Newbie question: ID vs Empire Builder

[Abaddon]

I tossed up long and hard re: the Zephyr vs the EB - was the EB too bulky, would the zephyr have enough space - there are loads of these threads on the forum.

For everyday use - sans laptop - the EB is much roomier than I really need - plenty of space and on the border of being perhaps a little too bulky.

I travelled with it for the first time a month ago with laptop - and the EB is perfect. I had a braincell with 14" laptop, snake charmer with mouse and cables and a couple of novels and bits and pieces in the main pocket. It was perfect, and I suspect the Zephyr may have been a bit on the small side for me.

[timothy]

Between the ID (or any messenger bag, really) and the Empire Builder or the Zephyr, it's a choice of somewhat squishy and conformable vs. a round-edged rectangle. For carrying important files or documents, I'd take the briefcase sort. For most purposes (for me), I'd take the ID ... but depending on what I was taking, there are trips I'd definitely prefer the Zephyr.

(The Zephyr's a hair smaller than I expected, but there are all kinds of expectation games with bags, with some people describing any given bag as "much larger than it seems on paper," etc. But the Zephyr is a very *nice* size, regardless :))

timothy

[Lone Piper]

All,
Thanks for the great comments. I ended up going with a Zephyr and it should be here on Monday! I'm sure it won't be my last Tom Bihn laptop bag...what a great way to start my new addiction!

[Lone Piper]

Well the Zephyr showed up yesterday and all I can say is...WOW!!! This by far is the best built bag I've ever owned. I am impressed with the incredible quality of materials and workmenship. Now that I am proud owner of a Tom Bihn laptop bag, I can fully understand what all the fuss was about. Every stitch, every seam, every zipper is top of the line...and darn if it doesn't look good! I went with the black, crimson and steel...I love the look of it. Not to mention is stands out from every other briefcase I've seen...yet keeps that professional look.

I bought the Absolute Shoulder Strap earlier for this briefcase and its pure poetry when you put the two together. Tom Bihn and company...I'm hooked! Thanks for such a high quality product and GREAT customer service!

[Darcy]

Well the Zephyr showed up yesterday and all I can say is...WOW!!! This by far is the best built bag I've ever owned. I am impressed with the incredible quality of materials and workmenship.

Glad to hear it. I will pass on your comments to our factory crew. :)