Review: Case Logic 11" Netbook Bag (PBCI-112)

Front, Logic Case(PBCI-112)
Classic Attache/ Briefcase                   

I finally bought a sturdy laptop bag, a Case Logic bag. In my previous post, I mentioned about hopefully getting a Hawk bag as it is both sturdy and more affordable as compared to other branded bags. So I went to SM North Edsa last Friday and went to the Hawk Bags section. When I checked their smallest laptop bag, I found out it was meant to carry 14" laptops. It was sad because Hawk bags are really sturdy and they offer a lifetime warranty. The bag itself was good as it had good padding on the sides as well as on the bottom of the bag for protection from sudden drops.

I debated in my head whether I should get the bag because it was well within my budget range and fits my needs except that it's still a little too big for my laptop. So I walked around to check the other bags and got to Case Logic section. The salesgirl was prompt to assist (and try to convince) me to get their bag. It costs 1,500 pesos as compared to Hawk's 1,000. A tougher debate ensued in my head - should I get the cheaper, equally sturdy Hawk bag that doesn't fit my netbook, or get the more expensive Case Logic that could fit my netbook snuggly inside it? I contemplated (and calculated) for about 15 minutes. Ok, that was it, I decided to get the bag. It would have been easier to find a bag if my laptop was only 10". But as I found out recently, 10" bags are easier to find than 11-12" bags.


Features (according to Case Logic):

• Compact and unique design
• Front and rear exterior slip pockets for A/C adapter or other small accessories
• Foam padding and lined interior pocket
• Padded shoulder strap and soft reinforced handles

Dimensions:

• Fabric: Poly Gucci
• Format/ Size: 31.5cm x 25.4cm x 4.9cm (12.8 x 8.9 x 1.6 inches)
• Internal dimensions: 28cm x 23cm x 4 cm
• Weight: 400g
• Manufacturer Warranty: 25 years (do not confuse this with local shop warranty)
• Color: Gray, Brown, Red

Other Info:

• Type: Briefcase/ Classic
• Max Screen Size Compatibility: 12"

So, how do I find the Case logic bag? Here is my review of the bag:

• Design - The design is simple and basic - rectangular with 2 outer pockets. You can choose to use it as a shoulder bag or as an attache/briefcase. If you prefer a more fashionable bag, you may like their other bag design, ULA-112. I would have gotten it myself, but it doesn't have as much padding as the PBCI-112. 

  

  Front, with the handle out

• Materials and Parts - The Poly Gucci fabric is said to have high flexibility, good tensile, tear, and peeling strength. It has nylon lining, and straps made also of nylon. The strap hooks and adjustments are made of rubber-coated plastic according to the sales lady. They seem to be made of resin-based plastic. The plastic does seem strong unlike those used in cheap bags that could easily snap and break. The shoulder pad is made of the same Poly Gucci fabric with a rubberized material on the opposite lining. the zippers are made of the same plastic material as the straps with rubber handles having an engraved case logic logo. 

rubberiz shoulder pad under lining

rubberized zip handle
red Poly Gucci fabric






rubber-coated (?) strap hook and attachment
with metal lock

• Construction - A look at the bag's construction tells you it is made to give your laptop a better protection. It has a detachable hard padded material that goes around the sides and bottom of the bag that can give protection for side bumps and sudden drops at the bottom. The zippers are double-stitched into the bag. Most importantly, the strap attachment is sewn with reinforced stitches so it is least-likely get torn from the bag like what happened to my 7-days-old bag.
• Compartment, Pockets and Padding  - There are 2 exterior pockets - front and rear- where you can put the A/C power cord and other accessories. There are no compartment divisions inside unlike most other laptop bags. However, it has an interior padded zip pocket for keeping documents or your 11" netbook. You can then use the main compartment for your documents and accessories.

My netbook inside the zip pocket,
accessories in the main compartment

detachable side paddding
which can be inserted into the flap
beside the tag

• Straps - This bag has a distinct wide shoulder pad. I find the the shoulder pad comfortable on my shoulders especially when i put all my computer gadgets in the bag and it becomes heavy. The pad is fixed where two adjustable straps are attached so you will have to adjust the straps on both sides.  They are attachable on the opposite faces of the bag and not on the sides. The saleslady said that it is meant to keep the bag from swinging when you put it around your shoulder and use it as a body bag. 

wide fixed shoulder pad

Back, showing the handle out from the pocket

 the under side of the shoulder pad

strap attachments on opposite faces of the bag

• Durability and Performance - This bag seems to be constructed with durability as one of its priorities. But how long can it stand the wear and tear and the abuse? Can it really provide the protection I need for my laptop? That I will have to find out in the months, and I hope, years to come.

As of this writing, I am very happy with my purchase. I just hope it doesn't change in time.

Scrimping on a Netbook Bag? (Don't buy this laptop bag)

the infamous laptop bag

About a month ago, my Acer laptop broke down. It took me about a month to get it back - 2 weeks under Villman, then another 2 weeks under Acer Philippines.

When I got it back, I vowed to take a better care of it, so my first step was to buy a padded laptop bag for it. Everyttime I buy something, I would set a budget range for it then buy within that range. I went to Acer at SM City North Edsa on the day the service  center representative texted me that my laptop was ready for pickup. From there, I went to the department store to look for a laptop bag.

I went to the branded bags section first, and found that the bags were priced between 1,000 to 3,000+. The cheapest branded bag was the one made by Hawk Bags. it was around 999 pesos, beyond my budget. So I went to the unbranded bags section and found a seemingly good laptop bag for only 399 pesos. It had a fairly decent padding which was top priority for me, a passable strap with shoulder pad, retractable handles, and partitions inside for the laptop and accessories. I was happy with the bag especially since I could feel my laptop fits snugly inside - no shaking whatsoever. Until last Wednesday, after four days of use (I bought my bag Friday before it.)

By Wednesday, I have been using my bag for four days. I was arranging my bag on my lap on my way home when I felt something odd along its sides. Something didn't feel right on the fabric. I went to look and found the fabric stretched. I hoped it wouldn't get torn badly. On Thursday afternoon, I found the fabric where the strap was attached tearing off from the sides. Today, Friday, I didn't use the strap anymore but used the handles instead. 

The bag with the side panel ripped off

Close up of the ripped side

I regret buying this cheaper laptop bag. It was a waste of money for 400 pesos. It just can't hold the weight of my laptop which was barely 3lbs only. I am thinking I wish I had spent 600 pesos more and bought the Hawk bag instead.. Hawk bags are known to be sturdy and they also offer a lifetime repair warranty. There really are things one cannot compromise on in the hopes of saving a few bucks. 


I see this kind of bag being sold on ebay and sulit.com.ph. It's not worth the money at all. It's a 400-peso bag that will only last for four days.

So now I am scrimping on extra expenses to get the Hawk laptop bag.