Expert: Joel Linton - 3/16/2007

Question
Really sorry - just asked the following question and forgot to add - smallest, lightest briefcase with wheels (lol).  

"I do a lot of one day travel and need to carry small laptop and a bunch of papers.  I am trying to find the SMALLEST and LIGHTEST briefcase ever.  As close to 30cm by 40cm by 15 cm - or 12 inches by 16 inches by 4 inches.  And light.  Not been successful so far

Answer
Dear Lisette

I am on my second briefcase with wheels ! (the first one was a Samsonite and current one is a Swiss Army from Costco). I went with wheels because I was tired of lugging over my shoulder, and I tend to take a lot of stuff with me ... (I would win any competition to "see what's inside" !! -- all business travel related and subject for a separate discussion).  

From my experience, there are no light briefcases (and small) on wheels.  Not knowing your budget, you could start with Tumi (which would be top of the range) and move downwards -- Targus, Samsonite and all others.  

Based on your objective and size dimensions, I am not sure what you will find, well as you say, found nothing so far ! and I think that is the reality ... I quite like the wheels in terms of the functionality, but not great for fitting under seats on certain aircraft, and sometimes mine is so bulging that getting it into the overhead is a challenge too.

All in all -- a better idea for me to drag something, rather than carry it ... BUT, might I suggest looking into laptop specific backpacks ...? I am eager to go this route, and tried it one trip, only to frustrate the hell out of myself not knowing or quickly locating essential items .. but I guess that too anyone can get used to and get familiar with.  I am sure that the backpack option will meet your "light" objectives, and you might even meet your size dimensions ... and there are some nice ones available now with special laptop compartments etc.

If you solve this one -- let me know.  Thanks and regards
and safe travels !

Joel