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Provided by: Mobile Edge
MSRPs: Select - $59.99, 17” Select - $69.99, Leather Select - $109.99
Premium - $79.99, 17” Premium - $89.99, Leather Premium - $129.99
Ultra - $99.99, Leather Ultra - $149.99
Written by: Daniel W.
The holidays are just around the corner and, in addition to festive decorations and a change of music on the radio, that means great deals on various electronic items. Since last year, there have been especially great deals on notebook computers. While they may not feature the latest cutting edge technology, these bargain notebooks more than suffice for the average user's daily Internet browsing and office productivity needs. Plus, since they are notebook computers, there is always the portable factor. 
As for daily transportation of your notebooks, I have already shown you two great bag offerings from Mobile Edge -- the SecurePack and the G-Pak. While their backpack forms make them great for students and travelers, their less formal nature are usually not appropriate for business personals. For those who require a more professional appearance, a briefcase style notebook bag is the more suitable choice.
Mobile Edge recently updated their popular line of V-Load briefcase notebook bags with even more innovative features. It is this V-Load 2.0 which will be the topic of this review.
Features:
Removable SafetyCell™ computer protection sleeve
Fits in any overhead or under any seat
Exclusive Wireless Security Shield™ pocket protects cell phones and PDAs from hackers and viruses
Patented Duraflex™ 'Contour Comfort' shoulder strap
Roomy interior with pockets for CDs, PDA and phone
Separate expanding file section (Premium and Ultra)
Additional padded section for printer or accessories (Ultra)
Rear pocket with EZ-Access ticket pocket
Heavy-Duty Duraflex™ fittings
3360D Dupont® Cordura™ nylon
Lifetime warranty 
Specifications:
Laptop Compartment Dimensions: 14.5" L x 11.5" H x 2" W
Laptop Compartment Dimensions (17” versions): 17" L x 13" H x 3" W
External Dimensions
Select: 16.25'' x 13'' x 5''
17” Select: 18.5" x 14.5" x 4.5"
Premium: 16.25'' x 13'' x 6''
17” Premium: 18.5" x 14.5" x 6"
Ultra: 16.25'' x 13'' x 7''
External Design:
The Mobile Edge V-Load 2.0 line of briefcases is available in three “styles” -- Select, Premium, and Ultra. The Select and Premium styles additionally have 17” versions which can handle notebook computers with up to 17” screens.
The standard V-Load briefcase is made of 3360D (denier) Dupont® Cordura™ nylon. Denier is a measurement of density of fabric weave. At 3600D, the nylon weave is so dense that, theoretically, you can poke a hole through the bag and the nylon would “heal” the hole up. The V-Load's three styles’ standard sizes are alternatively available in full grain leather.
The fronts of the V-Load 2.0 briefcases feature a magnetically secured flap which tops off the front utilities compartment. The front surface of this flap is made of a flexible plastic material with dimple patterns and features Mobile Edge insignia badge. The front utility compartment is zippered on the left and right sides.
The back of the briefcases are equipped with a single zippered flat compartment. Also on the back is a Velcro-ed through strap which allows you to secure the V-Load 2.0 briefcase to the handle bar of a roller luggage or bag.
The V-Load 2.0's shoulder strap is equipped with a Duraflex™ 'Contour Comfort' cushion pod. One side of the cushion pod is meshed while the other side has a rough anti-skid surface.
One of the coolest features found on the V-Load 2.0 is a bungee comfort system located on the sides of the bag where the shoulder strap attaches to. This bungee system basically provides the shoulder strap an elastic give to ease and null the tug of the briefcase when it is heavily loaded.
The bottom of the V-Load briefcases has two dense plastic feet while the top of the briefcases has two wide handles each with leather grips.
The Select V-Load 2.0 is a single gusset briefcase meaning it has a single “big” top loading compartment. This main compartment is double zippered with heavy metal zippers which run about only two inches down the sides. The zippers have lock holes which lets you lock this compartment with a padlock (not included).
The Premium V-Load 2.0 is a double gusset briefcase with two “big” top loading compartments. In addition to the main compartment, there is a second double zippered compartment to the back of the briefcase. This compartment can be unzipped all the way down its two sides.
The Ultra V-Load 2.0 is a triple gusset briefcase with three “big” top loading compartments. In addition to the two above mentioned compartments, there is a third double zippered compartment towards the front of the briefcase. This compartment can be unzipped halfway town its two sides.
Interior Design:
The utility compartment at the front of the Mobile Edge V-Load 2.0 briefcase features a variety of utility pockets. This includes a single zippered flat pocket, a business card holder with a window slot, two open-top pockets, three pen/pencil holders, and an exclusive Wireless Security Shield™ pocket. This special pocket is lined with zinc and blocks all wireless signals from getting in and out of the pocket.
The single zippered flat rear compartment features an EZ-Access ticket pocket with a patch of Velcro at the top.
The main gusset which all three V-Load styles have features a removable notebook computer sleeve. This sleeve is equipped with SafetyCell™, which are big dimples of cushion, on the inside to protect the enclosed computer. The sleeve is topped off with a Velcro-ed elastic strap.
The rear gusset found on the Premium and Ultra V-Loads open up to reveal a two section file compartment. This file compartment has soft walls which allows the compartment to expand very widely (~4.5” from the top) when fully unzipped.
The front gusset found on the Ultra V-Load provides a ~1” thick compartment to store various items. This compartment has an additional single zippered flat mesh pocket.
Usage:
Right off the bat I am going to say the Mobile Edge V-Load 2.0 briefcase’s bungee cushion system is one of the best ergonomic features I have ever experiences from any type of bag. While it certainly does not make a heavily loaded briefcase any lighter, when wearing the V-Load while you walk, run, jump, or do anything else that would cause the bag to lift in the air, the bungee system greatly minimizes the harsh tug that you would normally feel when the bag comes back down. The heavier the load, the more of the tug it nulls. This bungee system is definitely one of those features that ALL notebook bags should have. I was quite surprised how comfortable wearing a heavily loaded briefcase can be simply with that harsh tug gone! With all that said, my only concern regarding the bungee system is how durable it is. But, given Mobile Edge offers a lifetime warranty on their bags, durability is not much of an issue.
The V-Load’s second exclusive feature, the Wireless Security Shield™ pocket, works just as advertised. I placed my cell phone into the zinc lined pocket and almost instantly, my phone lost signal and my Bluetooth headset lost its pairing. While the main advertised advantage of this pocket is security (example being nobody can wirelessly hack your phone while you stroll through the airport), I see this pocket as a great courtesy convenience. By that I simply mean whenever you go to a setting where your phone should be turned off, like a classroom or an important business meeting, all you have to do is drop your phone into the Wireless Security Shield™ pocket and you will never have to worry about it going off! Do keep in mind though; absolutely no signal can get through the pocket ever. This means under normal circumstances when you expect your phone to function, keep it out of this pocket.
The various other utility pockets are quite convenient for storing various items such as CD cases, pens, small notepads, music players, and so on. I particularly liked the magnetic clasps that held the V-Load’s front flap shut as magnetic clasps are nearly silent to force apart (compared to Velcro) and requires absolutely no effort to close (compared to buttons).
For physical protection of notebook computers, the V-Load 2.0’s removable notebook sleeve with its SafetyCell™ cushioning does an admirable job protecting my precious cargo. The standard size sleeve I tested easily fitted my 14” Compaq notebook as well as a 15” Dell Inspiron 8600. The Dell did fill the sleeve up though. For those with 17” notebooks, keep in mind the Select and Premium versions of the V-Load are available in 17” capable versions.
In addition to the protection provided by the sleeve, when inserted into the V-Load, the briefcases rigid construction provides almost impenetrable protection to the enclosed computer.
The additional gussets available on the Premium and Ultra V-Load models offer ample storage for various other large items. As mentioned, even though the V-Load is a soft briefcase made of nylon (or leather) it is quite rigid, so flat items (such as documents) fit best. But, if you are in the market for a briefcase, that is probably your intention anyways. 
Conclusion:
Mobile Edge has really out done themselves with the V-Load 2.0 briefcase line. For me, the V-Load 2.0’s bungee comfort system alone is almost enough to make these briefcases a better choice than just about anything else on the market. The addition of the Wireless Security Shield™ only further affirms the V-Loads preeminence. Add to that top notch heavy duty construction, a host of useful compartments, and a removable notebook sleeve, you really cannot go wrong with a Mobile Edge V-Load 2.0 briefcase.
Pros:
Bungee comfort system makes carrying heavy loads very comfortable
Wireless Security Shield™ pocket completely blocks wireless signals
Heavy duty construction
Removable notebook sleeve with SafetyCell™ cushions
Cons:
Briefcase itself has some weight
Excellent |
