****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
IMMEDIATE IMPRESSIONThis is the BEST looking bag I've seen for the price. I chose the dark red, which is a great color and stands out. I ordered it last week and used it this week on a business trip. It looks very impressive and of high quality, so I received tons of compliments immediately. As mentioned by other reviews, the stitching adds a touch of class to the bag and also makes it more unique than if it were a matching color.PROS: The purchase comes with a mini umbrella attached to a hook on the wheeled platform, which is behind the bag. Not sure how easy it is to reach, but that's a nice addition that I wasn't expecting. The front also has a cool clasped pocket that fits magazines, your schedule, passport, itinerary, or other papers that you may need quick access to. The wheels are very solid and the handle functions properly. It was very easy to maneuver from carrying up stairs to wheeling when I needed to travel a longer distance. Unlike more cumbersome bags, I didn't slow my party down as we were walking across different terrains or as I switched from carrying to wheeling and back.The CONS: Though you can fit a larger notebook computer, expect the fit to be a little tight. I was able to fit my powercord, pens, financial calculators, etc., but you may have to figure out how to get everything you need into the bag. After I packed all of my items, I couldn't find a place to put the shoulder strap, so set it aside and left it at the hotel, but this is the downside of leather versus other types of materials that are more expandable. Another small detractor is that the process of unzipping the bag from the platform is not as smooth as it could be. To remove the bag, you'd unzip the two zippers on each side and the one underneath. This was much easier when the bag was completely empty.OVERALL, the Ellyn by McKlein USA definitely seems made for a female business traveler who prefers a high-quality, good-looking leather bag. In fact, the bag looks so nice that I think I'll only use it for business trips and will buy a separate "everyday" case for my office, which has a more casual atmosphere. If you work in a more formal setting, I'm sure your co-workers will take notice.
