Wheeled Laptop Bags

Rolling computer cases for heavy loads

There's no consensus among reviews when it comes to rolling computer bags. The eBags Perspective Mobile Laptop Office -- Vertical (*Est. $80) gets excellent ratings from owners reviewing it at eBags.com. It's rather boxy in appearance, but comes in six colors. The padded laptop compartment holds a notebook computer up to 14.5" x 11.25" x 1.5" in size, and opens from the top to make access easy. The whole bag is only 12.5" x 16" x 8.5" so it not only meets airline regulations, but fits down narrow aisles. A front compartment has space for files and notebooks, but the large main compartment (intended for overnight clothes) is large and unorganized. We found some complaints about the zippers, and a few owners say the eBags wheeled computer bag is either too small (for overnight trips) or too big for taking a computer to and from the office.

The black Wenger Swiss Gear Potomac (*est. $120) rolling laptop bag is designed for commuting, and you can detach the laptop case to use as a briefcase for times when you don't need to carry office files. Sized 9.5"D x 13.5"H x 16.25"W, the Potomac has plenty of space for files and accessories, and a few owners use this rolling bag for overnight trips. The laptop compartment fits most 15.4" widescreen computers. The Swiss Gear Potomac gets rave reviews from about a dozen owners at Amazon.com in the United States, but one owner reviewing it at the U.K. Amazon.com site reports that the handle broke off. There's no shoulder strap to help with the weight.

For laptop protection, the Macworld review gives top marks to the Brenthaven Duo II Wheeled Case (*Est. $200) (*est. $200). Designed for commuters, the rolling computer bag is big (14"W x 18.5"H x 10"D) but the review notes that a lot of this space is used for padding the computer. The laptop compartment automatically flexes to hold a laptop as large as 13.75" wide, and there are three well-organized pockets for files and accessories. There are also two side pockets for water bottles. The U-shaped handle is considered easier to use than the T-handles on most wheeled laptop bags, and a separate handle on top is better for lifting the whole case when needed.

For a wheeled computer bag with more fashion appeal (but less padding), Shape magazine recommends the McKlein Glen Ellyn Rolling 2-in-1 Detachable Laptop Tote (*Est. $200) , which also has a U-shaped handle. It looks like a fashionable, somewhat tailored handbag on wheels -- stiff but colorful, in six bright or pastel colors in addition to black with red trim. It's pricey but versatile. In addition to using it as a wheeled laptop bag, you can remove the padded laptop sleeve (sized for laptops up to 13 inches wide), or detach the wheel and handle system to use the whole bag separately as a briefcase or shoulder bag. There's an organizer pocket in addition to a middle compartment for papers and folders. It also comes with a rain cover. The stiff leather doesn't appeal to all owners, and it's heavy -- and several owners complain that it doesn't fit their 15.4-inch (diagonal) notebooks.