The Marlene bag needs design modification, to make it the perfect lap top bag. First, the plus side of the bag: the black & gray houndstooth pattern is really cute and muted not garish. The bag has a separate pocket for your lap top and another for your purse or files etc. Also the big plus is the open panel on the back where you can place it over the handle of a roller bag - most totes that I can find don't have this feature. The handles are also the perfect length to use on your shoulder. It also has a front zipper pocket for your plane ticket etc. However, it is "too flimsy" and won't stand up. Therefore, it is too hard to load. Plus, the size of the bag -- it is just too wide and looks very odd on your shoulder - not an attractive bag in the size. It looks more like a beach bag it is so large. Dakine needs to make it a tad smaller in width (it would still hold a large lap top perfectly) and reinforce the bottom with something sturdy, to allow it to stand upright when you set it down. Make these few changes for "improvement" and I will buy it for sure.

Big and will fit a lot! It's just like the picture...and seems of very good quality. I am completely satisfied! I will look for more from this brand. The straps could use some padding though, but otherwise great! Also, Zappos came through as well just as an added bonus.

Even though the previous reviews were not glowing, I ordered this bag when I ordered the larger matching bags. I'm so glad I did and this is a great carry-on bag! Straps are the perfect length to through over your shoulder, even with a jacket. Lots of pockets and compartments make it easy to organize, access documents, ID, money, water and stuff while in lines, and everything zips to keep things secure. Padded laptop compartment is nice and even though I didn't take my laptop, it held my book, magazines, travel documents, etc. It looks like to won't hold much, but it's deceiving and packed up all my stuff with room to spare! Love! Can't wait to travel again! PS, only thing I would wish for is the sleeve on the back be a teeny bit wider, like an inch or two, to more easily slip over the retractable handle of the other bags. It fits but you need to work it on and off. Might also be tight because it's new and the material is a bit stiff. Still love it though.

I really love this bag! I originally ordered the Liberty from Dakine, but it was just way too big for what I needed it for, even though it was really pretty. The Marlene is perfect for my things for school. Only thing I would change is to add more padding to the straps, they're a bit rough but still love it.

This bag is wonderful! Lots of great space and my 17.3 inch laptop fits perfect. The best part was that it got here in less than 30 hours with standard free shipping! Thanks