Review of Stuart & Lau


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Cary Briefcase Generation Three

This is an updated review. I previously ordered a second generation Cary Briefcase (Double), which came with some minor issues. The company provided me with a replacement of the updated third generation model of the briefcase, which is the basis for my review below.

The third generation offers significant updates over the previous model, which was already robust, but had some room for improvement, in particular to the inner compartments of the bag. The inner compartments are now sturdier and holds firmer in place. The interior material has changed from gray to a sandy khaki colour, which looks more aesthetically appealing to the eye - it is also not likely to get easily smudgy or stained.

The options and the layout of the inner pocket are overall the same, with the exception of an added compartment for an AirTag (or similar device), along with a new detachable sleeve for holding a laptop. The previous model had a divider inside the main compartment for a laptop (which is absent in the new version), but it did not provide significant inner padding and protection.

The laptop sleeve snaps on to two fasteners on the inside of of the bag. I was a bit worried that these would not be sturdy enough, but so far, my 14" MacBook Pro has been steadily secured during my excursions with the bag. There is room for a few books, notebooks or accessories along with a laptop in the main compartment, but a thermos or reusable cup would not easily fit in there, unless it is a collapsable cup, or a thermos with a very tall and slim profile. I believe the Tokyo model of this bag offers a cup holder, but it does not come with two separate compartments. The Slim or Single version of the bag may do well for daily commuting, but the Double may do better for business trips or when one wants to carry a larger set of things or just wish to have more storage options.

The stitching of the bag, although not in perfect symmetry, is well and it looks like it will hold up for a quite some time. I will make sure to update my review if I have any new findings. 4.5 star out of 5.

October 16, 2022
Unprompted review