Case Recommendations?

[k3vb0t]

I've done a search and couldn't come up with much information about alternative cases for the Thinkpad (other than what IBM offers). Any reviews out there? Any high quality companies?

I don't want anything flashy, but I'm not completely against color. Most important thing is protecting the laptop and then weight.

Right now I am looking at purchasing a 2378-FVU, and buying the "Thinkpad Leather case -- with purchase, $63.20". Based on the description I think it is the same as this one, but IBM doesn't offer many different looks at it. It weighs 3.5lbs.

[Plinkerton]

Here's a thread with a bunch of recommendations. I have a 2378-FVU also, 14 inch, and I use the PowerSleeve 14, which so far is a great case. Slim and great quality, and can hold the powercord. It was about 50-60 from www.booqbags.com. The Tom Bihns I've heard are nice also. I almost bought one of those instead. There are many Booq users in the forums it seems, and I would definitely buy one again if I had to.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... se&start=0

[lfeagan]

I have a bag from Waterfield Designs on the way that is a sleeve and I am hoping it works out nicely. Will report back when I get it. I got mine with all of the options available.

[k3vb0t]

Ah, so now the question becomes do I:
a.) buy a sleeve and carry it in my backpack
b.) buy a seperate bag and carry it or
c.) buy a bigger bag to carry some books and the laptop

Powersleeve 14 seems to be the recommended for option A.) ... what about the others?

If I go with the Powersleeve, it should fit in my backpack, right? I've got a large Jansport that holds many folders...

Also, I read many moons ago that some users (not necessarily IBM, maybe Apple?) were buying pieces of material to put in between the keyboard and the screen between use to prevent the screen being damaged. Is this necessary with the T42, if so, recommendations?

And thanks for the link to the thread. I had found it before I posted a couple of days ago, and couldn't find it again.

If I go with the IBM, does anyone have any experience with it? "Thinkpad Leather Case w/purchase"... and could I find it on E-bay on the cheap?

[k3vb0t]

Here's a thread with a bunch of recommendations. I have a 2378-FVU also, 14 inch, and I use the PowerSleeve 14, which so far is a great case. Slim and great quality, and can hold the powercord.

Thanks, Plinkerton. Where do you store the cord/adapter? ((Edit: Just read you said you put it down the front pocket but it bulges. Bulge.. a lot? Strain on the zippers? Could I carry the power brick in my backpack safely, or would I need to buy something to carry it in?) Would the PS14 fit in a backpack? One user mentioned having a rather small backpack and it fit, just wanted to check so I wouldn't be carrying around two bags...

It seems that I'll be keeping the backpack, buying the Powersleeve 14 (since it has been so highly recommended), and carrying the Powersleeve inside the backpack, with my books, notebook, etc. I like the fact it is only 1.5lbs, too.

[Daniel]

I'm going to throw in a recommendation for the www.tombinh.com Brain Bag. It's versatile. It'll protect your notebook in a bag with other stuff or if you want to carry just your computer, it has a mesh pocket to hold accessories such as power cord and mouse. The size 4 would be perfect.

Er. Make that Brain Cell.

[Plinkerton]

I use my powersleeve in a standard size backpack, pretty slim, and the powersleeve fits great. I put it in first, against my back, then stack the books and what not on that. The powercord and all will fit in the front pocket. It bulges, but it doesn't put any bad strain on the zipper really. I feel pretty confident in using it to store it. A little extra room would be nice, but it's good enough for me. I have carried it in my backpack, with a couple other things, with no apparent ill effects. Seems to be fine. It is a somewhat tight fit into the pocket, but it's easy to get it in there, and zip it up.

As far as the cloth between the screen and the keyboard, I actually just ordered one a couple hours ago. Here is a thread about it, by someone else. They are about $19 with shipping.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=29026

Here is a link to the product page for them, and ordering info.

http://www.radtech.us/Products/Notebook ... vrzPC.aspx

The one for a 14 inch thinkpad is the: 14-17" std screen (4:3)

That was the size told to me by the person in the thread I linked to, and they said it was the right size.

Later,
Plink

[leesiulung]

plinkerton,

would you mind letting us know how you like the screensavrz and if it was worth the money...