Quotes

BOOQ Folee XM

Doug Landry

BOOQ

SRP / SP:	$190 / $190
Requirements:	Various sizes of PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and MacBook Pro

BOOQ says its new Folee XM "blends the looks and practicality of a messenger bag with the architectural advantages of a more traditional laptop case." The BOOQ crew are smooth talkers, so we're trying to keep up with them, but we think we get what they're trying to say. BOOQ's Folee XM is for the PowerBook or MacBook owner who wants the style of a messenger bag without necessarily having to deal with a bag that's too...messengery? In other words, they took a regular black laptop bag that are a dime-a-dozen in the PC world and de-nerdified it. If that was their mission, they succeeded and we're big fans of the bag.

Before we dig into the specifics of the bag, we should disclose that BOOQ has been one of PBZone's longtime supporters and we've reviewed lots of their stuff before.

First on many people's minds with a bag to carry their multi-thousand dollar computer is padding. The Folee XM is well-padded, to be sure. The main compartment is fully surrounded by about an inch of substantial padding and has a non-scratch inner lining. You'd want to store just your portable in this chamber, and all your accessories in the other pockets. This model, the "XM" fits 13" MacBooks and 14 and 15" PowerBooks, iBooks, and PC Laptops. For 15" Mac Book Pro machines or 17" PowerBooks or PC laptops, you'll want the identical, but larger, Folee "XL" model, which only runs $10 more in price, at $239. While you could get away without a protective sleeve with this model, if you'd like the flexibility and a bit more added protection a sleeve might offer, we highly recommend the "Vyper" Booq sleeve model, which we've reviewed before here.

The side pockets contain flaps and compartments galore. This isn't a minimalist bag on the interior; there's plenty of Type-A organization possibilities here. There's an easy-access outer pocket on the flap, an interior compartment under the flap, and a zippered larger side pocket next to the computer compartment as well. Got all that?

We have two "favorite" features on the Folee XM that we'd like to point out. First is the magnetic closures on the flap. They're way cool! If you buy this bag to use with the MacBook (or the XL with the MB Pro), you'll have two really cool magnetic connections with those machines' nifty power cord and this bag's magnetic closure. The magnets are pretty strong, so the closure is fairly secure and they're just way easier than snaps, velcro, or any other sort of fastener.

The next "cool" feature is the integrated iPod compartments on each side of the bag where the shoulder strap meets the body of the bag. With a non-scratch inner lining and a headphone grommet to route your cable through, it's a perfect little cocoon for your iPod on whichever side of the strap is most comfortable.

Down to the "B" logo pulls on the zipper, it's clear that Booq has placed careful attention to detail in the development and construction of the Folee XM. If you want a messenger-style bag that's still very protective and functional, we can strongly recommend the Folee XM from BOOQ.

We're auctioning the bag we reviewed for this article on eBay for charity. Check out that auction here!