Considering its purpose - a bag that coverts to a standing desk for the iPad - shouldn’t the Strotter Platforma look much, much dorkier
The Platforma is an all-purpose black leather carrying case nearly 12 by 9 by 3 inches, about the size of a big city phone book. The company said the leather is treated for water resistance so the dye won’t transfer to clothing.
Lined with red nylon, it has two internal pockets, including one sized for the iPad. It has two compartments under the flap, two diagonal zipper compartments on the flap, and a magazine pocket on the back.
The case is more diminutive than a messenger bag. So be prepared to take abuse for carrying a man purse, or murse, if you use it.
Of course, people may say even worse things when they see you using the Platforma in its intended fashion. With a click of a strap, you can slide the bag around in front of you, turn it parallel to the ground, rest it against your stomach and use it as a tabletop.
You won’t have to worry about your iPad sliding off. The Platforma comes with a polycarbonate iPad cover with magnets that cling to the bag. You can turn the bag upside down and the tablet will hang on.
I was warned not to try to use the bag without watching the explanatory video first. While the video was helpful, I don’t think the bag is really that complicated.
The Platforma lists for $170, but there is also a much less elaborate version called the Across, which is available in leather for $100 or synthetic leather for $55.
There are other designs for bags that become desks, although few seem quite as elegant as the Platforma. Whether you think it’s geeky or not, I can see the Platforma gaining a certain cachet with the audience you tend to see at trade gatherings like the Consumer Electronics Show. With polished chrome hardware, the bag is really pretty good looking. For a murse.
