I saw the PATRIOT, POTOMAC's bigger version, at Staples the other day and fell in love with its sleek design and SwissGear standards. However, the Patriot is much too big for my purposes (laptop + paperwork transportion to/from office, business travels, etc)... so I tried to find another SwissGear bag of similar design and smaller proportions. I came upon Potomac on Amazon and wasn't too impressed with its design compared to Patriot. However, I read the reviews, took a chance, and ordered it.
It's fantastic! It looks better than it does in the photos. It's roomy (a tiny bit too big for me still but it's all good), sturdy, and handsome. I like to remove the laptop tote and use it for everyday purposes when I don't have to lug around paperwork from the office.
Very happy with the purchase.
This is a good looking, well made case. The price is great, $40 less than the same case at Staples. My two sons are so impressed they plan to buy the same case themselves.
Because I have a 15.6 widescreen ASUS laptop, I didn't think that I would be able to use the inner case like a sleeve because the right up said it was for a 15.2 or 15.4, but to my pleasant surprise, it just fits. This means it is possible to park the rolling case and carry the computer in the very attractive computer case to a meeting, etc. The case serves the purpose of a sleeve, but it looks like a pricey brief case. Also, if I should be on a regional flight that considers the case too large for their small overhead compartment, I will just remove the inner case and carry it on board and let them stow the case elsewhere.
Beach ships the case and I got it within a couple of days of when it was ordered. Very good shipping service, and shipping was free.
I highly recommend this case.
UPDATE: Carried this bag today on two of the regional planes used by United. Although I hadn't filled the bag to overflowing, I had no trouble getting it under the seat and into the overhead bin. Did find though that when putting it into the overhead bin I had to insert it with the top forward--not wheels first or sideways--because the bin sloped toward the back and wheels prevented it from sliding in all the way. But putting front in first, bag fit as the front of the bin has more space for the wheels. Under the seat, it didn't seem to make much difference. But if under the seat on these small planes, there isn't a lot of room for your feet.
Expect no difficulty whatsoever on the big jets.
Update 1 January 2012. I have made a number of flights on big jets and regional jets since writing the review and have never had a problem. I have also found that when checking bags to see which need to be put in the cargo compartment on a regional jet that they often say this case is ok to carry on-board. Regardless of the plane, however, it is necessary--as mentioned above-to put the part with the handle in first since the back interior of the overhead is smaller than the front so the wheels would prevent you from pushing it in far enough to permit the stewardess to close the cover of overhead compartment. Put the handle in first and there is no problem.
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The reasons I picked this case:
I wanted to be able to carry my laptop and numerous accessories (including battery, mouse, power cord, ethernet cord, wireless remote presenter, etc.).
I wanted to save my back and shoulders... i.e. I needed a rolling case.
But I didn't want to be stuck with a rolling case at a conference, etc. when I am not the one presenting.
This case is great: it is sturdy, holds a lot of stuff and the smaller case inside is perfect because it holds those absolute necessities you always need while you can keep the bulkier items in the car or hotel room.
The case looks nice too and has been resistant to wear and tear.
Read Best Reviews of POTOMAC from SwissGear by Wenger Computer Double Gusset Rolling Case Here
This rolling case is very high quality. I used to buy a new rolling case every 3-6 months for $20-$40, because I tend to be pretty hard on them. As a graduate student, I use my bag daily for classes as well as taking it with me everywhere to study if I have a few free moments. I finally broke down and bought this one and I am so glad. It is large, has room for alot of books, etc. and it is now 3 months old and is still in perfect condition. I am sure that it will last me at least another year! Swiss army is the bomb!
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I bought this because my brother wanted his Tumi back. He had the Tumi that looks similar to this one.
This one is better than his Tumi in several ways.
-1/4 the cost.
-Does not tip over ever. The Tumi would fall backwards (toward the handle) when I took out my laptop from the middle pocket.
-The pen holder is much more accessible. The Tumi wouldn't unzip far enough to get to everything.
-More pockets.
The bad:
There are 3 pockets that hold "pens." This is more than I need, so I tried keeping CDs and DVDs in them, but they are far too deep for anything that's not at least 8" long.
Neutral:
It is a little big for small planes, but I have been lucky enough to get it in every overhead bin I've tried so far. The smallest plane I have been on had 2 seats on each side of the aisle in coach.
I'd happily get the same bag again. I didn't want a Tumi because it screams, "hey everyone, I paid $400 for something you could get for $75."
Someone really thought of everything with this backpack. The quality is in the details. The canvas-type fabric is thick and the color is a rich, deep dye. Heavy zippers with rubber tabs for ease of opening are perfect for small hands to open this backpack by themselves. Toddlers are known for destruction and I can honestly say this backpack will stand up well. The base has double-stitching as does the water bottle holder and along the zippered edges. All along the edge of the backpack are stamped jousters! I didn't notice this in the provide photograph. It really connects the design on the front of the backpack together. The front zipper flap opens to a nicely organized set of pockets for pencils, money, notes, etc. There is a large, white label to mark your child's name, address and phone number. Finally, soft shoulder pads help a child want to carry it themselves. The size of the backpack is just right. It fits a full-sized folder, a lunch bag and room to stuff an extra shirt, pull ups and pants. This will definitely last us through this school year and next school year. My goal is for this backpack to make it for 2.5 years. I'll keep you updated!
