If you like the cases and want an alternative, the Muji ones are probably better in a lot of ways, and Muji have shops.
The one attractive thing about the away cases is the lifetime warranty, but I don’t know how easy it is to submit a claim.
lifetime warranty is worthless if the company goes out of business, too
Most Americans don't know what the hell Muji is. They only exist in a few coastal cities.
I mean I love my Muji stationery and pens (0.7), and I always describe it as Japanese Ikea to people, and they get it. But they don't advertise.
I’ll take that over a battery that I: have to remember to charge, can’t use unless traveling, and have to remove to gate check my carryon, any day.
Just received it last month, and build quality seems excellent. And judging from the positive Kickstarter comments so far, I can't wait for my next trip. :)
It's quite a bit more expensive than the Away case, but the large back-wheel and push mechanism felt super innovative and provide a very tangible improvement to quality of life for steering the case around in streets compared to existing designs, whereas the Away case at the end of the day is just a regular old suitcase with slightly nicer materials (I own one but plan on selling it off soon if this one holds up in practical use).
I've looked at lots of options for carry-on luggage, and most are heavy enough to significantly eat into the 7kg or 8kg allowed. Honestly, I can't imagine moving away from the simple backpack I used; it's light, and I can carry 8kg easily for any distance (covering laptop, Mac Air, and misc other items). By carrying everything, I can go anywhere I can walk, and don't have to worry about pushing / pulling some box on wheels around.
These kind of mega-expensive luggage 'solutions' mostly seem to be for people who like showing they can afford such things.
I knew I'd seen it before - it's basically a laundry cart. Obviously different build quality but the innovative 60 degree handle and large back wheels? Laundry cart.