The location of the pen slots are in a weird spot--high up on the bag where the pens (or pencils/highlighters/markers, etc.) would be sticking up slightly past the opening of the bag. A pic is included to help illustrate. The pen slots themselves are different sizes--also shown in the pics. The reasoning behind that? Who knows... mass factory line production, or the skinny slots intended to hold a whatchamallit used to do some repairin' of thingamajigs?Maybe the position of the pen slots are for the more convenient reach as this bag is vertical oriented. However, being a short person with short arms, I still prefer the pen slot to be in a lower location. I could see the pens being in the way while trying to retrieve something from the pocket directly behind it, or the pens being abraded with the direct contact of the long flap.The extra supports are sewn into the bag. Personally, I hate the stiff supports and had thought of opening the seams, removing them then hand-sewing the seams closed.(Yes. I have needle and thread and am not afraid to use them!)However, the plastic-like supports are the dividers. Yuck. I like canvas material and would prefer a limp bag as heavy duty canvas is supportive enough for the notebooks, sketchbooks that I MUST have with me at all times. Carrying the bag with the unforgiving supports is like carrying a box; no stuffing into a corner of the already full trunk or just uncomfortable--for me--to carry.The arrangement of all the pockets are workable, but are not where I find them useful.This is personal preference and not a statement of criticism for the manufacturer.The bag was returned as I could see myself using it and hoping it would grow on me and when realizing it wasn't grow(ing) on me it would be too late to return it.
Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]