Like laptops, laptop bags and briefcases range in price and quality. Our Solo New York Roadster review takes a look at the Shorewood Briefcase, one of four bags available in the company’s limited edition Roadster Collection.
Specifications
The Solo New York Roadster Shorewood Briefcase has the following features and specifications:
- Full-grain pebble leather
- Fully padded 15.6″ laptop compartment
- Internal iPad/ tablet pocket
- Two front pockets
- Front zippered pocket with organizer and key clip
- Heavy twill camouflage lining
- Metal hardware
- Removable/adjustable shoulder strap
- Back panel slides over luggage handle
- Dimensions: 12.5″ x 16″ x 3″
- Weight: 2.75 lbs
What’s in the box
- Solo New York Roadster Shorewood Briefcase
- 5-year limited warranty
Design
While you can get an idea of products from their pictures, the pictures of the Solo New York Roadster Collection don’t quite do them justice. When pulling the Shorewood Briefcase out of the box, the unmistakable smell of leather filled the air. The briefcase is crafted from pebbled black leather and it definitely looks sharp. The black leather is accented with dark brown leather pieces. The first of these is located on the lower right-hand corner of the front of the bag and contains the Solo New York logo stamped in the center. The leather tabs at the end of the metal zippers, as well as the side shoulder strap holders and main handles, are also crafted from the same brown leather.
The front of the bag is split into two pouches for quickly sliding in smaller items or devices. Above this is a metal zipper which, when opened exposes another pouch area with smaller pouches for pens, smartphones, and other small items. There is also a clip for snapping your keys or something else to. The inside of this pouch, and the rest of the bag, is lined with a soft very dark camouflage-patterned material. Above the zipper is the front handle, which starts out flat where it is stitched to the briefcase before rolling into a double thickness handle. The Solo New York logo is stamped into the black leather between where the handles are stitched to it.
The main compartment opens via a pair of zippers that unzip about ¾” down each side where they meet a pair of metal rings meant for the shoulder strap. On that note, the shoulder strap is the only piece that is not entirely leather but rather a sturdy material with an adjustable leather pad for your shoulder. The main compartment is pretty much wide open with the exception of a tablet/eReader pouch on the back side of it. You shouldn’t have any issues with holding a 15.6″ laptop in this compartment, if you’re unsure as long as your laptop is less than 16″ wide, you’ll be fine.
Behind the main compartment is one last compartment. While it opens with a pair of zippers as well, these extend almost all the way down each side to about 2″ above the bottom of the bag. This pouch is pretty narrow and is perfect for documents and is held open with a sewn fabric “hinge,” much like an accordion style file folder. The Solo New York nameplate is sewn near the top of this compartment.
Finally, the back of the Shorewood Briefcase is where the second handle is stitched onto the briefcase. Just below this is an open slot which is also open on the bottom as well. This piece, while looking like another pocket, allows users to slide the briefcase over a suitcase or other stiff handles for easier transportation of multiple bags.
Protection
Being a laptop bag, you’ll definitely need it to protect your investment. Aside from the full leather exterior which should resist the elements to some extent (you’ll definitely want to wipe it down if you’ve been caught in the rain), the inside is nicely lined and padded as well. While it’s not going to survive a fall from the top of a building, the Shorewood Briefcase has enough padding to protect your laptop and other devices from the occasional bumping and jostling you may encounter on your commute.
Price/Value
Leather laptop briefcases range in price from $40USD and up, and the $219.99 price tag of the Solo New York Roadster Collection Shorewood Briefcase is definitely towards the higher end of the price scale. That being said, the leather definitely feels like great quality leather, the stitching is well done, and the interior is nicely finished as well. There are plenty of compartments and spots for everything from laptops to smartphones and non-electronics as well.
Wrap-up
The Solo New York Roadster Shorewood Briefcase is well crafted and would definitely be appreciated by anyone who wants to transport their laptop and other items with a touch of class and style. While the Shorewood Briefcase is the larger version, Solo New York also has a slim briefcase, a duffel bag, and a backpack to round out the limited edition Roadster Collection. If the Top Pick of 2017 awarded Shorewood Briefcase is any indication, the entire collection is gift-worthy for those who appreciate quality and style.
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