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Carry On Computing: Ten stylish laptop bags for him
A touch of class for tech travellers
John Lewis Gladstone Leather Briefcase
Gladstone leather luggage is the John Lewis own brand range, which includes this hard-wearing bag in antique tan. Devoid of logos, this is a classic brief, but in soft leather so it’s a doddle to keep clean, unlike canvas alternatives. If it does get grubby, it rubs off easy enough and you can always resort to baby wipes – a remarkable unsung invention for cleaning bags.
Fuss-free, it has two external slip pockets on the outside with just one tough main zip to open it up. Inside there's a padded laptop section with a short magnetic strap, rather than velcro. You get an internal zip pocket and three further slip pockets and pen holders. Like most bags featured, it’s water resistant but not completely waterproof, and being leather doesn’t pad out too much more than work gear. It’s comfortable to lug around, though, with its padded leather handles and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap.
Finally, ignore the tan description it’s actually dark brown. If you fancy a traditional black bag, the Hideskin Parker leather briefcase will set you back an extra £50 but the quality wont disappoint.
Knomo Durham Full Leather Brief
The brand Knomo derives from two words: knowledge and mobility. As a London brand it’s known as the one that UK retailers actually stock, when too many brands languish on websites alone. Knomo aims for old-fashioned quality, built to last but with modern design. The range is immense but this brief in black or brown has lasting appeal given it’s made from soft leather that will improve with age.
The design is structured, keeping it slim, with extra-padded walls for laptop protection with external zip pockets and easy zip fastener at the top. Designed as a hard wearing work bag, it takes just a laptop and documents with soft leather-clad handles or detachable shoulder strap.
It’s classy and includes a Myknomo ID number tag, so if you lose it, the Honest John or Joan who finds it can easily contact Knomo, and the company will retrieve the bag and return it to you free of charge. And if the Durham is too rich for your blood, the Knomo Raleigh Canvas briefcase messenger is a decent alternative at £149.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
