Mobile Edge BEF Signature Tote Review

by Sarah Meyer

Mobile Edge is giving back to two great causes through their Caring Case Collection. They give 10 percent of the retail sales from any case in the collection to either the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation or the Boomer Esiason Foundation to fight Cystic Fibrosis.

I reviewed the Komen Paris Backpack in December and now I have the chance to review the BEF Signature Tote. And while the BEF Signature Tote is connected with a great cause (and a good football player, Go Bengals!); I'm still testing this tote to make sure it is worth your money.

The BEF Signature Tote Specifications

• Proceeds benefit Boomer Esiason Foundation
• Exterior dimensions: 18" x 14" x 5"
• Notebook interior dimensions: approx. 16" x 10" x 4"
• Weight: 2.82 lbs.
• Wireless security pocket
• Detachable accessory pouch
• Flattened non-slip straps
• Lifetime Warranty

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Design and Aesthetics

The Mobile Edge BEF Signature Tote comes in black with silver accents and hardware with the stitching all in white. The front of the tote has two silver buckles and a small BEF logo in blue at the top. On both sides of the tote there are smaller silver buckles and on the right hand side of the bag, a detachable phone pocket.

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The BEF tote does zip shut at the top and the straps are flattened at the top to keep the bag from slipping off your shoulder. The inside of the bag is lined in a soft tan, suede-like material as is the outside of the accessory pouch.

The tote is fairly open but is spilt into two "sections" separate in the middle by the notebook compartment. The section closest to the front of the bag -where the BEF logo is located - has two large open pockets. These would be perfect for large wallets/billfolds, a power brick, wireless mouse or other medium to large sized accessories. There is also an enough room to fit one thick textbook, binder, paper notebook or similar item along with the laptop without the tote getting too bulky.

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The second section consists of three pockets and four pen/marker holders. The largest pocket is a zippered one at the top of the tote. It could be used for keys, a digital camera, a MP3 or other small accessories that you want to keep in a slightly more secure pocket or just want to keep handy.

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Below this pocket is a Velcro closing pocket lined with Mobile Edge's Wireless Security Shield. It is suppose to be used to store cell phones or PDA's and keeps them safe from hackers.

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The third pocket is just an open pocket with a business card holder attached to the outside. It's great for small office supplies like post it notes or a small calculator.

The notebook compartment is in the middle of the two sections and can fit up to a 15.4" computer. The bottom of the compartment is lined with Mobile Edge's SafetyCell Computer Protection and the sides are expandable for extra thick notebooks. There is an elastic Velcro strap that can be tightened or loosened depending on the size of your notebook.

Also inside the bag is a small removable accessory pouch that is perfect for make-up or other items you are afraid might leak since it's lined with nylon.

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The bottom of the bag is hard and seems to be made from leather. There are four small silver feet to keep the bag from dragging the ground constantly.

Using the bag

The BEF tote is stylish without screaming, "Look at me!" I liked the simple design and understated black and silver color choices. The only label on the entire bag is the small half inch BEF logo and it's barely noticeable.

How comfortable I was carrying this tote was a nice surprise. I got sunburn on my shoulders the weekend before I started carrying this, so I was sure I was in for some pain with this tote. The flattened straps took some weight off and stayed in place, and while I did have some discomfort (this tote isn't made out of air) I was pleased nonetheless.

The inside is roomy and there were an assortment of pockets without the overkill. I'm a big fan of the accessory pouch; I like how Mobile Edge includes these in their female lines.

My biggest complaint would be a lack of padding in the notebook compartment. I really liked the SafetyCell protection; a bunch of small padded bubbles that sort of resembles bubble wrap. The problem with the tote is that you only get this padding at the bottom in an approximately 11 ½" by 2 ½" space. I understand that with a tote it is hard to add extra padding because it takes away precious space but I would have preferred having the SafetyCell padding at least on the sides of the compartment.

Conclusion

I enjoyed using the BEF Signature Tote because it's well designed and well, because I love totes! But seriously, it's comfortable, spacious and has features that some of its peers lack.

Mobile Edge is also donating 10% of its retail sales to the Boomer Esiason Foundation, so it can also make you feel good while making you look good. My only pause is that it's listed at $129.99, which is quite a chunk of money for a student or young professional.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Accessory pouch
• 10% of sales donated to the Boomer Esiason Foundation
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Doesn't "pad" notebook as well as some bags
• More expensive than traditional Signature tote

Pricing and Availability

The BEF Signature tote can be purchased via the Mobile Edge website, or with an authorized merchant. The BEF tote is being sold for $129.99.

 

Nice review, and I like the tote

Though, it is missing the SafetyCell padding, (I have this in my Mobile Edge Maddie Powers Messenger Bag), it is still cute! I really like the detailing on the tote!

It is nice that they are donating 10% to the BEF! I would carry this with my lappy in it.

 

I bought this for my mom as a Mothers' Day gift. I saw the review here and thought it would be a good replacement for her current hand/laptop bag. Saw it in the stores and snapped it up right away.
It might be a tad overkill for her X61, but since she's always complainin' that there's not enough space for all her knick-knacks, I thought the extra space would be well utilized.