Funky/Cool/Unique PowerBook Bags?

[SlowX]

I've seen lots of threads where people post their favorite practical bags for PowerBooks, but what of the more "out-there" realm? Any suggestion for bags for (15") powerbooks that are crazy/unique/hip/funky/phat/whatever? Something that stands out from the crowd, and yet still offers good protection and lots of storage?

I've had a generic Targus bag for a while, and although it won't last forever, it seemed to protect my old iBook well, and had lots of pockets and storage options. But it looks so BLAH!

I was thinking about a Chrome bag (http://www.chromebags.com (http://www.chromebags.com)), like the Sputnik or Commodore, but the insides just seem to be just big zippered pockets instead of separate compartments. Anyone have more detailed experience?
Any other "Woooohooo" brands?

Thanks!
:)

[stoid]

www.tombihn.com

also www.acmemade.com has some psychedelic little treats

[aswitcher]

I've seen lots of threads where people post their favorite practical bags for PowerBooks, but what of the more "out-there" realm? Any suggestion for bags for (15") powerbooks that are crazy/unique/hip/funky/phat/whatever? Something that stands out from the crowd, and yet still offers good protection and lots of storage?

I've had a generic Targus bag for a while, and although it won't last forever, it seemed to protect my old iBook well, and had lots of pockets and storage options. But it looks so BLAH!

I was thinking about a Chrome bag (http://www.chromebags.com (http://www.chromebags.com)), like the Sputnik or Commodore, but the insides just seem to be just big zippered pockets instead of separate compartments. Anyone have more detailed experience?
Any other "Woooohooo" brands?

Thanks!
:)


STM are pretty cool, and try and be less obviously a laptop bag. Nice having a waterproof padded pouch for the laptop on the loop backpack

http://www.standardtm.com.au/index.cfm

Crumpler are even more trendy but still cool

http://www.crumpler.com.au/public/home.ehtml

[krisjon]

I agree, most bags out there really fail on the unique, cool factor.
I'm a die hard Timbuk2 guy since they started back in '89, but my current fave out there as far as being 'different' is Axio. Their bags are currently on a test run at the Apple Campus Store.

http://www.axio-usa.com

[baby duck monge]

all i can say is that the crumpler bags website is one of the most cracked out business sites i have seen in a long time. thanks for that. :D

[aswitcher]

all i can say is that the crumpler bags website is one of the most cracked out business sites i have seen in a long time. thanks for that. :D


Yeah, its pretty out there and dififcult to use, its more an experience than a catelogue. They have UK and German stores as well.

[Koodauw]

www.acmemade.com

I have the yellow bag.

Sorry, looks like stoid already posted that.

I would like to add that they have great customer service.

[mpopkin]

Does anyone have or like the Brenthaven Profile 15, it looks like it could have potential(cept for the price) and i am wondering if anyone has one and recommends it

[MacFan26]

I'd also recommend WaterField, they also have great service and I've ordered both a sleevecase bag and a wallet from them.

http://www.sfbags.com

[josepho]

Well, I just got my Crumpler Roll-o-notes delivered today. Despite the fact that I don't have a notebook to put in it at the moment (12" PB is somewhere between Taipei and Luxembourg just now), I've been trying it out and it's just what I need. It's gonna fit the PB, 2 good size A4 spiral pads, a book or two, a CD player/iPod... It's sweet. Very well built.

G'luck.

[SlowX]

Anyone ever try a Boblbe-e bag?
http://www.boblbee.com/jsp/public/productus/p_soft_office_packs.jsp

I like the X45, but wonder what the inside looks like...

Actually, that my biggest problem: Bag look cool from the outside, but what's going on inside? Just one BIG pocket, or lots of leetle ones (I like lots of leetle pockets, for pens, cars, doodads...)

Although I am checking out the other ones y'all have suggested.
Thanks!
:)

[parrothead]

http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&cgrfnbr=124577&sku=48128&ws=false

This bag from Patagonia is really nice. They make quality stuff and they offer a Lifetime guarantee. I have the larger shoulder bag and I absolutely love it. I probably would have gotten the one I posted the link for however, if I they were making it when I was looking.

[Konsole]

Zero Halliburton Z3 for 15" Powerbook (http://www.zerohalliburton.com/ZH/StoreModules/ViewDetails.aspx?unitid=73&rurl=%2fZH%2fSiteDefault.aspx%3fpgid%3d77&rpgid=77&grpid=17)

http://www.zerohalliburton.com/ZH/DesktopModules/ViewImage.aspx?ImgID=404

I have this case, it fits my PB like a glove and its indistructable, muwha ha ha ha

[Geap]

How about a powerbook bag partially made from part of a Russian Soyuz space capsule parachute actually flown in space during the "Soyuz TM-8 Mir Mission".

http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-041904b.html

Saw this over on powerpage.org

Geap

[wwidgirl]

I have a navy crumpler wee bee Crumpler Canada (http://www.storeos.com/)
and a red acme bag for my 12inch powerbook.
Both great bags but I don't like how the crumpler knocks against my body (like any messenger-type bag) and I don't like how nothing except the laptop fits in the acme (not even the powercord). Crumpler makes some great looking bags, and acme makes exceptionally sturdy bags, go check them both out.

[eki]

About the Axio:
I tried it at MacWorld San Francisco, and here are IMHO a few points:

Pros:
Incredibly cool look (especially the black "Fuse" bag)
Hard outer shell
Padded shoulder straps
Inner computer compartment fits up to 17' pwbk

Cons:
Inner compertment isn't padded for additional support
The anatomical back curve is wrong (would only fit your lumbar and not upper back spinal curve)
D-rings that hold the straps to the bag are plastic and thus breakable
Zipper is not water tight

[Mr. Monsieur]

I've been impressed by spire bags (at least by what I've seen on their website...they've got the best protection for your laptop that I've seen (isn't that what the bag is for in the first place?!)...and are not obvious as laptop bags, which may fool would-be-thieves...you can see them at:

www.spireusa.com

If anyone can comment on spire bags from experience, I'd be grateful!

[win_convert]

What should I get? I want it to fit my prospective 12" pbook, power cord, mouse, two textbooks, some excercise books, pencil case, calculator, my lunch and maybe a sweater. Does anyone have the crumpler roll-o-notes? Will this meet my criteria? We can leave out the sweater.

[virividox]

I've been impressed by spire bags (at least by what I've seen on their website...they've got the best protection for your laptop that I've seen (isn't that what the bag is for in the first place?!)...and are not obvious as laptop bags, which may fool would-be-thieves...you can see them at:

www.spireusa.com

If anyone can comment on spire bags from experience, I'd be grateful!

i use the biggest spire backpack for my 17 inch, i carry a 200 gb hard drive ass well, toilet kit, isight, all the power adaptors, mouse, ipod, toilet kit, camera...i could keep listing. its great protection and people dont think its a computer.

[Mac|Photo]

...I have this case, it fits my PB like a glove and its indistructable, muwha ha ha ha...

How much was/is a ZeroHalliburton case?? I think they are awesome, and personally I love that classic business style, especially when it matches the sheer beauty of the PB itself...but how much? looks expensive :(

[Konsole]

the z3si retails for around $250 u.s., but i got it for $175 u.s.

check out the online retailers linked off their website.

[7racer]

I just purchased and recieved the Axio swift carbon backpack.

I am a physician but wanted something different than the rest of my old stuffy partners ;)

Anyways, the backpack is really stunning to look at and the build materials seem first rate. The carbon backpack has a Carbon Fiber "like" weave pattern to it. However, it isn't a real carbon fiber overlay but instead looks to be painted.

The back has a nice curve to it so it fits snuggly on your back. Perfect for those intending to ride a motorcycle with it.

The cons however are that my 17 powerbook seems to "barely" fit. Also while the padding on the bottom is adequate, I would have liked to seen it thicker. Finally, due to the contour of the back of the backpack, that is the "bend", the PB doesn't sit flush to the back but instead "sticks out" and away as the curve bends away from the contour of the flat powerbook.

[michaelrjohnson]

How about a powerbook bag partially made from part of a Russian Soyuz space capsule parachute actually flown in space during the "Soyuz TM-8 Mir Mission".

http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-041904b.html

Saw this over on powerpage.org

Geap

that's a really great concept. awesome. that's definitly a unique product.

[eclipse525]

all i can say is that the crumpler bags website is one of the most cracked out business sites i have seen in a long time. thanks for that. :D

I gotta agree with you....pretty funny.

~e

[Finiksa]

Personally I'm a fan of Crumpler bags, but I've been looking at Booq Bags recently http://www.booqbags.com/ they make some pretty cool sleeves and backpacks.

[j2c]

anyone ever have experience with the Tumi Vesey? Looking for a commuter bag that will carry my powerbook G4 15"

[ElCrazon]

It's not really all that crazy but I have a Victorinox Webmaster. (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47671488&parent_category_rn=12353603)
it fits my 15in PB perfectly and has a ton of space to put stuff, it even has a zipper thing so you can expand the bag to make it hold more stuff.

[arnette]

I'm just about ready to take the plunge on The Crumpler Wee Bee. Anyone have advice on this brand or maybe even this particular bag?

I was looking for something roomier than a sleeve but a bag that didn't look like a computer case. So no black nylon.

[josepho]

I'm just about ready to take the plunge on The Crumpler Wee Bee. Anyone have advice on this brand or maybe even this particular bag?

I was looking for something roomier than a sleeve but a bag that didn't look like a computer case. So no black nylon.

Although I've never actually used the Wee Bee, I do have a Crumpler Roll-o-notes, which I think IMHO looks f-l-y. It does not in the slightest resemble a traditional black nylon bag which so many of my fellow students seem to favour (probably from a financial p.o.v.). Although it's by no means the biggest bag in the world it is quite sufficient for my needs (12" PB, couple of spiral bound notepads, charger and I can actually get in about 7 novels... pretty fly I'd say).

Crumpler bags, to sum up, are good looking, robust and do well what they're designed to do! Go for it, I'd say!

[arnette]

Although I've never actually used the Wee Bee, I do have a Crumpler Roll-o-notes, which I think IMHO looks f-l-y. It does not in the slightest resemble a traditional black nylon bag which so many of my fellow students seem to favour (probably from a financial p.o.v.). Although it's by no means the biggest bag in the world it is quite sufficient for my needs (12" PB, couple of spiral bound notepads, charger and I can actually get in about 7 novels... pretty fly I'd say).

Crumpler bags, to sum up, are good looking, robust and do well what they're designed to do! Go for it, I'd say!

Thanks, man! It's DONE!

I'll be getting the orange Wee Bee in the mail soon.

[Michibaby]

After searching for hours on end for a laptop case that truly expressed "me" I found one here. There are some crazy cases here that are just great! www.caseclosedbags.comI came here to search for some but ended up finding them on my own.

[angelneo]

How about a powerbook in the pizza box? Please remember to read throughly..:D

http://www.humanbeans.net/powerpizza/index.html

[aswitcher]

Although I've never actually used the Wee Bee, I do have a Crumpler Roll-o-notes, which I think IMHO looks f-l-y. It does not in the slightest resemble a traditional black nylon bag which so many of my fellow students seem to favour (probably from a financial p.o.v.). Although it's by no means the biggest bag in the world it is quite sufficient for my needs (12" PB, couple of spiral bound notepads, charger and I can actually get in about 7 novels... pretty fly I'd say).

Crumpler bags, to sum up, are good looking, robust and do well what they're designed to do! Go for it, I'd say!

I am really impressed with my Crumpler School Hymn

[EGT]

How about a powerbook in the pizza box? Please remember to read throughly..:D

http://www.humanbeans.net/powerpizza/index.html

Ohh dear god!!

[flanders]

I just picked up a boblbee, and it's great for the powerbook. If you get the non-sport you get a laptop sleeve in the back and on the front about six pockets for pens, wallet, etc. and a large zippered sleeve. You also have a very large open area and a cell phone carry case (attached to the left sholder strap--removable).

I always thought they were great looking but didn't realize how functional they were until i looked at one in person. IMO, the web site for boblbee is horrible. They could use a lot more pix and descriptions of individual models.

I can't say enough about having a hard-side case for a powerbook especially in the aircraft overhead!

[dav]

CrumplerUSA (http://www.crumplerusa.com/index.html)

100 times easier to navigate through.

[TreeHugger]

I recently just got a a Timbuk2 Commute computer bag. It's awesome. Waterproof, built in lapt top sleeve (fits the 17 inch like a glove) and lots of roomy pockets and nifty instant strap adjustment system. Only thing about which I was bummed out about, is that the 17 inch version of this bag only comes in black. Other than that it's awesome.

[dav]

Question:

Is the Crumpler School Hymn something that you slip your PowerBook into, and then you place that in a larger case?

[aswitcher]

Question:

Is the Crumpler School Hymn something that you slip your PowerBook into, and then you place that in a larger case?

Thats IT.

Its a very tight fitting cover which has a far degree of protection. The silver looks fab, not sure about the black, red or blue. A bit exy but I love it.

I then put it in the protective section of my STM large loop backpack.

[dav]

Ah, thank you.. It looks pretty nice too :)

[tekno_geek911]

Has anyone used both the Booq Mamba XS and the Crumpler Wee Bee? I like how the Mamba converts to different bag types,but the Wee Bee looks tough....I just need it to protect my PowerBook,hold my powerbrick,mouse,Firewire cable and iPod. Thanks

EDIT: Purchaed an orange Crumpler WeeBee.....Was gonna buy the blue one but this one looks really cool,its TOUGH,its tiny and it holds allot of stuff! I highly recommend this bag!

[mooditude]

If you are looking for a hugely stylish, unique laptop bag, check out www.zattache.com. It's brand new, comes in 22 amazing colors and converts to a backpack.

It was an accident, but my friend got out of my car, got his foot caught in the strap to my bag and literally drop kicked my 12" Powerbook across the parking lot. Daredevil as I am, I started testing the case by dropping my computer on a variety of surfaces. I am confident that you can find no better protection for your best Mac.

This case is available in everything from ebony to zebra to red suede, this case is certainly worth a look.

[SlowX]

I just picked up a boblbee, and it's great for the powerbook. If you get the non-sport you get a laptop sleeve in the back and on the front about six pockets for pens, wallet, etc. and a large zippered sleeve. You also have a very large open area and a cell phone carry case (attached to the left sholder strap--removable).

Which model boblbee did you get?

[LeeTom]

Handmade vinyl Powerbook bags, from SNAP:

http://snapcatalog.com/laptop.php

[Electric Monk]

I figure I'll toss in my usual list here;

Being a bike messenger at various times in my life I can say that all these mass produced bags aren't that great. At least compared to hand made stuff.

That of course applies to sheer usefulness and durability, not always style.

Here is a list of messenger bags still actually made by bike messengers or ex-messengers personally.

Additionally several of these will do custom work for you. Off hand I'd say most would be willing to at least a little custom, while Dank and Zo would be willing to do the most custom work.

Bagaboo (http://www.bagaboo.hu)

BaileyWorks (http://www.baileyworks.com/)

Cocotte (http://wwww.cocotte-equip.com/english.htm)

Dank Bags (http://www.dankbags.com/)

PAC Designs (http://www.pacdesigns.com/firsts.htm)

Push The Envelope (http://www.pushtheenvelope.com/)

ReLoad Bags (http://www.reloadbags.com/)

Under The Weather (http://www.under-the-weather.ca/)

Zo Bags (http://www.zobags.com/)


In San Francisco Zo bags are the best (best elsewhere too, but impossible to get) however the problem is finding Erik Zo and getting him to make a bag for you - you basically have to be a bike messenger, and it really helps if he's your friend too.

In Toronto Push Bags are pretty good.

If you live in New York you have a decent chance of finding a used Globe Canvas bag, which are no longer made and are really nice although pretty heavy.

Dank messenger bags are pretty nice, produced by Cory Bennion in Seattle.


If you can get a Zo bag, get a Zo bag. Otherwise just pick whichever of these that catches your fantasy.

[crdean1]

anyone ever have experience with the Tumi Vesey? Looking for a commuter bag that will carry my powerbook G4 15"

I use a slim Tumi (fusion z) case and love it. It fits perfect. When I am going to be around town, I also use a radtech powerslevz on it as well just for that extra protection from scratches and such. ( www.radtech.us )

[capone2]

His messanger bags with or without the sleeves are amazing. Its a laptop bag, messanger bag its everything and they are soo great, if you buy one you want more of his stuff, its awesome. go to www.jackspade.com.


you wont regret.

[crdean1]

His messanger bags with or without the sleeves are amazing. Its a laptop bag, messanger bag its everything and they are soo great, if you buy one you want more of his stuff, its awesome. go to www.jackspade.com.


you wont regret.

I agree, love jack spade products. They are made by Andy Spade, Kate Spade's husband. You can sometimes find them in Neiman Marcus stores.

[magid]

http://airbagcraftworks.com/

[capone2]

I agree, love jack spade products. They are made by Andy Spade, Kate Spade's husband. You can sometimes find them in Neiman Marcus stores.

We have the shop in NY and they're sold all over the city! They're just great for laptop's because no one would ever know you have a computer in your bag and you can use them for anything i have 2 and im getting more.

[173080]

I've been looking for a nice designer case for my 15" PowerBook. The Acme cases look very nice, but I think they could be perceived as slightly "girly".

I looked at the Jack Spade nylon canvas tech field bag but my sister thought it looked too much like an "Old Navy" messenger bag. :(

The Acme Designer Slim, Eco Carbon looks like the best one so far but I'm sure there must be others.

[swindmill]

I haven't noticed Tucano bags mentioned. If you are looking a good deal, and great bag, Tucano messenger style bags can be had on ebay for under $50. I am very happy with the quality of utility of mine.