So, I've been researching laptop cases (www.the-gadgeteer.com seems good, for example). I want a slim case to put in my backpack/bag that will protect it fairly well -- I'm somewhat clumsy. I have a 15" MBP. So far it seems to me that the best are these three (plus one?):
Tom Bihn Brain Cell/Monolith ($45-50 + shipping):
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0300
This seems strong, mostly due to its hard sides. It seems like it might be a tad bulky. Also I'm worried that it says that the way it is oriented matters for protection -- I want it to protect no matter how I happen to be holding it at the time. Also: no pocket for power cord.
Brenthaven Edge ($50, shipping free):
http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-edge-ii-black.html
This doesn't have hard sides and looks a tad bulkier than the Tom Bihn (is that true)? It does have a should strip standard (you have to pay for the Tom Bihn one) and a pocket (could you put a power cord in it?). This seems like you could easily carry it on its own or in another bag. Of course, it seems quite protective
Zeroshock 2nd Edition ($30+shipping):
Up-to-date Description: http://www.elecom.eu.com/products/Laptop_Cases/innerbag/index.html
Purchase: http://shinza.com/index.php?cPath=5
This doesn't have hard sides, but is made out of a type of material they claim is great for absorbing impacts because it has a slow rebound (low resistence polyurethane). I find this convincing. It also has a wire frame to protect against side impacts (on the second edition, which Shinza sells but does not describe). Again, this doesn't have a place for the power cord. Nor does it have a strap. It does look sleekest (and best, in my opinion). It is also cheapest (I'm willing to spend if need be, because I want to protect my investment, but I don't have much money).
The one I'm not sure of, because I haven't read any reviews or seen much info on it, is the Crumpler New School Hymn ($45). My impression is that they aren't stressing saftey the same way, but they do have hard sides and sound fairly protective. They also look better than the first two, I think.
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=5
(They don't have a MBP 15.4 inch bag yet)
Let me know if you have anything to add or any useful experience with these bags. Thanks,
David
Tom Bihn Brain Cell/Monolith ($45-50 + shipping):
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0300
This seems strong, mostly due to its hard sides. It seems like it might be a tad bulky. Also I'm worried that it says that the way it is oriented matters for protection -- I want it to protect no matter how I happen to be holding it at the time. Also: no pocket for power cord.
Brenthaven Edge ($50, shipping free):
http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-edge-ii-black.html
This doesn't have hard sides and looks a tad bulkier than the Tom Bihn (is that true)? It does have a should strip standard (you have to pay for the Tom Bihn one) and a pocket (could you put a power cord in it?). This seems like you could easily carry it on its own or in another bag. Of course, it seems quite protective
Zeroshock 2nd Edition ($30+shipping):
Up-to-date Description: http://www.elecom.eu.com/products/Laptop_Cases/innerbag/index.html
Purchase: http://shinza.com/index.php?cPath=5
This doesn't have hard sides, but is made out of a type of material they claim is great for absorbing impacts because it has a slow rebound (low resistence polyurethane). I find this convincing. It also has a wire frame to protect against side impacts (on the second edition, which Shinza sells but does not describe). Again, this doesn't have a place for the power cord. Nor does it have a strap. It does look sleekest (and best, in my opinion). It is also cheapest (I'm willing to spend if need be, because I want to protect my investment, but I don't have much money).
The one I'm not sure of, because I haven't read any reviews or seen much info on it, is the Crumpler New School Hymn ($45). My impression is that they aren't stressing saftey the same way, but they do have hard sides and sound fairly protective. They also look better than the first two, I think.
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=5
(They don't have a MBP 15.4 inch bag yet)
Let me know if you have anything to add or any useful experience with these bags. Thanks,
David