The new MBA 13 is amazing, it acts as my work computer that I have been lugging around for the last month. Speed has been more then sufficient, no hesitation, things open right away, and the fan almost never comes on... Even Flash has been tolerable as I can watch the typical 42 min Hulu episodes without the fans coming on... I use both Photoshop and Lightroom 3 and the fans have been quiet through most of my typical photo processing. As for the rest - I run Safari, Office 2011, Sente 6 without any sign of struggle...
So, when I upgraded to this, I decided to get a new bag for carrying the laptop around. Before the MBA I used to lug the EEE 900 netbook, and my other bag is really tiny, basically perfect fit for the average textbook in the common A4 format, or approximately 12x8 in dimensions... After extensive search and debate between Timbuk2, STM, Osprey and the discussion from this thread, I settled on a Manhattan Portage Europa.
Why? 1. Lightweight at approximately 1lb per manufacturer and ideal dimensions for the MBA 13 at 13.5 x 10.5in. 2. Even at that weight, expandable to really fit anything you can ever toss at it. 3. Made of Cordura which I trust due to its durability.
The main competitor was the Timbuk2, but was afraid that the xsmall is too small and the small is too big according to their website (15.9x9.65 at 2lbs).
I've been using the bag for about a week - comfortable, perfect size, wide shoulder strap, plenty of compartments for me (I'm typically a minimalist). It does not have a padded notebook compartment, but I did not want one. Most of us carry the notebook in a sleeve, so having the extra-weight of the padding in the bag is not necessary for me when I don't have the laptop with me.
Things I don't like: the front pocket is way too big - not a problem except cosmetically it's this huge compartment that in itself is almost the size of a separate bag and since it's not really loaded, it's a collapsed mess (hidden under the flap though, so not a big deal - and the bag is still only 1lb)... inner compartment that I use for the macbook is on the back wall (which also goes for Timbuk2, etc) - well, that's not comfortable since you basically have a piece of metal digging into your back. I now carry it in the main compartment and leave the smaller sleeve compartment for magazines, etc... Also the bag, has no structured frame and no lining, which I would not expect in a 1lb package... Nevertheless, it 's heavy enough and looks great on your shoulder... And the large red Manhattan Portege label is gonna go at some point...
Overall, I'm happy with the bag - it looks professional, and it has become my daily attachment (before I would switch between my small bag and the standard messenger bag at 15.5x11 or so). See pictures for detail:
So, when I upgraded to this, I decided to get a new bag for carrying the laptop around. Before the MBA I used to lug the EEE 900 netbook, and my other bag is really tiny, basically perfect fit for the average textbook in the common A4 format, or approximately 12x8 in dimensions... After extensive search and debate between Timbuk2, STM, Osprey and the discussion from this thread, I settled on a Manhattan Portage Europa.
Why? 1. Lightweight at approximately 1lb per manufacturer and ideal dimensions for the MBA 13 at 13.5 x 10.5in. 2. Even at that weight, expandable to really fit anything you can ever toss at it. 3. Made of Cordura which I trust due to its durability.
The main competitor was the Timbuk2, but was afraid that the xsmall is too small and the small is too big according to their website (15.9x9.65 at 2lbs).
I've been using the bag for about a week - comfortable, perfect size, wide shoulder strap, plenty of compartments for me (I'm typically a minimalist). It does not have a padded notebook compartment, but I did not want one. Most of us carry the notebook in a sleeve, so having the extra-weight of the padding in the bag is not necessary for me when I don't have the laptop with me.
Things I don't like: the front pocket is way too big - not a problem except cosmetically it's this huge compartment that in itself is almost the size of a separate bag and since it's not really loaded, it's a collapsed mess (hidden under the flap though, so not a big deal - and the bag is still only 1lb)... inner compartment that I use for the macbook is on the back wall (which also goes for Timbuk2, etc) - well, that's not comfortable since you basically have a piece of metal digging into your back. I now carry it in the main compartment and leave the smaller sleeve compartment for magazines, etc... Also the bag, has no structured frame and no lining, which I would not expect in a 1lb package... Nevertheless, it 's heavy enough and looks great on your shoulder... And the large red Manhattan Portege label is gonna go at some point...
Overall, I'm happy with the bag - it looks professional, and it has become my daily attachment (before I would switch between my small bag and the standard messenger bag at 15.5x11 or so). See pictures for detail:
Last edited:
.