ScanFast Onyx Checkpoint Friendly Briefcase Review

Lookout, ladies. Mobile Edge has introduced a line of stylish laptop bags for the fashion-conscious woman on the go. With a TSA approved design and a wireless security shield compartment, it’s a little black bag with a couple of tricks up its sleeves.

Specifications:

Exterior Dimensions: 16.8 x 5 x 12.3

Interior Dimensions: 14.5 x 1.8 x 11.2

Laptop Size: Up to 15.4"

Material: 840D Nylon Ripstop

Build and Design

So what makes the ScanFast Onyx Checkpoint Friendly Briefcase appealing to the feminine sensibility? The "Mobile Edge for Her" tag on the main compartment, for starters. It’s also accented with black faux-leather on the front compartment and shoulder straps and includes a removable accessories pouch. It’s a simple but polished look for a style-conscious woman.

Two large compartments make up the bulk of the bag. Because this is a TSA checkpoint friendly bag, one of these is designated as the laptop compartment, and the whole bag unzips in the butterfly style to provide security with an unobstructed view of the computer. Mobile Edge was even kind enough to print the words "Checkpoint Friendly" in large white letters inside the bag ... just in case TSA agents aren't sure whether the bag should be allowed to pass. A smaller compartment on the front has a couple of pockets for pens and other devices.

One of these pockets has what Mobile Edge calls a Wireless Security Shield. It’s designed to protect a cell phone or Bluetooth enabled wireless device from would-be hackers. The catch, however, is that the pocket lining will also block out any incoming calls or messages, creating a little Bermuda Triangle inside your bag. If you’d like to make sure your phone stays silent during a meeting or sporting event, placing it in this pocket will keep it quiet. Again, you won’t receive any calls or messages while it’s there.

In Use

This is a well designed bag; from the solid hardware to the flattened straps that rest on the shoulder comfortably. It even has a trolley strap on the back. On three trips through three different airport security checkpoints, I’ve never been asked to take my laptop out of this bag. Has the day of the TSA friendly bag finally arrived? I hope so.

The wireless security shield pocket left me scratching my head. It’ll protect your device from hackers and lurking viruses, but it’ll also block incoming messages and calls, which doesn’t seem useful. Others may find a way to utilize this pocket, but I didn’t find it a particularly great feature. Fortunately, the front compartment has another, run-of-the-mill cell phone pocket without security protection.

Conclusion

Aside from the wireless security shield pocket, I really like this bag. It’s a nice option for someone who wants the convenience of a checkpoint friendly bag without sacrificing style. The ScanFast Onyx from Mobile Edge got me through airport security quickly and kept me in style.

Pros:

TSA approved design

Chic design

Flattened shoulder straps for comfort

Cons:

Wireless Security Shield compartment

TSA still reserves the right to take your laptop out of the bag

Pricing and Availability

The ScanFast Onyx Checkpoint Friendly Briefcase is currently available from the Mobile Edge website and several retail stores. The official MSRP is $99.99.

Allison Johnson Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

Cin' Anathema