We currently keep our laptop in a protective sleeve and didn't own a tote until this one, so I really have nothing to compare it to.First of all, this tote is way better than I expected as far as quality goes. The amount of space inside is deceiving and can hold not only my laptop but also my daughter's tablet, her Nintendo Switch, a couple of books, a drawing pad, some colored pencils, my phone, wallet, keys, etc. This tote will be perfect for an upcoming flight as a personal carry-on!I like that it has two roomy zippered pockets on the front and outside of the bag, ideal for your wallet, keys, cell phone, or sunglasses. There's a large zipper located at the top of the bag to keep the contents from falling out, which will be convenient when placing the tote in the basket at the airport security check-in. There is an open space on each side of this zipper when it is closed. I'm not sure of the purpose, but I assume it may be there to allow heat to escape if your electronics are still warm when placed inside the tote.There's an additional zippered pocket inside the bag as well as two pouches, all of which are deep and will offer ample storage. These pockets are roomy enough to store pens, those colored pencils, your charging cords, or even cash.The overall appearance of the bag is nice-looking, with an embossed design throughout the water-proof fabric, making it easy to spot clean when needed. The padded insert inside the bag is a nice feature to help protect your laptop, but a second padded insert would have been nice to add more cushion as well as more division for additional electronics. We do keep our devices in thick neoprene sleeves, so only one padded insert should suffice.The straps are a bit too short for my wife and me. They could be another 2-3 inches longer, making for a more comfortable fit, but that certainly isn't a deterrent to making a decision to buy this tote. I would like to mention that it does come with a shoulder strap, should you prefer carrying the bag over your shoulder. Otherwise, other than lacking more padding to insulate your electronics and short straps, this bag is a winner!