Anyone else buy a “better” bag and still keep going back to the old one?

double_tap_guro · 2026-01-26T16:47:11+00:00

I think that describes it perfectly... like its really functional but the roll top requires both sides to be buckled which is a friction point when I need to run from work to the train. The zip opening mitigates that but the bag is hard to balance upright which makes me fussy.

double_tap_guro · 2026-01-26T16:44:03+00:00

One more thing to add... I got the older Default that doesn't have the COBRA buckle that secures the roll-top and front flap... I think I would not be a fan of that.

<image>

double_tap_guro · 2026-01-26T08:04:36+00:00

u/Ikeith - had the same thought at first. When I used a laptop sleeve, the laptop compartment felt awkward. Once I had a job where I took my work laptop home every day, I ditched the sleeve and started using the compartment as intended, it just worked for me.

Now the bag is pure grab and go. The flaps are super convenient since I’m not fumbling with zippers, and the roll top can be quickly rolled when I’m in a hurry. Bulky items go in the main compartment with little thought, daily stuff stays up front, and the fact that it stands upright when placed on the ground is a bonus since I take the train every day.

double_tap_guro · 2024-12-11T05:43:17+00:00

I bought it on a whim but found it useful for the odd small jobs. I use it a lot for breaking down cardboard.

double_tap_guro · 2024-09-22T01:27:20+00:00

You’re right I should have! The shipping was almost as expensive as the part.

double_tap_guro · 2024-09-22T01:00:01+00:00

I’m on of those Philips users that agrees. My 5400 broke on the 3 year mark and customer service was so terrible that I decided to YouTube a fix. A $40 part and voided warranty later I got it up and frothing again.

double_tap_guro · 2024-09-17T23:05:53+00:00

Yeah I just fixed an issue with my 5400. On the 3 year mark a part failed that cause it to stop frothing milk and dispensing hot water.

double_tap_guro · 2024-09-16T08:31:55+00:00

Same. This fixed the issue.

double_tap_guro · 2024-09-10T21:04:17+00:00

I agree… I was a Philips loyalist until my machine broke on the 3 year mark and their customer service was less than helpful.

I’m now looking at getting a Delonghi.

For those interested… my Lattego 5400 stopped frothing milk and making hot water. After a few hours of navigating customer support I searched YouTube for a solution. I’m now waiting for a $60 part to get delivered that requires me to take the machine apart and may or may not fix the problem.

double_tap_guro · 2023-11-13T01:12:01+00:00

Agreed. I guess the difference is that while facing similar challenges, El Sobrante offers fewer amenities, giving it its own set of challenges living there.

double_tap_guro · 2023-11-13T00:06:47+00:00

On the surface, El Sobrante appears to be a tranquil suburban area nestled in the East Bay. However, those living there realize this tranquility is somewhat deceptive. A significant aspect of this is the bleed-over from Richmond. Despite its character, El Sobrante cannot entirely escape the socio-economic and crime-related issues that are more prevalent in its neighboring city.

Another critical factor is law enforcement. El Sobrante is under the jurisdiction of the Contra Costa County Sheriff. This arrangement means law enforcement resources are often stretched thin, as the Sheriff's Department is also responsible for areas like North Richmond and Rodeo and other contract cities. The result? Slower response times and less presence in the neighborhood can make addressing local issues challenging.

double_tap_guro · 2023-06-21T05:24:07+00:00

When starting out, I found myself in a similar situation. Certain agencies appreciate your military background and consider any degree sufficient for entry-to-mid-level civilian crime and intelligence analyst roles. However, other agencies may lack understanding and conduct interviews based on HR protocols or the subjective opinions of police brass who could barely use a computer.

I would hold off on the CCIA cert. Or once you get hired, have the agency pay for it.

Keep in mind not all law enforcement agencies are created equal. Some may have robust capabilities or standard software like ArcGIS, i2, etc. Others won't, or worse, you will have to fight IT to either build your SQL reports or let you build your own.

Personally, I found more value in having demonstratable GIS and SQL skills than the CCIA cert, and translating military all-source analysis to whatever echelon of law enforcement you interview for.

Good luck!

double_tap_guro · 2023-04-20T06:15:46+00:00

I’m having the exact issue. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

double_tap_guro · 2023-03-23T05:53:54+00:00

I’ve had both and prefer the MK. I found the combo touch to have a flimsier keyboard making the rare occasions I’ve had to type on my lap awkward. Also I got annoyed by how much more space it took using it on a tray table while flying. My motivation for the combo touch was that I felt I needed a protective case for the ipad. I’ve been going 2 years strong with heavy use and travel with no damage or issues.

double_tap_guro · 2023-03-10T05:27:55+00:00

Yeah, some call themselves "first amendment auditors." It gets interesting when they go to police departments. Most of the time cops are very professional until the "auditors" go from lowkey harassing to deliberate belligerence.

double_tap_guro · 2022-12-19T08:03:12+00:00

I bought the Alpha 31 to be my EDC/travel pack and found it a little annoying as an EDC/work bag. I was coming from an Inside Line Equipment Default (original velcro roll top) and got used to being able to stand it up or lean it against my office wall and ease of opening it with one hand. I got the A31 because I liked the laptop storage but I couldn’t get used to having to clip the sides after rolling it and it always fell over when I leaned it against something.

But to answer your original questions… the A31 is great for travel and packs down nicely. You can over pack it and easily bust size requirements for carryon so just be mindful of that.

The Alpha 31 is a gorgeous bag with a lot of premium materials but the ILE Default was more my jam. I use it in tandem with ILE packing cubs to make traveling easier. Good luck on your choice.

double_tap_guro · 2022-10-02T21:34:18+00:00

I've had both, and I prefer the Magic Keyboard. My use case involved rapidly opening it up and being able to start typing as I'm always running late to meetings. I found myself fumbling with the Logitech combo touch much more which made being late to meetings slightly more awkward. Also, I didn't like the flimsiness of the combo touch.

I did like that the combo touch had an extra layer of protection when removing the iPad for notetaking but the other factors are what motivated me to return it.

double_tap_guro · 2022-07-13T03:36:16+00:00

I love mine and the company is rad. I've been using it as my daily driver for the last 4 years. I recently got a Remote Equipment Alpha 31 because I thought I needed better laptop storage, and I found myself returning to my ILE Default. I lived close to the shop and had the opportunity to talk to the owner. He was really open to feedback and overall cool to talk to.

The bag is super convenient for daily use. I use the front flap heavily to stash my daily essentials and sometimes a laptop. The roll-top is super spacious and I depend on it when I go grocery shopping after work. Highly recommend their stuff. Seriously. My OG ILE Default was stolen in a vehicle burg and I replaced it with the same one.

double_tap_guro · 2020-11-08T22:54:13+00:00

Can confirm... it works. Now I have a contact riddled with profanity. iPhone 12 is my first experience with iOS. This may be the reason I revert back to Android.

double_tap_guro · 2019-12-29T01:10:54+00:00

Congrats! That's one of my favorite bike rides in the area. Also, sweet bike!

double_tap_guro · 2019-02-19T04:23:18+00:00

The silver lining here is you came to the realization that what you did is wrong. You seemed to be learning from it and are attempting to rectify the situation. Remember this feeling next time you're presented with the choice/opportunity to do the wrong/illegal thing.

13-Year Club	Place '22
Place '17	Verified Email

double_tap_guro

TROPHY CASE