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Search for the ultimate bag for the MBA

I purchased a Manila Mac and it's great. The only thing is that at $40, I feel that it is overpriced and I probably wouldn't pay that for the thing. I just checked the website and it looks like they aren't making them anymore. Interoffice has an alternative at a cheaper price. The quality looks better as well judging from the pictures.
 
I spent ages looking for a bag with pretty much those requirements. In the end I chose this the STM Small Loft. I got it through Amazon for £35.

It's really designed for the Macbook, so it fits the MBA fine, is padded, but not particuarly thick. It has a separate pocket that wouls fit a couple of magazines or a folder.

The front contains pockets for the power adapter and cables. There are also zippered pockets on the front flap, and in the back. It also has a removable mobile phone pocket on the strap

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I also bought a sleeve from http://tillymoss.com/. These are handmade and are linen with a fleece lining. Not much protection, but adds very little thickness to the MBA and will at least stop scratches if in a bag with anything else.

2396676410_6d5d04f12c.jpg


It was surprisingly cheap, and I have to say its exceptionally well made. The lady that sells them also contacted me a couple of weeks later to ask if I had any problems with sleeve - so a thumbs up for customer service too!

I've thrown a few more photos of each case on Flickr if you want to see more detail. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nezgsy/sets/72157604430722097/
 
Nezza:
Thanks for the pics. that linen thing is a great looking sleeve! i'd probably order the red one on their website... :p

what do you guys think about this one:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=400063

it looks rather minimalistic and industrial, but i'm not sure how much cushion it provides. the plus is that you could carry with with the shoulder strap, or remove it entirely.

i also like a document case made by louis vuitton, but i should probably save the money for 3G iPhone. :D
 
Belkin Vertical Bag

I purchased this Belkin bag a month ago.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=400063

I haven't heard of many other users who have used it but it a good value for $30. The zipper has something of a gusset around the zipper to prevent scratching and it lined with a soft velour on the interior. Padded on all sides with an adjustable strap. Common. One color (at the time). But I can carry it solo or stuff it easily into a larger shoulder bag without a lot of bulk.

Just my 2¢.
 
Like Clay, I've ordered a case from http://www.vajacases.com/

Chose the Biscotti slipcase and a matching Biscotti case for the iPhone.

I've got a CaseLogic slipcover which works--- But the quality looks excellent from Vaja in Argentina.

Also here's a modern minimalist briefcase to slip everything into... perfect for the Air. I used to lug around a bulky leather bag from Levenger. This sleek case is lightweight and easy to carry.

http://www.momastore.org/museum/mom..._10451_10001_47095_-1_11536_11540_null__6H100
 
Anyone end up with the ristretto messenger from Tom Bihn? I'm looking for a somewhat similar solution and might settle with it, though since it works with both the MBA and MB, is there a lot of wiggle room if its a MBA in there? Thats my primary concern. I'm trying to look at the pics

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0223

and it im still confused about whether the case has a front cover or not.

Typically, i'm carrying a incase backpack with a waterfield sleeve. Love the protection I get from it, but I think it would be nice to have a solution like the ristretto to carry it around when I don't need to carry a ton of other stuff without lugging a backpack, though I still want to be able to carry a journal and book or two with me.

Any close up pics/reviews you guys can offer?
 
Waterfield all the way. Over the years I've bought dozens of cases, bags, and packs.

The Waterfield beats them all.
 
steve31 said:
I do agree, but the quality is far better than most, and it does a good job at protecting your MBA.
Click to expand...

Good point And ---> an UGLY case ---nobody cares to steal, perhaps...

Remember the song, "If you make an ugly woman your wife you'll be happy for the rest of your life."

We never stop learning the simple truths. :)
 
Just got my STM Small Alley last week. The MBA looks a little lost in the laptop compartment (which is a snug fit for the MB!), but it doesn't move inside when I carry the bag, so it's okay. Now I've even got some space for a book in the laptop compartment.

For 39$, shipping from USA to Switzerland included, this is a steal (ordered from RadTech with 15% off coupon).
 
STM small alley is the best. Holds everything but it's still light, attractive, and durable. Needs a sleeve though but I find the sleeve is good to put the air on if there isn't an adequate table.
 
I hope somebody will be designing a case that will complement the thinness of the MBA, but also have the ability to carry the following. Power adapter, Travel documents and a kindle and maybe a magazine.
Click to expand...

That is a slight oxymoron.

If we are talking actually ultimate, some companies will build you whatever you want. I have a couple of bags from Swaine Adeney Brigg for example.

How about a backpack? This seems to be a slightly different trend - a sort of classier, compact Axio.
http://www.knomobags.com/eshop/knomo_product.asp?SS=5&C=83&P=107
 
Case

I bought a leather sleeve from Saddleback Leather last week. (their stuff is great, but expensive) Today I bought a Johnston & Murphy Portolio Brief from eBags, very nice, but very expensive. These bags are for my new 13" Air Book. I have been looking everywhere for just the right bags and settled on these.
 
Wow!

That was the best thread re-animation I have ever seen! 3 years and 8 months since the last post. Awesome stuff.
 
kming05 said:
Anyone end up with the ristretto messenger from Tom Bihn? I'm looking for a somewhat similar solution and might settle with it, though since it works with both the MBA and MB, is there a lot of wiggle room if its a MBA in there? Thats my primary concern. I'm trying to look at the pics

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0223

and it im still confused about whether the case has a front cover or not.

Any close up pics/reviews you guys can offer?
Click to expand...

I have the Tom Bihn bag you mentioned in your post, same color in fact. Great bag, has a built in padded sleeve with closure for your MBA and actually has room for another 13 inch computer outside the sleeve, un-padded, but still inside the bag. Has plenty of room in the front pocket for cords, mouse, pens, pencils, peanuts, popcorn, crackerjack, well, you get the idea. Bag has a flap to keep everything covered and secure. With the MBA only inside it is very light.
I have had the Waterfield bags as well. They too are nice bags and you can’t go wrong with them. I prefer the Tom Bihn, but that is just personal preference.
 
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