About.com Rating
The Bottom Line
The Shine 2 compact laptop tote bag has an eye-catching glossy vinyl exterior and superb organization features. Sized to fit Macbook Pro 13" or smaller laptops, the Shine 2 is also a very lightweight laptop bag, making it a fashionable and functional everyday accessory.
Pros
- Eye-catching look
- Lots of pockets for organization
- Comfortable shoulder strap
- Room for your work documents
Cons
- Though easy to clean, can attract dust and hair and show dents
Description
- Fits netbooks and ultraportable laptops up to 13"
- Bag dimensions: 13.5"w x 10.5"h x 2.5"d
- Laptop compartment: 13"w x 8"h x 1"d
- MSRP: $60.00
Guide Review - Shine 2 Women's Glossy Compact Laptop Bag
February 2, 2011 - True to its name, the Shine 2 compact laptop bag from Ice Red Bags is a shiny and modern-looking bag that's pretty petite. Although it's a big bigger in diameter than more pared-down sleeves or cases, that extra space provides much welcome room for work documents. There are pockets everywhere -- two for accessories and your mobile phone in the generous zippered external compartment, several for business cards and pens on the inside, and an open pocket on the back for magazines. As such, the Shine 2 makes a great everyday bag.
Available in black, silver, pink, and red, the glossy patent-finish bag also stands out as a fashion accessory as much as a functional laptop case. The bright orange lining provides another punch of fresh color, adding to the impression of the bag (and the bag carrier, one would think) as being fun and chic.
My review sample came in a lovely cherry red with white trim, which was actually more versatile than you might think. Details like the little silver feet on the bottom of the bag and quality zippers underscore the thoughtful design of the bag.
Carrying the Shine 2 via the padded adjustable shoulder strap is surprisingly comfortable. I was afraid the glossy padding on the strap would make it slippery, but on the contrary the laptop tote with my 10" netbook inside was balanced perfectly. I also appreciated how the dedicated padded laptop compartment had a felted lining, to help fight that awful tendency of glossy laptops to catch fingerprints.
The main drawback about the laptop case concerns the vinyl material, which naturally can attract hair (pet owners beware), reveal dust, and show nicks upon close inspection. The bag is, however, very easy to wipe clean and keep shiny.
I also wish the back open-top pocket, designed for easy access to magazines or other papers, didn't have a velcro (loud to open) closure, but that's really a minor quibble (and, most probably, other people might desire that closure to keep their papers secure).
All in all, the Shine 2 is a well-designed, fashionable laptop bag with room for all your everyday essentials. Because of its bright, standout color, it can make a nice accessory, but you may want the bag in a few colors to coordinate with your outfits. If you have a larger laptop, consider the original Shine, designed for laptops up to 17".