Very sharp looking Laptop/Briefcase!!!!
Written: Feb 15 '07 (Updated May 01 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great briefcase, leather is top quality, functionality is great for 15inch laptop users.
Cons: None that I see.
The Bottom Line: If you have the means, I highly recommend you pick one up! Very nice brief/laptop case. Styling does not interfere with functionality at all.
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| mongomad1's Full Review: Kenneth Cole (Kc521565) |
This Kenneth Cole Leather Triple Gusset Flapover Case a.k.a Case Ventura, a play on Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, boasts the following:
Rich full grain cowhide leather
Three main compartments.
Center zipper under the flap and two large open pockets for quick access to files and papers.
Two buckles with quick release snaps under.
Padded reinforced handle
Padded ergonomic shoulder strap (removable and adjustable)
Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.25" x 5.25"
Despite the fact that Kenneth Cole is proud of their cases being metro-sexual, there are those of us that want a masculine look to our man purses. The Case Ventura does very well in this category. If you look at other Kenneth Cole products of this type, you will see that they are all given annoying names that confuse the gender of the products intention, like Christina Flappelgate, Jack the Zipper and Bag in My Day.
That aside, the briefcase here looks plenty manly, though I suppose a woman not built like a linebacker would not compromise her femininity either. Outwardly, it is black with silver accents for the handle and silver buckles that conceal the true mechanism for release, the silver slide in latches. Simply press them down and push them upward to gain access. It is not stamped with the silly name, just has Kenneth Cole and underneath that Reaction. The buckle closure straps do not run over the whole case and are about 6 inches long on the front only.
The back has a pouch most likely ideal for putting documents you want to review. A standard legal pad does not fit width wise perfectly as you can see it is there, but there is little danger it falls out. A legal pad does diminish the magnet's usefulness that somewhat keeps the pouch closed and secure to the bag (i.e. if you stretch it some, it will not gape open as the magnet in the top middle will hold it tight. Also, the magnet is not powerful enough to damage disks and the like).
The handle is thick and well padded allowing for a nice feel even with a fully loaded case. This is all you need for day-to-day use, but there is an adjustable strap, made entirely of leather with a few exceptions. The part for your shoulder is not leather, while the high quality length adjusters and the superb silver clasps that secure it to the bag are silver tone and substantial.
The clasps that secure the shoulder strap resemble repelling rigs in how they push back and snap close securely. The part that rests on your shoulder is a skid resistant soft rubber, great for it staying in place for airport travel. It adjusts to 48" long and 31" at its shortest. As you receive it, the length is 36".
Speaking of airplane travel, it will easily stow beneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead compartment. For longer flights, under the seat would be most appealing if you wanted to access your laptop for work or to view a movie. Also, plenty of room for snacks and whatever you may want to bring aboard ensuring it keeps you out of trouble.
The bag stands up on its own despite its soft leather feel and I do mean soft, very nice leather. There are 4 reinforced leather seams that run along the bottom to help it stand and protect the stitching.
Opening the case reveals another pouch like on the back, with no magnet. As all the pockets are, it is lined with nylon that seems impervious to ripping unless you took a knife to it. The next pocket, moving front to rear, has a nifty storage compartment for a cell phone or laptop accessories. It measures 3 inches width, 4.75 inches deep and 1 inch or so as far as the width of an object it could house. In this same compartment is a button leather loop perfect for your key chain to be easily accessible.
Also in here you have inserts for business cards. You could store 10-15 of yours and other slots for single cards, but they will hold a couple. To either side are pen holders, 2 total. I use this to store my laptop power supply and other devices.
Next is the laptop storage that is well padded and 2" at least for the closed laptop case and it will stretch a bit. You do not need an extra cover other than the fact you may lightly scratch the case on the metal zipper that encloses it completely. If you are careful or don't care about scratches, you are all set. I have a 15.4 inch MacBook Pro that fits perfectly. Any bigger and you may want a different briefcase for you 17 inch users. Even the top where it zips has padding and prevents the laptop from being scratched while inside from the zipper.
The final compartment is about an inch wide and has a zipper pouch that runs the width of the section at the top. This compartment is perfect for the portfolio that has a legal pad (neither included). The zipper pouch is not quite deep enough to hold a legal pad and be zipped closed.
I found this jewel on e-bay in mint condition, though supposedly used, for $75. Really a steal as they retail for $275 or so. I still think it is value in the $200's, but will take what I got!
The leather REALLY is top grade and shames pleather or cheaper cowhides. People WILL notice the difference if not the name brand of Kenneth Cole. I really love it and recommend it to anyone! Keep in mind, I did not shop the market extensively as this was a buy it now item on e-bay and after seeing its retail, I wanted to get it then.
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Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mongomad1
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Location: Actionville, FL (Jacksonville)
Reviews written: 58
Trusted by: 65 members
About Me:
I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous.
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