I don’t really think that there is a better place to put your thermos than the side pockets of the Booq bag, but you are right that they don’t sound like a good match based on the measurements we have both given.

I have some other laptop backpack reviews coming up, maybe something else will be a better match for you. :0)

I am trying to decide between buying the Booqbag PS3, or the Spire ‘Fuse’/'Meta’ or Samsonite Laptop Sports Backpack. Any plans to review the latter ones?

I am a student with a long commute on public transit, so I need a bag that can carry plenty of textbooks and binders, along with my laptop/PDA/mobile, and yet be comfortable to walk around with. I’m also looking for a bag that will accomodate a thermos with dimensions of 9 3/4″ height with a 2 3/4″ base diameter, and it doesn’t sound like the PS 3 side pockets will do the trick based on the dimensions listed in your review. Is there any other spot in the PS3 where I could fit my thermos?

Thanks,
akapur

I got my BP3 system with PowerSleeve 15 today and the bag is too freaking small! The PowerSleeve will * NOT* fit in the bag. Is this normal? I can almost understand the zippers being a little stiff, but the PowerSleeve is supposed to fit in the bag — right? It’s like they made mine 2″ too short.

Customer Service – two thumbs down.

Orange

Visited Boog’s website and there is a form you fill out to file a return / claim. I filled it in and await notification – did not hear from them in 2 days.

Visited the web site again and noticed it says you do not need to file a claim to return, simply mail the bag back and they will be refunded. I did precisely that and three weeks have gone by – no notification of receipt, no refund credit. Not a word.

I filed another claim form asking for status – no reply for two days.

Just emailed theiir customer service asking for status, will post my experience. FWIW, a backpack I ordered from eBags was returned and credited within a week, and with free return shipment.

Orange

I have previously used the Spire Zoom (http://www.spireusa.com) for three years and were very happy with it until my new Dell Latitude D800’s extra length requires a larger bag, and unfortunately Spire’s new models did not look as well designed as the older models.

I have then purchasrd a Mobile Select backpack from Ebags, returned after one day. Must give Ebags a thumb up for ease of return with no shipping charge and hassle.

Now onto the Cons of this backpack:

(1) The handle on the top is flimsy. Even a $30 backpack has better handle nowadays.

(2) Of all the compartments available, there is no place to clip a few pens. The only possible locations – under the shell all the way to the left and right side of the outer pockets.

(3) The laptop compartment is too wide. I understand it is designed to hold an extra sleeve, but without it, the fit is not snug. My old Spire came with a sleeve. But my Dell Latitude 800 will not fit after a sleeve is added because as it is now, it is barely fitting in height, but too much room width wise.

(4) This backpack does not stand up straight. Something about it. Most backpack when fully loaded will stand up straight at least when leaned against the wall, this one will not. I think it is because of the extra wide shoulder straps and the padding at the bottom is not “flat” on the outside. The extra wide shoulder strap is not comfortable either and if you wear an overcoat this shoulder strap may not fit well over heavy layered clothing.

(5) Need to find a way to tuck away the waist straps so it does not dangle when not in use. To this day I have yet to see people use the waist strap, most do not go hiking and camping with this.

(6) Ah the side pockets – I like to see some variations. Would be nice to have this construction on one side but the other side have a half height one, or one with a horizontal zipper across the could be opened and a water bottle pushed in? A mesh fitter pocket somewhere on the outside will be nice.

(7) Zippers – I think this is the biggest letdown on this for me. The zippers do not zip well. Both the Spire and Mobile Select have bigger and better zipper, it makes a difference when the zipper is hard to use. I tried each of the compartments and I have to hold one side with one hand and then zip/unzip with the other. Most high end bags I have used you can zip/unzip with one hand.

(8) The interior clip is located incorrectly. If hangs over a zipper opening so you must move whatever you are hanging out of the way.

I am searching for the ultimate backpack and the search continues…

What is Booq’s return policy like?

Orange

Eddie.

Bradkap,
Are you planning on returning your backpack? If so, I would really like to know what your experience was like.

In any case, I wanted you all to know that they were quick to take my $$, but they have POOR/NON-EXISTENT post-sale customer service

Eddie J.
ejboony@aol.com

Also, if you do contact Brenthaven, your comparison of the Executive Backpack and the Urban Backpack would be valuable.

Well that is bad news! Thanks for letting us know about your experience with the Booq, and I will see what we can do about the Brenthaven.

Judie :0/

I received the BP3 System yesterday. The construction is excellent. However, this bag is BIG, but in the wrong demensions for business use. The side pouches are too big and deep, the velcro releases on th shell are awkward to use to gain access to the underlying pockets; the main compartment is not shaped right for business papers (too wide); and most importantly, although well padded (even without the sleeve) the computer storage section is too difficult to get in and out of.

The sleeve is nice, but not necessary as there really is ample padding. Finally, I don’t see much use for the phone bag and the PDA bag, as those items need to be easily accessable and messing with another bag to get to them is cumbersome.

I wanted this bag to work in the worst way, but it just does not work for me. I would love to see a review of the Brenthaven Executive Backpack.

According to this search, an Apple G4 Powerbook with a 15″ screen will fit.

Here is the link: http://www.booqbags.com/Catalog.bok

These are the results you get when you enter the 15″ G4 Powerbook: http://www.booqbags.com/Search.bok?no.show.inprogress=1&sredir=1&keyword=PS15&category=all&submit=Search

Judie :0)

This sh!t is like an army bag, who would carry this unless you were in Iraq fighting the Iraqis.

You are right about Brenthaven’s quality. I will never forget one of my first reviews was on their PDA case. While that thing was fugly – it was built like a tank.

I don’t think you will be dissapointed in the Booq – keep us posted.

Judie :0)

This bag seems to be the “ONE.” I have been looking for a back pack for some time. The most important thing is quality and style. I have been using a Brenthaven brief for almost 10 years and I just want something different now. Brenthaven’s backpack’s are pricey and not very stylish. So, I had not switched yet. But you should note that the Brenthaven brief has performed beyond my expectations and has set the standard that I will come to expect for quality.

I first saw one of Booq’s print ads. Then went to their web site. Not convinced, I forgot about it until I read your review. I then went back to the Booq web site and called Booq. Within hours I ordered the BP3 System (Navy w/ Kahki shell, although my daughter wanted me to get the Orange shell, it was a little bright for business use). When I receive it I will post a review.

But your great review pushed me over the edge to get the BP3 ! Thanks for the great review !

If you are carrying your laptop, then space would be a bit limited. But I think you could fit one change of clothes in the main compartment, and you could fit your toiletries into the dome pocket on the front and the two big side pouches/pockets.

I am not sure how much gear you carry in addition to the emergency change of clothes, but it might work for you.

I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this bag, but I won’t even get to keep it…my daughter has claimed it. :p

Judie :0)

The other thing is that I’d like to use something like this as carry-on luggage to take on an airplane. With my laptop filling one compartment, it doesn’t sound like too much room left in 2.5″ of depth for lose-your-luggage-emergency change of clothes and toiletry kit.

I’ve been on the fence about buying the BP3 System for several months now. A test drive of the product here in Canada means importing the product, and that entails shipping, handling, duties imposed by customs, interference from customs brokerage houses, and what-have-you. So, the more info I can get from good reviews like this before I take the plunge, the better.

But I may still test drive this one

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/booq-paq3-review.html

Just click the POST REPLY button on this page.