Do you want to be known for carrying a stylish computer bag or would you rather be known for being stylish? The Shadow by booq will let you stand out without calling attention to itself while it works to earn a different label: your everyday bag.
The Shadow blends seamlessly with whatever personal style you front with a simple silhouette sans leather or metal accents. You have to look hard to find the brand name. Thick, water-resistant ballistic nylon conceals the ample padding that protects any laptop up to 15 inches.
Compartments, both open and zippered, help you edit and neatly organize your daily carry. One of the best features is a stealth zippered side pocket good for a wallet, keys and phone.
I don’t know how booq did it, but somehow the designers constructed a strap that doesn’t slide off my rounded shoulder. That was the first feature to win me over. She’s a beaut: Within five minutes, I found myself emailing friends to see if they wanted my old bag.
The Shadow comes in black nylon or gray fiber and, as with all its bags, booq includes a metal tag that is concealed by the flap with a serial number you can register with the company. booq calls this feature Terralinq; if you get separated from your bag, the number could help you get it back (should someone turn it in).
Price: $130 (black), $160 gray fiber
David Pierini is a former newspaper writer and long-time photographer. Considered a luddite by most of his friends, they did not believe him when he broke the news that he would be writing for a technology website. He is fascinated by human nature and would love to cultivate stories about the people driving the tech bus. Reach out to him at [email protected].
