What laptop bag are you using?

[Ioman]

I know we talked about this in the other thread, but since we have our own forums now, I thought we might seperate this discussion into its own thread.

I have a very hip looking bag by a company called "Icon". It is grey and black which matches my VPR Matrix 200A5 perfectly. I cannot seem to find the brand on the net, but once I get my digital camera back, I will post pictures. The logo for the bag shows a Rhino outline which is pretty cool.

I also like some of the laptop "sleeve" bags which some people are pointing out.

[IronSerif]

I got pics of my bag on my server..let me find'em

but I do like those laptop sleeves u mentioned.. :)

[IronSerif]

This is what I use to transport my laptop back and forth. now that I have my pocket pc, I mostly leave my laptop at work, but I'll still use this bag to carry around my school books :)
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze4494h/BackPack.jpg

[Ioman]

Originally posted by IronSerif
I got pics of my bag on my server..let me find'em

but I do like those laptop sleeves u mentioned.. :)

Didn't you have a backpack with a hard shell on it that you were using?

[Ioman]

Originally posted by IronSerif
This is what I use to transport my laptop back and forth. now that I have my pocket pc, I mostly leave my laptop at work, but I'll still use this bag to carry around my school books :)
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze4494h/BackPack.jpg

Dan and I saw these in Vegas while we were there. They looked pretty cool and I like how they have different colors available too. I just want a bag with a single strap that I can use to throw it over my shoulder. I am happy with what I have right now, I just need a camera so I can show you guys some pics.

[IronSerif]

Originally posted by Ioman


Didn't you have a backpack with a hard shell on it that you were using?

you must have posted that while I was posting a link to a pic of my backpack :)

But yeah..I still use that one man, good memory :)

[IronSerif]

Originally posted by Ioman

am happy with what I have right now, I just need a camera so I can show you guys some pics.

Kind of interested in seeing the bag that you have. Cant find the brand at all on the net? Where did you get it from?

[Ioman]

Originally posted by IronSerif


Kind of interested in seeing the bag that you have. Cant find the brand at all on the net? Where did you get it from?

I got it at Best Buy, I got them to throw it in for free when I bought my laptop. I can't find the brand on the net either.

[Angus]

My lappy rides in one of these...

http://mirror03.burton.com/images/Bags/Packs_and_Bags/DJ_Bag/ss_B38943020.jpg

Burton DJ Bag. Handy for hauling a stack of vinyl records, or a lappy. I also pile my video camera and whatever else I can fit in there into it. Compartments for CD player, loops to keep your headphone wire out of the way, and a nice comfy strap. Cost me $90 from a skateboard/snowboard shop a couple years ago. Mine is a charcoal grey color.

I may get one of these soon because the DJ Bag is a bit much sometimes...

http://mirror03.burton.com/images/Bags/Packs_and_Bags/Facet/ss_B38543020.jpg

Smaller size makes it look like it will be a bit easier to carry around.

I'm buying a digital SLR camera soon with a bunch of lenses (whoo, Nikon forever!) and have been looking for a double duty notebook/camera bag. I've only found a couple and this one looks pretty interesting. Though now that I have this 200A5 lappy I realize it might be too wide. We'll see...

http://www.lowepro.com/images/PPages/Bag_pack/lrgclr/Stealth650.jpg

[Ioman]

Originally posted by Angus
My lappy rides in one of these...

http://mirror03.burton.com/images/Bags/Packs_and_Bags/DJ_Bag/ss_B38943020.jpg

Burton DJ Bag. Handy for hauling a stack of vinyl records, or a lappy. I also pile my video camera and whatever else I can fit in there into it. Compartments for CD player, loops to keep your headphone wire out of the way, and a nice comfy strap. Cost me $90 from a skateboard/snowboard shop a couple years ago. Mine is a charcoal grey color.

I may get one of these soon because the DJ Bag is a bit much sometimes...

http://mirror03.burton.com/images/Bags/Packs_and_Bags/Facet/ss_B38543020.jpg

Smaller size makes it look like it will be a bit easier to carry around.

I'm buying a digital SLR camera soon with a bunch of lenses (whoo, Nikon forever!) and have been looking for a double duty notebook/camera bag. I've only found a couple and this one looks pretty interesting. Though now that I have this 200A5 lappy I realize it might be too wide. We'll see...

http://www.lowepro.com/images/PPages/Bag_pack/lrgclr/Stealth650.jpg

I dig that second bag a lot, I wonder if it comes in other colors? I would like a blue one. I bought the Icon brand bag because I thought it looked hip, but after looking at these Burton bags, I think I want one of them now! :D

[sunshine]

Who sells the burton bags? I like the 2nd one too but will it fit the widescreen laptop?

[Angus]

Here's the Burton "Packs and Bags" page. It lists all the general purpose bags they sell.

http://www.burton.com/gear/sc_bags.asp?subcategoryID=13

I dig that second bag a lot, I wonder if it comes in other colors? I would like a blue one. I bought the Icon brand bag because I thought it looked hip, but after looking at these Burton bags, I think I want one of them now!

Yeah, it comes in two other colors. Check out this url. They also release new colors throughout the winter season to spic ethings up. So you might find something else in a store.

http://www.burton.com/gear/pr_bags.asp?productID=651

The Facet is pretty sweet...

http://www.burton.com/gear/pr_bags.asp?productID=91

The Connector is pretty cool too actually...

http://www.burton.com/gear/pr_bags.asp?productID=647

If you want to buy them you will have to go to an authorized Burton snowboard dealer. So this means probably either a skateboard shop, a ski shop, or maybe a really nice sporting goods store. They're not cheap but they're built really well and quite stylish. Call around locally. I don't think you can buy them online yet.

[Chris Shaeffer]

Mine goes about the world in one of the laptop-compartment backpacks from REI. Jansport makes it, actually.

This is the 3rd computer that rides in it and I haven't had any problems with any of them. I was surprised that the long 200A5 fit in it, but it does even with the removeable accessories pouch. I'm pretty happy with it.

Take care,
Chris

[theEND]

if you want something small... (this thing fits the 200A5 like spandex, you can slide a few papers inside and jam the power cord and adapter into the outside pockets), then check this out..

http://www.goincase.com/product.html

click on the second "laptop" link from the left.

its cheap and a perfect fit but not that great on protection.

[Jael]

Originally posted by theEND
if you want something small... (this thing fits the 200A5 like spandex, you can slide a few papers inside and jam the power cord and adapter into the outside pockets), then check this out..

http://www.goincase.com/product.html

click on the second "laptop" link from the left.

its cheap and a perfect fit but not that great on protection.

I've got this bag for mine and am very pleased. It's a pretty tight fit and I wonder if it might stretch the seams over time but I love the portability. When I'm going the the cafe to work on a paper or something it is perfect. I can even fit it inside my regular bag when I need to carry more stuff. It looks pretty slick too!

[x5kid]

Went to compusa today looking for a laptop sleeve and found a really nice one made by case logic. It kinda looks like the laptop sleeve that is posted a few posts above this one but costs waaaay less. I got mine for 20 bucks i think. If anyone is looking for a sleeve they should definately check that one out.....

[IronSerif]

would u be able to take any pics bro?

[sonoronos]

Angus,

I would recommend a Canon 10D. It is cheaper than a D100 by far, and has a much better sensor . I have been using the D30 for a year now and the pictures that come out of it really look a lot better than those that come out of the D100.

Also, the user interface of the 10D is easier, IMHO than that of the D100.

Also Canon lenses are great, although Nikon has the advantage of having a 12-24mm lens, while Canon's widest zoom is 16mm.

http://www.nd.edu/~ekang/d30/

[RageSlave]

DELL OEM freeby

[Angus]

Sonoronos... I've considered the 10D and the D60, and a long time ago when I made up my mind to go Nikon the only one available was the D60 which, in my estimation, was beaten by the D100.

Since then I've done so much research into exactly what Nikon gear I"m going to buy and I would have to start over with Canon stuff. Plus, overall I think that Nikon offers a better system, and even though that point can be argued from both sides until the perverbial cows come home, I don't think either system (Canon or Nikon) will stand in the way of taking good photographs. So really you can't go wrong with either so long as you go digital.

But we digress into off topic posts. I can be found over at DPReview.com's forums as AlexMm for this sorta stuff.

Btw, really nice page you have there. I particularlly like the analytical break down of cost of prosumer SLR digicams to film. Excellent work!

EDIT: That Nikon DX 12-24 is definitely NOT going to make it into my bag. Too expensive at $1800. If it were an F2.8 maybe, but not at F4.

[sonoronos]

I use an old Heritage laptop bag that I got from my dad. It's mostly black ballistic nylon with a tear of leather here and there. A comparable one will set you back $33 (that's 2003 dollars, not the 1994 dollars that it was purchased with :).

Angus, that's excellent, I'm not one to stand in the way of someone who's passionate about a system. Maybe when you get your D100 you can write a review for this site!

[Swise]

I have a Computer Commuter bag from these folks:

http://www.timbuk2.com

They discontinued it and will be coming out with a new model later this month, but they still have their messenger bags and laptop sleeves in the meantime.

The cool thing is their mass customization business model. You can customize your bag with your own color choices, choose to have them put in extra pockets, accessories, etc. The flash customizer dealie on their web site is pretty nifty.

I'm very pleased with mine. It's extremely comfortable, holds a ton (I have a 14" iBook and use the medium sized bag), and it is very durable.

The bag can be kinda pricey, depending on what bells and whistles you decide to add, but I think it's worth it. Mine was about $125, but I tricked it out a fair amount.

Two options I would suggest including would be the shoulder strap pad and the back pocket (perfect for magazines, files, etc. There's even a business card pocket inside). One suggestion on things not to bother getting: the shoulder strap pocket (It's cumbersome), the cell phone shouler strap pouch (your phone will fit perfectly in one of the side pockets and it'll be totally accessible without having to get into the main compartment).

[RageSlave]

You work there don't you?

[nedlyj]

Well, since my old Port air-sling case doesn't fit the 200A5, I've had to look around, but haven't been happy with anything I've seen until now. I didn't want a bag too big, but I wanted more protection than a sleeve too - and most of the cheap cases seem to be, well... cheap.

I ended up at WaterField Designs (www.sfbags.com) whose cases are primarily for the G4 Powerbooks. They also have a protected sling design in the mid section and the case has gotten great reviews by Mac sites. The owner (Gary) said he has had several people with 200A5s get the RacerX bag and report it fits great - so I'll try it.

The case to fit the VPR is the one for the 15" Powerbook. And, since they currently only have ones with the white stripe left in this size (they're waiting for the new Al Powerbook to come out and see if the size has changed), they're offering $30 off (so the case is $99) - if you call and order it, vs ordering online.

While this is still a lot for a case, it will be worth it if it has good protection, quality and looks decent. We'll know in a few days

-n

[nedlyj]

I got the 15" RacerX bag yesterday, and unfortunately it does not fit the 200A5. The neoprene insert is so tight that I can only get the 200A5 in about 3/4 of the way. Like a small wetsuit on a large body.

But - I am extremely impressed with the bag itself, so I am going to try the one they sell for the 17" powerbook, even though it's about $30 more. All in all, the total bag width is listed as only 2 inches wider than the 15" bag (and I could easily have used another 1") - so I'm hoping the bag won't really be too big.

While the 200A5 is just a bit bigger than the 15" Powerbook, it seems there are several things keeping it from fitting in the form-fitting top loading powerbook bags. The key dimension is the thickness, but it's also important that the VPR has square sharp corners which doesn't allow it to slide in as well.

Anyway, I'll let you know how the new bag works when it arrives.

-n

[nedlyj]

Sorry for three posts in a row...

I received the Waterfield Designs 17" RacerX bag (for 17" powerbook) yesterday. I love it - which is good, because for $139 if I didn't love it, it would be going back. Not that that's a lot for a really good bag - just more than I've ever spent on one.

Some key points about this bag, and this size:

1. The 200A5 would probably fit exactly (ie snugly) in a bag that is right between the WD 15" and 17" powerbook bags. So, the laptop sleeve in this bag is just a tad big on the VPR. But, since the sleeve is a neoprene type of material, I think it's better that it's not a snug fit for the VPR - so I don't have to worry about the WAN switch, the exposed corners of the screen bezel, the front controls or the rubber feet "catching" on the sleeve during insertion or removal.

2. The extra 1/2 inch in height of this bag allowed me to put an extra 1/2 inch of foam packing material under the laptop sleeve which then adds extra protection to the back side of the laptop when the bag is set down.

3. The bag has some great features, like the neoprene laptop sleeve which stops the laptop from sliding around, the padded flap that folds in and covers the front of the laptop (important on the VPR) protecting it from the zipper, the hard corrugated plastic internal casing surrounding the laptop compartment, the extremely comfortable handle (mountain bike grip) and shoulder strap (a double-elastic pad that acts as a shock absorber on your shoulder), larger accessory compartment with 5 elastic pockets of varying sizes, light weight, and pretty good looks for a laptop bag. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill Targus-type bag.

4. The size of the bag is deceiving - even this size looks small, yet when it's filled, it still looks pretty much like it's empty (maintining its shape and looks nicely). I have the power adapter and cord, a standard size mouse, a laptop riser/swivel pad, a usb snakelight, several CDs, 2 pc-cards, 10' modem cable, 10' network cable, and my Palm V in it and you can't tell there's anything in there when the bag is closed. Plenty of room now for my Sonic si-5 flat panel speakers that are on their way!

Oh well, I've wasted enough space talking about this - sorry. Maybe I just needed some self-justification before my wife sees the bill for it ;)

-n

[ruschproduction]

i have the blue targus one from the bottom of this page: http://www.shoptargus.com/Free_Spirit_Laptop_Cases/cat.asp

i chose that because it doesnt look like a traditional laptop bag and its much more comfortable to carry round :cheers

[Ioman]

I wound up buying like 3 bags from Wilsons Leather for 70% off.

http://www.wilsonsleather.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2019569&cp=1855609

I don't see the ones I bought from the store, but I am pretty happy with them.

[Ioman]

i have the blue targus one from the bottom of this page: http://www.shoptargus.com/Free_Spirit_Laptop_Cases/cat.asp

i chose that because it doesnt look like a traditional laptop bag and its much more comfortable to carry round :cheers

I dig the unique look!

[spankers]

For the paranoid like me the only solution is a Pelican Case. I am using a model 1470 with the rubber preformed laptop insert. I had to cut out the rubber separator between the laptop and power supply storage areas in order to accomodate the widescreen VPR though.
http://www.globalsoundandimage.com/1470.html
(I didn't buy mine from this site but they have a good picture of the case)

[Ioman]

For the paranoid like me the only solution is a Pelican Case. I am using a model 1470 with the rubber preformed laptop insert. I had to cut out the rubber separator between the laptop and power supply storage areas in order to accomodate the widescreen VPR though.
http://www.globalsoundandimage.com/1470.html
(I didn't buy mine from this site but they have a good picture of the case)

You are funny man. Thats not a bag, that a VAULT!

[Precious]

Tha'ts what I thought too.

I'm horrible with my laptop, I use to just throw it in my bag with all my books. Now I use a sleeve.

That bag looks like it adds another ten pounds. My shoulder hurts just looking at it.

[Ioman]

Tha'ts what I thought too.

I'm horrible with my laptop, I use to just throw it in my bag with all my books. Now I use a sleeve.

That bag looks like it adds another ten pounds. My shoulder hurts just looking at it.

lol I am the same way. I abuse my laptop pretty bad too. I don't even use a real laptop bag, its a leather messenger bag and I toss it around a lot. :P

[NTL1991]

I am (was) using a Targus Laptop Bag... I dont know what model it was though. It got the job done


Nick

[spankers]

You are funny man. Thats not a bag, that a VAULT! Not quite a vault, but close. The downside for me is not the weight but the extra care that is given by TSA agents at the airport... Pelican cases having that pseudo-military look with watertight O-ring seals and all.

[iCode]

I use a black AcmeMade "Slim" for my 200a5 Matrix.

http://www.acmemade.com/theslim.html

[neuroking]

Kensington Saddlebag Ultra. It's the second Saddle bag I've had, and the damn things can take tons of abuse, have enough compartments (gotta love the 'junk drawer'), and it looks pretty decent.

[Ioman]

Did you guys see our article on chic laptop bags? http://news.designtechnica.com/featured_article32.html

Tell me what you think. I think Suzie found some pretty sweet ones.