Mobile Edge Milano Tote Laptop Bag

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

June 27, 2006

It wasn't long ago that I reviewed the Geneva Tote Laptop Bag, an experience which marked my introduction to Mobile Edge's reasonably priced offerings. Today I am going to look at their very popular Milano Tote, a bag that is so popular it seems to be continuously sold out on their site as well as that of several suppliers.

The Mobile Edge Milano tote has an allover faux crocodile belly pattern, and it is available in black, blue or a special edition Susan G. Komen Pink. I was sent the small version in black, which despite its name happens to be a substantially sized tote measuring approximately 16.5" wide at its base and tapering to 15" at its top; it is 12" tall by 3.5" wide. The handles are 27" long with a drop of 12". The straps will easily fit on the shoulder, but they can also be carried on the wearer's arm or in her hand. The faux crocodile is glossy, but not too shiny. It looks classy, not at all tacky or cheap.

There is tasteful branding on the bag's exterior. The first instance is a 2.25" metal tag which is attached with a stainless steel ball chain. This tag can be left in place or removed and used as a keychain.

On the left side of the bag is a subtle embossed loop that bears the ME logo; blink and you'll miss it!

The only other evident exterior branding is the ME logo on the dual 1.5" long by 0.5" silver toned metal zipper pulls.

The back of the bag is identical to the front, there are no exterior pockets. While this does contribute to the bag's overall sleek lines, it does seem like at least one exterior slash pocket - perhaps on the back side, would have been a convenient add-on.

Notice that the 31" long zipper runs to within 3.5" of the base of the bag on each side. This allows the Milano tote to open w-i-d-e, which will allow for easy access.

The rolled shoulder straps are flat on the 8" portion which actually rests on the wearer's shoulder. This is very important as it will not only help keep the straps in place, but it also makes for a much more comfortable carrying experience when the bag is loaded.

Opening the dual zippers reveals a rich, deep red, faux suede that is reminiscent of Louis Vuitton's alcantra fabric. The back wall has a 15.5" long x 8.5" deep slash pocket that is suitable for carrying magazines, files or a paper tablet. When it is not in use, a hidden patch of Velcro keeps the slash pocket tight against the wall of the bag.

There is an attached clip which may be used to hold the wearer's keychain...

...or the included 8' wide x 5.5' tall accessory bag.

This accessory bag's zipper has an attached faux leather 6" loop so that the bag may be worn as a wristlet - a perfectly sized bag for quick trips to the coffee shop, lunch room, or any other place where its owner doesn't want to travel "fully loaded".

The opposite wall of the bag features an organizational panel. On the upper wall is an 8.5" wide x 8" tall zippered pocket, this is a great place to keep small loose items that may be easily lost.

Directly under the pocket and to the left is the amazing Wireless Security Shield Pocket™ that utilizes a Zinc lined pocket which blocks electromagnetic waves and radio frequencies. This pocket measures approximately 6" tall x 4" wide and is kept closed by a strip of Velcro on the flap. As I noted in my previous review, mobile phones placed in this pocket will not receive a signal. According to Matthew Olivolo with Mobile Edge, "It is designed to shield your Bluetooth enabled PDA or phone from hackers. It is also nice when popping into a meeting; you don't have to worry about your phone ringing."

Next to the Wireless Security Shield Pocket™ is a business card pocket, three elastic pen loops, and a larger elastic loop with a closed bottom. This last elastic "pocket" is in fact a lipstick holder. On the end is a 5" tall x 3" wide padded mobile phone pocket - for times when the owner doesn't want her signal blocked.

In the center of the bag is a 14" wide x 10' tall x 2" deep laptop pocket. The pocket is completely closed off from the other portions of the bag's interior, open only on its top. This laptop pocket is padded, lined in nylon, and it has a bumpy padding reminiscent of egg crate lining its bottom as protection for the carried laptop.

The laptop pocket in this bag is designed for portable computers with up to 15.4" screens. Here is a picture of a snugly fitting 14" wide and 1.5" thick laptop (with a 15.5" screen). As was the case with the Geneva tote, when a laptop is inserted in the Milano there is still plenty of room on either side for other items.

This pocket is also suitable for toting files or a taller book when the wearer is not carrying a laptop.

The Milano tote comes with a protective fabric storage bag. I've said it before and I will say it again, sleeper bags add a designer touch to any bag. In my opinion, all manufacturers that are trying to market their laptop bag as a possible fashion accessory should include them. Why? Because like all accessories there will be times when the bag gets rotated. Having a ready means of dust-free storage is important.

Just like the Geneva, the small Milano tote carries a sub-$100 price, which makes it a veritable bargain for any woman that wants a fashionable and affordable laptop bag. The use of faux crocodile skin makes the tote guilt-free for animal lovers and budget watchers alike. At the same time, it allows the wearer to stay current with the current fashions.

The Small Mobile Edge Milano tote is available in black or blue for $99.99 MSRP; and in the same size there is a special pink Komen edition may be purchased for $129.99, with 10% of its proceeds going to the Susan G. Koman Foundation. According to Matthew, "We have a partnership with the Komen Foundation. Last year we donated more than $100,000 to the Foundation and look to increasing that donation this year." For those with up to 17" laptop screens, there is a large version of the Geneva in black which retails for $119.99.