15 COOLEST BRIEFCASES EVER

15 Coolest Briefcases Ever
By Julian, Business Pundit, 3 April 2013.

Briefcases first emerged on the professional scene in courtrooms in the 1920s, and they went on to become symbols of white-collar accomplishment and sophistication. Until recently, however, the common briefcase was a bit blasé, and if you’d seen one, you’d seen them all. Fortunately, things have changed over the past few years, and now working professionals are able to carry a one-of-a-kind case to make a stylish statement. Exasperated commuters can even pick a briefcase that transforms into a scooter – so no more stinking trains and traffic jams! Here’s a look at 15 cool briefcases guaranteed to kick your career into overdrive.

15. Hi Tek Alexander

Alexander Tasou of Hi Tek Design is known for his surrealist creations. Showcasing a mix of unexpected elements combined to create a retro-futuristic, steampunk accessory, the Hi Tek Alexander case pictured above is a perfect example of Tasou’s work. It’s different, it’s bold, and it’ll stand out amongst the generic briefcases carted around by your less imaginative colleagues. Made in England, the briefcase is Italian leather and includes four compartments, a telephone-shaped aluminium handle, and an old-fashioned lock and chain. The case is part of Hi Tek London’s vintage 1980s line, and it sold two million units on one Japanese TV network alone.

14. Fingerprint Briefcase

Made from hand-stitched nubuck leather and lined with smooth suede, this briefcase is classy, stylish and elegant. But high fashion aside, the coolest feature of the case is its James Bond-esque biometric fingerprint scanner locking system. Sensitive documents, classified information, delicate client files and your stash of energy-boosting chocolate bars have never been safer. The lock uses a USB-powered battery and can store up to 14 people’s fingerprints. A latch hides the scanner from view when the briefcase is in transit and easily slides back for access when it’s business time.

13. Tumi Tegra-Lite Bulletproof Briefcase

Business can get tough, and if you find yourself caught in the line of fire, this bulletproof Tumi Tegra-Lite briefcase will definitely come in handy. The case is crafted from 65 layers of Tegris, which is a polypropylene-based material used to make protective NFL gear and NASCAR parts. The case withstands .22 and .38 calibre bullets, and if that’s not CIA agent enough, it also has a secret compartment that’s hidden under a false bottom. If you happen to do business in a warzone, fancy yourself as a spy, love gadgets, or simply suffer from extreme paranoia, then this briefcase could be for you.

12. Samsonite Micro Scooter Cabin Bag Combo

Samsonite and Micro Mobility teamed up to create this piece of kit, which is perfect for traveling businesspeople on the go as well as eco-conscious commuters. The Samsonite Micro Scooter Cabin Bag Combo case can hold documents, a computer and clothes, but the best part is that it folds out into a curve-riding, steerable scooter. Not only is it compact and sleek, but you’re also bound to turn heads when you transform your case into a scooter and hop on. Whether you’re on your way to work, shuttling around the airport, or off for a post-work gym class, this case is wonderfully multifunctional and delightfully gimmicky. Green is in, and what better way to reduce your carbon footprint than by zooming off to a meeting on this sweet ride.

11. The BoomCase

The BoomCase may not hold a laptop or any important documents, but it’s just too cool to exclude. Functionality can take a back seat for the time being, because this case is guaranteed to get the party started. Inspired by portable ‘50s record players, California-based company BoomCase makes each unique boombox by upcycling vintage cases. The cases feature built-in rechargeable batteries and can be custom-fitted to include extras such as an iPod slot, a solar power charger, an LCD screen, or a 75-Watt plug that enables the case to power televisions and laptops.

10. DIRECTV Sat-Go

If you already have a portable boombox case, why not get a satellite TV in a briefcase to go with it? DIRECTV made this handy accessory for people who want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing any creature comforts - like satellite TV. Still, we reckon it could be ideal for businesspeople who spend a lot of time in the urban jungle, too. The case features a receiver on the inside cover and a TV on the other side. It also includes an antenna, a rechargeable battery, AC and DC adapters, a phone jack and a USB connection; it seems like the only thing it doesn’t come with is popcorn. This would be a perfect setup for a busy professional who’s forced to spend the night in an airport terminal or in the back seat of their car. [DIRECTV website]

9. Briefcase DNA Analysis System

This next briefcase is rather niche and won’t be useful to everyone - but it’s still pretty incredible. Yes, this portable DNA analysis system can rapidly test a crime scene in 25 minutes. And we’re talking proper crime scenes here - not just trying to establish who stole the Scotch tape off your desk again. Apparently, it can take cell specimens, extract and make copies of DNA, and create a genetic fingerprint and unique genetic profile. In a laboratory environment, the same processes it performs can take as long as a week. This compact briefcase setup is the perfect tool for crime scene investigators and was designed by NEC in Japan and Aida Engineering.

8. Carl Mertens Bar Briefcase

Fortunately, crime scenes aren’t where most people operate, and this briefcase bar will be handier for most office workers. It has room for all the business essentials: business cards, files, cell phones, pens, and a complete 14-piece bar set. Yep, the briefcase has everything you need to mix up cocktails during your business meetings, including a pestle, a cutting board, liquid pourers, shakers and ice tongs. And the best bit is that if your business goes belly-up, you can earn money bartending off the sidewalk. Mojito, anyone?

7. Gotta Go Briefcase

The Gotta Go briefcase is definitely a cool idea, but in all honesty we aren’t quite sure who’d use it - and where. More to the point, once you have used it, you face the uncomfortable prospect of carrying body waste around with you for the rest of the day. Still, while it may be a pretty snazzy commode, at this point (thankfully to some minds) it remains only a concept. Developed in Japan and based on market research, the Gotta Go briefcase was designed to give stressed professionals some valuable extra minutes by shaving off all the wasted time spent traipsing to the bathroom. Naturally, the suitcase will be waterproof and have a sealing lid, plus a storage compartment for toilet paper, hand cleanser, and slots for documents, newspapers and just about anything else you might need.

6. Mutt Design Gun Case

Designed by Boudewijn van der Poel of Mutt Design, this stylish case is a little tamer than a portable toilet - and that’s saying something, considering the fact that the design incorporates the image of a gun. No one will mess with you while you carry a case that has a firearm boldly embossed on the outside, whilst the inside features a vintage-looking photo of a man pointing a gun at you and the inspiring words, “Think happy thoughts.” The case can be ordered from the Mutt Design website, which also offers other innovative and quirky products - like jewellery boxes shaped like armoured trucks. We don’t advise trying to get this case on the plane with you on your next business trip.

5. Bikoff Briefcase Bike

While the Bikoff Briefcase Bike is still just a concept at this stage, it’s a concept we’d like to see realized. Conceived by Argentinean design student Marcos Madia, the briefcase will be built into the frame of a folding bicycle. What’s more, the bike will be made using carbon fibre that will keep the case light and strong - not to mention cutting-edge. This briefcase is bound to make the commute to work more pleasant and eco-friendly, and it can be stored easily once folded. So put on your sunglasses and become a perfectly cool exec on an environmental power trip. Although there’s already a Chinese bike that folds into a briefcase shape, it isn’t functional as both a bike and a briefcase like the Bikoff.

4. Chanel iPod Carrying Case

If music helps you concentrate, you may want to consider the Chanel iPod Carrying Case. The case was designed by Chanel’s Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld, who’s quite an iPod fanatic: he owns 40. Lagerfeld also designed a carrying case for Fendi that can carry 12 iPods at once - though we have to wonder: why? Although this clear case only carries one, it also has room for a purse, glasses and a phone, along with the essential lipstick and face powder. Obviously this isn’t the kind of briefcase a lawyer might take with them to the courtroom, but it could suit those in the fashion and entertainment industries.

3. The Orator’s Briefcase PA System

This orator’s PA-system-in-a-case is perfect for the hard-working businessperson on the campaign trail. It includes a microphone (either handheld or clip-on), a foldable lectern, built-in speakers and an amplifier. Weighing a hefty 15 pounds, the case certainly isn’t something you’d want to drag around with you for fear that you need to deliver a rousing speech. Still, it could come in handy during office meetings involving participants who are hard of hearing, or for public announcements to staff. Best of all, everything fits neatly inside the case - with room for documents to boot.

2. Beau Reid Custom Briefcase

Industrial design engineer Beau Reid created this hip-looking, attention-grabbing orange briefcase for his company, Dynamic Innovations - whose current projects include perfumes and super-charged electric go-karts. This stylish-looking case is custom made to match the personality of its owner’s car - so don’t expect smooth sophistication if you drive a Pinto. On the other hand, if do own a sweet ride, there’s probably nothing cooler and more professional looking than stepping out of your smoking car with a matching case that’s just as sleek as your wheels. And the fact that each luxury case costs about $15,000 only adds to the appeal.

1. Upcycled Nintendo Briefcase

It’s a bit of a warp jump from Beau Reid’s incredible car-matching luxury cases to this repurposed Nintendo briefcase [more here] but everything has its place. And if you aren’t thrilled by the idea of spending US$15,000 on a briefcase, or don’t really have the right vehicle to show off, why not go with something upcycled instead? The planet will love you for it, and it says something about your integrity and consciousness. That’s why we love this modified Nintendo case. It’s great for retro video game fanatics and even comes with a wallet made out of a Nintendo controller. The sky’s the limit as far as briefcases are concerned. Why not branch out and find your own unique style?

[Source: Business Pundit. Edited. Links added.]