Netbooks are definitely here to stay.  The market for them has exploded, and they are even beating notebooks in sales.  Its easy to see the reason why:  lightweight and small, can run programs like Word and Excel, great for surfing the web and checking e-mail.  However, it’s the small part that is a plus and a minus.  As I was getting ready to travel with my MSI Wind U123, I realized it was ‘too small’ for my normal messenger bag or backpack.  It just gets lost in the space meant for something about 7 inches bigger.  No more worries about that.  Skooba Design is here to the rescue with their Netbook Messenger.  I had an opportunity to check it out and see if it could make this self-admitted bag nut happy.

Skooba Design Netbook Messenger

Style & Design

The Netbook Messenger is definitely not short on style.  First, you have your choice of four different color combinations.  Charcoal is mixed with either blue, red, white, or black.  I chose to go with the blue to match my MSI Wind U123.  We geeks need to have a coordinating sense of style.  The overall look of the bag is one of a traditional messenger bag.  It is made out of a water-proof nylon material.  There is the shoulder strap, which is easy to adjust, but doesn’t have as much padding as I would like.  I am spoiled with Skooba’s other bags that come with the added shoulder pad.  I realize a netbag should not be as heavy as a regular notebook bag, but I like to carry lots of stuff.  Running around the airport with a bag over your shoulder, you need all the protection you can get.  The handle on the top of the bag is strong, and makes it easy to pick up the bag for a quick getaway.

Inside Look at Netbook Messenger

Now, the most important design element of any good bag, pockets and storage.  The Netbook Messenger delivers big time.  There are twelve plus pockets with all sorts of different uses and features.  The main compartment is covered by a two-tone flap, that itself has a zip pocket in the front and is secured either with just velcro or you can use the plastic clip for added security.  The netbook is placed on its side, and fits snugly in the padded slot.  There is a small velcro strap that holds the netbook in place.  Little things like that are important features that should not be overlooked.  It makes the big ticket item more secure.  Next to the netbook pocket is a mesh pocket that runs the whole height of the bag.  I had no problem fitting my power cord and my wireless mouse in that pocket.  Great design!!!  The rest of the compartment has plenty of room for a paperback or 2, music player, magazine, a snack, or your Kindle.  I don’t believe War & Peace would fit, but really, you should get that in ebook form and give your shoulder a break.

Netbook Escape Hatch

Now to the most exciting part of the main pocket:  the secret entrance.  If you examine the flap closely, you will notice a zipper running across the top of the bag.  That zipper opens to give you quick access to your netbook.  Now, where might that come in handy?  Well, the airport of course!  No need to scramble around trying to get your netbook out while avoiding pulling out cables or dropping other items.  Just a quick unzip, and you have it.  In honor of the Christmas Story, I give Skooba an A+++++ for this idea.

Messenger Paper Pocket

 In front of the main pouch is another pocket that is perfect for holding papers.  I like to print out all my reservations for hotels, flights, and cars.  I know everything is electronic, but the paper is just comforting.  There is a similar thin pocket in the very back of the bag.  I have found that this pocket is a must for me for air travel.  Its the boarding pass holding pocket.

Netbook Messenger Storage

Another key to any good bag is the organizational pocket.  This is usually a smaller compartment in the front of the bag that holds all your small miscellaneous items.  The Netbook Messenger does not disappoint.  It even has a storage pocket for flash drives, which are known to wind-up at the bottom of any bag.  There are stretchy elastic pockets, mesh pockets with zippers, and nylon zip pocket as well.  I had absolutely no problem fitting all of my gear in there.  Plus, it does have a clip to hook keys on.  Those are also bottom of the bag offenders.

Netbook Messenger Water Bottle Pocket

When I first received this bag, I took it out of the box, and gave it a quick once over.  I saw that it had small pockets on the outside of the bag that could fit a cell phone or iPod.  However, where was I going to put my bottle of Coke or water that is usually always with me.  I couldn’t seriously have to hold it in my hand.  Luckily, the answer is no.  There is a secret little mesh holder that pops out the side of the bag to hold your drink.  I was really worried when I didn’t see a space for it right away.  Skooba did not let me down.

Conclusions:

Pros:  Plenty of storage, hidden easy access netbook zipper, strong construction, fashionable design

Cons:  Shoulder strap needs more padding

The Netbook Messenger by Skooba Designs is a great bag.  If you are looking for a gift for the netbook user in your life, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this bag.  You can order it from Skooba for $49.95. 

I would like to thank Skooba Designs for sending me a bag to review and keep.  I have been waiting for a netbook bag, and now that wait is over.

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