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Please, please, please recommend a notebook case for my new MBP, please?

Hmmm I can't make up my mind here.


Nylon Laptop Sleeve (17") - Sergeant
Plus, it that it has a handle and room inside for for the power adapter. Negative, it's butt-ugly.
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Neoprene Laptop Sleeve (17") - Green
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LArobe Volute
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I use a Swiss Gear (Wenger) Pegasus backpack. will hold up to a 17" laptop, and has more than enough compartments to carry all of your accessories, plus files, books, ect...

The type of bag you get really is going to depend on what you are using it for. If it is just back and forth to class, get a good sleeve and put it in your backpack with your books. If you use it professionally, and have to carry tons of accessories, then I would say go for the back pack that will fit all of your stuff.

In my backpack I regularly have my MBP, charger, 2 cell chargers, 2-3 external HDs with cables, DVI adapter, Remote, USB Flash drives, two notebooks, extra business cards, a book for the plane, glasses, iPod, and my Noise Canceling headphones. I would kill one of my shoulders if I had to schlep all that crap through NYC in a messenger bag.

Just look at what your needs are, and go from there.
 
elberggreno said:
I just recieved the Incase Vertical Sling Canvas from the apple store today and I LOVE it! It fits alot without being bulky, it's stilish and looks awsome, and it's very comfortable!

Can pack mine with a MBP 15", mighty mouse, extra battery, a few notepads and the power inverter and it still feels so nice to wear..

The compuer-compartament is coated with fake-fur, such a nice touch..

I know I sound like I'm doing advertising but this is the best computer bag I've ever seen..

http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/canvas-vertical-sling-cl55036

reserved against bad spelling, I'ts friday and I'm drunk..
Click to expand...

This one looks so good, does anyone know where i can get this in vancouver
 
mgrogge said:
i like the look of the COTE et CIEL sleeves, so i odered one for my new mbp which will arrive tomorrow :)

http://www.coteetciel.com/
Click to expand...

mgrogge - I'm really really liking what I'm seeing. So, did the sleeve come through? How do you like it? I would GREATLY appreciate it if you took some pics.

This might sound like a dumb question, but how does one determine which sleeve fits which computer? Is it one size fits all? And if so, which size? I don't see any measurements or specifications.

Also, how am I supposed to get a hold of one of these if I'm in the US?
 
I just got a Crumpler King Single backpack.... It is the best laptop bag I have ever seen, not for a professional, but it is great for just about everyone else IMO.

I don't even have my MBP yet (probably not til summer) but I found it on sale for $75 and I just couldn't pass up the deal. I have used it with my 15" HP notebook, and it is great.
 
i dont know if this pertains to the topic it or not, but i was wondering if anyone that uses a skin on their notebook. Have you noticed it getting any hotter?
 
Well, I should have never stumbled into this discussion. So many choices, it reminds me of the book the Paradox of Choice. you can see the video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6127548813950043200

I've got a 17" MBP with Fed Ex Now on its way.

I have a brenthaven backbag that fits my 15" laptop now. I don't think it will fit the 17" maybe, but I doubt it.

So, I learned the bigger the bag, the more I fill it with on my way to work.

I was looking for a slimmed down case, although I do love having a backpack. In the summer, I sometimes bike to work, so a backpack is nice that way. I wanted to get a slimmed down case and maybe even a sleeve, but I do sometimes need to bring some accessories such as file folders or tools to work.

So, What are my top picks I'm choosing between:

I was all settled on: Boa slimcase, XL90 -or- Boa slimcase, XL

However, these caught my eye too:

Booq Mambo Pack

INCase Sleeve Plus

The Crumpler bags looked good. I like timbuk2, but too much for me, and not professional enough.

the brenthaven bags are very well constructed, but again they are just too big.

I've thought about slimming down completely to one of the moshi cases or the

isis dei cases seem well priced.

The MetroLite Case looks good

Want some more ideas: see pivotgear.com

I forgot about the vajas cases which looks fabulous, but wonder if they are practical as a slim down work case.
 
I have the Brenthaven backpack for my 17" MBP and it works great with plenty of storage for the rest of my stuff, ie, Touch, cell phone, purse. Good luck deciding. :)
 
Narrowing it down???

So now I have narrowed down my choices for a sleeve for my MBP 17" to fit into a larger backpack, messenger bag or briefcase-type carrier:

  1. ZeroShock III
  2. Boog Vyper
  3. STM Glove
  4. Brenthaven Eclipse III
  5. Moshi Codex 17
  6. Scooba Skin (large)

I want the most protective, longest lasting sleeve and at this point I am thinking I should get a sleeve that allows you to open the MBP and use it without removing the sleeve. I have thought about a speck case, but am not inclined to like the hard 'snap on' covers.

Have any of you tried/compared any of these sleeves and if so, what do you prefer or which would you recommend?
 
Incase backpack?

For the person with the incase sling pack, or anyone who owns any bag made by incase, can someone let me know if a macbook 13inch would fit snug or comfortable? I'm thinking of getting the Incase Nylon Slim Backpack and I dont want my macbook moving around.
 
basqarl said:
So now I have narrowed down my choices for a sleeve for my MBP 17" to fit into a larger backpack, messenger bag or briefcase-type carrier:

  1. ZeroShock III
  2. Boog Vyper
  3. STM Glove
  4. Brenthaven Eclipse III
  5. Moshi Codex 17
  6. Scooba Skin (large)

I want the most protective, longest lasting sleeve and at this point I am thinking I should get a sleeve that allows you to open the MBP and use it without removing the sleeve. I have thought about a speck case, but am not inclined to like the hard 'snap on' covers.

Have any of you tried/compared any of these sleeves and if so, what do you prefer or which would you recommend?
Click to expand...


Well, if you want to use it without removing the sleeve, I think that limits your choice to the Moshi Codex 17. I don't think any of the other sleeves are built such that you can use the laptop while it's still in the sleeve.
 
Which do you like so much that you'd buy it again given the choice?

basqarl said:
So now I have narrowed down my choices for a sleeve for my MBP 17" to fit into a larger backpack, messenger bag or briefcase-type carrier:

  1. ZeroShock III
  2. Boog Vyper
  3. STM Glove
  4. Brenthaven Eclipse III
  5. Moshi Codex 17
  6. Scooba Skin (large)

I want the most protective, longest lasting sleeve and at this point I am thinking I should get a sleeve that allows you to open the MBP and use it without removing the sleeve. I have thought about a speck case, but am not inclined to like the hard 'snap on' covers.

Have any of you tried/compared any of these sleeves and if so, what do you prefer or which would you recommend?
Click to expand...

It's me (threadstarter) again---

I decided that I don't care whether the sleeve opens up to hold the MBP while in use or not. I just want the most protective sleeve that won't scratch the MBP when I take it in and out of the sleeve. So--- has anyone had and used any of the following and if so, given what you know, would you buy it again?


  1. ZeroShock III
  2. Boog Vyper
  3. STM Glove
  4. Brenthaven Eclipse III
  5. Moshi Codex 17
  6. Scooba Skin (large)

I purchased the Tumi bag and also a T-Tech by Tumi....am going to return one of them after I purchase my sleeve to be sure it fits correctly into the bag-of-choice.

Yes, I drive even myself crazy with my obsessive hunt for the very best, but I do find that once I have made up my mind, I'm happy with my decision..... ;)
 
i owned first a Brenthaven Metro for my MBPro and when i needed a backpack for travels i got myself a Brenthaven Trek backpack (this backpack does not feature the CORE system).
 
Crumpler!

:D

Seriously, the quality is the best Ive ever seen in laptop bags and trust me I have a lot of bags! I have a bag fetish! I am a woman so I love bags! I have like 7 laptop bags alone! I have the Crumpler sleeve and am going to get the breakfast whatever it is soon. Check it out! The sleeve is incredibly protective and fits like a glove and doesn't add weight or a whole lot of bulk.
 
don't want to add to the confusion here but have you checked out manhattan portage? I really wanted one for my 15" MBP but they only make them for 14" & 17" laptops. Pretty cool (minimalist) bags if you ask me....

http://www.manhattanportage.com/

I ended up with the Jack Spade bag.
 
That is just silly

basqarl said:
So now I have narrowed down my choices for a sleeve for my MBP 17" to fit into a larger backpack, messenger bag or briefcase-type carrier:

  1. ZeroShock III
  2. Boog Vyper
  3. STM Glove
  4. Brenthaven Eclipse III
  5. Moshi Codex 17
  6. Scooba Skin (large)

I want the most protective, longest lasting sleeve and at this point I am thinking I should get a sleeve that allows you to open the MBP and use it without removing the sleeve. I have thought about a speck case, but am not inclined to like the hard 'snap on' covers.

Have any of you tried/compared any of these sleeves and if so, what do you prefer or which would you recommend?
Click to expand...

That is just silly that the crumpler school Hymn is not is your choices. It comes in all different colors and is the best case I have seen out there. Superb quality! Very protective, hard on the outside and soft on the inside! And fun!
b285_o10743.jpg
 
The problem with the Crumpler sleeve is it's bulky and takes up room in your bag. The Booq Vyper IMO is the best alternative, it lasts for ever, is rigid enough to protect your MBP from bumps and scraps and it doesn't take up any room in your bag.
 
hi I am new here and am about to jump ship from a pc and get a new macbook pro 17" and have a couple of questions for anyone with a brenthave case.

1. I am thinking of getting an eclipse sleeve and a prolite case for my macbook pro, but will it still fit in the prolite bag if it is in the eclipse sleev or will i have to take it out of the sleeve to fit in the prolite bag?

2. anyone know where i can get the bags in australia as i have searched everywhere and cant find them here.

Thanks

Mike
 
The thing that makes a sleeve not so user friendly when its in a bag is when you have to take out the entire sleeve to unzip it, just to remove your laptop.

If you are not using a bag then I guess it doesn't matter but if you plan on putting this sleeve into another bag then it makes sense to buy one with a top opening flap.

I really like the look of the Booq sleeve but you can't take your laptop out of the sleeve without removing it from your bag.

So unless there is any other sleeve out there that has reasonable protection, opens on top, and has a handle or D rings to attach a strap... looks like the Tom Bihn Brain Cell is the way to go.

If there is anything else out there like this please let me know. I don't think this is the best looking sleeve out there, but I don't think my laptop will look all that great if it got banged up in a lesser quality sleeve.
 
Why can I not decide??? Put me out of my misery.....

So I'm back again.

As a petite female (but still a geek at heart), I need two things:

A small (as small as is possible for a 17" MBP) case/sling/bag that does not scream 'laptop' (no big black briefcase/backpack/messenger-bag-looking things) but that offers as much protection as possible, is well-designed and stylish enough to wear with a suit, and,

A protective sleeve for quick trips to put into another bag/suitcase/carry-on that offers as much protection as possible without damaging the finish of the MBP while protecting the corners, etc. not only from dings and dents but from potentially greater damage.

I've gone around and around; have read every single thread on MR, and am still not sure what to do. I purchased (and am returning) a Tumi case that is gorgeous and protective but just every-so-slightly too small (am afraid that the zipper would constantly scratch the MBP when I remove it).

I have looked at (obsessed about) and almost ordered several bags but stopped because of the purported flaws mentioned by those who had them:

Moshi Codex 17 - when MBP is on specially designed feet the back/top of the case falls off because the bands are not well placed -- also the latch of the MBP gets caught in the zipper of the Moshi Codex.

Booq Vyper - very poor customer service and poor quality zippers

Zeroshock III - does not fit MBP 17 properly

TomBihn Buzz - would buy this but does not come in 17"

Incase sling (and sleeve) - possibility but does it provide as much protection as others?

Crumpler - cannot zip off laptop sleeve compartment against rain and cannot fit laptop with sleeve in compartment

MacCase - enough protection?

Vaja - lovely to look at but not enough protection

Tucano -- not enough protection

LaRobe and other slip-in sleeves with zippers-- too much possibility of scratching outside survace of MBP with zipper

Case Logic - vertical case (which I prefer) too small for 17"

Brenthaven - screams 'laptop'

Yes, I'm a perfectionist.....and at this point I just need to get the sleeve and bag that are closest to what I need.....

If any of you are absolutely sold on an item that you would recommend and purchase again, would you please post here so that I can finally be put out of my misery (so to speak).

Thanks!!!
 
basqarl said:
So I'm back again.

As a petite female (but still a geek at heart), I need two things:

A small (as small as is possible for a 17" MBP) case/sling/bag that does not scream 'laptop' (no big black briefcase/backpack/messenger-bag-looking things) but that offers as much protection as possible, is well-designed and stylish enough to wear with a suit, and,

A protective sleeve for quick trips to put into another bag/suitcase/carry-on that offers as much protection as possible without damaging the finish of the MBP while protecting the corners, etc. not only from dings and dents but from potentially greater damage.

I've gone around and around; have read every single thread on MR, and am still not sure what to do. I purchased (and am returning) a Tumi case that is gorgeous and protective but just every-so-slightly too small (am afraid that the zipper would constantly scratch the MBP when I remove it).

I have looked at (obsessed about) and almost ordered several bags but stopped because of the purported flaws mentioned by those who had them:

Moshi Codex 17 - when MBP is on specially designed feet the back/top of the case falls off because the bands are not well placed -- also the latch of the MBP gets caught in the zipper of the Moshi Codex.

Booq Vyper - very poor customer service and poor quality zippers

Zeroshock III - does not fit MBP 17 properly

TomBihn Buzz - would buy this but does not come in 17"

Incase sling (and sleeve) - possibility but does it provide as much protection as others?

Crumpler - cannot zip off laptop sleeve compartment against rain and cannot fit laptop with sleeve in compartment

MacCase - enough protection?

Vaja - lovely to look at but not enough protection

Tucano -- not enough protection

LaRobe and other slip-in sleeves with zippers-- too much possibility of scratching outside survace of MBP with zipper

Case Logic - vertical case (which I prefer) too small for 17"

Brenthaven - screams 'laptop'

Yes, I'm a perfectionist.....and at this point I just need to get the sleeve and bag that are closest to what I need.....

If any of you are absolutely sold on an item that you would recommend and purchase again, would you please post here so that I can finally be put out of my misery (so to speak).

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...



I would highly recommend Tom Bihn's braincell as your core protection. I've used one for many years and it's second to none in terms of protecting the computer from bumps and some drops. Having a hard shell that you put in any bag you want is to me the best way to carry a laptop. You get to choose the most comfortable bag - and one that doesn't scream computer - and it's a flexible solution for lots of different occasions.

The booq vyper is also great quality and sufficient for everyday usage, but could not withstand more serious bumps or drops.

Another great solution, albeit every expensive, are the booq backpacks together with the vyper sleeve: Python XL and Boa3 are amazing bags. The Booq mamba backpack is really nice too - perhaps a good compromise and not as expensive?

But seriously, the braincell is not beautiful but it does a great job protecting your computer in pretty much any other backpack or bag.
 
I got my Booq Slimcase XL90 bag. It is very nice, but I think it's too expensive for what it is. It's also a bit bulkier than I wanted, but that's my fault. In retrospect I might have gotten the Slimcase XL. I wanted to order both and return one, but the shipping cost was too high (almost $30 inbound for two bags, plus return shipping for one).

My big gripe is the shoulder strap doesn't include a grippy shoulder pad, so you can't use it without it sliding off your shoulder all the time. I complained to Booq, and they say that is an accessory for $12. WTF??? That's extremely lame of them after charging $145 for the bag. Even cheapy $30 bags have them. It would also be nice if it had a built-in key fob. It seems even the cheapest bags these days have those too.

In the end I think it's a pretty good bag, but overpriced.
 
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