Since my iPad first arrived, my poor MacBook has been increasingly neglected. The iPad goes with me everywhere. So the iPad needs a bag. Not just a bag for the iPad but one that can also hold the stand, the bluetooth keyboard, and the other bits and pieces; A throw it over your shoulder, get-some-work-done bag.
Apparently I’m not the only one looking for such a bag because there are a lot of them out there. I received a Tom Bihn Ristretto for iPad ($110) review bag and, after beating it up for six weeks, am reporting in.
The Bag
The Ristretto, made at the Tom Bihn Factory in Seattle, started life as a netbook grade computer bag. It is a vertical messenger bag with a built-in padded compartment for your iPad. Empty, the bag measures 12” x 9.25” x 4.75”. As a matter of coincidence it is perfect for the iPad and an Apple Bluetooth keyboard.
The bag has an inner compartment that contains a large bay, a zippered compartment, several smaller pockets, and the iPad compartment. It is all covered with an asymmetrical flap and sturdy plastic buckle.
The padded compartment is made with quarter inch open-cell foam laminated with durable 4 Ply Taslan® on the outside, and features an interior of brushed nylon. The foam surrounds the iPad. There is a correct way to insert the iPad, with the glass facing in and the aluminum facing the back of the bag. Once you put your iPad in the padded compartment, there is a top flap that can fold over enclosing your Precious.
The large compartment is the perfect height for an Apple Bluetooth keyboard. It has three O-rings that you can use to attach your keys or optional pouches. It is also a good place for a pocket leatherman. The stock bag includes a key strap. The built in pockets are the right size to hold pens, a wallet, and an iPod. (Your phone is in your pocket, right?) There is a slanted open pocket on the back of the Ristretto. It is too small for papers (unless folded in half) but does prove handy for envelopes and mail.
The Ristretto ships with waist straps to secure it to your body. This works great for bicyclists. More importantly, the waist strap hardware unclips and disappears when not in use.
The Strap
The Ristretto ships with the standard shoulder strap, a 1.5” wide heavy nylon webbing strap with a foam pad. For an extra $20, you can upgrade to the Absolute Shoulder Strap. At first blush it seems kind of silly upgrading a strap on an iPad case but after using the Absolute Shoulder Strap for awhile, you’ll get it. The Absolute Shoulder Strap uses a neoprene pad with an all metal snaphook (see note below regarding The Squeak). If you carry the bag for any length of time, it is a lot more comfortable. I’ve also found myself repurposing The Absolute Shoulder Strap with all my various bags.
The Squeak
After using the bag for about a week I began to notice a subtle squeak when carrying it around. The source of the sound is the metal snaphook from the strap rubbing against the metal eyelit on the bag. The connectors are both metal. I used some silicon based bicycle chain lubricant and it went away. I spoke with Tom Bihn and they recommend rubbing a graphite pencil on the offending pieces. I tested their fix and it worked. Tom Bihn reports they are aware of this and are working on it.
Usage and Recommendation
I beat the hell out of this bag. Over the last six weeks I carried it through the Canadian wilderness and down the Las Vegas strip. Its been thrown in trunks, dragged by kids, and schlepped around everywhere with me. It still looks like new.
More importantly, it has performed just as advertised. The Ristretto is a great solution for the iPad and just a bit more. If you routinely use Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard, it’s perfect. I liked it so much, I bought another one for my wife.
A Note About the Pictures
All of the pictures in this review were taken after I spent 6 weeks usage.
Full size images are in my Flickr feed here.
Is there enough room to fit an iPad that is already in some kind of bumper/case? Although protected while in the bag, sounds like the bag only carries a "naked" iPad.
I use the iPad with this bag but I use it in the Apple Case which is pretty thin. So there's plenty of room for that case. Probably not enough room if you used a bulkier case.
I use the iPad with this bag but I use it in the Apple Case which is pretty thin. So there's plenty of room for that case. Probably not enough room if you used a bulkier case.
I use the iPad with this bag but I use it in the Apple Case which is pretty thin. So there's plenty of room for that case. Probably not enough room if you used a bulkier case.
I use the iPad with this bag but I use it in the Apple Case which is pretty thin. So there's plenty of room for that case. Probably not enough room if you used a bulkier case.
I use the iPad with this bag but I use it in the Apple Case which is pretty thin. So there's plenty of room for that case. Probably not enough room if you used a bulkier case.
$110 for such a small & simple bag? I suspect they'd sell enough more to make more money if they cut the price in half. You got yours to review. The rest of us will have to pay for one.
$110 for such a small & simple bag? I suspect they'd sell enough more to make more money if they cut the price in half. You got yours to review. The rest of us will have to pay for one.
$110 for such a small & simple bag? I suspect they'd sell enough more to make more money if they cut the price in half. You got yours to review. The rest of us will have to pay for one.
$110 for such a small & simple bag? I suspect they'd sell enough more to make more money if they cut the price in half. You got yours to review. The rest of us will have to pay for one.
$110 for such a small & simple bag? I suspect they'd sell enough more to make more money if they cut the price in half. You got yours to review. The rest of us will have to pay for one.
Tom Bihn bags are not cheap, but worth every penny. The build quality is outstanding. I have a five year old Brain Bag, and it hardly shows any sign of wear yet, and I recently got a Synapse for my netbook (the Brain Bag is overkill for a netbook/tablet).
The organisation of the compartments is carefully designed, and Tom Bihn's system for extra pockets and folders is cleverly done, and helps keep the bag organised.
I am a bit of a bag nerd, and have over the years tried a variety of different bags on my quest for the perfect one. So far, only the Tom Bihn bags have come close. In fact, with the Synapse I think my quest has come to an end.
The Ristretto seems very nice, but if you are looking for a backpack that can carry a bit more without being bulky, the Synapse is definitely worth a look for iPad users as well.
Tom Bihn bags are not cheap, but worth every penny. The build quality is outstanding. I have a five year old Brain Bag, and it hardly shows any sign of wear yet, and I recently got a Synapse for my netbook (the Brain Bag is overkill for a netbook/tablet).
The organisation of the compartments is carefully designed, and Tom Bihn's system for extra pockets and folders is cleverly done, and helps keep the bag organised.
I am a bit of a bag nerd, and have over the years tried a variety of different bags on my quest for the perfect one. So far, only the Tom Bihn bags have come close. In fact, with the Synapse I think my quest has come to an end.
The Ristretto seems very nice, but if you are looking for a backpack that can carry a bit more without being bulky, the Synapse is definitely worth a look for iPad users as well.
Tom Bihn bags are not cheap, but worth every penny. The build quality is outstanding. I have a five year old Brain Bag, and it hardly shows any sign of wear yet, and I recently got a Synapse for my netbook (the Brain Bag is overkill for a netbook/tablet).
The organisation of the compartments is carefully designed, and Tom Bihn's system for extra pockets and folders is cleverly done, and helps keep the bag organised.
I am a bit of a bag nerd, and have over the years tried a variety of different bags on my quest for the perfect one. So far, only the Tom Bihn bags have come close. In fact, with the Synapse I think my quest has come to an end.
The Ristretto seems very nice, but if you are looking for a backpack that can carry a bit more without being bulky, the Synapse is definitely worth a look for iPad users as well.
Tom Bihn bags are not cheap, but worth every penny. The build quality is outstanding. I have a five year old Brain Bag, and it hardly shows any sign of wear yet, and I recently got a Synapse for my netbook (the Brain Bag is overkill for a netbook/tablet).
The organisation of the compartments is carefully designed, and Tom Bihn's system for extra pockets and folders is cleverly done, and helps keep the bag organised.
I am a bit of a bag nerd, and have over the years tried a variety of different bags on my quest for the perfect one. So far, only the Tom Bihn bags have come close. In fact, with the Synapse I think my quest has come to an end.
The Ristretto seems very nice, but if you are looking for a backpack that can carry a bit more without being bulky, the Synapse is definitely worth a look for iPad users as well.
Tom Bihn bags are not cheap, but worth every penny. The build quality is outstanding. I have a five year old Brain Bag, and it hardly shows any sign of wear yet, and I recently got a Synapse for my netbook (the Brain Bag is overkill for a netbook/tablet).
The organisation of the compartments is carefully designed, and Tom Bihn's system for extra pockets and folders is cleverly done, and helps keep the bag organised.
I am a bit of a bag nerd, and have over the years tried a variety of different bags on my quest for the perfect one. So far, only the Tom Bihn bags have come close. In fact, with the Synapse I think my quest has come to an end.
The Ristretto seems very nice, but if you are looking for a backpack that can carry a bit more without being bulky, the Synapse is definitely worth a look for iPad users as well.
Agree with the previous poster about this bag being way overpriced. Six weeks and still looks new? That's impressive! My Haglofs is six years old and it still looks new. And it has also been through the Canadian wilderness and in Las Vegas. Still waterproof, zippers in perfect condition, looks new, no torn sewing, no ripped material. My sister's Haglofs backpack is seventeen years old and still going strong! She bought it for senior high. The recommended price for this Haglofs (YouTube video here.) is 60 USD. Comparing the Ristretto to the Haglofs, or to some other quality maker of bags, a fair price would be 20-25 USD. Your review, though well meant, lacks comparisons to some of the alternatives, and the Ristretto just is way way out of line in terms of pricing for what you get.
I look forward to ordering a Ristretto later this year. I'm unapologetically a Tom Bihn fan. In addition to the gorgeous and thoughtful design, I LOVE the fact that the people who make the bags are right there in Seattle, making a living wage, and being treated like the important part of the process that they are. It's one thing for a company to say they're responsible and ethical and another to actually put it into practice.
Thanks for the info about The Squeak! Very useful. How many pens can the Ristretto hold upright?
I look forward to ordering a Ristretto later this year. I'm unapologetically a Tom Bihn fan. In addition to the gorgeous and thoughtful design, I LOVE the fact that the people who make the bags are right there in Seattle, making a living wage, and being treated like the important part of the process that they are. It's one thing for a company to say they're responsible and ethical and another to actually put it into practice.
Thanks for the info about The Squeak! Very useful. How many pens can the Ristretto hold upright?
I look forward to ordering a Ristretto later this year. I'm unapologetically a Tom Bihn fan. In addition to the gorgeous and thoughtful design, I LOVE the fact that the people who make the bags are right there in Seattle, making a living wage, and being treated like the important part of the process that they are. It's one thing for a company to say they're responsible and ethical and another to actually put it into practice.
Thanks for the info about The Squeak! Very useful. How many pens can the Ristretto hold upright?
I look forward to ordering a Ristretto later this year. I'm unapologetically a Tom Bihn fan. In addition to the gorgeous and thoughtful design, I LOVE the fact that the people who make the bags are right there in Seattle, making a living wage, and being treated like the important part of the process that they are. It's one thing for a company to say they're responsible and ethical and another to actually put it into practice.
Thanks for the info about The Squeak! Very useful. How many pens can the Ristretto hold upright?
I look forward to ordering a Ristretto later this year. I'm unapologetically a Tom Bihn fan. In addition to the gorgeous and thoughtful design, I LOVE the fact that the people who make the bags are right there in Seattle, making a living wage, and being treated like the important part of the process that they are. It's one thing for a company to say they're responsible and ethical and another to actually put it into practice.
Thanks for the info about The Squeak! Very useful. How many pens can the Ristretto hold upright?
I just got my ipad Muzetto from SFBags.com, and I must say I'm feeling pretty slick. It's not cheap, but it exudes quality. http://www.sfbags.com/products/muzetto/muzetto.htm
I use it with the Apple case plus one of their sleeves that goes over the Apple case.
I just got my ipad Muzetto from SFBags.com, and I must say I'm feeling pretty slick. It's not cheap, but it exudes quality. http://www.sfbags.com/products/muzetto/muzetto.htm
I use it with the Apple case plus one of their sleeves that goes over the Apple case.
I just got my ipad Muzetto from SFBags.com, and I must say I'm feeling pretty slick. It's not cheap, but it exudes quality. http://www.sfbags.com/products/muzetto/muzetto.htm
I use it with the Apple case plus one of their sleeves that goes over the Apple case.
I just got my ipad Muzetto from SFBags.com, and I must say I'm feeling pretty slick. It's not cheap, but it exudes quality. http://www.sfbags.com/products/muzetto/muzetto.htm
I use it with the Apple case plus one of their sleeves that goes over the Apple case.
I just got my ipad Muzetto from SFBags.com, and I must say I'm feeling pretty slick. It's not cheap, but it exudes quality. http://www.sfbags.com/products/muzetto/muzetto.htm
I use it with the Apple case plus one of their sleeves that goes over the Apple case.
Great Post !
I'"m a big Tom Bihn fann too. Do you plan to test the Tom Bihn's Buzz for your iPad ?
Great Post !
I'"m a big Tom Bihn fann too. Do you plan to test the Tom Bihn's Buzz for your iPad ?
Great Post !
I'"m a big Tom Bihn fann too. Do you plan to test the Tom Bihn's Buzz for your iPad ?
Great Post !
I'"m a big Tom Bihn fann too. Do you plan to test the Tom Bihn's Buzz for your iPad ?
Great Post !
I'"m a big Tom Bihn fann too. Do you plan to test the Tom Bihn's Buzz for your iPad ?