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

[GilGrissom]

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!!!

Thanks for the link. I've now had a good browse round the site and they have some good stuff! I'm particularly interested in the cableguy and gearpouches.
Their products look really good. Might be making another perchase soon now!!

Have you got any pictures of your sleeve in action etc? Would be great. Thanks!

 

[Roy Hobbs]

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.

My blue one i just bought does not have a green interior.....it yellow but more of a mustard type yellow

 

[SurfinSHELL23]

My blue one i just bought does not have a green interior.....it yellow but more of a mustard type yellow

So not like the orange bag on the first page of this thread? You're speaking of a CE, right?

Hmmm... I took that right from 'Jack' at Crumpler... "Green is orange, blue is green, purple is orange. Cheers--Jack". Perhaps it's just variation in individual perception of color, onscreen color, and different shades of fabric in various lots.

I'll let you know what I perceive the interior of my blue CE to be, since the status is 'shipping'.

 

[Koodauw]

I just purchased the Moderate embarassement. I like it thus far. I'll try n post pictures later on, although it looks very similiar to the the pics already on here, just the 12'' version.

 

[flaith]

Thanks for the link. I've now had a good browse round the site and they have some good stuff! I'm particularly interested in the cableguy and gearpouches.
Their products look really good. Might be making another perchase soon now!!

Have you got any pictures of your sleeve in action etc? Would be great. Thanks!

i don't have any pics but basically it looks exactly like the first pic you see in 'sleevecases' except mine is the vertical one for 12" pb

it's a really snug fit and the stitching and material quality seems great - i would go for it

 

[Roy Hobbs]

So not like the orange bag on the first page of this thread? You're speaking of a CE, right?

Hmmm... I took that right from 'Jack' at Crumpler... "Green is orange, blue is green, purple is orange. Cheers--Jack". Perhaps it's just variation in individual perception of color, onscreen color, and different shades of fabric in various lots.

I'll let you know what I perceive the interior of my blue CE to be, since the status is 'shipping'.

If I get a chance I will post a pic of it later today, its definetly not green. and yes I am speaking of the Crumpler CE.

 

[GilGrissom]

AirBag Dune Review

I ordered my new AirBag Dune laptop messenger style bag on Monday afternoon, and it arrived first thing this morning! It said the ETA delivery date was September 5th, so more than happy with the speed! I brought it from eBags.co.uk , they have a massive selection and reasonable prices.

I've managed to have a play around with the bag and so far so good. It looks smart and tough, and feels it too. The very bottom is black, made from that strange smooth rubbery plastic stuff some bags have. There are 1 main large compartment, a front pouch, and even a small side pocket with a keyhook inside to hook your keys into or anything else you want, very handy!

The main compartment houses the padded laptop area (which seems very good as always with AirBags) and another part for folders and books, which is divided into 2 further sections. I managed to fit a pretty good amount of stuff comfortably inside, although I could squeeze in more. As has already been mentioned with some of the other bags I expect it to give a little bit as I use it, so packing/unpacking becomes easier.

It seems waterproof enough, we had a thunderstorm here earlier this evening (or it maybe yesterday evening by the time this is actually finished and posted!) and it rained heavily, so I took it out with stuff in to test, and it passed quite nicely.

I have the strap as long as it will go, which is long enough, but I've known bags to have longer straps. The straps are also fixed straight onto the bag, and are not on those keyhooks that can twist round to help stop the strap from twisting, but its securely fixed all the same.

The velco patches that hold the flap down are a little small, but they are big enough to do the job.

I attach a few pictures into this thread.

All the pictures of it in action can be found here. <---

Sorry for the length and babbling. Just trying to give you all the details! It is the middle of the night for me!
Hope this is understandable and usuable to people!

 

[SurfinSHELL23]

I also ordered my bag, the Crumpler Considerable Embarrassment, on Monday from http://www.academicsuperstore.com on Monday. When I got home today it was sitting on our doorstep, with a return address of 'Jack Butts - Crumpler'. I have to wonder if that's his real name...

Anyway, I dried off the plastic mailer it was in a bit, then we opened it up. I was kind of suprised that it was in such a small package, since my friend has the Very Busy Man which I guess is larger. The bag was wrapped inside of a crumpler plastic bag, as seen in the pictures below.

I'm happy with the bag overall. I think my friend's Very Busy Man has much more padding. Right inside the velcro flap is a pouch with zipper pull that holds my power adapter. Behind that is the main cavity, with an organiser for writing utensils, love notes, currency, etc. Behind that is the laptop sleeve, with the velcro closure. My Inspiron 5160 (My desktop is a Mac) fits snugly (I'm sure it will loosen up with time) and it supposedly measures (W x D x H)-- 13.2 in x 10.8 in x 1.9 in. The shoulder strap has a great padded piece with velcro for adjusting.

Overall I'm very happy. Make sure you order from http://www.academicsuperstore.com to save some money.

Oh and you're right, it's not green, kvanwagoner. I don't know why they told me it was.

More pics to come...

 

[SurfinSHELL23]

As promised...

 

[SurfinSHELL23]

Finishing up...

I'd love to answer any and all questions you might have. I'll also entertain requests for specific pics.

 

[crdean1]

Gil, Surfin,

Sweet bags. Thanks for posting!! The Crumpler will not be as tight after some use. Mine fits perfect now (even better when the pb has been off, nice and cool, just slips right in.)

CRD

 

[GilGrissom]

Gil, Surfin,

Sweet bags. Thanks for posting!! The Crumpler will not be as tight after some use. Mine fits perfect now (even better when the pb has been off, nice and cool, just slips right in.)

CRD

No problem. Thanks. Hope they help.
I wonder if the Crumpler Considerable Embarrasment will become more available in the UK in the near future.

 

[DesignIt]

Well, I have had my new Sumdex backpack for about 2 weeks now and I love it! It is a very sturdy and well made product with lots of nice pockets for other stuff besides your pb. It's made of that nice durable ballistic nylon stuff. It's not flashy or anything but it gets the job done very well. I highly recommend it.

http://sumdex.com/core/HDN-174.asp

Tomorrow I am going to put in an order for the Timbuk2 Quilted Sleeve, to slip over my pb and go into the pocket in the pack.

I will post pics as soon as I get a chance.

 

[londy]

my sumdex impactguard 12" computer case is coming tomorrow from ebags:
http://www.ebags.com/sumdex/impactguard_insert_sleeve_12_1/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=48886

that and my ogio metro backpack. looking forward to them both

 

[softshells]

sumo

sumo makes great ipod and laptop cases, a new start up company already in comp usa and apple retail stores...
http://www.sumocases.com

 

[mongoos150]

The ScreenSaverz seem a bit excessive...honestly I've been around tons of new AND old laptops and powerbooks and never ever seen any laptop, new or old, powerbook or otherwise, get damaged in any way due to "oil" from the keypad or anything having to do with the screen/keyboard. The Sleevz seem pretty nice though. I'm getting the Vyper M for my PB 15" and I want to get the RadTech Sleevz as well but - $25 for something I could probably make myself...seems a bit steep, like a glorified sock.

 

[madmaxmedia]

I just bought this Ogio City Corp notebook bag-

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834996039

I had considered some Crumplers and the Oakley bag (they do look better), but went with this one for the following reasons-

1. Cheap but still decent looking (under $60 shipped)
2. Pretty large storage space divided into a couple of compartments
3. One compartment has dividers for folders, papers, etc. (2 dividers, so 3 sections)

I find the dividers very handy. If you need to carry a lot of papers and folders, this is a great bag that keeps them organized. The other compartment is great for books and folders, and has 3 pockets for power supplies, cables, etc. There is a padded section for notebook, padding is good and my 15" PB fits great.

I don't think the bag is beautiful, but it still looks pretty good and has excellent functionality.

 

[eyeon]

Bike friendly?

Hi there,

I am just one step away from ordering the Considerable Embarrassment for my PB, and I have only one concern; I do quite a lot of biking, and I wondered if the Considerable Embarrassment has any kind of waist strap or shoulder strap that keeps the bag from sliding around your shoulder. I saw a Wack-o-Phone in a shop once, and noticed that it DID have such a strap -- I am curious if they are continuing to include this feature...

Thanks a bunch.

 

[ddrueckhammer]

I have a Booq Mamba which sadly appears to be discontinued and a Tuscano Second Skin for my 12" Powerbook and they are both of great quality. If I were going to get another sleeve I would look at the InCase ones as I saw some at the Apple store recently that were nice. If I were to get another bag I would consider a Crumpler, AcmeMade, or ZeroHaliburton (only if I bought a top of the line 17" powerbook" as alternatives. I know other people like other brands though so to each his own.

 

[Poison Orange]

I just purchased the Moderate embarassement. I like it thus far. I'll try n post pictures later on, although it looks very similiar to the the pics already on here, just the 12'' version.

I'm considering the same bag (for my sweeeeet newwwww 12" pb) but I was wondering if you find it small -- can you carry a Moderate amount of junk in it? On the website, it says it has a 4L capacity (quite tiny), while the Considerable Embarrassment is supposed to have a 10L capacity... more than twice the size!

Any feedback on either bag would be much appreciated. Or... if anyone's feeling less than modest, a pic with a Real person carrying said bag. Or pics of bag stuffed with as much of something identifiable as possible?

Thank ye.

 

[mfacey]

Hi there,

I am just one step away from ordering the Considerable Embarrassment for my PB, and I have only one concern; I do quite a lot of biking, and I wondered if the Considerable Embarrassment has any kind of waist strap or shoulder strap that keeps the bag from sliding around your shoulder. I saw a Wack-o-Phone in a shop once, and noticed that it DID have such a strap -- I am curious if they are continuing to include this feature...

Thanks a bunch.

I've had a Brenthaven Fusion Flex bag for my powerbook for some time now (http://www.brenthaven.com/store/flash/flash.html). I have to say its very nice. Made for the 15" powerbook so it fits perfectly. To answer you request, yes it has a waist strap. The shoulder strap is also made at such an angle that it sits perfectly when you have it "over your head" (as in not over just one shoulder). I cycle with it every now and then and have to say I'm impressed.
There's plenty of protection with the special padded sleave thats inside and also plenty of space for other stuff like adapters and books.

Its pretty pricey through apple's site. If you look around on the web you can get it for something like $80-$90.

 

[Clix Pix]

I bought the Crumpler Considerable Embarrassment bag and while I love the color (the orange and green) I am still having problems getting my PB in-and-out of it, so rather than embarrass myself out in public wrestling with the thing I bought something else to use in addition (until I can finally get the fabric stretched enough in the Crumpler). I got the chocolate-and-orange STM, which looks good and is easy to slip my PB into and out of. So while the Crumpler has yet to leave the house (LOL!) at least I've got a useable bag in the meantime! I love the colors of the Crumpler and the fact that it doesn't scream "expensive laptop inside!" but I am annoyed that it couldn't have been just that half-inch wider in order to accommodate the PB. It's obviously made for standard-screen laptops. The 17" bag works fine with the 15" PB, but of course is a bit too large, especially for my petite frame.

Noticed the posts about the Oakleys..... Hm.... they're pretty nifty looking bags!

OTB

 

[crdean1]

Hi there,

I am just one step away from ordering the Considerable Embarrassment for my PB, and I have only one concern; I do quite a lot of biking, and I wondered if the Considerable Embarrassment has any kind of waist strap or shoulder strap that keeps the bag from sliding around your shoulder. I saw a Wack-o-Phone in a shop once, and noticed that it DID have such a strap -- I am curious if they are continuing to include this feature...

Thanks a bunch.

Very late response: But, if you are still looking, I would think that if you wore the bag crossways (where the strap crossed your body) you would have no problems on a bike, although I think a backpack would work much better to center your weight. My 2 cents. pm me if you want some more pics of the strap.

 

[crdean1]

iSight case

I also just bought the Waterfield Designs iSight case. It is great. If anyone is curious about it, let me know and I will post some actual pics.

 

[ITASOR]

I want the Booq Vyper for my 12" iBook, but I have this thing where I can't get myself to buy a case without first seeing it or trying it (if it's not specifically meant for a 12" iBook, if it is than seeing it in person is good enough).

Anyone know if they're sold in any stores?