Just in time for fall comes this beautiful new bag from Mobile Edge, the Element Briefcase. With its moss green poly-suede exterior, chocolate faux leather trim, and white contrasting stitching, this bag is neutral enough to compliment any fall or winter outfit. But good looks are one thing; organization and laptop protection are just as important as presentation. Let’s take a look at how the Element measures up…
The Element is meant to be carried as a briefcase; two 15″ rolled faux leather handles are on either side, and although a woman with thinner arms could carry it on her shoulder, that is not the intention. The Element is a larger bag, measuring approximately 16.5″ wide x 13.5″ tall x 5″ deep, it is designed to carry up to a 15.4″ laptop. All zippers have 1.5″ chocolate brown faux leather pulls, so they will be easy to open and close even when wearing gloves. The faux leather on either side of the suede center panels is slightly pebbled with a natural cowhide grain, which keeps the faux leather from looking like like what it is. An 11.5″ wide 7″ deep zippered pocket is on the front, and it makes for the perfect place to carry plane tickets, a passport, or any other slim items that may need to be immediately accessed.
The interior of this front pocket gives a glimpse of the colorful and complimentary satin striped lining which is used throughout the bag.
There is a metal “Mobile Edge for Her” plaque on a ball chain attached to the handle, and when it is removed, the small metal plaque (which states the same) on the right side will be the only external branding. Metal D-rings are located on either side of the bag for attaching the included shoulder strap.
The left side has a 2.5″ wide x 5.5″ tall elastic-topped mesh pocket which can hold a mobile phone, slim bottle of water, sunglasses, or other similarly slim items if desired.
The back of the bag has a 15″ wide x 9″ tall slash pocket which is perfectly sized for magazines, newspapers, files, and other paperwork.
A 1.5″ patch of Velcro holds this pocket shut when larger objects are not being held.
The bottom of the Element does not have protective feet, but it does have a tightly woven nylon base which should repel water as well as dirt. If something does get on it, cleaning should be a simple wipe with a damp cloth.
There are three separate interior sections; let’s take a look at the first, which is mainly for organizing all of the small items we usually wind up carrying. This first compartment is designed so that the dual zippers can be opened nearly to the bottom of each side; fabric gussets will allow a wide opening without the fear of spilled contents. On the interior wall are the following: a 5″ wide x 6″ tall “Wireless Security Shield” pocket, a business card pocket, to pen loops, a lipstick holder (it works well with the traditional shaped 3/4″ x 3″ lipsticks, but not as well with the longer and thinner modern sticks), and a 2.5″ wide 4″ tall gusseted mobile phone pocket.
Let’s talk about the “Wireless Security Shield” for just a moment. Although its touted as being able to keep “your Bluetooth Phone/PDA safe from spam, hackers and viruses,” I’ve found to be great for the instant silencing of mobile phones, as they simply cannot receive a signal when in this pocket; alarms will still sound, of course.
On the opposite side is an organizational wall, which has the following: an open 14.5″ wide x 10″ tall slash pocket, five staggered pockets perfectly sized for business cards – either yours or those received, an 8″ wide x 7″ tall open slash pocket, and an 8″ wide x 4″ tall open pocket. I absolutely love the crazy tonal stripes used in the interior, they remind me of those in the much pricier Paul Smith bags.
The middle compartment is sized to hold a laptop measuring up to 15″ wide x 11.5″ tall x 2″ deep inside its own padded pocket; an elastic strap with a Velcro patch keeps the laptop secured, while additional files and papers can be kept in the open pocket inside the compartment.
The last set of zippers reveals a dual compartment made specifically carry files or slim notebooks. A matching cosmetics case hangs from the back wall.
This case measures approximately 7.25″ wide x 5″ tall, and although it is called a “cosmetic pouch”, it could just as easily be used as a wristlet to hold a money or a debit card on your Starbucks runs.
All that’s left is to show you the Element on a live person, so here I am…
As you can see, the bag is generously sized and the best part is that it allows you to choose whether it should be a shoulder bag or a handheld briefcase. Either way, the Element is a vegan delight that will please owners with its good looks, durable construction, and excellent price.
The Mobile Edge Element Briefcase is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers.
MSRP: $89.99
What I Like: Pretty fall and winter bag with bright colorful lining; capable organizational pockets; padded dedicated laptop compartment; plenty of room for paperwork and files; those who abhor over-branding will like the simple hanging metal tag; can be carried as a briefcase or as a shoulder bag; I am really amazed by the excellent price, as it could easily sell for much more!
What Needs Improvement: Nothing