Hello everyone!

I just recently ordered a custom-made messenger-style laptop bag from Renaissance Art. It is supposed to arrive some time early next week. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast they were able to put such a bag together, especially considering that the creation process is completely customized. I am fairly excited about it since my current bags consist of a Crumpler and Timbuk2 bag, neither of which are completely appropriate for professional situations.

The web page for the bag can be found here: http://www.renaissance-art.com/Prod270/Product.aspx

Does anyone else have any experience with their bags? Want to give any mini-reviews to sate my impatience?

Cheers!

I haven't tried their bags, yet, but I have several of the other products. I don't think you'll be disappointed. And, I think we get to rely on you for a review of the laptop bag.

I have another of their products as well, and it is absolutely top quality. I'm extremely happy with the craftsmanship. It really looks and feels like something special.

One concern that I would be aware of is that my Moleskine cover came with quite a bit of tanning oil on it. The paper it came warpped in had soaked up some oil, and the corners of the pages of my Moleskine are turning brown. Now, I don't care in the slightest if my Moleskine gets tanning oil on it, but it would bother me if it rubbed off on my clothes from carrying a messenger bag. Take a look at the packing materials to see if your bag is giving off any oil. If that's not a problem, then I am confident that you're really going to enjoy that bag.

Lovely bag.... but I am rough on bags, putting them in car trunks, on the floor in subways, through lots of airport security machines, under the seat on aircraft, etc. I need to stick to ballistic nylon, which is both cheap and sturdy.

If you want a bag that sits on the borderline between professional and casual, is made in the USA and is top quality, I can't recommend Tom Bihn enough. I have a couple of their bags and the manufacture is very very sturdy, the colours cool, they provides excellent laptop protection and they are very comfortable to wear.

If you want something a bit more 'corporate' then have a look at Knomo. The problem is that the best bags are only available shipped form the UK and they're not cheap. But they are really good. I have a Dallas and use it every day. It has a dedicated cushioned laptop pocket, pen slots and other pockets on the inside. Very well made bags.


edit: ^^ Sorry, just realized that my comments are basically irrelevant to the OP.

I know this thread has been dead for a good while, but I am reminding DrScott to write a review on this bag. I can't believe you're leaving us hanging after posting this thread.

I have one or Ren-Arts moleskine covers and they are soon to make me another one. The quality of mine was excellent, hence the repeat business.

I would love to have one of the messenger bags, but sadly the import duties that I will pay will ruin the deal.

Perhaps I should make a personal visit.

DrScott! Do come out and tell! Is the bag all you hoped for and dreamed of???

I'm working with Art on a project right now and find him a consummate professional, I am also eager to see and use the final product.

Ah, quite sorry about leaving you hanging! I have had the bag for about 2 weeks or so, and it is very nice. The only complaint is that the laptop compartment has no padding whatsoever, so I have to be extra careful when tossing the bag around. I guess I would have also preferred the leather to be a little more distressed looking when I go the bag, but I guess that will happen over time.

I'll see if I can dig out my camera and make some time to write the review.

Sorry again!

Cheers!

Ooh this is something to look forward to!

Did you allow enough of a gap when you ordered to put the laptop in a neoprene case? I use a Crumpler Gimp inside my messenger bags.

Which "fit" did you buy?

Just a quick reply to let everyone know that I recently posted a little review of the bag in the Pen and Paraphernalia Review Forum. Let me know if you have any questions you'd like me to answer.

Cheers!