When you start your search for a new briefcase, one of the big considerations is the cost of the case. While you don't want to spend a huge amount of money, it is important that you get a briefcase that meets your needs. You need to be able to find a briefcase that is inexpensive without being cheap.

Here are 3 areas you should look at to be sure the metal briefcase you select is not cheaply made, regardless of the price.

1. Exterior

All metal briefcases are not equal. Just because the case is metal does not mean that it is durable enough to stand up to the abuses it will face with daily use. One of the things you will want to check is the strength of the material used in constructing the case.

Some materials are stronger than others. You should be able to get the strength you need without having to endure a considerable amount of weight. Materials like aluminum will provide you with a strong, light-weight material. If you put some pressure on the outside of the case you should get a good sense of how strong the case is. If it flexes too much it may not provide the protection that you are going to need for your briefcase.

2. Interior

When you look inside the briefcase you will want to see how well the interior features match your needs. There are a lot of different configurations of briefcases, so shop around to find one that meets your individual needs.

Once you find that case that gives you the features you need, you are going to want to make sure that the materials used are going to stand up to the use it will get. While some materials look nice from a distance, a close examination will show that it is so thin that it will quickly become worn out.

You should also check out the material that is used for any dividers. Some cheap briefcases use a cardboard material covered with cloth. It may look good when its new, but over time the materials will become bent, and will not longer serve the purpose it was designed for.

3. Construction

The final thing to look at when considering which briefcase to purchase is the actual construction of the case. While you may not be able to look at the actual seems, there are some areas that you can check to give you a good idea of the overall quality of the case.

First you should check the handle and hinges. These are areas that get a lot of use, so you want to be sure that they will hold up. A briefcase without a handle is not very convenient, and will need to be replaced even if the rest of the case is in good shape. Make sure that the materials used to attach the handle to the case are strong enough to last.

You should also check out the quality of the latches. If the latches stick or are difficult to operate when the case is new, how much more difficult will it be once the case gets a little older. The latches should operate smoothly, and the dials on the combination lock should be easy to operate.

There is a big difference between inexpensive and cheap. Even more expensive cases can be cheaply constructed. It is worth the time and effort it takes to closely examine a case before you buy it. Very time the decision to choose quality over price will prove to be the best decision.