I purchased this bag in February of this year as I needed a new laptop bag that would accomodate my new 17" laptop. I wanted something big enough to carry the computer, power cord, mouse and a few files so a simple neoprene sleeve type bag wasn't going to work for me. This bag has plenty of room to carry the lap top and a bunch of files. I've also gotten my iPad and 4"x6" zip up date book in there and still had room left over! That being said, this bag is almost too big and too heavy to carry with the shoulder strap. I have used the bag approximately once a week since February to bring my lap top and other materials with me (out of my house, into my car, out of my car and into the office). Even with that limited amount of use the shoulder strap is ripping at the pad that goes directly on your shoulder. The strap is not one long, continuous piece of webbing but rather, 2 shorter pieces sewn together in the pad. I'm not sure the strap will hold up for long term use, even if I reinforce the stitching. I may end up getting a neoprene sleeve with a shoulder strap and put the power cord, mouse, files and other materials in my regular soft-sided briefcase.