Tom Bihn
Tom Bihn's Side Effect

Tom Bihn recently released their iteration on the venerable waist pack. It looks like a great bag to have on hand when you want to get out and do some field scouting. From Tom Bihn, "The Side Effect can be used three different ways: as a shoulder bag (included is a shoulder strap that fits neatly inside of the bag when not in use), a waist pack (the waist strap tucks away when not in use), or as an organizer bag for toiletries, computer cables, or other small items".
Tom Bihn Bags for the 17" MacBook Pro

That was fast! Tom Bihn is offering nine backpacks, briefcases, and messenger bags to fit Apple's new 17" aluminum MacBook Pro, including the Checkpoint Flyer pictured above.
The Checkpoint Flyer is the only airport "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag designed in sizes specifically for Apple laptops. The TSA requires that all passengers traveling with a laptop must remove their laptop from their bag and place it in a bin for screening. The Checkpoint Flyer is the result of a TSA design challenge to design a bag that offers airport security x-ray screeners a clear view of the laptop while it is still inside of the bag. With the Checkpoint flyer you can send your laptop through the x-ray machine while still inside its protective laptop case. Far more convenient than shlepping everything in and out of your bags. There are others who produce bags that do the same but I find Tom Bihn bags to hold up extremely well to the rigors of travel while not being a target themselves for theft.
Portable Office Organizer

From your bag to your wall. A great idea on an alternative use for the Freudian Slip insert comes from the Tom Bihn blog.
... hang it on the wall and it becomes the perfect place to store pens, ruler, calculator, business cards, file folders or papers, Post-its or other small items, keeping them at easy access while your desk is free of clutter. You can also hang the Freudian Slip on the doorknob of your office.
Keep your desk clean and have your office items with you on the go. Tom Bihn blog.
Catriona & Tom Bihn ID Bag
Evidence of my unsuccessful attempt at a photo session with my daughter and the newish Tom Bihn ID messenger bag. My daughter loves the camera and like me seems to have a bag for every occasion. Perhaps a Tom Bihn Small Café bag is in her future.
The ID is a mid-sized messenger bag designed to be used on its own as a messenger bag capable of swallowing everything you need throughout your day or with the addition of our Brain Cell hard-sided laptop case, a secure laptop messenger bag that cradles your laptop and its accessories.
You can purchase the Tom Bihn ID for $130.00US direct from Tom Bihn.
New Tom Bihn ID Laptop Bag

I just received a new Tom Bihn ID bag in the mail this past week and hope to write a proper intro to the refinements that Tom Bihn has done to an already great bag (I own the previous version). I'm happily swamped with work till the end of February but it's in the que.
The changes from the original are subtle, valuable, and well executed. It appears more svelte but that could very well be me being excited about something new arriving in the mail. With two kids I don't get to buy much for myself. Some changes include: side pockets designed to carry your various mobile devices. The side pockets are lined with Ultrasuede and are closed by #8 YKK "splash-proof" zippers. Perhaps a perfect home for your new iPhone. Otherwise their is the practical addition of a side water bottle pocket that can be cinched down with compression straps if not in use. The Tom Bihn ID is $130.00US from their site.
Tom Bihn Packing Cubes

I have been using Eagle Creek packing cubes for years to help save space and keep my gear organised when I travel. They are an essential part of my kit. Being the Tom Bihn fanboy that I am I thought it worth mentioning that they have recently released their own packing system. It designed designed specifically to work within the compartments of the Aeronaut but I can't see any reason to purchase them for use in any bag.
The Packing Cubes are available in four styles: Small (Fabric/Mesh $15), End Pocket (Mesh, $15), End Pocket (Fabric $15), and Large (Fabric/Mesh $18).
Available direct from Tom Bihn.
Tom Bihn Imago Messenger Bag

Tom Bihn has recently announced the availability of their Imago Messenger bags. Made of 1000 denier Cordura, the Yin Imago is available in color combinations Cocoa/Cocoa/Wasabi, Plum/Crimson/Steel, and Olive/Steel/Wasabi. The Yang Imago, made of 1050 Ballistic nylon model, has a more conservative look, and is available in color combinations Black/Black/Wasabi, Steel/Kiwi/Deep Blue, and Crimson/Steel/Crimson. We had a sneak preview back in March. When used in conjunction with their Brain Cell insert this becomes the messenger I have always wanted. It's small and perfect for carrying around my 12" Powerbook (it works with the 13" MacBook too). Unfortunately Apple has made the unfortunate decision of discontinuing my laptop of choice but that won't hamper my enthusiasm for what is the laptop bag I have been waiting for. It's loaded with useful features all of which are explained in detail on their site. Tom Bin makes great bags (I am a fan) and this bag is worth considering.
The Archetype Sleeve for MacBook and MacBook Pro

Tom Bihn bags has announced the availability of their new laptop sleeve the Archetype last week. It's worth noting this new release from Tom Bihn not it's expected quality but for it's departure from a rather muted approach to style he has had in the past. While I think his bags have always looked great, the Archetype is available in three unique and rich fabrics, Genuine Cork, Galvanized Majilite, and Snow Leopard Ultrasuede. All of which make a fairly loud visual statement. These bags are designed initially in four sizes to fit the 13" MacBook, 17" MacBook Pro, 15.4" MacBook Pro, and the "we're sorry to see you go" 12" Powerbook. $95.00US.
Bags for the 17" MacBook Pro

It's been a week since they announced this but Tom Bihn has announced that they now have over ten different bags to choose from for the 17" MacBook Pro (ready to ship). These include my favourites for this size, the Brain Cell and Brain Bag. They have devoted a page in their catalogue for these type of bags. I've been a fan of Tom Bihn for years and can attest that all their bags seem to last forever. I reviewed their ID bag in March.
Tom Bihn's ID Mid Sized Messenger Bag Review

I have been an admirer of Tom Bihn's bags since I purchased a Brain Bag for some location shooting a number of years ago. I've taken that bag all over Asia with gear in tow and it looks as good as the day I bought it. It's a huge bag divided in two, allowing for my simple system of laptop and tech. in one side, and clothes in the other. It was great for short excursions and grad. school but far too large for my daily activities these days. So I have been looking for a smaller bag to carry my 15" and 12" Powerbooks (separately of course).
In a fit of haste I bought locally a Gravis bag which though thoughtfully designed lasted only about a year. All the zippers broke and the fabric started to look worn. What I should have done, and what I recommend everyone do, is first take a look at Tom Bihn's bags. If you are looking for a quality built bag from a company who cares about their customers and their product then you need to look no further than Tom Bihn.


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