Apple The Exchange TRX was the first Apple Store opened in Malaysia last Saturday and it became the focus of netizens as hundreds of die-hard fans were willing to queue up to be among the first visitors. As a reward, these die-hard fans received a special edition tote bag for free which was then resold as quickly as the Apple M4 chip for tens of thousands of ringgit.
This raises the existentialist question of whether or not it's worth paying up to four figures just for a limited edition canvas bag? We take this question seriously as we are one of the few who received the Apple The Exchange TRX bag during Apple's closed session with the local media.
Design
The design is minimalist but still comfortable to use. Each tote bag is received in a paper box that does not have any plastic components in line with Apple's goal to reduce its use in products to achieve the goal of being more sustainable. There is a textured Apple logo on the cover that matches the design of the Apple roof of The Exchange TRX.
On the side near the word Apple The Exchange TRX in gray. There is no opening date printed on the surface of the box and there is also no information about where the tote bag is manufactured, who is the graphic designer and the QR code that is usually included on the box of Apple products.
Inside there is a yellow-white canvas tote bag. The bag is 15×15″ (39 x 39 cm) with a 10″ (27cm) strap. In terms of size, it has the same dimensions as most tote bags that can be purchased at Tesco, Hankyu Jaya, Billion, 99 Speed Mart and Pustaka Rahmath near you.
What makes Apple's tote bag different is that it has another 5.5 x 6.0 inch (14 x 15 cm) mini pocket on the inside. As a tote bag user since elementary school, this is the first time I've seen the existence of a small pocket like this included. Obviously this is an innovation that will be followed by manufacturers of tote bags in the near future.
You might think I'm pedantic but I'm not. I've been wanting a canvas tote bag with a smaller secondary pocket for a long time. My son uses a tote bag like this to bring supplies to school and he often complains that the spoons and forks he brings get stuck under the food containers he brings. A small pouch like this makes it easier to take out smaller items without having to dig up to the base of the arm as if looking for pickles. It can also be used as a place to store Apple AirTags so that lost bags can be tracked more easily.
On the front of this tote bag there is the word JOM in gold color which again uses the nasi lemak roof element of Apple The Exchange TRX. For people of my age, the typeface used is similar to the one used on the poster of the movie Boogie Nights directed by Paul Thomas Anderson in 1997.
It's a very cheerful font design and maybe an Easter egg from Apple for Malaysians to boogie (dance vigorously) in conjunction with the launch of the first store. On the other side of the bag, again the words Apple The Exchange TRX are also in gold
Usage
Like other tote bags, this tote bag can be used for multiple tasks carrying the owner's belongings. It has a large enough volume to store an AirPods Pro, MacBook Pro 16″, MacBook Air M2, iPad Air and Mac Mini. If you intend to use this bag to carry food, it has enough capacity to accommodate four large triple-layer IKEA plastic food containers filled with köttbulle meatballs, mashed potatoes, strawberry jam, gravy and steamed broccoli.
Because the strap of the bag is quite thin and does not have any padding. I do not recommend that you carry AirPods Pro, MacBook Pro 16″, MacBook Air M2, iPad Air and Mac Mini at the same time. Even if it fits, it will give you shoulder pain.
Maybe after this Apple can offer the Apple The Exchange TRX Pro Max carrying bag with a larger size and padding on the handle to reduce the pain when carrying heavier items. This can be given as a gift at the next Apple Store Malaysia opening.
Because it is made of canvas, the owner needs to be careful when carrying the item. It is not waterproof and does not have a zip closure at the top. If it rains, the content will definitely get wet. I'm also a little worried about the white color of this bag because it might look dirty more easily. When Apple Central World Thailand opened a few years ago, black tote bags were given to early visitors. I feel this color is more friendly for long-term use.
Conclusion
Apple's The Exchange TRX tote bag is a practical, easy-to-use bag that has interesting extra features that other totes on the market don't have. The size is large enough for the majority of the owner's daily carrying needs. Is it worth paying up to RM1000 for this bag? My answer is not at all unless you are an avid collector of Apple memorabilia.
Thule sells a duffel bag at a price of RM800 apiece with a larger storage space, more pockets for small items, waterproof and has thick shoulder pads to reduce the pain of carrying heavy items.
To those who have the Apple The Exchange TRX tote bag, I suggest you keep this limited edition memorabilia because based on personal experience – the memory of the opening day is worth more than money. To those who are willing to pay hundreds of ringgit to buy it, I will not judge you. You are an adult and free to spend money to buy something that feels worthwhile to you.
Pro
Large capacity to carry various daily items.
There is a secondary pocket for small items.
Stylish minimalist design.
Limited Edition.
Cons
The white color will easily catch dirt.
Canvas is not waterproof.