Belkin Ceylon Messenger Review

Belkin announced a brand new laptop bag in January at CES 2008, the Ceylon Messenger. It's a simple, light bag "for local outings with your laptop."

Now that we finally have one in for review, we're going to decide if the Ceylon Messenger is worth spending your hard earned money on or if it's just another run of the mill bag.

The Ceylon Messenger Specifications

• Dimensions: 16" x 14" x 4"
• Notebook compartment: 14" x 11" x 2"
• Weight: 28.4 oz.
• Water-resistant nylon exterior
• Tricot inner lining
• Built-in stability, bag stands on its own
• Hidden handle, water-bottle pocket
• Magnetic enclosure
• Lifetime Warranty

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Design and Aesthetics

The Belkin Ceylon Messenger is a simple, stylish bag. There are no crazy patterns or colors, but the design is unique. The base is wider than the top - it has built-in stability so the bag stands on its own - giving it a triangular look as opposed to a standard rectangular messenger. The majority of the bag is gray, with the sides and the inside lining done in a powder blue. I reviewed the Monument/Clearwater version but it also comes in four other color combinations: Monument/Greenery, Monument/Lavender, Black/Greenery, and Black/High Rise.

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The Ceylon Messenger also differs from other messengers in that the outside flap has a magnetic closure, instead of a buckle.

On the inside of the Ceylon Messenger, there are several pockets/compartments. Working front to back, there is an open space for storing thicker accessories such as a power brick. In this space, there are also two open elastic pockets for storing extra USB cords, chargers, digital camera etc.

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Above these two pockets are two more similar sized pockets. One is zippered, the other just open. I kept my id, cash and other items I wanted in a secure place in the zippered pocket. In the open pocket, I stored a few CD cases, but it would also be great for a PDA, mp3 player, digital camera, sunglasses etc. Or you could use it to store pens, markers, or a calculator.

Behind these pockets, there is a large open pocket. This pocket is perfect for storing loose papers, a notepad, a thin text book or portfolio.

The last compartment is where up to a 15.4" notebook can be stored. The rest of the bag is lined in a similar nylon fabric to the outside, but the notebook compartment is lined in Tricot. If you have no idea what Tricot lining is, it's similar to a fleece or velour fabric and is made of 100% polyester. Belkin uses it in the notebook compartment to combat scratching.

The compartment is surrounded in about 1/4 inch thick padding, with the bottom being closer to half an inch thick.

On the right side of the bag there is a hidden water bottle pocket that will fit any 20 oz bottle.

On the top there is a hidden handle that stuffs into a small pocket, I kept my keys and chap stick in this small, easy to reach pocket.

The strap is not detachable and very thinly padded. There is a cell phone pocket on the shoulder strap that my LG Chocolate cell phone fit in perfectly, but PDA's are out.

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Using the bag

The Belkin Ceylon Messenger is a very simple, easy to use bag. I liked the way the bag was set up. Instead of a hundred small pockets tailored to fit random gadgets, there were a few, moderate sized pockets that I could fit most of my accessories in.

I was impressed with how much I could fit into the Ceylon without it feeling bulky or heavy. I had my Latitude D620 notebook, cell phone, power brick, digital camera, digital camera charger, digital camera manual, an extra USB cord, CD cases, my iPod shuffle, keys, wallet, etc. with room to spare.

Although the strap wasn't padded well, the messenger wasn't uncomfortable to carry around when I carried it across my chest. And the strap is securely stitched at all of the pressure points, so I wasn't worried about the bag ripping under extra weight.

The Ceylon Messenger's notebook compartment lining was the softest I've felt in a bag, so I wasn't worried about scratching. But there was no strap to keep the notebook securely in place, which was disappointing. The padding itself was comparable to what I've seen in similarly priced bags - not especially thick, or impact absorbing - but will give the notebook some extra protection.

Conclusion

The Belkin Ceylon Messenger is a quality, stylish bag for only $50. I enjoyed carrying it around and, despite its light weight and small size, managed to fit in all of my accessories.

Granted, the Ceylon Messenger is not for anyone who needs to haul a ton of larger objects (think thick textbooks or speakers) and a laptop but for those who care a medium load to work or school everyday this bag is a great option at a reasonable price.

Also, because of the simple design and multiple color options, I could see men and women carrying this functional bag.

Pros

• Stylish, several color choices
• Stores a ton of accessories
• Soft Tricot notebook compartment
• Great price
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Notebook compartment padding is average
• No strap/buckle to secure laptop
• Shoulder strap also lacking in padding

Pricing and Availability

The Belkin Ceylon Messenger Bag can be purchased via the Belkin website. The Ceylon Messenger is $49.99.

 

Thanks for the review.

It is a reasonably light bag. The hidden handle which you mention but do not show can be seen in the photo on the features page of the Belkin site.

Personally, I don't like the flap on this type of bag (it makes quick access to the pockets more difficult) and would much prefer no flap and all pockets closed by zippers.

John

 

Nice review I personally prefer a more traditional messenger bag with Velcro and a more durable material, but for $50 its not bad at all and quite stylish I quite like the black and green version


Unfortunately...
http://www.tech.boxvero.com/laptop/reviewbelkin-ceylon-products-messenger.html

Looks like someone just reworded the review and posted it on their site...

 

Good catch, Johnny T. It's quite depressing to see something like that.

I really enjoy the clean design of this bag, although I am curious about the magnetic latch. I wonder how well something like this would work going through the airport.

 

'Monument'? 'High Rise'? 'Greenery'? I have got to get some of whatever those "colorists" at Belkin are smoking.

 

Looks like the ''review'' on the other website has been removed...good good

 

Ceylon was the name of Sri Lanka, wondering why they use that name.

Nice bag though.

 

I read that the outside flap of the Ceylon Messenger bag has a magnetic closure, is it alright for the notebook? Since I think that it can affect the notebook component because of the magnetic reaction.

Thank you.

 

I have multiple products with weak magnets in them (small accessory cases, tools, etc.) that get close to my laptops all the time and they never cause any problems. You would have to put a VERY strong magnet (as in an industrial strength magnet) next to your notebook for it to cause problems.

About the only thing that a weak magnetic clasp on a bag can mess up is a weak/cheap compass. I think Mythbusters did an episode a while back where they tested how powerful a magnet has to be to damage a credit card with a magnet strip and they found you have to have a pretty powerful magnet ... and the magnetic strip on a credit card has less protection than a laptop.

Bottom line, I wouldn't be worried at all.

 

I'm about to buy it and make it sending back to my country.
Black/Green is my choice.
Today I'm using a Samsonite Messenger bag which is confortable and enormous BUT I don't like it.
I prefer more lighter and well designed.
Thanks for the review!!!

 

The magnet is too weak to affect the notebook. Only a hard drive can be hurt by a magnet, but it would require a MUCH more powerful magnet.