Brenthaven's reputation as a maker of quality, long-lasting laptop bags is unlikely to be damaged by its latest offering. The core Brenthaven values - premium-grade protection and reliability - are here in abundance, but the Edge has added a new attribute to the list: a splash of style.
Up to now, Brenthaven has followed Henry Ford's 'any colour so long as it is black' philosophy, but the Edge is also available in a fetching, if a little effete, sky blue with bright orange interiors. However, it is every bit as robust as you would expect.
The bag is slim and sleek - so much so that you'll fit precious little in it bar your laptop. There's a pocket at the rear and another inside the front flap, neither of which are big enough to accept more than an issue or two of MacUser at best. But then the Edge is aimed at those who travel light, or for those who might otherwise buy a thin neoprene sheath to protect a laptop, which actually provides very little protection.
In contrast, the Edge keeps it very secure. Your MacBook - or, with the Edge II, 15in PowerBooks and MacBook Pros - fits snugly in the case, surrounded with thick, resilient foam padding. There's padding front and back too, and a semi-rigid shell to help the bag absorb knocks.
You can carry it under your arm, use the chunky retractable handle to carry it briefcase-style, or attach the padded shoulder strap to keep both hands free.
There's no space for a charger, so unless you have two, say, one at home and one at work, and ferry your laptop between the two then this isn't the bag for you. But if you're looking for a reliable, robust sleeve to punt your laptop around between meetings, this is a practical, attractive option.
Author: Christopher Phin
MacUser Online