Scope from SAMSONITE
What’s it like? Designed by trend setter Marc Newson (he’s also done cabin interiors and a restaurant), this upright backpack and upright cabin in polyester and mesh set comes in colours you would spot a mile away (chartreuse, tangerine and royal blue – dove grey, pictured here, is the only staid one in the line).
Dimensions: Upright backpack –?42cm x 33cm x 15cm; the upright cabin comes in two sizes – 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, 63cm x 44cm x 24cm (H x W x D)
The extras: A detachable kit for sundries in the upright cabin which also features an internal packing frame that helps items remain intact.
What we fancied: Newson’s hip design, sturdy handles of the upright cabin and its manoeuverability.
What we didn't: The light coloured model smudges easily. The side pocket of the upright cabin doesn’t accommodate too much except flat items.
Price: HK$2,150 (US$276) for backpack; HK$3,550 (US$457) for the 55cm cabin and HK$4,080 (US$525) for 63cm
After sales service: Limited lifetime warranty is applicable for the Scope collection.
Loading from DELSEY
What’s it like? The computer case and cabin trolley come in an attractive and unusual design, characterised by loads of side pockets that stretch and stretch.
Dimensions: Computer case – 35cm x 44cm x 13cm; cabin trolley case –?52cm x 40cm x 11cm (H x L x D)
The extras: Computer case has CD sleeves among other helpful compartments. Cabin trolley is expandable.
What we fancied: Light as a feather, it was a joy to use.
What we DIDN’T: Light colours tend to pick up dirt, better to go for the models in black.
Price: HK$700 (US$90) for the computer case; HK$1,320 (US$170) for the cabin trolley.
After sales service: Two-year international guarantee for all soft side bags against manufacturer’s defects. Hongkong distributor Texcon Asia provides service for wear and tear and other damages not covered by the warranty – that is, replacement of parts with labour charges (only cost of spare parts is chargeable).
Generation 4.4 Briefs and Generation 4XT Ballistic from TUMI
What’s it like? This heavy-duty expandable duo in black is a virtual mobile office-home. You’ll never be without, using these. Now, if only you could stuff your spouse
and kids in them.
Dimensions: Briefs – 30.5cm x 40.5cm x 14cm and cabin bag – 51cm x 35cm x 21.5cm (H x W x D)
The extras: Where does one begin? In the briefs, a wealth of compartments to store items from PDAs to calling cards – and of course, one’s laptop. The cabin trolley comes with a garment sleeve.
What we fancied: The products’ sturdiness and in the case of the computer brief, the fact that it was meant to hold every conceivable a business traveller might need. But this also worked to its disadvantage.
What we didn't: The bulkiness of the computer brief – ladies beware, this might be a bit of a chore to lug around, and don’t even think of hoisting it into the overhead bin without some help from the cabin crew unless you want to strain a ligament or two, or even three.
Prices: HK$3,100 (US$399) for the briefs; HK$5,500 (US$707) for the 4XT cabin bag.
After sales service: Warranty period provided wherein damaged item can be brought back to the store.
