Let me start by saying the reason for these reviews is to help the average iPad 2/Macbook user find the perfect bag for them. I have been searching for the perfect bag since owning the original iPad and up until now I did not feel I had found a bag that I really loved enough to use day to day. Starting with the Tom Bihn Ristretto for the iPad 2 ($110), I plan on reviewing 3 of the most talked about iPad bags on the net. I have done extensive research and concluded that Tom Bihn, WaterField and Rickshaw make some of the best bags on the market and each company makes their bags right here in the US of A!!!
So now…. On with the initial review!
I have heard/read so much about Tom Bihn and their legendary bags (which I have never owned until today) that I thought it would be near impossible for their bags to live up to the name. Their bags do carry a good size price tag but that’s what you get when you are looking at a product of this quality manufactured in the United States.
As soon as I opened the package that was sent to me I could see the quality oozing out of it. First of all, let me say that the online pictures DO NOT do this bag justice. The materials it is made with are top notch and the bag just looks incredible. My fiance actually started laughing at me when she saw me open the box and watched as my eyes bulged out of my head! I was just so impressed (and excited about the extra accessories!) by the initial look of the bag. I had been scared that the bag might resemble the dreaded “murse” and I can tell you with confidence that it certainly does not! I can see myself using this bag everyday at both my corporate office as well as out with my friends. The bag has plenty of pockets and feels like it has enough padding to protect my precious iPad 2. I will go more in depth on this after I load this bag up with all my gadgets and do a full review.
So what else did the good folks over at Tom Bihn send along with the Ristretto to review? They included 2 pouches (one small and one large). They seem like they will come in use when trying to organize my bag and I have included pictures of them below. The item I really want to mention is the Absolute Shoulder Strap. Now keep in mind that I really have not run this bag through the paces yet but my initial thoughts on this strap is that it could easily be the best strap I have ever used with ANY bag. It is comfortable, grips your shoulder just right and ensures the bag hangs just right on your side. I am already thinking I need to order one of these to use with my work laptop bag!
So that’s it for now folks! Check back in over the next couple of weeks for a full written/video review of the bag!
If you want to take a look at this bag and some of Tom Bihn’s other creations, head on over to http://www.tombihn.com/.
Thanks to Darcy and everyone else at Tom Bihn for the obvious hard work they put into selling and manufacturing these bags.
themacfanatic 