a.k.a. Melvin said:As far as cases go... The most awesome thing I ever did was to buy a messenger bag and computer sleeve from Timbuk2. The bags are super cool - you can design your own colors, there are many options for the bags, many sizes, many colors and cool accessories like a cell phone pouch and maybe they have iPod accessories now too. It's a little more "hip" than getting some kind of attache case imo. (I'm not knocking attache cases, but the messenger bag has pockets and the like and more versatile than most computer cases.)
As far as buying your PB goes... Who buys a computer in a store? Especially a laptop? If you want exactly what you want you have to order it. So what if it takes two weeks to get the thing? Anyway, why don't you wait a few weeks for the updated PB? When the updates come out, I'm buying a current model when they slash the prices.
Mel
I second Timbuk2 messenger bag and sleeve. Those are really great in both looks and quality (at least in my experience). You can alternatively opt for Timbuk2's Commute laptop bag with special laptop compartment. IMHO Timbuk2 bags are the coolest, hippest, and most enjoyable way to lug your PB around.
Besides the bag, here are my must-haves in addition to a laptop:
1. Wi-fi router or access point, or whatever - wireless access to a broadband internet connection is the best thing since the sliced bread (if money are not much of an issue (ha, like they ever are
2. A wireless mouse - not that a wired one can't do the job, but you'll get the best "user experience" with a wireless one. Take any Bluetooth mouse that you feel comfortable. (since I have a usb FastRF dongle from another Logitech mouse I use MX1000, but it doesn't offer *any* practical advantage over a good Bluetooth mouse)
3. A good cleaning solution - I have the incredible ability to get all my computers dirty and dusty in no time.
4. A pair of quality headphones or earplugs - with all due respect to Apple, the integrated speakers in PBs suck. And some privacy is always welcome (not to mention avoiding aggravated, sleep-deprived roommates with meat cleavers
Well that's kinda about it.