Wenger SwissGear Impulse Notebook Case Review

<!-- Generated by XStandard version 1.7.1.0 on 2007-05-04T13:40:53 -->

by Gerald Edgecomb

Established in 1893, Wenger has a long history of making innovative products, namely the Swiss Army Knife. Now they are trying to carry on that tradition with their line of SwissGear Notebook Cases. Retailing for $49.99 USD, the Impulse is one of the more affordable bags in the SwissGear Notebook Case lineup, which ranges in price from $49.99 to $99.99. All of the bags in their Notebook Case lineup are traditional over-the-shoulder bags aimed at professionals.

(view large image)

(view large image)

Build and Design

The design of the Impulse is simple and business like; the solid black color is intended to appeal to the business crowd. The build is solid and strong; the strap and handle both feel stable and well attached with good stitching, and the large zippers make for easy and smooth opening and closing. The case has two main compartments; one is for a notebook and one for miscellaneous items such as pens, pencils, and perhaps a few folders or notepads. The notebook compartment opens a full 180 degrees and has two smaller pockets that could be used to store a mouse or an AC adapter. Behind them is a single large pocket for folders or papers. The front compartment opens accordion style and has several small pockets inside. To round it out, Wenger put a large pocket on the back of the case and a small but conveniently placed pocket on the front of the case for quick and easy access. They also include a pouch for extra accessories.

(view large image)

(view large image)

 

In Use

The Impulse is a joy to use. The shoulder strap is comfortable and the number of pockets is generous. While my MacBook Pro is slightly smaller than the notebook area, my wife’s Dell Inspiron 6000, a standard size 15.4” notebook, fits perfectly. I also appreciate the size and number of pockets; I am able to fit all of my accessories and miscellaneous items in without trouble. I especially like the small pocket on the front of the bag; it is great for those things you need quick and easy access to, such as a PDA or an iPod. The only limitation of this bag is its inability to carry anything more than a few notepads or a small book in addition to a notebook and accessories; it is not meant to carry large textbooks. Students would be better served by a case with more storage for books in my opinion. The included accessory pouch is convenient for storing an AC adapter as long as it is the standard long narrow type. Unfortunately, Apple uses a square design, which does not fit in the pouch.

 

(view large image)

(view large image)

 

Apple MacBook Pro in the Impulse (view large image)

Dell Inspiron 6000 inside the Impulse (view large image)

 

Conclusion

Overall, I really liked the Impulse when I used it as it was intended, for business. I highly recommend it to professionals and business users who do not carry large books or tons of files. The design looks professional and the build is solid. When the build quality and generous number of pockets are combined with the price, I think the Impulse is an unbeatable value.

Pros

• Solid build
• Simple design
• Well priced
• Lots of pockets

Cons

• Cannot hold large books

 

Good review! You know, some time last year, I was on the verge of buying one of these.

 

My girlfriend and I both have different Wenger notebook cases, and we are both very happy with them as well. Mine is designed for up to 17" widescreens, but it fits my 15.4" WS and AC adapter alongside in the included zipper case nicely.

 

i have 2 Victorianox laptop cases. 1 is a roller and they are great cases. Expensive but great

 

Thanks for the review. I've had mine for a year and I'm very satisfied. Oddly, I still don't own a notebook computer. The pictures of stowed computers were helpful.

A couple of notes for potential buyers: 1) the shoulder strap is not removable, which I found annoying. I ended up cutting a slot in each of the D-rings and slipping the strap off without otherwise damaging or cutting it. I can slip the shoulder strap back on when I need to, but I found it was more of a bother than simply using the handle. 2) The case is somewhat waterproof which I tested being caught in a couple of Houston downpours. The interior requires TLC and patience to dry because the coated fabric doesn't naturally breathe.

This case is the perfect size and I recommend it.

 

Nice review, as a nice bag it is...
Have you ever checked the wenger Comet bag, or any one? can anybody give a quick review or opinion?