So, Um, What Qualifies as a Purse?

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.vajacases.com/affiliate&ID=100' target='_blank'>http://www.vajacases.com/affiliate&ID=100</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Slip ideas inside, no matter how big they are, and let them ride in exquisite full grain leather, carefully selected for its quality, beauty and durability amongst the best Argentinian hides. The Vaja Messenger Bag is handcrafted to subtleness using time-honored Old World traditions of the most skilled leather artisans. Thoughtfully designed to truly and uniquely fit your own needs, each bag offers optional features such as text or graphic personalization, on-board detachable gadget pocket, handy key metal hook, external Rivet tab, and lightweight padded notebook jacket. Available in three models - 15", 15" wide and slim - and a vast number of combinations, only from Vaja."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/vaja_messenger_bag.jpg" /><br /><br />Vaja makes beatiful, stylish cases - but sometimes, their stuff is <i>so</i> beautiful and stylish that it goes beyond my geeky ability to appreciate it. This leather bag is a good example - it's gorgeous, and is designed for a laptop, but I can't help but think that I'd feel uncomfortable with it slung over my shoulder. Yet I have other small "purse like" laptop cases for my tiny 10.6" screen laptop, made out of geeky materials (neoprene, ballistic nylon, etc.) that I'm comfortable using. Am I insecure or what? My wife went ballistic when I showed her this though... ;-) [affiliate]

[djh]

It's easy to get seduced by Vaja products - they are just sooo good.

I'm glad the messenger bag is a bit girly looking or I'd be tempted to get one. We have a couple of their cases already, my daughter has the Razr case with the little crystals embedded in it and my HP 6940 lives in a Vaja case.

Over the years I have used all kinds of PDA case, but these guys are in a class of their own as far as I'm concerned.

[Damion Chaplin]

What qualifies it as a purse? Whenever it matches your fingernail polish. :lol:

On the other hand, slap a big 'ol Spider-Man patch on it and it just might pass as unisex. :wink:

[sojourner753]

I hear you Jason...
I'm secure enough to admit that that is one beautiful bag.

But just couldn't bring my self to get one. :oops:

[Phronetix]

LOL, awesome. Here is my criteria, from my old blog.

Dennis' criteria for purse-hood:

A bag may be called a purse when it: fullfills ONE 'A' Criterion; OR the number of positive 'B' Criteria and negative 'C' criteria points equals 3 or greater. See criteria below.


'A' Criteria: Any presence of...
1. Tassles
2. Long skinny shoulder strap
3. A drawstring closure at the top

'B' Criteria (Each worth plus one, unless stated otherwise)
1. Faux crocodile or other reptile skin
2. One point for each of the following colors: peach, pink, anything pastel, teal and salmon.
3. Visible rivets (Count two if on denim material)
4. Chrome-like O-rings that attach shoulder straps
5. Anything that resembles a belt buckle is present
6. Zipper fob that is larger than a standard Las Vegas issue poker chip
7. A matching smaller bag ideal for 'accesories' can be found within.
8. Any woman has called the bag in question "Cute". Two points if her shoes, shirt and nail polish match.
9. Presence of any unused kleenex tissues inside; two points if used.

Negative 'C' Criteria (Each worth minus one point)
1. Built-in wheels
2. A velcro patch to zipper ratio greater than one
3. A wide, cushioned shoulder strap is present
4. Does not stand upright when placed on a flat surface.
5. Has a custom pocket designed to protect any high tech item.

[ctmagnus]

I've been watching Heroes and I initially thought that the Japanese guy's bag is one of these. But at closer inspection, his bag has two vertical stripes whereas these have only one. But it'd be cool if these could squish down somewhat, to look like his did.

[Janak Parekh]

Am I insecure or what? My wife went ballistic when I showed her this though... ;-) [affiliate]
Yes, you are. ;) Messenger bags and their cousins are quite popular here in New York, where lots of walking leads to comfortable or light bags. I think it looks great; I wouldn't carry it because I carry a laptop and because I prefer two-shouldered bags for weight distribution, and I put my bags through too much to spend the $$ for a Vaja bag.

--janak