My briefcase was over thirty years old and literally falling apart. Since the only thing I carry in it these days is my lunch, reading material and a few odds and ends (back-up power supply, phone charging cable, etc.), I wasn't really in need of a fancy briefcase. However, I had received an Amazon gift card for Christmas and so had a few extra bucks I could spend on one, so my options were greater. However, I am neither in a position to drop several hundred dollars on a briefcase nor have I any need to impress anyone or have a briefcase that will allow an elephant to stand on it. I do not buy anything without thorough research, and as this briefcase would need to last me the rest of my working career (which admittedly, probably isn't long) I wanted to make sure I got something that would suit my purposes and last. There are several inexpensive, sub-$100 briefcases available, and I'm sure some of them might have suited my needs, but with the gift card and my tastes, I wanted something “nice.” I think this briefcase qualifies. This case is made of real leather, not the “PU” fake stuff. It is nicely made and sturdy. I must admit, though, that I returned the first one I received and got a replacement. Like others, I had a problem with a latch. When I received the first briefcase, the right latch was open in the package. Hoping that this wasn't indicative of a problem, I tried opening and closing the latches and found that the right latch would not operate correctly without pushing and shoving the lid around. Looking closer, I found that the latch plate was actually on slightly crooked. For a brand-new, “have it until I die” briefcase, this was not acceptable, so I returned it. In Amazon's typically great fashion, I had a replacement in short order, and its latches work just as they should. I purchased the brown “one size” version, though I must admit I couldn't figure out the difference between the “one size” version and the 18 x 13 x 3.5 version, as my “one size” measures the same on the outside. The interior dimensions take about an inch off of each of those dimensions. The exterior is a nice, carmelly brown leather with a couple of black trim lines. The latches are combination lock latches but I cannot speak to the ease of changing the combination as I have no need to secure the case. Instructions are included in the case for how to do this. The interior is a light tan suede leather and a stiff material for the folders in the lid. Those folders are kept closed by tabs at the sides that have snaps in two positions to keep them tight to the lid, depending on how much you keep in them. There is an additional pocket in the lid with a snap tab closure that is 10” x 7” which could hold a tablet. By the way, this is not an expandable style briefcase. I intentionally did not buy one because I don't like them, but they can be handy if you occasionally need to stuff your case fuller than usual. If you typically carry lots of stuff in your briefcase, I can see where you might be limited by this one. I do wish it were just a tad deeper myself, but it has not affected the way I use it. The lid supports are a bit stiff as it's a new case. I suspect they will loosen up over time. They have a “catch” position when you open the lid up all the way that keeps the lid from falling closed. Being a bit stiff right now, I need to be careful closing the lid if I have pushed it all the way open (something I really haven't found a need to do) because they do not release easily right now. The handle is bulkier than my old briefcase. It is comfortably hand-filling for me, but that will depend on your hands. A wider handle isn't a bad thing if you are carrying the briefcase for long, as a skinny, narrow handle can really cut into the fingers, but I can see where someone with very small hands might think this handle a bit thick. It remains to be seen how well this briefcase wears. The one thing I am concerned about is the hinges. There are two separate hinges holding the lid to the body. I would rather see a piano type hinge that goes the full width of the case, but these hinges are working. It's just that when I open and close the lid, I use both hands so that the lid doesn't “rack” on one hinge or the other. A full hinge would prevent that, but I am sure would add to the cost. If you are looking for a nice leather briefcase that should serve for years, I think this is a good choice. If funds are limited, I think you could probably find a slightly less expensive briefcase that would work as well. I, however, am happy with the one I bought.
