STM has added power to its bags in the new Bowery Energy 13” Laptop Brief. We first saw the company’s plans for the bag at CES this year — Bowery Energy can hold up to a 13” MacBook, along with other accessories, but its most notable feature is where the “Energy” comes from, as the bag comes with its own battery. The included Joey charger allows users to charge devices while within the bag. There’s also a 15” version of the Bowery Energy Laptop Brief.
Bowery Energy is a typically solid STM bag, with plenty of pockets and sturdy YKK zippers. The appeal of buying this bag, however, as opposed to the standard Bowery brief, is obviously the included Joey charger. The charger comes in two pieces — a battery pack which remains connected with a short wire to the USB output and micro-USB input portion of the charger. It’s a 3500 mAh battery which STM bills as having “smart power” — dual auto passthrough charging, universal charging, temperature sensing (to prevent the device or bag from overheating), and high-speed charging. On the last point, the Joey does have both a 5V input and output. Bowery Energy also has a small pouch and loop inside to keep the Joey stored properly. Is the Bowery Energy better than simply buying a standard battery and throwing it into a bag? For some, perhaps. It’s main advantage is how well it’s integrated into the bag — you’ll rarely, if ever, remove it. Forgetful users, or those in a hurry, will be more likely to have extra power available when they need it.