The inner pockets intended to secure small objects are absolutely useless, because (1) nothing will fit in them and (2) there wouldn't be enough of them, even if they actually worked. In my old briefcase (unfortunately no longer made) I used to carry 3 pens, a memory stick, my sunglasses, my checkbook, a digital voice recorder, a calculator or mp3 player, packets of wet wipes... misc. other small items. NONE of this stuff will fit in the LL Bean briefcase except the three pens. I found a total of five eyeglass cases in my dresser drawer - NOT ONE would fit in what "looks like" the eyeglass pocket. I also searched online, and could not find an eyeglass case that small. Maybe the pocket's intended for pre-smartphone cell phones - in which case equally useless. I find this kind of inattention to detail in what otherwise seems like a well-made product absolutely infuriating.
This is a good-looking case, and the materials and workmanship are fine, but I found two problems with the design that annoyed me enough to make me return it.
First, the sewn inner pockets for holding small items are badly sized. None of them is deep enough to hold a checkbook, and I hate having to dig in the bottom of a compartment for my checkbook. The shallow pockets, presumably for holding credit cards, are a bad joke as cards held there would inevitably get dumped if the briefcase is held upside down. It would be nice to have a zippered inner pocket so that thumbdrives, access cards, etc. would never fall out.
In order to even get to those inner pockets, which for me would be the most used part of the briefcase, you have to unsnap the snaps on the handle. Meh.
Seems like a briefcase designed by a person who doesn't use a briefcase.
Run away from the common ballistic nylon and get a case you can use and pass on in your will when your work days are over. This case is very well made, durable, and conceals contemporary features in a classic look.
I've had this bag for six years now, and have been using it every day for about the last four. The bag meets all my requirements for carrying papers and an iPad. I've carried my 15 inch laptop with power supply but that is really too much weight for a briefcase. The bag wears great, it really does get better with age. I was shocked to read other people's problems with the D ring holder, mine are fine. The only "problem" I have is the brass clips are wearing where they meet the ring, but that is certainly not Beans fault, I use the shoulder strap exclusively and it just normal wear from 4 years of daily use. If they do wear out in another 4 years I'm sure I can have them replaced easily. This is a great bag for any professional.
