Comments on: Red Oxx Slimline Padded Brief/Laptop Compatible aka Metro

By: Steve Duncan

Steve Duncan — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:39:11 +0000

I’ve been tempted by the ID, and the Zephyr, but I haven’t ordered either. The empire builder is just too big.

The brain cells I have are very well constructed, although the first I received is slightly better than the second. I would say they are slightly better than the Red Oxx bags I’ve gotten, but it’s not a difference you’re going to find unless you’re looking.

The two manufacturers really have different styles. I think Tom Bihn is far more tech friendly, but it’s really aimed at technophiles, students, IT people and other folks carrying a real boatload of gear. The Slimline is a more manageable size than comparable TB bags.

By: John Heckendorn

John Heckendorn — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:21:49 +0000

Like you were, I’m considering both the Red Oxx Slimline/Metro and one of the Bihn bags. Wondering if you’ve had the chance to compare the candidates firsthand to see how each works in practice.

By: rick monroe

rick monroe — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 05:15:15 +0000

I finally bought the Redoxx slimline bag, but I also bought a Tumi bag at the same time. I thought I was going to like the Tumi better. But after loading each of them up several times, I decided that the RedOxx bag was more to my liking. It’s lighter and less structured so you can pack it however you want. The Tumi is going back to the store. Thanks for your help.

By: Steve Duncan

Steve Duncan — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:53:00 +0000

I think it would flatten fairly well, because neither the ends nor the top are padded. However, that would make the bottom of the case less flat. I think the trick would be to get the bottom to fold inward when you flatten it. If you fly out of England often enough, it might be wise to get the bigger bag, or to get one of their tote bags which at 12x17x6.5 should hold an 11x17x4 briefcase and then some, and tuck neatly back into the case when not in use.

By: Rick Monroe

Rick Monroe — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 03:48:38 +0000

Thanks, that helps. One more question if I may? Is the case compressible, i.e. could you flatten if if you had to? I fly to England several times a year, and on flights in and out of England, only one bag is allowed for carry on. So I have to repack, emptying by briefcase, and tucking the various odds and ends into nooks and crannies of my carry-on. And then somehow, I squeeze the briefcase in there too. (As soon as you get through screening, they let you take it out again) Some briefcases (like Targus) don’t lend themselves to being flattened. How about the Redoxx?

By: Steve Duncan

Steve Duncan — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:57:59 +0000

Okay, I’m not sure how big Bose headphones are, but a laptop (my MacBook, specifically) and a thin sweater will fit fine in addition to what I had in there, as long as the sweater can be stuffed into one end or rolled along the top. Because the bag is a full 17″ long, there’s usually dead space at the ends. If the files are really pads of paper or stacks of paper, and if the laptop is fairly short there will be a few inches above the computer & files in a space maybe 2″ x3″ x 17″ along the top the bag – an excellent space for an umbrella or rolled sweater. If you expect to keep the sweater folded, I don’t think so. I had maybe 1.5″ of paper in the case when the photos were taken, and another inch of sweater would make it pretty tight.

Back to the Bose. If they fold up fairly small, like 2x3x4 or there abouts, I’d say no problem if you can put them in one end, or in an outside pocket. I use Etymotic ER4 earphones, which block more noise, don’t take batteries, and are very small so I’ve never looked at the Bose.

By: Rick Monroe

Rick Monroe — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 20:52:03 +0000

This was timely. I’ve been trying to decide between the regular and slimline. In addition to the stuff that you packed in, I would want to carry a small pc, bose headphones, and a light sweater. Think that would fit?