The MacBook Air "Bags, Sleeves & Cases" thread

[xtalicious]

Can anyone help me out with a new bag?

I really like this one:
http://www.sunnysports.com/prod/KLTPWJTN.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=KLTPWJTN

I love that you can store the straps away and turn it into a messenger bag, and that it apparently has a lot of room for crap (I carry my MBA, lunch, a tablet, books for school etc.). However, it is a tad pricy


I like this one as well:
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/half-mass-messenger-bag?p=48315-0-361&pcc=1128

But it's a little too sporty color wise, and doesn't seem to have a stationary bottom. Does seem like I can put a load of stuff in it though.


Does anyone know of a good fit, or perhaps that meets both half way?

If it helps in the decision, Patagonia has a great lifetime warranty on all of their products.

If you're looking for another option, think about Timbuk2, they make some great stuff. I've used their bags for years. The classic messenger is a good one to look at.

 

[DKYang]

I got the CaseCrown portfolio case.

http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-Lea...69&sr=8-1&keywords=macbook+air+casecrown+case

It's really nice and also protectors the palm rest area. Does the job for me.

 

[Power Macintosh]

The MBA Bookbook by twelvesouth:
Image
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All fitting into a medium Waterfield Cargo bag:
Image

That totally destroyed the purpose of having an ultra thin notebook.

 

[Tfb]

Has anyone tried this Cartella case? It looks like a more functional and compact alternative to the BookBook. To me I think more visually appealing as well. It still adds enough weight (13oz) and bulk that I'm not sure whether I'd want to use it often enough to be worth the price, but it is very tempting!

If you've tried it, what do you think?

 

[Knightimer]

Chinao

I bought this one. It fits perfectly inside. It's not bad at all and it's affordable too. I'll buy one of those expensive leather sleeves once I recover from this purchase..lol

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHINAO-Appl..._Cases_Bags&hash=item4ab367c792#ht_1188wt_785

 

[glen e]

That totally destroyed the purpose of having an ultra thin notebook.

Bullsh...


When you are on planes 3 times a week and carrying a projector ,it's the only way to go.....not all of us are in dorm rooms.....

 

[Bryan55]

I bought the 11" version of this leather sleeve from Alex on Etsy and it is pure sex. It is readily apparent that this sleeve is crafted with love by an artisan and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

I just ordered this case (http://www.etsy.com/listing/89288680/monogram-napa-leather-case-for-macbook) for my new 13" air. It's a little more than I normally pay for a case, about $85 shipped, but it's hand made in Palo Alto and the leather looks beautiful. He also has the option to emboss your name on it, or have no logos at all. I'll make sure to report back when I have it in my hands

 

[dyn]

If you're looking for another option, think about Timbuk2, they make some great stuff. I've used their bags for years. The classic messenger is a good one to look at.

Looked at them as well and I noticed something that all of their bags have: the corners are left open when the lid is closed so rain can get in. When I look at my Crumpler Cheesy Disco and my Vaude Albert M both have those corners folded in which is covered by the lid preventing rain from dripping in. How are those Timbuk2 bags in rain (and by that I don't mean a light drizzle but the average Dutch and British showers which will get you soaked )?

 

[drknowusa]

I bought the 11" version of this leather sleeve from Alex on Etsy and it is pure sex. It is readily apparent that this sleeve is crafted with love by an artisan and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

I received my 13" version from Alex and recommend it without reservation. It is quality leather, well made and fits perfectly (after a brief break-in period). I was debating between this and the Vaja sleeve, but their customer service is unresponsive, whereas Alex is totally attentive. Highly recommended.

 

[crisro996]

I received my 13" version from Alex and recommend it without reservation. It is quality leather, well made and fits perfectly (after a brief break-in period). I was debating between this and the Vaja sleeve, but their customer service is unresponsive, whereas Alex is totally attentive. Highly recommended.

How long did it take to receive the case, cause I've ordered mine 2 days ago and I can't wait to get it.I'm interested in shipment times to Europe, but any details would work just fine xD

 

[xtalicious]

Looked at them as well and I noticed something that all of their bags have: the corners are left open when the lid is closed so rain can get in. When I look at my Crumpler Cheesy Disco and my Vaude Albert M both have those corners folded in which is covered by the lid preventing rain from dripping in. How are those Timbuk2 bags in rain (and by that I don't mean a light drizzle but the average Dutch and British showers which will get you soaked )?

A good question. I used my Timbuk2 classic messenger (medium) for years with a Waterfield sleeve for my 15" MBP. I encountered sun, rain (both light and heavy) and snow over the years, and moisture never entered the bag. I was never particularly careful about 'tucking' the corners in, and in examining the photos I think I know why.

The strap stitching runs along the outside of the bag at the midpoint (side angle). So, when one pulls the bag onto their shoulder by the strap, the sides are tucked under the flap. The only time that this may not work is if the bag is overfull.

My main criticism, and the reason I no longer use my messenger daily, is the weight. I now live in a climate that is much drier, so waterproofness is less important to me. I'm not willing to pay the weight penalty of a waterproofed bag for daily use. I still use it while traveling, or if it's raining, but not as my daily bag.

 

[drknowusa]

How long did it take to receive the case, cause I've ordered mine 2 days ago and I can't wait to get it.I'm interested in shipment times to Europe, but any details would work just fine xD

It took about four to five days total, coast to coast (US). Suggest you Contact Alex to ask how he will ship to Europe. That will hep you p,an your waiting time. But whatever that is, the product will be worth it

 

[Kirixis]

Cases that cover the outside and edges

I'm looking for a light case to cover the unit. I want a nice material and coverage of the outside and inner edges. Like a little lip that comes about a centimetre in.

Ideas?

 

[HawkBYU]

MintCases

I have a sleeve from Mintcases. I've had it for over a year now and I really like it.

http://mintcases.com/

 

[venusian]

How long did it take to receive the case, cause I've ordered mine 2 days ago and I can't wait to get it.I'm interested in shipment times to Europe, but any details would work just fine xD

From order to arrival in just over two weeks to Australia

 

[Kirixis]

Great Folio!

http://www.hardcandycases.com/candy-convertible-macbook-air-case.html

Nice Folio with a little lip - great for keeping the thin edges safe

 

[alstrike]

I ordered the 13" MBA with a Thule sleeve, would it be overkill if I get a Timbuk D-Lux Messenger as well?

 

[dyn]

The strap stitching runs along the outside of the bag at the midpoint (side angle). So, when one pulls the bag onto their shoulder by the strap, the sides are tucked under the flap. The only time that this may not work is if the bag is overfull.

That sounds a bit like weight plus the strap doing magic together. I don't think that is a good system because it requires very strict packing.

Btw, from what I can tell from the pics on their site, the D-Lux does tuck in the corners a bit.

 

[glen e]

I have a command messenger and commute 2.0 and been caught in driving rainstorms with both....all dry inside on both.....

 

[Elektrofone]

I am about to order my MacBook Air and am trying to decide between these to bags. Anyone have any experience with either?

http://www.crumpler.com/us/Laptop-B...ivvy-S.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=SKY002-B00130

http://www.booqbags.com/us/shoulder-bags/mamba-catch/MCS-BLK

 

[Raejin]

I am looking for a thin sleeve to throw Macbook Air in my laptop backpack. Also I would like to have it fit my other 13.3' laptop. Any good choice? I don't need it to be super protective but good enough to have some basic scratch protection.

 

[xtalicious]

That sounds a bit like weight plus the strap doing magic together. I don't think that is a good system because it requires very strict packing.

Btw, from what I can tell from the pics on their site, the D-Lux does tuck in the corners a bit.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by the first statement. Are you concerned that the weight distribution in the bag must be carefully considered? That is a criticism of messenger-style bags, in that having an 'empty bucket' to put items into is useful when loading, but things do move around. Another reason I don't use the Timbuk2 daily any more.

I have no experience with the D-Lux.

Best of luck in your search.

 

[macchiato2009]

I bought the 11" version of this leather sleeve from Alex on Etsy and it is pure sex. It is readily apparent that this sleeve is crafted with love by an artisan and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

I received my 13" version from Alex and recommend it without reservation. It is quality leather, well made and fits perfectly (after a brief break-in period). I was debating between this and the Vaja sleeve, but their customer service is unresponsive, whereas Alex is totally attentive. Highly recommended.

isn't it too loose or too tight ?

because my colleague ordered one for a 11" and another for a 13"

both were not perfectly sewed and seemed quite approximative

 

[Bryan55]

I am perfectly happy with the fit on my 11" MBA. I had extremely high expectations for the sleeve and Alex delivered. The machine fits snugly without having to labor to put it in or take it out. The sleeve sits flat when empty, no stretching of the leather to be seen.

I think the sleeve would stand up to many years of regular use and I bet Alex would fix any issue relating to construction or material quality that could possibly come up.

 

[pandaguy]

What's the most durable shell for the 13 inch that you all have encountered? I originally wanted the Speck because my uncle loves his but the reviews were rather awful.