Tom Bihn

I was recently looking for a bag which could match my many demands:
1) It must be a messenger-type bag
2) Outer pockets for easy gadget acces a must
3) Ability to carry my 17" PowerBook was a nice-to-have
4) More pockets for a different cables, gadgets and other items
5) If I could stuff some overnight gear in there as well, that would be a bonus

As European bags tend to be smallish in nature, I started to look towards the good US of A. Many independant bagmakers over there, as I found out. Eventually, after reading loads of reviews, I settled on the companay of Tom Bihn. (As an aside, I was amazed by the number of bag reviews present. I guess this piece of writing adds another one to the mix.)

After perusing the site, it was only natural I went for the the bag called the Super-Ego. Money was no objection, although afterwards could have gone to my mortgage. With transport and the o-so friendly import tariffs, I ended up paying more than 170 dollars for that behemoth.
For this amount, I expected the bag to be accompagnied by at least a thank you note from the company, expressing their gratitude in welcoming another customer; even one from Europe, no less.

Well now...
It is certainly big. Humongous is more like. Bulbuous would be another description. It certainly holds a lot of items. All this volume points to a the possibility of being able to carry a lot of weight. Wich needs to be hauled around on the shoulder.
Luckily, the strap is equally big. And broad.

To be honest, it met my requirements as stated above. But the bag is ungainly. Ugly. This enourmous "thing" lacks any grace or estethics.

If you want to have it, you can get it here:
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0825.

But be warned, it is not something you want to carry around in any fashionable European city. Or any city for that matter.

Update:
After posting this, I was contacted by a Tom Bihn representative. Kudos for their customer service! Reading back, I realize that it might have been a very harsh assessment. As such, let me stress that this piece of writing is not an objective review; it is a purely subjective opinion (no doubt influenced by the mood I was in. Next time, I should keep the Vitriol in check.)
Objectively, it should only be fair to point out the positive aspects as well:
1) It does what it promises; the ability to carry a lot of (large) items
2) It is very well-made; sturdy and rainproof
3) Customer service and ordering went very smooth
4) Ability to accesorize your bag before ordering

So, depending on your needs and wants, your mileage may vary. Or perhaps it's a European thing after all..