Solo D535/3 Laptop Messenger Bag $35 + Free Shipping

NOT Dead. Price shows $99. Add to cart to see $34.99

Found 2 completed in eBay for as low as about $65 new, for reference; at least 1 completed in eBay at $130. Most listings are at $100 but didn't notice any buyers.

Disclaimer: I haven't seen this in person, this is just based on the couple dozen reviews I skimmed.

Reviews note that this is soft leather (how soft? I dunno, but I'm imagining motorcycle jacket or sturdy purse, or something with similar softness/flexibility as decent vinyl messenger bags (although leather should be sturdier against tearing/ripping than vinyl)). The few complaints mention the shoulder strap rings breaking off or the bag bulging even with only the minimal stuff in it (laptop, some papers, mouse/power cord). Seems not to have room for much else without bulging, but someone was satisfied with how many papers they were able to carry after they had the closing straps adjusted by a cobbler.

One reviewer said the brown color rubbed off on pants, leaving brown streaks, after a few weeks or maybe months of use. I'm suspecting the bag might have gotten wet or damp b/c I've never seen even cheap leather leak color unless it got wet.

One reviewer noted that the closing straps curled up a bit after some use, which I take as demonstrating a bit about the softness of the leather. I'm guessing that reviewer might also have gotten the straps wet or damp though, or maybe left the thing in the sun.

Judging from the photos, looks like an accordion document organizing section on the back, a main compartment w/ laptop pocket w/ velcro, and 2 organizing pockets, but the only thing holding stuff in the pockets (w/ exception of the velcro'd laptop pocket) is the 2 main flaps, held down with 2 straps each using what may be magnetic or button clasps. The main pockets seem to hang off a middle structure, a structure which has the handle and shoulder strap rings attached to it. Inner polyster lining for the pockets maybe?

When I shop around I see decent nylon laptop messenger bags for about $30-40. Decent as in sturdy enough, not too bad looking, with ok room, but definitely average overall. I'd value this bag at about the same, since the leather doesn't seem to be that spectacular.

This Solo bag seems more for a bit of cheap nice looks and fairly minimal functionality. I'd have to look at it in person at $50+, but I guess it might be worth the risk to buy it fairly blindly at $40 if you know you're ok with the description and favor leather/appearance on the cheap.

Maybe you didn't care for my report, but I'm also trying to budge myself onto either side of this fence. I could use something more businesslike but I'm okay with black canvas/nylon and would like more assurance about sturdiness. I've also never really liked bags/cases that don't zip or lock shut. Storage on this Solo might be good for me since I tend to overpack anyway and I'd probably be more inclined to limit myself more to office essentials.

BTW, this looks like the TomTom Valentine price mistake but flipped around. Sony says "Only $65 Savings reflected in cart", but the cart *subtracts* $65 instead. (DON'T CALL). For anybody that wants it hopefully it ships but don't be surprised if the order gets cancelled!