On Technology

Even though computers are getting smaller and lighter, we seem to be dragging more and more stuff with us. That's made the rolling briefcase one of the most popular pieces of travel luggage. Fully loaded they can weigh 25 to 35 pounds, but can be easily pulled through airports and offices.

I've been trying out new models from Briggs and Riley (briggs-riley.com) and Skooba Design (skoobadesign.com), each released this past month. These rolling briefcases carry a laptop along with books, papers and all your accessories; essentially your office on wheels.

Briggs & Riley makes a huge line of roller bags with 10 models to choose from. I've been trying the 15.4-inch Executive Expandable Rolling Brief ($369) and the 15.4-inch Multicase ($399). Both are slightly narrower than previous models and are designed to hold a 15-inch notebook. (A wider 17-inch version of the Expandable is available for $20 more).

The designs of each are similar. There's a front zippered section with 15 organizing pockets of all shapes and sizes for phones, chargers, cords, pens, receipts, keys, USB sticks and DVDs. There's also a small zippered horizontal pocket on the outside front for a boarding pass, passport and receipts, and a larger slash pocket with a magnetic closure for newspapers or last minute paperwork.

The Executive Expandable has a middle compartment with flexible dividers to separate papers, books and magazines, but they can be unsnapped to provide a 2-inch deep compartment for bulkier objects and can be doubled to four inches with the pull of a zipper. The rear compartment has a lightly padded pocket that holds the notebook by itself or in the included zippered neoprene sleeve. The computer can be passed through security without removing it from the sleeve. A detachable leash connects the sleeve to the case to keep everything together. (I found it a hard to put the computer in and out of the sleeve and I eventually stopped using it.)

The Multicase includes two removable cases in place of the built-in partitions and computer pocket that substitute for each, one to carry papers and the other the computer alone. The latter can pass thru security without removing the notebook. The two slim cases reduce the overall capacity of the case.

These models offer a number of changes from last year's line. The pocket arrangement in the front panel has been improved, the top handle are now two loops for better balance, and a new pocket has been added to the front.

I was able to easily roll the 15-inch Expandable case down the aisle on my Southwest flight. The bag fit under the middle and window seats as long as it was not expanded. Like all of Briggs & Riley roller bags, the retractable handle is on the outside. Some consider that to be an advantage, providing more room on the inside, but it prevents it from fitting under the seat when expanded.

A newly designed panel attached to the rear of the case by elastic cords is designed to grab onto the handle of a second larger roller bag when the case is sitting on top. This makes it possible to roll both bags with one hand. I found this panel would occasionally slip off the handle of my Eagle Creek 22-inch carry-on, but it may work better if used on a Briggs bag.

These cases are well designed and solidly constructed with a lot of attention paid to the details, such as the nonscratch pocket linings, elasticized pockets to grip pens and USB devices, and gusseted mesh see-through pockets. There's no skimping on materials, construction or hardware. I've taken an earlier model on several international trips and it's shown no sign of wear.

Skooba was one of the first companies to develop a computer bag that could pass through airport security without removing the computer from the bag, and it now offers that same feature in a rolling bag. Its pass-thru solution is the best of any bag I've tried because the fold out compartment is hinged at the top of the bag. Once you pass security, just pick up it by the handle and everything folds back into place. Unlike some check-thru bags the computer section is not too deep, leaving plenty of room in the rest of the bag.

The front section contains a padded pocket that holds the computer (up to 17-inch). The inside wall is transparent and when the pocket is hinged away, the computer becomes visible through the window as it passes through security. The rest of the bag is accessed through a single zipper that exposes a huge compartment with a movable dividing wall. The bag can be opened 180 degrees like a suitcase.

The forward portion of this compartment has mesh and elasticized compartments, 18 in all, for storing files, papers, gadgets, cords, adapters, pens and accessories, but the elasticized compartments were less flexible than the Brigg's design.

There's room enough behind the wall to pack an overnight change of clothes, but there's no pocket or partitions for files. Because the bag has one big compartment with a moveable internal divider, it allows greater flexibility to pack bulky objects such as a toiletry kit, a DSLR camera, headphones and bulky accessories up to six inches in thickness.

The Checkthrough Roller is very light, just eight pounds (about one and a half pounds lighter than the Briggs & Riley Expandable). Yet, it's durably made with urethane skate wheels mounted onto aluminum brackets.

There are no pockets on the outside front of the bag because any contents would obstruct the view of the computer as it passes through airport security. Instead there's a ticket and receipt pocket accessible just inside the main compartment, not as convenient. There's also a slim pocket for a newspaper on the back along with a strap for mounting it on top of another suitcase that works well.

The Skooba has an attractive contemporary look with curved corners and matte nickel finished hardware. While the Skooba is too wide to easily roll down a Southwest aisle, it fit perfectly under the middle and window seats. The Skooba costs $189 and is available from skoobadesign.com.