Mobile Edge Monaco Notebook Case Review

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I know with all the notebook bags and cases out there, it is hard to choose which one is right for you. I mean you have so many choices from a messenger bag, to a backpack, to a briefcase or just a notebook sleeve. Well Mobile Edge has them all. In fact their Monaco Notebook Case caught my eye around Christmas when it was released and before I knew it one of their representatives was sending me a loaner to review.

Front view of the Monaco Notebook Case, with the detachable cell phone pouch. (view large image)

The Monaco Notebook case is part of Mobile Edge's For Her Collection. The bags in this collection are targeted toward women on-the-go who are still looking for style. Don't worry men, they have a For Him Collection as well. If the pink accent stitching and poly-suede inside don't do it for you, then you can get the Monaco in its other color, which has white accent stitching and a red poly-suede inside.

Features

The quilted Microfiber exterior is durable and it repels water pretty well. I don't know how well it would hold up during a real downpour, but it repelled the light snow I have been dealing with where I live. The Monaco bag holds notebooks with up to 15.4&quot; screens and it's not to heavy, only weighing about 2.5 lbs. Its exterior dimensions are 16&quot;x12.5&quot;x4&quot; (WxHxD), which makes it perfect for traveling.

Side view of the Monaco Notebook bag. (view large image)

It is important to have the right notebook bag to protect your cargo and in my case that is my Asus R1F Tablet. The Monaco Notebook Case does a good job of doing this, with its padded computer compartment. My 13.3&quot; screen Tablet is a little smaller then the dedicated computer compartment, but it still fits securely with little movement. The pink poly-suede may be too much for some users, but I like it because it makes the Monaco look like a designer handbag.

The dedicated padded computer compartment holding my 13.3&quot; Asus R1F. (view large image)

There is only one main compartment to the Monaco, but it opens up almost all the way, allowing for easy use. The interior lining is made of a soft poly-suede material as I mentioned before. The inside layout is very spacious and there are plenty of pockets and sections to hold all your stuff.

Besides the padded computer compartment there is an individual section in the middle that is great for holding your files, a pocket at the bottom for holding your cables or battery, a place for your pens or lipstick, an insulated pocket for your cell phone or PDA and a removable matching wallet. I wish there was a little outside pocket though, so you didn't have to open the entire bag just to grab one thing like your plane tickets.

The inside of the Monaco and all of its compartments. (view large image)

The Exclusive Wireless Security Shield pocket protects cell phones and PDAs from hackers and viruses. Now, when you are traveling you don't have to be concerned with your cell phone or smartphone. The pocket is big enough for any size phone or PDA, in fact my Palm Treo fit with no problems.

The Exclusive Wireless Security Shield pocket. (view large image)

The matching wallet is removable, which is a bonus. It is the perfect size for your ID, credit card or just some cash. Mobile Edge's website also states that it could be used as a make-up bag, but I don't think it is big enough for that. I would just stick to using it as a wallet.

Matching wallet (view large image)

The bottom of the bag has little feet that help protect your bag from dirt. I like this feature because it protects the bottom of the bag and it helps the bag stand-up, even when all your stuff is inside. The Monaco feels more sturdy than your basic messenger bag, which usually falls over when full.

The bottom of the Monaco Notebook Case. (view large image)

Even the detachable cell phone pouch coordinates with the Monaco and removable wallet. You can attach the cell phone pouch to the outside of the bag for easy access. The only problem is if you have a smartphone, like me, you may have a hard time getting it in the pouch. My Palm Treo barely fits in the pouch and I would think companies would start accommodating smartphones, since they are just as popular as cell phones.

Detachable cell phone pouch. (view large image)

Where to Buy

The best place to check for the Monaco or any other Mobile Edge bag is on their website, www.mobileedge.com. Mobile Edge sells their products from their website, but if you don't want to wait on shipping, you can click on the &quot;Products&quot; link and scroll down to the &quot;Where to Buy&quot; link, which brings up a list of retail stores that carry their products.

At the time of this writing the suggested retail price of the Monaco notebook case is $99.99.

Conclusion

Overall I enjoyed using the Monaco Notebook case. The bag was durable and stylish. It had a sturdy feel and the straps were solid. I still wish it had an outside pocket for small things and the option to make it a messenger bag by adding a removable strap might be nice. There was plenty of room for all my things and it's a good size for traveling. In the end though it really depends on your own personal preference, some users are more comfortable with a backpack and some a tote.

Pros

• The Monaco is stylish and functional.
• It has a removable wallet and cell phone pouch.
• The Exclusive Wireless Security Shield pocket that protects your cell phone or PDA.

Cons

• Only option is the tote style, which puts a lot of weight on your shoulder.
• The cell phone pouch is small, hard to fit in a smartphone.

 

Mobile Edge is a fantastic brand. Love the bright pink inside, I'm on my way out to buy one of these now...

Well, maybe it wouldn't work so well for a male, but classy look for the female audience.

 

Great review, Tiffany.

That looks like a pretty good product there. I also chose my bag because it didn't look like a "computer bag" and really didn't want one made by a known PC accessories brand. The Monaco definitely looks enough like a designer handbag to fool me. Even prompted me to check out the rest of their products.

 

Pretty snazzy, but too girly as I'm a guy. One thing of note, is it's a bit small, but then again I'm sure this is aimed at the more mobile, tech savy and "sit for a few minutes to do a bit of work" type of woman who would carry an ultraportable or small tablet PC. However, these more casual cases for computers are really cool, I'd like to get something a bit more casual than my Targus bag, as it's screams "I'm carrying a computer." The easy access to the inside of your bag is really nice too. Good review!

 

Thanks for the feedback. I like that the bag doesn't scream computer case too. I know it is targeted toward women, but they do have nice bags in the For Him Collection. If you are interested you can check them out here:

http://www.mobileedge.com/him.asp

 

I prefer a more scruffy 'ol messenger bag

 

Any chance of seeing a pic of this actually on someone's shoulder? I'm in the market for a new laptop case, but I really want something that can double as a purse while traveling (or just running around). So many of the tote style bags seem so huge.

Great review though .

 

Great review indeed

The bag looks pretty sturdy but I'd still prefer my Northface backpack for travel.

 

Yes, that's very helpful--thanks! I'm trying to decide between this bag and the Select Tote right now (although I'm sure I'll change my mind again before I actually order it).

 

Great brand! Picked up a Heritage Select (actually 2) and love it. Sturdy construction/hardware...looks good too.

For those that are interested and might not know, Buy.com has the Select for $17.99 (free shipping). Use GCO (new accounts only) and the total cost is less than $8.00 + state tax!

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202164745&adid=17662