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Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here*

MacNN Troubleshooting 50 posts Sep 24, 2003 to Sep 30, 2003
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#1 Wed, 24 Sep 2003 - 16:15 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #1
Everyday it seems someone is asking for links to bags to fit their new 12/15/17 Powerbook. I thought it would be a good idea to dedicate a thread to listing all links/comments/reviews of bags and such right here. I've semi-compiled a list based on the first search page I did on this forum for *bag*. Everyone chime in with your additions! Here we go:

Waterfield Designs - cases/sleeves
Booq - cases/sleeves
Tom Bihn - everything
Kensington - everything
Brenthaven - cases
Marware - cases/sleeves
Incase - everything
ACME MADE - cases/sleeves
MacCase - everything
Dr. Bott - everything
Crumpler Bags - messenger bags
Timbuk2 - messenger bags
Chrome Bags - messenger bags
Shinza - cases/sleeves
Kata - everything
Spire USA - backpacks/sleeves
Boblbee - backpacks
Tumi - everything
R&R Cases - hard cases
ZERO HALLIBURTON - hard cases

Lots o' bags:

eBags
BagsForMe
Bagreview
Macro Luggage

Update #1:

Bailey Works - messenger bags
Ortlieb USA - everything
RadTech - sleeves/accessories
Shaun Jackson Design - bags/sleeves
Targus - everything
Willow Design - everything

Update #2:

Pelican Case - hard cases
Tenba - cases/bags
Victorinox by Swiss Army - everything
#10 Wed, 24 Sep 2003 - 21:20 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #10
I have browsed all of the links in the above thread, and i found a new favorite bag! But i want to see what it's interior looks like.

The Tom Bihn Hipster Laptop bag. The site has NO pictures of the interior of the bag, maybe someone who owns one can snap a pic for me?


Thanks
#13 Wed, 24 Sep 2003 - 21:48 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #13
Quote:
Originally posted by Sakino:
I take it the Cargobag from waterfield will not fit the 15inch pb?
http://www.sfbags.com/PRODUCTS/CGM_INFO/cgm.htm
Medium Cargo $189 Soft Case 16� x 12� x 3� / 2.9 lb.


You can always email the guy from that site, his customer service is great.... i talked with him the other day here is what he said

"The best cases for your new 15" Powerbook are

Medium Cargo
Large Cargo
Small Cozmo
Large Cozmo
15" Racer-X"
#14 Wed, 24 Sep 2003 - 22:43 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #14
Lattimer,

Thanks very much for your efforts. Been looking for a slim sleeve that was a bit different than the norm and wasn't totally overpriced. Just ordered a Zeroshock sleeve for my 12" from Shinza in red! Will let you all know how it turns out when I receive it. Currently using a louis vuitton dust bag from my girlfriend's purse as a thin sleeve ala radtech. It actually fits incredibly well, but is more ad hoc than I would like.

Thanks again and this should definitely be a sticky!
#15 Wed, 24 Sep 2003 - 23:39 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #15
Pelican cases are rad. I have a pelican 1490. my tibook 400 has called it home for a bit over 2 years traveling to / from work every day and about the country. My tibook looks surprisingly good for as many times as it's been around the block...

plenty of room, looks the business, tough as nails. give them a look.

http://www.pelican-case.com/pelican-flashlights/



-tibook400
-albook1ghz on order
-various other beige boxen
#20 Thu, 25 Sep 2003 - 14:28 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #20
Victorinox (the swiss company) makes a nice little laptop case protective sleeve type deal that works amazingly with my PB15". great for carrying it or even throwing it in a backpack or soemthing, without getting too professional with a suitcase type deal. it shouldnt cost more than 55$ or so and even comes with a strap. they sell them at Mori Luggage and the 'nicer' luggage places. i got the one that slides in the laptop from the side rather than the top because it wont fit in the top one.

http://www.gearshark.com/finder/det.../8539.html?no_f

works pretty well. thought id add in.

e
#22 Thu, 25 Sep 2003 - 20:45 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #22
Does anyone else know sites that sell messenger bags that would be a good combo with the sleeve from Waterfield or another company. I'm considering purchasing a waterfield sleeve, but i want a messenger bag as well. I've visited every site i can find, still looking for that perfect messenger bag.

Lou
#26 Sat, 27 Sep 2003 - 21:29 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #26
I just wanted to give a 2 thumbs up to Waterfield Designs?!?! I ordered a bag Thursday afternoon, great customer service. It made it here today with ground shipping. I must say GREAT SERVICE. The price tag is WELL WORTH IT.
#27 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 01:57 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #27
Quote:
Originally posted by Bruck:
Does anyone else know sites that sell messenger bags that would be a good combo with the sleeve from Waterfield or another company. I'm considering purchasing a waterfield sleeve, but i want a messenger bag as well. I've visited every site i can find, still looking for that perfect messenger bag.

Lou



what purpose does a sleeve serve if your 'book is already in a bag or case? is it supposed to be in addition to? or just another option to carry? thanks for your input!

nick
#33 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 17:28 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #33
Nick, a sleeve can be used alone, if it is like the Waterfield sleeve where optional D-rings and a removable strap are available. Less to carry than a larger bag, but little or no space for other items like a Coolpad or mouse.

Or the sleeve can be used when the portable Mac is carried in a courier bag, where it adds additional protection, particularly if the larger bag doesn't have sufficient padding.

Lou, you don't like the Waterfield messenger bags aka Courier bags? They are designed to be used with a SleeveCase.

Here is a well-written review that includes a lot of exterior and interior photos of the Courier and SleeveCase separately and together:

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/waterf...rgo-review.html
#34 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 17:48 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #34
A lot of people are requesting this be made a sticky, so I emailed the mods and asked if they could hook that up. We'll see what happens!

BTW-The list is growing, but I'm sure there's more bag makers out there...let me know who they are so I can add them to the list!

Lattimer
#36 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 19:47 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #36
I just bought a Timbuk2 ("Commute" style) for my Al 15" and it's great. Waterproof lining is what sold me. I always seem to wind up having to walk for a half hour through torrential rain with my electronics, and there was no way I would trust my PB to any non-waterproof bag.

The bag looks really cool and has lots of smartly designed pockets and pouches for accessories. The one drawback is that it doesn't come with shoulder strap padding, but Timbuk2 makes add-on ones that match the bags.
#37 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 20:55 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #37
I love my Timbuk2 bags. I've owned three, currently have two (the 2nd-largest messenger bags). I'm skeptical if they would serve me well for my CPU, however, as they have less internal structure than others (and the Waterfield's "standupable" bottom seems better than my constantly-falling-over Timbuk2s).

Man, the Timbuk2 is comfy though. I think I'll go have another look....
#38 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 21:17 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #38
Quote:
Originally posted by KP*:
I just bought a Timbuk2 ("Commute" style) for my Al 15" and it's great. Waterproof lining is what sold me. I always seem to wind up having to walk for a half hour through torrential rain with my electronics, and there was no way I would trust my PB to any non-waterproof bag.

The bag looks really cool and has lots of smartly designed pockets and pouches for accessories. The one drawback is that it doesn't come with shoulder strap padding, but Timbuk2 makes add-on ones that match the bags.


I was really interested in that bag, but the specs on Timbuk2's web site for the laptop compartment looked too small for my new Al 15". Does it fit alright? Have you had a good experience with it yet?
#39 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 22:45 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #39
I emailed Spire today at 7:30pm to ask if the 15" AlBook fits in the Endo case... they responded in two hours, on a Sunday!! (And when I asked if they were every going to bring back green as an option, she said she'll tell the designers... that's what you get when it's a little company.)

If that's not awesome service, I dunno what is.

tooki

P.S. The new 15" does fit.
#40 Sun, 28 Sep 2003 - 23:26 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #40
Thanks for the list.

My laptop sleeve from Waterfield Designs just arrived. It proudly says "Made in San Francisco", and is a really nice product with good workmanship. Something that I will be proud to carry around with me all the time.

Now all I have to do is to get the 12" powerbook.
#41 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 00:40 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #41
All this got me to thinking that I should just go ahead and order a Medium Cargo Suite from Waterfield. They will deduct the purchase price of a previously purchased SleeveCase from the suite price if you mention the earlier purchase in the special instructions field when ordering. Neat!

It should be here Wednesday.

I also think that it is a nice touch that the Waterfield bags are made right here in the good ol' USA and not in some Third World country for pitiful wages/maximum profits.
#42 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 10:06 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #42
Quote:
Originally posted by cobra27:
Thanks for the list.

My laptop sleeve from Waterfield Designs just arrived. It proudly says "Made in San Francisco", and is a really nice product with good workmanship. Something that I will be proud to carry around with me all the time.

Now all I have to do is to get the 12" powerbook.


I second the recommendation for Waterfield Designs (sfbags.com). Nice bag, nice people.
#43 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 10:31 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #43
Quote:
Originally posted by geeoff:
I was really interested in that bag, but the specs on Timbuk2's web site for the laptop compartment looked too small for my new Al 15". Does it fit alright? Have you had a good experience with it yet?

I was very worried too when I was looking to buy it. They don't give the compartment specs on the tag like a lot of companies do, and I could tell it would come down to fractions of an inch. I asked the guy at the store if I could return it if it didn't fit, and he actually went and got a measuring tape, which revealed the slot to be about .2" longer than the PB when fully stretched. So as soon as I got home I slipped in the AL 15", and it just makes it. I was very relieved, cause I was in love with the bag.
#45 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 17:02 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #45
Just an update for the shinza.com site.

If you're making an order from Canada, be sure to specify in the comment area that you want USPS (if that's what you chose) because they may ship it out via UPS (UPS is a ripoff for Canadians, so avoid it at all cost).

I ordered the sleeve, and they sent it out via UPS even though I chose USPS (don't worry, they've corrected it) because they said it was safer cuz it provides tracking.

However, I've imported many things via usps and they've always arrived, so no worries there.
#46 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 19:53 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #46
I have been using a Waterfield Designs Cozmo bag and sleeve for my Ibook for over one year and the bag is still in fabulous condition. As a result, my ibook 800 is still in pretty good condition. But, I need a bag for my two day old 15Albook. I cannot decide between the large and medium Cargo Bag. I gather that the large Cargo is 5 inches wide vs. 3 inches wide. Can anybody comment on which Cargo you have and how much you can fit inside?
#47 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 20:29 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #47
MEC carries these really high quality bags made by Blurr. I bought the Blurr Legal model, and it is the most bombproof of all the TiBook 15" bags I've seen - and the price, at $93 Cdn is the cheapest of the courier style bags I've seen.

Check them out!
#48 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 21:51 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #48
Gostan, check out the link to a review I provided in an earlier post. The reviewer purchased a large Cargo bag, and there are pics of everything he puts in it, both outside the bag and stuffed inside.

That might help you decide which size is best for you.
#49 Mon, 29 Sep 2003 - 22:41 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #49
I ordered the PowerSleeve15 from Booq (see the ads above) using the MacNN code. 38.21 plus 5.92 = 44.13 total, with FedEx ground shipping on the 28th. With my iBooks I used the Incase sleeve, but didn't feel like they offered enough protection for the price.
#50 Tue, 30 Sep 2003 - 05:20 Need a backpack/bag/sleeve for your PB? *Look here* — #50
Mojo
Thanks for the response. When I follow the link, it leads me to additional user reviews of the Cargo Bag(s). I have to make a decision today as my AlBook is too precisous to continue to reside in my padded backpack. I don't think that I require all of the room of the Large Cargo and I am leaning in the direction of the Medium Cargo. Now, if only the prices of the 1 g memory chips would drop in price.