Versatile SwissGear Comp-u-roller/Patriot by Wenger fits 17" Toshiba Satellite

The bag pictured here is the Patriot. The one I bought is the SwissGear "Comp-u-roller" by Wenger from Costco, which has almost identical specifications as the Wenger Patriot, but with a slightly different external look.

I was looking for a case that would accommodate my 17" Toshiba Satellite P100 laptop. The specifications on the Wenger Comp-u-roller/Patriot state that the bag accommodates 15.4" laptops, so I initially ruled-out this bag and was about to buy the Targus CityGear TCG717 roller bag (which has received a very good review here http://www.epinions.com/content_232541949572 in epionions.com). However, since the bag was available at Costco, I tried one out and lo and behold my 17" Toshiba laptop, which measures 15.5" x 10.8" x 1.65", fits perfectly in the removable tote bag as well as in the main case! The fit is snug but not tight. That said, if your 17" laptop is longer than 15.5" it will not fit.

This case looks expensive and awesome. Everything about this case exudes quality, from the ballistic nylon material, to the logos, to the zippers, handles and compartment interiors. Both the rolling case and the removable tote look professional enough to take into a boardroom meeting. The stitching is top-notch and appears very durable. There are ample compartments for all the extra goodies, like books, documents, power brick, external battery and even a mini-projector. The bag expands as you add things into the compartments.

The removable computer tote bag is a laptop case in its own right, not just another computer sleeve. It is quite well padded with foam and has enough room for a laptop, power brick and a few documents. It also seems to protect my 17" laptop pretty well. The removable tote bag easily "piggy-backs" on the rolling case and the "Comp-u-roller" version has a special securing strap which slides over the telescoping handle for this purpose.

The telescoping handle is well constructed, but has a stiff feel to it. It requires a quick pull to extend it and a quick, firm push to collapse it - reminding me of the construction of typical Swiss and German baggage. That said, the telescoping handle works very well and has not given me any problems.

A minor peeve I have about this bag is that the "overnight" compartment can barely accommodate one change of shirt, slacks, socks, underwear and mini-toileteries - but no more. But if you desire more space, you can remove the computer tote bag which makes available a more spacious compartment, which can accommodate another change of clothes plus a jacket or sweater, and even a slim pair of shoes. So if you pack correctly, you can manage a two-day business trip!

If you stuff the bag with too many things, it becomes too big to fit under an airplane seat. But it will easily fit in the overhead compartments.

Finally, why did I give it a four star rating and not five? The bag is "perfect" in almost all respects, except that it lacks certain things available in other bags such as a carrying strap for the roller bag, a water bottle holder and a cellphone holder. These things are not essential but are "nice-to-haves". Also, the bag is 2 lbs heavier than the 8lb Targus CityGear TCG717 (1 lb heavier without the tote bag).

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