waaay OT, Nice breifcase for the boss?

[IJWS]

Hey guys, me and 6 coworkers are going in on a briefcase for the principal of our architecture office. His current briefcase is a train-wreck, but it fits 11" x 17" drawings flat and has a black aluminum outer shell. We need to stick to those guidelines but really don't know where to begin. One of my coworkers sent a $77 Samsonite cheapie, and I've been looking at the Zero Halliburton cases. Does anyone here on the forum have an opinion? We are trying to keep it around $50-ish a person so the budget is paltry$350-500 (max). What's going to look nice, work well, and impress the clients?

Thanks!

[Tickdoc]

I like the zero Halliburton idea, esp for an architect, but I would consider a gift certificate from a nice luggage store as a briefcase can be a highly personal item.

[Avincent52]

Isn't the Zero Halliburton making a really strong statement that your boss might not be able/willing to back up?
(I searched Zero Halliburton and one hit on a fashion site said roughly "I'd only carry one if it was filled with sequential, unmarked large bills. Or a dis-assembled sniper rifle.)

How about *two* cases?

The first would be a portfolio case that would fit those 11 x 17 plans/blueprints, but be dedicated for that purpose. This one looks nice.

http://www.portfolio-cover.com/camden-cases.htm

You could take the remainder and buy him a bag he can carry every day.

If he carries a laptop, how about something from Thom Bihn? Super functional and rugged: Mine has outlasted three Macbook Pros.
http://www.tombihn.com/CTGY/briefcases.html

Or one of these:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-laptop-bags/4/

or these
http://www.thestreet.com/story/12936716/4/the-10-best-laptop-bags-for-modern-men.html

Brenthaven makes very nice, stylish laptop briefcases/messenger bags that would fit into that remaining $350 budget.
http://www.brenthaven.com/shop-by-style/laptop-brief-cases

And you can get the best prices at B&H Photo
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Shop-by-Brand-Brenthaven/ci/4/phd/4085755876/N/4294255798

If you want just one large briefcase, this looks pretty great and hits your $500 budget (although I think that black would be more practical.)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FSW3IC/?tag=thes05a-20

It's hard to narrow it down without having a sense of your boss's personal style, but it's a nice idea and I'm sure you'll find something nice.

[572cv]

I like Avincent52's idea of a dedicated portfolio case. Those look cool. I've gotten compliments for, and have appreciated the versatility of, my Timbuk2 messenger bag. Not pictured here, but this is the idea....

http://www.timbuk2.com/messenger-bags?size=10.5,15.5,1

You can often order them with particular colors or fabrics, suitable to the exalted stature and discriminating taste of an architectural office principal.:)

(Oh, right, that would be me, too ;))

[Steve in SLO]

I have a Zero Halliburton case in gunmetal. I've had it for about 20 years. It's an absolutely bulletproof, high quality piece. I have had a lot of compliments on it over the years, and I still love it.
If you decide to go this route, opt for a silver case with a brushed finish, as it will show less nicks and wear than the darker gloss-finished cases.