How To Select Briefcases, Computer Bags, Notebook Cases, Catalog Cases, Leather Briefcases and Business Cases.

A Buyers Guide

Business cases can be the ultimate organizational feature behind a successful businessperson. Some business cases are computer-compatible, others are ergonomically correct. Whatever the function may be, today's business cases and computer bags feature both trendy and traditional styles, offering busy executives more pockets, compartments and organizer sections than in the past.

Business cases can range from the classic leather business attaché to the office-on-the-go on wheels. There are business cases that can conceal computer laptops to ones that allow a user to work on a computer while it remains in the case.

Michele Marini Pittenger, vice president of the Travel Goods Association (TGA), advises businesspeople that there is a great variety of business case products that can add both form and function to their lives. According to Pittenger, "Technology has created a broad assortment of materials and design elements that help make business travel more pleasurable travel!"

Pittenger advises that there is not only an excellent array of choices, but also a wide variety of price ranges to consider when deciding on appropriate business case purchases. To help business people better understand the variety of business case products available, TGA offers the following description of business case products to help them with their selections.

BUSINESS CASES
Business cases are styled to enhance the working business wardrobe and fitted to cope with the various needs of business people. Most business cases are manufactured with leather, vinyl, or fabric. Some are made of molded plastic, metal, or even wood.
 

Attachés
The attaché is a fully framed, box-shaped case which is usually secured by one or more combination or key locks. The inside top of the case is frequently fitted with pockets or files (either removable or permanent) to organize papers and other business accessories such as calculators, pens, and business cards. Some attachés include a removable portfolio. Attachés open flat so that the contents can be easily seen and can also be used like a desk.

Envelopes
Envelopes have flap closures with locks or snaps. Some have handles or detachable shoulder straps. Others are carried under the arm. They may be simple one-compartment cases, or larger bags with gussets (pleated sides) and interiors fitted with files. They are typically soft, and open from the top, giving access to contents the way a file drawer does. Envelopes are generally lightweight and have some expandability.

Zippered Cases
Zippered cases open from the top, with either a top zipper, or zippers that extend around two or three sides. They range from simple, unfitted styles to those with more elaborately featured interiors. Some have outside pockets. They may have no handles, retractable or fixed handles, and a detachable shoulder strap. Zippered cases come in many styles and feature expandability.

Catalog Case or Pilot's Case
A rectangular bag closed by a long single flap or double flaps (one of which fits over the other), the catalog or pilot's case is designed for maximum carrying capacity. Handles can be double straps or fixed, and fit through a slot in the flaps. These rigid box-type cases have wider tops than brief bags and are not flexible. While the 18" size is most popular, the 20" size is ideal for computer printouts and larger paperwork.

"Offices-On-The-Go"
Fabricated in leather, heavy gauge nylon, and even lightweight aluminum, these business cases feature a trolley system, and pockets and compartments for organizing office and overnight travel essentials.

Brief bags
These cases open at the top with a hinged frame; they can be secured with a lock and often have a flap closure. The interiors are usually fitted with two or more compartments. Gussets allow expandability, and sometimes up to 8" or more in total. Brief bags are carried with fixed handles or shoulder straps. They are ideal for people carrying a large volume of papers or books and are popular with attorneys, accountants, and students.

Alternative Business Cases
Alternative business cases in the form of backpacks, messenger bags and business totes are designed to be more casual work organizers. Many of these alternatives to the more traditional business cases are laptop compatible and offer a host of features such as multi-pocketed organizational compartments, easy access zippered main compartments, and front pocket horizontal file storage compartments. Some are designed with easy-to-access mesh side compartments for frequently needed items, as well as bungee cords for attaching bike helmets and other more difficult-to-pack items.

• Leather--Is it leather? Leather has markings and slight color variations. Check labeling for type of leather. Top or full-grain and exotic leathers command higher prices.
   
• Solid Construction--Is an attaché case solidly constructed? Are the top and bottom of the case in line? (Test by twisting the case slightly to be sure that it does not wobble from side to side.) Are the bottoms of unframed cases reinforced so the leather won't sag when the case is full?
   
• Hardware--Does the lid of an open attaché stay locked in the open position? Does the brief bag frame stay in the open position when needed? Are locks other than combination locks solid brass or die-cast?
   
• Handles--Is the handle soft enough for comfort, yet firm enough to keep its shape? (When in doubt, choose a slightly harder handle, as it will soften with use.) Does the handle have a crossbar so it can't pull through when the case is full and heavy?
   
• Finished Edges--How are the edges finished? Does the leather on the handle's edges separate where the leather meets? (Check by rubbing a finger across the edges.) Are burnished edges smooth and tight? (Check by rubbing a thumb down the edge of the case for smoothness, and across to be sure it does not separate. Make sure the coloring on the edge does not rub off.) Are bound, or turned, edges neat, and sewn close to the edge? If edges are welted, are welts sewn in securely?
   
• Stitching--Is the stitching evenly spaced, with no loose ends? On an extended-edge design, stitches should not run into the edge. Is the stitching functional or ornamental?
   
• Interior--Are file dividers tiered at the top and gusseted on the sides? Are the tiers deep enough to keep papers securely in place? Are the gussets big enough for easy access? Will it accommodate legal-sized file folders? Are partitions and pockets made of leather, or materials with good stitch-holding characteristics, rather than from chipboard or no-saturated paper?
   
• Balance--Do portfolios (except underarm styles), attachés, and brief bags stand up by themselves?
   
• Zippers--Are zippers appropriately sized? Do they travel smoothly? Do they stay closed? Are they sewn in so they don't catch on linings?