Let me start out by saying that I prefer backpack-style laptop bags to shoulder bags in general. That said, there are definitely times when a backpack doesn't project the right kind of image. If I carried a shoulder bag on a regular basis, I'd be happy to make it the Fusion MB, which sells for $99.95 at Brenthaven's site.

It wasn't love at first tote, however. Prior to the Fusion MB, I'd been carrying the TimBuk2 Datadump, one of the best bags I've ever had, and that bag is stylish (for a backpack) comfortable to carry, and surprisingly roomy. The Fusion MB is definitely a good looking bag, though; I got several comments on it during the time that I carried it. And while a single-strap bag is never going to compare in comfort to a backpack, Brenthaven's shoulder strap is nicely padded and easy to adjust.

Post by Sean Carroll

The Fusion MB also has Brenthaven's tough CORE protection system, a removable inner sleeve that protects the laptop on four corners and two slides. It was a perfect fit for my IBM Thinkpad, which did, incidentally, survive a few serious knocks in this bag.

The main objection I initially had to this bag was that it just didn't hold enough for a casual, day-to-day bag. It's got plenty of pockets--a Velcro-sealed one on the outside, a zipper pocket on the flap, and a variety of pockets, pouches and compartments, as well as the usual organizer for small gadgets and pens. But time and again, I found myself wishing there was just a little more space, say for a thick paperback, a software box, lunch, or a water bottle.

And then, as I was getting ready to write this review, I found that, in fact, there is more space. There's a discreetly placed zipper along the outside of the bag: When unzipped, it adds an extra inch and a half or so of depth, just enough to fit in just about everything I'd been wishing I could carry, except maybe the water bottle. But wait, there's more! It turns out that there's another small zipper that hides a foldout water-bottle-holder drawstring bag. This bag is useful, if a bit odd-looking--you expect to see such things sticking out from backpacks, not shoulder bags. Still, in a pinch it's handy, and you can zip it away when it's not in use.

Overall, the Fusion MB hasn't convinced me to give up my TimBuk2, but it's still a solid, good-looking bag with some hidden extras that make it more versatile than you might expect.