Premium Genuine Leather Writing Portfolio - Left & Right Handed Business Case with Tablet Sleeve | Professional Document Organizer for Meetings, Office & Travel | Alpine Swiss

I just received the portfolio so I cannot comment on the durability but it appears to be very well made. The outside is made of real, genuine leather which is hard to find. It feels great and smells good. Because it is real leather, it has a few irregularities. But those are not defects, this is just what real leather looks like. It is also hard to see unless you pick up the portfolio and stare at it in detail. The inside appears to be made of synthetic leather but that is alright, it looks decent. The zipper works very well, as it should. The inside is roomy enough, considering it is a portfolio. Some portfolios seem to hold not more than maybe 5 pieces of paper but this one can accomodate an actual stack of papers.The picture on amazon and the reviews were a bit misleading. The notepad that comes with the portfolio really can be adjusted for left- or right-handed people. You just slide the notepad out, turn it around and slide it back in. And you don't need a special notepad for it either.I bought this for just below 35 Dollar and that was a really good deal. For this price, I am perfectly happy and that is why I am giving it 5 stars. I would not pay retail for it even though the retail price may actually be realistic. However, I would only pay retail for it if it was the perfect portfolio for me and there are two reasons why it is not: First of all, the leather is rather thin. But then again, if the portfolio was made of thick leather it might be too heavy. And at least it is obvious that the leather is real leather which is a sign of quality. I have seen other items made of genuine but low quality leather that simply ended up looking like synthetic. For this one there is no doubt about the material. Next issue I have with this portfolio: I am not a big fan of the Swiss sign on the pad. I think it would look more classy and professional without it. And if the company wants advertisement for themselves, the Swiss sign on the zipper would have been enough, that would have been a little more subtle. That sign is only on one side though, I may try to get into the habit of not holding that side up. But if I had unlimited resources I would have gotten a portfolio without the Swiss sign.For the money, this is a good leather portfolio. I want to point out that another reviewer mentioned that a standard 8.5 x 11 inch note pad does not fit. Maybe that was the case in a prior version, but the version that I received comes with a standard size note pad and it fits fine. In comparison to my former portfolio, I did note that this one is about a half inch narrower in both height and width so maybe it won't hold as many papers in the file section, but overall I like the slightly smaller size as it still gets the job done for me and fits better in my luggage. I would also point out that the business card holders are a little bit of a tight fit in that you cannot put a stack of them in there unless they are placed horizontally. The pen holder accommodates a standard pen though it is a tight fit. It was the zipper that failed on my old portfolio, and only time will tell if this one holds up. It is a single zipper rather than a double zipper. One minor aspect I like is that a small Swiss cross insignia is on the front of the portfolio so I will be able to tell which side is up without opening. Finally, I will point out that the front and back of the portfolio has some support under the leather which I think will help it keeps its shape but time will tell.The only reason it didn't rate 5 stars is because of the smell, which was quite strong and obnoxious out of the box. I had to leave it opened and out on the desk in my home office for a week before the odor subsided enough to carry to business meetings. The leather on the outside is butter soft and padded, which gives me some pause for concern because I suspect that makes it highly susceptible to snags, cuts or tears, but that just makes me take care with it. The note pad is reversible for lefties and the file folder will hold a couple of loaded standard manila file folders and still zip. If you have ever dropped a business portfolio full of presentation material, you will appreciate that fact, and is the main reason I bought (and recommend) this model. Since I also just happen to be in the healthcare business, I thought the Swiss cross medallion on the cover was an interesting perk...others may not. There are no zippered compartments inside, but there is a pen loop which works for my thicker Cross ballpoint but not my roller-tip...too narrow and I didn't want to stretch the leather loop. This is an "old school" portfolio, not meant to hold a notebook or iPad, but handles its old school role perfectly. I would buy it again and recommend it to anyone looking for a zippered portfolio.This portfolio hits all of my requirements and are so much better than the cheap things you seem to find available at my local Office Depot. The leather feels great, it’s not too think nor too thin, it has a couple of pouches on the inside to tuck in pieces of paper or the agenda for my next meeting, and a convenient holder for your business cards as well as the cards you may receive from others. Best of all, it zips up with a sturdy zipper to keep everything in place and not run the risk of it falling out when you’re moving down the hall and shift hands or positions.I know all of the above seems simplistic and basic for what you’re purchasing, but at the higher price for a portfolio at your local office supply store this is a direct example of paying a little more for a quality product vs. something that will break or fall apart on you, or look cheap not only to you but others, and last for years. If you’re looking for a quality portfolio for yourself or as a gift, I would highly recommend this one.I received this product on time and it exceeded my expectations. It is buttery soft and looks great for when I go to meetings around town.