You now how sometimes a strong brand, known for making one thing, and making it well, branches out and slaps its trademark on all kinds of other goods? We call it a "cash-in". On a completely unrelated note, Moleskine has expanded its product rangie.
The "iconic" notebook company has added a whole range of bags and pens to its lineup, and the results aren't pretty. Let's take the messenger bag, a black plastic number who's sole similarities to Moleskine's books are the high price and the elastic strap that keeps it closed. A strap that works perfectly on a small, rigid book, but less so on a big floppy plastic bag.
The base is rigid, though, so it can stand up on its own, and the bag has several divisions and flaps for holding laptops (up to 15 inches) and Moleskine's own accessories, such as the Multipurpose Case. This "case" is in fact several soft pouches which velcro to the inside of the bags to help organize things.
The bag is fine, and would be a great deal if you bought it in the junky suitcase store downtown for $20. As it it, the messenger bag comes in at €118, or $170. Even if the U.S price ends up lower, as is likely, that's still a lot for a plastic bag.
But if you are going to buy one, drop me a line after you have done so. I have a very nice Adidas notebook you may be interested in. Just $120.
Moleskine messenger bag [Moleskine]
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