Though I didn't see a lot of reviews when it came to using these bags as purses, that's exactly what I use mine as.  I go through purses like water, and I had never found one durable enough for my lifestyle... until now.  Sure, it's a bit utilitarian, but practicality wins over girly any day.

For anyone else concerned about size, make sure you read the dimensions carefully and get out a tape measure if in doubt.  I originally ordered a small, but found that it was HUGE.  I downgraded to the extra small, and found it to be the perfect large purse.  I can easily fit my gigantic wallet, Camelbak water bottle, 7" tablet, cell phone, checkbook, keys and even a few spiral notebooks for school.

Disregard all the comments about the velcro waking the dead.  It's really not that bad, and no one even blinked when I opened my bag in a quiet classroom and in a library.  The closure clips, however, seem like you need to be the Incredible Hulk to open.  I opted to not even use them because I couldn't unclip them once they were clipped.

My only complaint... the strap.  It's really short.  At my height of 5'6" it comes to just above my hip bone, and I find it incredibly annoying that it doesn't go any longer.  If you're any taller, prepare to wear it in your armpit! I ended up unlatching the cam, pulling the strap off the bottom thread and relying only on the cam to keep the strap attached.  This may end up to backfire in the future if the cam loosens up, but that has yet to be seen.  Just be warned, if you're use to wearing bags on your hip, you'll be sorely disappointed.