Full Review

14 April 2008 - When you buy a notebook, it is likely it will come with a cheap and not very attractive carry case. So, the first thing on your list to buy should be a new bag, preferably something stylish and quirky like the Crumpler Beefy Pocket.

Crumpler may not deliver the cheapest notebook bags on the market but they do deliver quality. This bag gets its name due to the use of soft but durable leather on the outer surface of the bag, including the cover and sides, while the rest is made from Rooster Tex material, Crumpler's name for super-tough nylon.

The design looks and feels like a luxury messenger bag with a large flap that is attached using a shoulder strap that comes with a hefty shoulder support and stitched into the bag for greater security.

Inside you'll find a pocket large enough to hold a 13.3-inch notebook – or 13-inch MacBook if you prefer. It's well padded and held our test notebook snugly. There is a secondary pocket with enough space for all your other daily kit. Also, you'll find plenty of extra pockets and mesh dividers, for holding your smaller objects.

We used the bag for the daily commute and found it certainly stands up to being knocked about. The smaller design means it's great for carrying ultraportable notebooks but it does mean it makes a poor overnight bag.

VERDICT
The Crumpler Beefy Pocket is part design statement, part utility bag and we can't fault it on either count. If you're looking for a high-quality bag for the daily commute, this is it.