Overall a good bag with a lot of storage options and the most versatility I've seen to date but-
- magnetic flip pocket does not work too well with my 30 GB MP3 player- which I always want quick access to. Somehow flap does not close as securely as when inside pocket is empty. Put something in the second pocket inside flap and it doesn't close at all!
- Breakaway / foldable wheeled base in ingenious but base is much smaller than the actual bag and bag does not secure at the base-bottom, just to the telescopic handle. I can see issues in the future with bag going one way and handle the other. Pick up bag by either handle when attached to the wheel/handle system and the experience is a floppy, awkward feeling.
- No upright storage for a bottle of water?
- Shoulder pad is like a board! Wait for the Nap pad accessory (you know it's coming). It better be as the shoulder pad is useless.
- Middle, sort of hidden, exterior security pocket is great. Drop stuff in and never lose it unless you tip bag upside down.

All in all a good bag. Maybe the most innovative design I've seen to date...just could have been executed a bit better. But that's why they have version 2.0's!

By Mr. Efficiency from Chicago, IL on 7/27/2008

First, I never thought I'd spend time writing a review, but that was "Pre-Brookstone Convertible Rolling Brief." I also want Brookstone to know how good it is so I don't have to worry about getting another if something happens to this one.

I am all about efficiency, and have literally tried 4 different briefcases just within the past year. I've even tried to modify them. With this briefcase, I struck gold.

The magnetic pocket in front is actually something I've tried to create on my own. Their magnetic pocket, like the entire briefcase, is solid and durable. It's so nice to not have zip and re-zip for things you use constantly (i.e. cell phone, wallet, etc.).

Also, it fits a 17" laptop! All you have to do is take the side pads out, and it fits like a glove. And, there's a system of pockets in all shapes and sizes that Velcros cleanly to the inside in case you want to customize. If you don't need this, you can take it out, and still have all the necessities in the front pockets (pen holders, card holders, deep check book holders, long shallow cord/misc. pocket, etc.).

The wheels are also strong and well constructed, and a nice option for traveling. The handles are even magnetized, and add to the cleanliness (they don't just hang, and you don't have to fumble around to grab them).

I am going to put this review elsewhere too so Brookstone knows... PLEASE KEEP THIS PRODUCT!!!

(if Brookstone must modify just to modify, a leather one would be nice)

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

By Peteyb from Denver, CO on 6/19/2008

I found this case has less storage overall than my last Brookstone brief, but that is actually a good thing....In changing over bags, I realized I was toting along far too much and could live with less. The roller function is smooth, I love the "snap back" boarding pass holder, and many pockets are velcro removable. It has an expandability feature that allows you to pack more when needed. The only part I don't care for is the pockets on the front (cell phone, PDA, etc) are only accessible through their small-ish doors; they should have included a zipper that allows you to fully open the front when needed.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

I bought mine at the Brookstone store in the Pittsburg airport two years ago, and I love it. Great pockets, magnetic handled, magnetic phone pocket. Rolls well. BUT (and this is why I am looking for a new one) the removable wheel system means that the front bottom edge drags on the ground, gets wet and wears out. Mine is completely shredded and white with dust and salt from winter in the midwest. Why don't they have this model with a fixed handle????