, which has room for about two books or several files alone with your PowerBook, there's a host of pockets under the front 'flap,' and then another large zippered pocket on the backside of the bag with a host of organizing pockets within.
We've had a chance to look at the evolution of the Folee bag from its first design to the one we took at look at for this review, which was one of the first models produced of the second generation. While the basic form of each is the same, it's obvious that Booq made some improvements to the aesthetic design of the bag based on feedback they received on the first generation.
The bag itself is made of high quality nylon, durable zippers with custom "Booq logo" pulls, and includes a comfortable shoulder strap made of the same fabric as seatbelts.
As with many of the bags we've touched on these past few weeks, its greatest asset is also the only downside we could find. The bag is big--very big. It's designed to protect your huge 17" PowerBook and then carry a good bit of gear with it. If you're not into bulky bags or want to carry less around with you, look into Booq's PowerSleeve17 or one of the other smaller options out there.
With your PowerBook and gear, this bag could easily top 15 pounds in total weight. If you're a road warrior that needs all his weapons with him, the Booq FoleeMessenger17 fits the bill.
Published by Doug B. Landry and contributing staff. Trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., and others reserved. ©2003 Delta Design. Publishing headquarters is located in Baton Rouge, LA Index version 1.1.2
