Higher Ground 13in Laptrap mini-Review

http://www.highergroundgear.com/laptrap.html

Today I will be reviewing the Laptrap From Higher Ground/Shaun Jackson. I have had this bag for 3 months now and have put it through its paces. Basically I was looking for a bag similar to what you can see in the movie "The Net" or "Live free or Die Hard" for mobile power use. The main feature of this bag is the operation of your notebook is mostly done inside the bag with it used as a pseudo tabletop. This enables the user to open the bag and notebook do work on the go and with minimal work close and shut down in a hurry. This was very useful while in an airport and having to shutdown and head to your gate or a customer service desk to deal with a canceled flight.



Build and Design

The build of this bag seems to be average in that nylon and stitching is nothing out of the ordinary. The big plus that this bag has when it comes to build quality is the shell that carries the notebook is rock solid on the outside and cushioned on the inside. Although I haven't dropped the bag with my laptop in it, I feel very comforted that if I did that everything would be just fine. As for design, the bag suits my work style very well in that I just set the bag on my desk at work and begin to work. The two side pockets offer nice storage and accessibility to devices while working. Basically an all in one mobile work desk.

Real world use

I found that this bag was great for working on the go in an airport where the possibility of having to get up and move fast was absolutely amazing. As for everyday work and use it suits me well too, but the design seems suited for more mobile work then a general purpose bag. Granted it will do well as a general purpose laptop bag, but for cheaper you can get alot more storage. If you need your 13in or smaller notebook to be on the go with a few accessories and the ability to create a mobile workspace without the need for a table then this bag is for you. Otherwise there are cheaper bags for more general purpose activities.







As for what I usually take with me and fit in the bag here is the list (I may be missing certain accessories in the pic below):

- USB 120gb HDD
- iPod Nano video
- iPod cable
- Collapsible keyboard for smart phone
- Cables for syncing smart phone (2 to be exact)
- External power adapter for general USB and iPod (never know when your battery will die)
- Wireless mouse
- 2 sets of ear buds
- Microphone
- SD card adapter micro SD to regular SD /w extra micro SD card
- 12 DVDs or CDs



Even with all this I still have space left over, yet I have a nice mobile desk with everything I need to get the job done.

Pros:
Small bag with clown car like storage
Price for utility
Mobile use without having to find a desk or burn your lap

Cons:
Storage does not allow for books or more then a few papers
Kinda pricey if you dont need the mobile desk utility.