Belkin Ceylon Shoulder Bag (Dark Gray/Light Blue) Review
This bag is really nice material-wise and looks great as a messenger. It definitely isn’t your traditional laptop bag because the way it’s designed, it’s more for carrying something light and putting a couple things in - netbook & accessories come to mind. I would call my old SF Bag a “laptop” bag. I could carry a 15-17 inch laptop in its sleeve, a book or two, adapter & cables, some CDs, and a desktop-sized mouse in that bag no problem. Of course it was heavy, but the bag was durable and had enough compartments to store even more. The Belkin Ceylon messenger however is not designed for that.
It has several compartments in the bag but the overall slimness of it doesn’t mean I could put much in. There are two “wide” slots in the bag with the soft fabric one being for laptops and the other for notepads/magazines/etc. In these two slots I can easily put a netbook or a 13-15 inch macbook no problems (though obviously the laptop goes to the soft fabric slot). The problem with my setup though, is that a netbook can go into the slot and I can put a book and some writing material into the other slot fine. A macbook or equivalent laptop however, than things get tight and a book probably won’t fit in there. I brought the bag with me w/ the netbook, 2 college-bound notebooks, and a 1/2 inch worth of other notes to jury duty and it was tight.
Now that’s my impression of those two slots and the bag in general. It has 4 pockets inside the bag - 1 that has a zipper and 1 next to it (both run deep), and 2 in front of these that are ‘elastic’. There’s also a zipper to the side of these pockets to “expand” the bag I think. I’m not too sure but if it isn’t that I don’t see what purpose it serves. Aside from the 4 pockets you have your general space to put other things in.
As like the other reviewers, I think the strap is designed poorly. The strap on my bag seems to always fall towards the front of the bag where the flap closes. If not that, it always seems to magically make itself go under to the base of the bag. MAGIC! Why is this bad for me? Well this bag was advertised to “stand on itself.” The strap magically going under the bag causes it to tip over. Now why don’t I just move the strap to the front or the back and solve this problem? Well…. there’s the other flaw. The base of the bag doesn’t seem to have enough sturdy/heavy cardboard (whatever material it is) to hold its ground. My bag always tips over and the only time it doesn’t is if there’s nothing in there. I think it just needs a heavier base or a sturdier foundation, otherwise it seems to tip over often. My bag seems to tip over the front. Resting the strap in the front doesn’t prevent this, and putting the strap to the back doesn’t provide enough weight to hold the bag straight up. Grr.
Aside from these flaws, another big one. The bag is made of a nylon material (i think) so like I said before, putting many things in will make it tight and heavy. It will also buldge out. There were times I could not close the flap on the bag or align the magnets to have it closed because the darn bag just kept buldging out and warping the flap.
Ok so it sounds like there’s a lot of negatives but this bag still gets 4 stars. Why? I really dig the water bottle extension. Unzip the side pocket, take out the elastic band voila! Instant water bottle holder. Very neat IMO. Also there’s a hidden handle at the top of the flap so it can be a makeshift “handbag”. The strap is adjustable to various lengths which is nice but the best part of it is a pocket for holding a cellphone or mp3 player. Very neat again!
Now that doesn’t really warrant 4 stars but why does it still get 4? It’s because this laptop bag is a “messenger” bag from what Belkin describes it as, and because of that it serves its purpose. It carries just what’s necessary and not too much in excess, and provides other neat utilities like cellphone & water bottle holder. Btw guys, if you can get your hands on the black color one you’re lucky! I had a hard time finding a place that carried that particular color and ultimately settled with the gray/green.
Belkin Ceylon Shoulder Bag (Dark Gray/Light Blue) Feature
- Slim, lightweight shoulder bag for 15.4-inch laptops and essentials
- Durable nylon exterior and a plush Tricot inner lining; built-in stability for easy packing and upright standing
- Stylish dark gray and light blue color combination
- Secure magnetic enclosure gives you easy access
- Measures 14 x 11 x 2 inches; Belkin Lifetime Warranty
Belkin Ceylon Shoulder Bag (Dark Gray/Light Blue) Overview
Stylish, lightweight bag for local outings with your laptop.
Belkin Ceylon Shoulder Bag (Dark Gray/Light Blue) Specifications
The Belkin Ceylon Messenger Bag is a slim, lightweight, and versatile shoulder bag that’s designed to carry your laptop and everyday essentials. Designed to carry both standard and widescreen 15.4-inch laptops, this bag also includes compartments for pens, notebooks and even a water bottle.
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The Belkin Ceylon Messenger Bag offers:
- Protection for a 15.4-inch laptops from bumps and bruises.
- Compartments for pens, notebooks, and accessories.
- Magnetic enclosure keeps items inside secure.
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The Ceylon has multiple compartments for storing essentials in addition to your laptop. View larger. |
With this messenger bag, you won’t have to worry about transporting your laptop from your home to the cafe, or through the airport on your next business trip. Featuring a stylish dark gray and light blue color combination, the Ceylon Messenger Bag is made with a durable nylon exterior and a plush Tricot inner lining that will protect your computer from the nicks and scratches that everyday life will try to throw at it.
The bag features built-in stability for easy packing and is designed to stand upright on its own. In addition to the shoulder strap, the bag features a hidden handle for added convenience and versatility. A secure magnetic enclosure gives you easy access to your laptop and essentials.
The exterior of the bag measures 16 x 14 x 4 inches, with the inner notebook compartment measuring 14 x 11 x 2 inches, giving your laptop a snug and secure fit. The Belkin Ceylon Shoulder Bag is backed by Belkin’s Lifetime Warranty.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 05, 2010 21:10:17
