Reviews!! Booq, Crumpler, Tumi, Maccase, Pics!!

[madmaxmedia]

I was actually bored at LAX between flights just recently and finally completed my quest to find a new bag when I was browsing through one of the stores there:

It is the Navy, SI Vertical Bag from Oakley of all places, the whole thing just screams hard core. It has a separate removable egg shell style sleeve that fits the 15 inch powerbook snugly and plenty of other compartments to store your bits & pieces. It is one of those bags that will server to just lug your PB and charger around but is also up to the task when you do those round the world trips and want to take everything you can with you on those nightmare 14 hour flights.

Hey, that's a pretty cool bag! I might just pick one up. Does it have a fair amount of accessory space? (pockets, pen loops, etc.) How much space is in the main compartment after the 15 PB goes in?

I like the 'cement' color, but it stands out a bit too much perhaps.

They also have this bag, which also looks cool-

http://oakley.com/o/o1518d

 

[PaRaGoNViCtiM]

Does Oakley make any sleeves for laptops?

 

[crdean1]

crdean1,

Do you have any idea where I can get a Considerable Embarassment in that orange/green combo color from the first set of pictures you posted of it? That looked absolutely awesome.

That was a buddy's bag. He got it from http://www.crumplerusa.com . If you are a student, you can get it from http://www.academicsuperstore.com .

CRD

 

[nomad01]

Booq Vyper - Not for me

I received my Vyper yesterday and unfortunately, it's going straight back and I'm keeping my Crumpler Gimp.

The Vyper does not "fit like a glove" as it claims. Not around my 12" Powerbook anyway. The Powerbook slides around inside.

Also, part of the zipper was exposed inside so it had the potential of scratching the Powerbook. This could have just been a defect with mine as it was more exposed at the one side than the other.

It's also very thin. I think all it would do is protect from scratches. I can't see it protecting any impact at all.

The Gimp is a soft case but it's fairly thick neoprene so it takes some impact. It would stop more dents and bumps than the Vyper anyway IMO.

Steve

 

[jaseone]

Hey, that's a pretty cool bag! I might just pick one up. Does it have a fair amount of accessory space? (pockets, pen loops, etc.) How much space is in the main compartment after the 15 PB goes in?

There is plenty of room in there to stuff quite a bit of stuff in there.

There is a pocket at the front with velcro flap for quick access, then under the main flap with the buckles is 3 pen holders and a set of busines card holder things that have a handy little strap that clips over them to prevent your cards going flying. Inside at the front there are two elasticized little pouches to put smaller things you don't want to fish for, then there is the removable sleeve for your laptop that is seriously padded, then behind that there are two components separated by dividers.

The bag is designed to expand a little as well so it can fit plenty in there, I do fairly regular long haul flights and wanted a bag that wasn't too bulky for day to day use but could still be used when I want to stuff everything in it, this bag fitted the bill perfectly! Oh and the strap itself has a good amount of padding as well not like the usual useless thin pad you get.

The only thing about the bag was that some of the buckles can be quite noisy, two were squeaking a LOT so I just wrapped some tape around them (can't notice it by looking at it) and now it is much better on the ears.

 

[GilGrissom]

What do people think of the "Horizontal Limit Small" by Tucano?
Found here. Still struggling to find a reseller in the UK for considerable embarrasement, the prices scare me a little.

EDIT-Link corrected!

 

[michaelrjohnson]

I received my Vyper yesterday and unfortunately, it's going straight back and I'm keeping my Crumpler Gimp.

The Vyper does not "fit like a glove" as it claims. Not around my 12" Powerbook anyway. The Powerbook slides around inside.

Also, part of the zipper was exposed inside so it had the potential of scratching the Powerbook. This could have just been a defect with mine as it was more exposed at the one side than the other.

It's also very thin. I think all it would do is protect from scratches. I can't see it protecting any impact at all.

Does anyone have a similar experience with the Vyper M for the 15in PB? Two posters in this thread have claimed that they work very well, but I'm always interested in more opinions. Unfortunately, it's such a niche product that epinions.com, etc. don't have any reviews.

 

[GilGrissom]

Does anyone have a similar experience with the Vyper M for the 15in PB? Two posters in this thread have claimed that they work very well, but I'm always interested in more opinions. Unfortunately, it's such a niche product that epinions.com, etc. don't have any reviews.

For that kind of snug case/skin for the PowerBook I use the Tucano Second Skin for my 12". Its snug and protects from bangs quite well, reasonably thick neoprene. Good quality, zip guard and a snug fit. I don't know about the Vyper M, but I recommend this product. Quite stylish. Look here.
Hope this helps

 

[michaelrjohnson]

For that kind of snug case/skin for the PowerBook I use the Tucano Second Skin for my 12". Its snug and protects from bangs quite well, reasonably thick neoprene. Good quality, zip guard and a snug fit. I don't know about the Vyper M, but I recommend this product. Quite stylish. Look here.
Hope this helps

Yeah, I've used Tucano SeconSkins for my previous two laptops (12in iBook, 12in PB). I've been looking to find the "9 dot" series skin (not the "elements" skin) for the 15in PB, but have been unsuccessful. I loved my Tucano skins, but am currently seeking other options due to the unavailability of the Tucano 9 dot series skin for the 15in PB.

 

[GilGrissom]

Yeah, I've used Tucano SeconSkins for my previous two laptops (12in iBook, 12in PB). I've been looking to find the "9 dot" series skin (not the "elements" skin) for the 15in PB, but have been unsuccessful. I loved my Tucano skins, but am currently seeking other options due to the unavailability of the Tucano 9 dot series skin for the 15in PB.

Yes I see your point. Amazon only seem to mainly deal in the Elements range, like mine. Have you tried Lowest On The Web?. Or perhaps here, I know it's UK based so I'm not sure about international shipping if you need it, worth a try. Also I quote CRD's source of www.academicsuperstore.com, see if this helps you, CRD was wise, they often have the stuff in, worth a shot for the one you want. A daft question, but have you tried the Apple Store here? They have some skins which look different at a first quick glance to mine.

If you don't mind me asking whats the difference between the 9-dot and elements and your reason for wanting the 9-dot over the element? The Tucano site isn't very forth coming with differences, apart from the look!! Just that both are specifically designed for Apple iBooks/PowerBooks!

Hope this helps.

 

[Roy Hobbs]

O.K. so I got my bag in the mail today. I am a little dissapointed. The laptop fits in pretty tight. You have to really push to get the pb in its slot, and pull on each side to get it out. I think it is too tight, but hopefully it will loosen up a little with a little wear and be just right, like my powersleevz from radtech did.

Overall, the workmanship of the bag is great and I think I will keep it. I am able to comfortably fit my pb, a text book, study guide and notepad in the main compartment, and I will still have room for chords etc. I don't know if I would use it for more than 1 or two textbooks though.

Anyway here are some pics....

Has you bag "loosend up" any??? It is a pain having to struggle with getting my PB in and out of the sleeve area.

 

[crdean1]

Has you bag "loosend up" any??? It is a pain having to struggle with getting my PB in and out of the sleeve area.

Actually, yes, the sleeve has loosened up and it is starting to get better. My friend has had his bag longer (that orange one) and I asked him about it as well. His has stretched to be perfect for the pb and said it just takes a couple of months of use.

I do recommend a radtech screensavrz though, because since the pb is being "pressed closed" in the sleeve, you have more of a chance for keyboard "oil" marks on your screen.

http://www.radtech.us (screensavrz)

I use the screensavrz and have had no problems.

About the bag, I do like the way the bag is laid out, but I wish there were one or two pouch pockets on the back of the bag for small stuff....But the bag is great. A guy at school last night asked where he could get the same bag.

 

[GilGrissom]

My quest still continues. The McBain bag from Crumpler is growing on me more and more, is the embarrasment a much better bag or is the McBain still good? Does it hold similar amounts? There just appears to be much more McBains here in the UK than the Embarrasments.

Also, on my scouting around, I found these.

AirBag Aspar

AirBag Dune

These catch my eye and seem quite cool and decent. I have an AirBag rucsack, they are good at protecting laptops, but I'm changing to messenger style.

So has anyone had any experience with these or anything? Thanks.

 

[crazydreaming]

Interested, as a backpacker, I would love to see the North Face bag in action (didn't know they had a computer pack, may have to look in to getting one myself). Post the pics.

CRD

Yea, TNF has a few computer backpacks. I think 3 to be exact. As a current user of a North Face Bag and an outdoors person, I too am kinda interested in one for my computer.

 

[crazydreaming]

I was actually bored at LAX between flights just recently and finally completed my quest to find a new bag when I was browsing through one of the stores there:

It is the Navy, SI Vertical Bag from Oakley of all places, the whole thing just screams hard core. It has a separate removable egg shell style sleeve that fits the 15 inch powerbook snugly and plenty of other compartments to store your bits & pieces. It is one of those bags that will server to just lug your PB and charger around but is also up to the task when you do those round the world trips and want to take everything you can with you on those nightmare 14 hour flights.

The buckles on this thing seriously look like they came straight out of a parachute pack, there ain't no way they are going to break like my old bag did, strangely enough I think on my last trip that last bag broke just outside of the shop I got the Oakley from this time, must be fate!

Awesome.

I've been on a search for a bag for my new 15" powerbook and my college books and such. After searching around a lot, I'm really kinda stuck on the Oakley bags. To me they seem pretty cool, and unique, doesn't seem like too many people have them. The only problem with that is it's hard to find information/reviews on them!

I'm liking the Oakley Hardshell Pack, but the bag you bought looks cool also, but is there room for books? Where did you get your bag exactly? Anyone know of a store I can see them?

Oakley has a 30 day money back guarentee. I'm thinking of possibly buying the bag I want, and if it doesn't work for me, send it back...

 

[SurfinSHELL23]

That was a buddy's bag. He got it from http://www.crumplerusa.com . If you are a student, you can get it from http://www.academicsuperstore.com .

CRD

Thanks so much for reminding me to check Academic Superstore. I've been there before but never ordered before. I never thought to look there. I'm saving $25 on my bag. Thanks so much.

Any idea what color lining is inside the blue or green Considerable Embarrassment? Thanks.

 

[GilGrissom]

I do recommend a radtech screensavrz though, because since the pb is being "pressed closed" in the sleeve, you have more of a chance for keyboard "oil" marks on your screen.

http://www.radtech.us (screensavrz)

I use the screensavrz and have had no problems.

Cool, thanks. I've just brought the screensavrz and it seems to be pretty good. I sometimes forget to put it in, as it's too easy just to close the PB lid, put it to sleep, pop it into the skin and off I go! But I'm glad I got it, I'd hate for anything to happen to my PB!

As far as the bag front goes I think I'm going for my before mentioned mad hunt find. The AirBag Dune. If people so wish I will post it up here when I get it to add to the fantastic reviews CRD has done for us all. If none of you think you will be interested as you have never heard of it, fair enough!

Thanks again CRD

 

[crdean1]

Thanks so much for reminding me to check Academic Superstore. I've been there before but never ordered before. I never thought to look there. I'm saving $25 on my bag. Thanks so much.

Any idea what color lining is inside the blue or green Considerable Embarrassment? Thanks.

I'm not sure, but you can call crumpler and they will tell you. http://www.crumplerusa.com


I love my bag. It's great!

 

[crdean1]

Cool, thanks. I've just brought the screensavrz and it seems to be pretty good. I sometimes forget to put it in, as it's too easy just to close the PB lid, put it to sleep, pop it into the skin and off I go! But I'm glad I got it, I'd hate for anything to happen to my PB!

As far as the bag front goes I think I'm going for my before mentioned mad hunt find. The AirBag Dune. If people so wish I will post it up here when I get it to add to the fantastic reviews CRD has done for us all. If none of you think you will be interested as you have never heard of it, fair enough!

Thanks again CRD

Gil, that's a sweet looking bag. Please post the pics. I haven't heard of them before.

CRD

 

[GilGrissom]

Gil, that's a sweet looking bag. Please post the pics. I haven't heard of them before.

CRD

Sure will CRD . My small bit into this helpful information file you've created for us all!

They're primarily a UK bag manufacturer I think, but they do have quite an impressive range. I guess that trying to get one in the US would be like me trying to get a considerable embarrasment over here in the UK!

 

[GilGrissom]

Any idea what color lining is inside the blue or green Considerable Embarrassment? Thanks.

Im not sure either, but using a comparison from the other colour bags we have seen on this forum so far you can guess that it will be slightly contrasting at least with the main colour. The black has a yellow lining and the orange has an odd green lining etc. Could the green have a yellowy/orange lining perhaps?!

Just an investigational thought!

 

[Leareth]

I am happy with my Marware Sleeve for my 15" PB
(http://www.marware.com/cgi-bin/WebO...catalogCatID=124&wosid=oKtfba1OdT6VB5OcdHCJ9M)
It has just enough room for the laptop, power cord, Thumb drive and mouse, then I just throw it into my MEC backpack, or if I am going to the starbucks right outside my back entrance, I clip on the shoulder strap and carry it like a messanger bag.

The other bag I had was a Tracker one and while it did provide good protection and carrying capacity it was awkward to carry since it was vertical format not horizontal

 

[SurfinSHELL23]

Im not sure either, but using a comparison from the other colour bags we have seen on this forum so far you can guess that it will be slightly contrasting at least with the main colour. The black has a yellow lining and the orange has an odd green lining etc. Could the green have a yellowy/orange lining perhaps?!

I'm not sure, but you can call crumpler and they will tell you. http://www.crumplerusa.com

OK, I emailed Crumpler, so here's the full schedule of colors -
Black is orange
Purple is orange
Green is orange
Orange is green
Blue is green

See the attached image - my Dad asked for me to put all the colors side by side when my parents were assisting in the very important color descision. I've added the lining info.

 

[flaith]

no-one has mentioned sfbags

i went through this after getting my 12" pb and settled for a sleeve from http://www.sfbags.com
really impressed - super customisable and it's easy to make sure the bag/sleeve is exactly the right size for your laptop

delivery from SF to europe was really quick as well

sleeve itself is great - rugged as hell, brought it on holidays recently - perfect

cheap too!!!

also forgot to mention the personal email i got to ask me if everything was ok!! bless

 

[GilGrissom]

OK, I emailed Crumpler, so here's the full schedule of colors -
Black is orange
Purple is orange
Green is orange
Orange is green
Blue is green

Yey! I was right! Thanks for the info SurfinSHELL23!

also forgot to mention the personal email i got to ask me if everything was ok!! bless

Aww, ye that is sweet! Good customer service too!