Cases for MBP

[shecky]

ahhh zadillo. i can always count on you for an mildly derogatory and contrary response to anything i post. and here i thought we were buddies again.

if you read the measurements on the page they do not make sense; the height of the bag is smaller than the height of the laptop it will accept. excluding that, the measurements are so close to the size of the 17 i am reasonably confident it will fit. if you go to the ebags page for this bag, it lists the 17" powerbook as fitting, and the MBP is only .2" wider than that.

 

[Zadillo]

ahhh zadillo. i can always count on you for an mildly derogatory and contrary response to anything i post. and here i thought we were buddies again.

if you read the measurements on the page they do not make sense; the height of the bag is smaller than the height of the laptop it will accept. excluding that, the measurements are so close to the size of the 17 i am reasonably confident it will fit. if you go to the ebags page for this bag, it lists the 17" powerbook as fitting, and the MBP is only .2" wider than that.

How was I being derogatory? I only said it wasn't ambiguous because they specifically state the models of PowerBook the case was designed for, and they explicitly did not mention the 17" PowerBook.

Anyway, that's fine. You are right, it does sound like it could potentially fit based on those things. I guess one question though is what they mean by "fit"; I think there are a number of cases designed for 15" laptops that you can technically squeeze a 17" laptop into, but it can be a tight fit, and I would personally be somewhat concerned about whether it would still provide adequate protection.

Personally if I had a 17" MBP I would look into a messenger bag that I knew was specifically designed to accommodate it and protect it, rather than a bag designed for the 15" model which the 17" one could technically squeeze into.

-Zadillo

 

[shecky]

i would actually err to the side of tight as opposed to loose - makes the machine feel more protected rather than "rattling" around in an oversize bag; i have had computer bags like that and i hate the feeling of the machine shifting around in the bag.

regardless, i am trying to find a vertical oriented bag for the 17" that is not as big as i am - its funny how just because you have a 17" all the manufacturers assume you need to carry everything you own with you. i just want to carry the laptop, few goodies, couple of books and thats it. i looked at the STM bag in the apple store and it actually fits width-wise perfectly, but the laptop sticks out the top a good 1.5" and the way the bag is designed it will not work. i also looked at the Crumpler "The Luncheon", but the specs are way too tight.

i am hoping the timbuk2 will work as its a perfect size for what i am looking for. i have the waterfield bag which will fit the 17 just fine but i wanted something smaller.

 

[Zadillo]

Cool, good luck!

It probably doesn't apply since you are looking for a full bag, but I've been really impressed with Tom Bihn's Vertical Brain Cell (I got the version for a 15" MBP, but they do make a size for the 17" one as well). But it is just meant to carry and protect the laptop itself, and is designed to be clipped into one of their backbacks (the Smart Alec or the Brain Bag).

They do also make some messenger and shoulder bags, but I'm not sure which the vertical brain cell fits into.

 

[shecky]

yep, i had looked at the Bihn stuff as well as the waterfield Sleevecase+piggyback+shoulder strap but i don't think they will be quite what i need. tho the brain cell seems to be an excellent sleeve.

 

[Zadillo]

yep, i had looked at the Bihn stuff as well as the waterfield Sleevecase+piggyback+shoulder strap but i don't think they will be quite what i need. tho the brain cell seems to be an excellent sleeve.

Yeah, I've been really impressed with the construction and quality of the brain cell and the smart alec backpack itself. I mainly got the vertical brain cell + smart alec because I wanted a replacement for my old backpack that would protect a MBP better. It's definitely convinced me to include Tom Bihn when I look into any other cases/bags I might need.

 

[djkny]

Best combo: a Waterfield 15" MBP sleeve (w/ flap) and the Brenthaven Metro Deluxe Bag. Chuck the sleeve that comes with the Brenthaven (too bulky and clunky), add the Waterfield, and you got a fine looking setup that'll last for years!

 

[macidiot]

clyde?

I'm really curious about the clyde bag from Acme Made. Does anyone have it?? Or seen it? It looks great, but the dimensions seem weird (taller than wide).

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

BTW, I have a Chrome bag now. But I'm looking for a good sleeve to go with it, thinking either the Waterfield or Booq Powersleeve.

 

[Dubba]

I am seriously considering the Waterfield Sleeve for my 17" MacBook Pro. One question to those that own them: with or without the flap?

I will be using this within a backback and/or briefcase (depending on where I am taking it).

Any thoughts/opinions would be much appreciated.

 

[wronski]

I'm really curious about the clyde bag from Acme Made. Does anyone have it?? Or seen it? It looks great, but the dimensions seem weird (taller than wide).

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

BTW, I have a Chrome bag now. But I'm looking for a good sleeve to go with it, thinking either the Waterfield or Booq Powersleeve.

I just bought one. It should arrive soon; I'll let you know then.

 

[iBorg20181]

RadTech Sleevz and Brenthaven Metro Deluxe

Best combo: a Waterfield 15" MBP sleeve (w/ flap) and the Brenthaven Metro Deluxe Bag. Chuck the sleeve that comes with the Brenthaven (too bulky and clunky), add the Waterfield, and you got a fine looking setup that'll last for years!

I like the Brenthaven Metro Deluxe, too - mine arrives Monday or Tuesday! For a sleeve, I got the RadTech Sleevz, which I really like, as it's light-weight, form-fitted, stylish, and is easy to grip (and inexpensive!) (I also use the RadTech ScreenSavrs to protect the screen from the keyboard - my 4-year-old TiBook's screen is like-new, using this since purchase!)



iBorg

 

[shecky]

I am seriously considering the Waterfield Sleeve for my 17" MacBook Pro. One question to those that own them: with or without the flap?

I will be using this within a backback and/or briefcase (depending on where I am taking it).

Any thoughts/opinions would be much appreciated.

the one i have now for my TiBook has a flap.

when i buy another one for my MPB (so i can use both bags instead of just the Timbuk2) i will probbly get it without the flap.

 

[Dubba]

the one i have now for my TiBook has a flap.

when i buy another one for my MPB (so i can use both bags instead of just the Timbuk2) i will probbly get it without the flap.

shecky - does that mean that you prefer it without the flap? Any particular reason?

 

[shecky]

depends on how you are going to use it. my logic for getting the flap was "oh, ill use just the sleevecase when i just need my laptop and nothing else, so i should have it protected." problem was i never did this, i always had it in the sleevecase in the bag. this way the flap is kind of in the way in that you have to open the bag then open the flap then take out the laptop. the open sleevecase inside the bag is more than enough protection, the flap is not needed.

 

[TheSith]

Brenthaven Deluxe Metro - just got that for my new C2D MBP and couldn't be happier. Not a huge bag but it has enough room for some files (or maybe one book and a notepad) plus the peripherals in a different slot. The area that holds the computer is very secure and padded. $100 well spent, in my opinion.

 

[iBorg20181]

Brenthaven Deluxe Metro - just got that for my new C2D MBP and couldn't be happier. Not a huge bag but it has enough room for some files (or maybe one book and a notepad) plus the peripherals in a different slot. The area that holds the computer is very secure and padded. $100 well spent, in my opinion.

Good to hear! Mine comes Monday or Tuesday!

iBorg

 

[Dubba]

depends on how you are going to use it. my logic for getting the flap was "oh, ill use just the sleevecase when i just need my laptop and nothing else, so i should have it protected." problem was i never did this, i always had it in the sleevecase in the bag. this way the flap is kind of in the way in that you have to open the bag then open the flap then take out the laptop. the open sleevecase inside the bag is more than enough protection, the flap is not needed.

shecky - thanks for your input. I think I will go with the flapless version. Now to see if that flap will fit in my Lowe Alpine backpack, or if I need to buy something else.

If I need an entirely new bag, I am inclined towards the Spire Meta [http://www.spireusa.com/products/ME6.htm]; anyone have any experience or thoughts about this?

 

[macidiot]

I just bought one. It should arrive soon; I'll let you know then.

Great! Keep me posted...

 

[shecky]

my Timbuk2 Blogger came in today, and after trying out a foamcore mockup in the dimensions of the 17" i think it will be fine; it fits side-to side no problem at all, and the laptop (foamcore) sticks out the top a little less than an inch but it is still useable. i also think the actual laptop will fit better than my rather lame foamcore model.

interestingly, putting my TiBook (13.4" x 9.5") in the bag makes for a very loose fit - it really has some room to move around inside the sleeve. so i think the much firmer fit of the 17 will be better (for me at least.)

ill try and get some pics up once my lapzilla finally gets here, hopefully sometime before my retirement benefits kick in

 

[AlwaysRight]

Well my Incase 17" slim sleeve (the one with handles) just arrived. I have to admit it is quite depressing sitting here all day looking at my new bag with no laptop to go in it. Hurry up and deliver my 17" already apple.

 

[UmaThurman]

Anyone know if it's possible to bend a laptop to where it doesn't sit evenly? I don't knwo if it's this table or my notebook... i've been carrying it around in my bookbag wrapping it in a towel

 

[UmaThurman]

Cheap college student here, so i think im gonna go with the rebound. http://www.radtech.us/Products/SpecialtyBags.aspx#Rebound


Looks really good!

 

[smueboy]

if you want a sleeve that fits very well, is exceptionally well made, but is a bit out of the ordinary check out these:

http://www.foofshop.com/

 

[macidiot]

if you want a sleeve that fits very well, is exceptionally well made, but is a bit out of the ordinary check out these:

http://www.foofshop.com/

Too foofy for me.

 

[mfInc]

I am looking for a sleeve that is hard. I have seen a case for my friends Vaio. It is a very hard case...you just slip in the laptop and the velcro lid closes. Really nice, simple and protective.

I am looking for one to just throw in my back and protect my laptop from the pressure of all those books.

Thanks!