Thinkpads Forum

jenss wrote:Archer6,
Thank you very much for your super quick answer.

So I guess this means that the T60p with the 9 cell battery does not fit in the Crumpler 'King Single' sleeve. I was hoping that the extra height (sleeve: 1.6'', T60p: 1.2'') would allow to stretch the sleeve sufficiently to make the T60p with the 9 cell battery fit.

I also don't like the bulkiness of the 9 cell battery, but I do like the extra battery life I get compared to the 6 cell battery. Unfortunately, this means no Crumpler for me

Yes, the 9 cell battery certainly is great from a standpoint of battery life.

Another reason that I sold mine is because I have a large collection of computer cases and it would not fit in any of them.

So here is the approach that I took, as I too like to have as much battery life as possible. I purchased the ultrabay slim battery. Using that along with the 6 cell battery provides approx 60 to 80% more run time than with the 9 cell alone. In addition when removing the optical drive and inserting the battery in the ultrabay the weight of the computer is only increased 0.06 lbs. So one gets the best of both worlds. Great battery life, no increase in size of the computer and hardly any noticeable weight increase.

Just some thoughts and considerations I wanted to pass on.

There is a Crumpler backpack that is larger than the King Single. (The Beer Back, designed for 17"). I thought about it but decided against it because the A31 fits OK in the the King Single and it will also fit a number of widescreen laptops. And the bigger one exceeds the airlines limits.

The measurements given by Crumpler are spot on and do not leave you any slack to put in something larger.

Marinus

archer6 wrote:
Yes, the 9 cell battery certainly is great from a standpoint of battery life.

Another reason that I sold mine is because I have a large collection of computer cases and it would not fit in any of them.

I read your (Archer6) excellent roundup of computer backpacks in this thread and was tempted to buy one based on your mini-review (Crumpler, Tom Bihn, or Brenthaven, the latter can be found for below $90). It is quite a bummer to read that none of these fit the T60p with the 9 cell battery. I really would hate to switch to a 6 cell battery due to reduction of battery life and using the media bay battery is also not really an option for me (I don't want to spend the money for a media bay battery and also rather use the bay for my optical drive and extra hard drive). Thanks for the suggestion, though.

vital-analitix wrote:There is a Crumpler backpack that is larger than the King Single. (The Beer Back, designed for 17"). I thought about it but decided against it because the A31 fits OK in the the King Single and it will also fit a number of widescreen laptops. And the bigger one exceeds the airlines limits.

The measurements given by Crumpler are spot on and do not leave you any slack to put in something larger.

Marinus

Thanks for your input. I also was thinking to go for the 17'' Crumpler, but I am afraid that the width of the sleeve in this one is the same as for the 'King Single' sleeve (i.e. 10.6''), so the T60p with 9 cell battery will not fit in this one, either. Also, 17'' backpacks have potentially too much slack lengthwise.

I will do some more research for a nice backpack (preferably with sleeve) that fits the T60p with 9 cell battery. I did not realize that the battery limits the number of suitable backpacks that much. I guess a 15'' sleeve that opens on the long side might work as the closure might provide enough slack to fit the battery. Any help would be appreciated.

I am looking at the Crumpler 'Part and Parcel' bag and I get contradicting information regarding the size of the sleeve. The Crumpler website states that the sleeve is 11.4'' and some stores (e.g. Academic Superstore) state the the sleeve is 10.6'' high.

The difference might be crucial in my decision to buy the bag as I want to fit my T60p with 9 cell battery in it (about 11.3'' deep).

Does anyone have this bag and would be willing to measure the actual height of the sleeve? Any comment on how you like this bag would also be appreciated.

jenss wrote:I am looking at the Crumpler 'Part and Parcel' bag and I get contradicting information regarding the size of the sleeve. The Crumpler website states that the sleeve is 11.4'' and some stores (e.g. Academic Superstore) state the the sleeve is 10.6'' high.

The difference might be crucial in my decision to buy the bag as I want to fit my T60p with 9 cell battery in it (about 11.3'' deep).

Does anyone have this bag and would be willing to measure the actual height of the sleeve? Any comment on how you like this bag would also be appreciated.

jenss,

In response to your message here regarding measurements, I decided to measure my Crumpler bags, BeerBack & King Single Packpacks. Cashmere Blazer, Part & Parcel, Dreadful Embarrassment, Skivvy 17" shoulder bags. Each of these measures exactly the same as the specs on the Crumpler site. So, in terms of size I believe the Part & Parcel will work well for you.

As you can see by my collection, I love Crumpler Bags. Each of the different styles has it's distinct advantages. (I don't work for them, just enjoy their products).

The style series: HeeGoer, Part & Parcel, Horseman, Cashmere Blazer, are all the same bag just different sizes. The important features to note with these is they have a padded computer compartment and the main compartment is also padded. They have an adjustable, messenger style shoulder strap. Anchored on one side of the bag, with the cam lock messenger buckle on the other side. They have the "third leg" stability strap that functions like a traditional messenger bag stability strap. Just like on a Timbuk2. This bag can be worn as a messenger bag is, or as a shoulder bag.

The style series: Moderate Embarassment, Dreadful & Considerable Embarrassment are another series, again the same bag, just difference sizes. The important features to note here is these bags have a padded computer compartment, with the main compartment unpadded. The shoulder strap is anchored on each side the same way much like a conventional briefcase shoulder strap. Also adjustable with a slider along the strap. No stability strap. This bag is worn as a shoulder bag.

In summary regarding these two styles the differences are that the Part & Parcel has the most padding offering the most protection for your laptop, iPod, PDA, or anything else that is somewhat fragile and could be damaged when dropped. Unless you have seen one of these bags, it's impossible to imagine how well they are made and the superior amount of protection they provide.

They each have a very nice assortment of quite useable pockets and compartments. The Part & Parcel will have about 4 - 6 more pockets and compartments that the Embarrassment series. The level of "drop protection" is considerable higher with the Part & Parcel as well, due to the complete padding throughout the bag. This is an area the Crumpler excels in over every other bag that I'm aware of.

Hope this helps you

Archer6,
thanks for all the info. I just bought the Crumpler 'Part an Parcel' bag largely based on your recommendation. I bought it at the Academic Superstore for $100 with free shipping (the regular price is $145).

For anyone else who is considering buying one - the Academic Superstore is students/teachers only, but the bag can be found even cheaper (40% off, about $93 with shipping) at Palm store (http://promosearch.palm.com/search/prom ... er&x=0&y=0)
I bought it at the Academic Superstore because Palm store did not have my favorite choice of color.

Btw.: I suspect that the sleeve dimension for the 'Part an Parcel' given on the Crumpler web site give you the dimension of the laptops the sleeve actually fits (the horizontal flap allows for some slack). The smaller height dimension given on the other web sites probably give the exact height of the sleeve (not taking the flap into account).

jenss wrote:Archer6,
thanks for all the info. I just bought the Crumpler 'Part an Parcel' bag largely based on your recommendation.

Your welcome jenss, glad to help.
Archer6

I've ordered a T60p with 15" screen and 9 cell battery, just like Jenns. The only difference is that I'm a very serious attorney ( ), and I don't think the crumpler bags project the image I want to give clients. I've read this ENTIRE thread backwards and forwards, but I still haven't found any good recommendations besides the crumpler bags.

I want ballistic nylon, not leather; shoulder bag with strap, not backpack; black or dark brown conservative colors; large and roomy to hold lots of folders, files and documents. Like some others on here, I take my office with me just about everywhere I go. I mostly like to work in cafes, though.

I'm leaning toward the Brenthaven at the moment, based on archer's review (the only ballistic nylon case he has!). But I'm concerned about the fit. That 9cell really sticks out.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Take a look at the Waterfields: www.sfbags.com

I have the large Cargo, Lead Indium, with the paraglide buckle.

rockefella wrote:II want ballistic nylon, not leather; shoulder bag with strap, not backpack; black or dark brown conservative colors; large and roomy to hold lots of folders, files and documents. Like some others on here, I take my office with me just about everywhere I go. I mostly like to work in cafes, though.

I'm leaning toward the Brenthaven at the moment, based on archer's review (the only ballistic nylon case he has!). But I'm concerned about the fit. That 9cell really sticks out.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

I just received a WaterField Black Balistic Nylon Cosmo Bag.

http://www.sfbags.com/products/cozmo/im ... ack_lg.jpg

This is a great bag, as it stands up on it's own, is very conservative looking and great quality. It loads from the top, so it's very quick and easy to remove your computer. I also like that it is NOT messenger style. Also no matter how it's loaded it doesn't fall over. I purchased their sleeves as well, so each of my various ThinkPads fits in the case perfectly. About half the time I'm in a business suit and this case works well in that environment.

Another favorite I have (however it's leather and you specified balistic nylon) is the Coach Conner Brief. This would be especially nice for you on "court days". My attorney really likes his.

http://www.coach.com/content/product.as ... gory_id=74

Then there is Tumi. I have one that has held up very well traveling all over the world. Again, balistic nylon. There is a model in this link that also has a removable computer sleeve as part of the package.

http://www.tumi.com/index.cfm?sub_site_id=14

Hope this provides some additional considerations for you...

Archer6

archer6 wrote:

astro wrote:How much thickness/depth/width does the Waterfield add?

The thickness of the sleeve is 6.5 mm, uncompressed. This is on all sides/bottom etc. The ThinkPad fits very snugly (a perfect fit) so there is no loose space or gaps between the laptop and the sleeve. So simply add 13 mm and the "thickness of your ThinkPad" to determine if it will work in your bag.

Arch, got my Waterfield Sleevecase and Gearpouch today. Fantastic bits of gear.

Everything is pretty snug! It takes a bit of effort to get the 14.1" into the "25-20" size bag, but it will no doubt loosen up after being in there for a little while. It also fits very snugly into my work bag (the thickness you quoted was spot-on), on one side of the partition -- phew!

I also got the gearpouch for the adaptor, leads and security cable. I got the medium size (large was too big for my work bag) and while I can cram it all in there, I have ordered a 65W adaptor anyway to get a bit more breathing room and not carry around so much.

So I thought, while I'm ordering an adaptor, I may as well order another 1GB RAM....

astro wrote:Arch, got my Waterfield Sleevecase and Gearpouch today. Fantastic bits of gear.

So I thought, while I'm ordering an adaptor, I may as well order another 1GB RAM....

Greetings astro!

Happy to hear that your WaterField stuff arrived. Yes, it takes a bit of time but it will stretch just a bit. Once it does the way the computer fits is absolutely superb. I continue enjoy mine. The extra adapter is something that I do and it's great. Once you install the additional 1GB you will have a really fast machine...

Cheers!

I know it was mentioned somewhere in a post, but I can't seem to find it.

Does anyone own the ThinkPad Vertical Slip Case from Targus? It's sold on the Lenovo website, and wanted to see some up close pictures of the sleeve as well as if you like/recomend it or not.

Thanks

I think you probably saw it while browsing the Pictures gallery.

Take a look at this thread and at a post from Draco with pictures of the Targus/Lenovo sleeve :

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... c&start=30

I just ordered today the PowerSleeve14 from booqbags.com, you'll see pictures of it in the Pictures gallery too.

rockefella:

I want ballistic nylon, not leather; shoulder bag with strap, not backpack; black or dark brown conservative colors; large and roomy to hold lots of folders, files and documents.

I got a thinkpad convertible carrying case when I ordered my 14" t60 with 9 cell. It holds a lot of folders, pens, cell, usb sticks, etc, the cell pocket is spring loaded and pops shut. I'm a tech so I carry tools, cable tester, cables, etc. It stands up on it's own without falling over when you pull out your laptop, the folder pockets are on the outside and inside. The handles are held together with magnents so they are not flopping around. For a brief case type bag this is worth the money. I have not used the attachable roller unit. It looks a lot better than the pictures, it's dark black and does not look cheap in any way, the strap is padded and has a leather shoulder pad with a smooth side and a suede type side for better grip on your shoulder.

After carrying around a IBM slim leather case for a couple of years this new case is a huge improvement.

http://www.ezm.com/mvision_cases/TP500.aspx

Kyocera posted a great case; also, here is a case that you can get for your Thinkpad as well....

See; http://tinyurl.com/7uyop

Simple, inexpensive, two (three counting the extra space in the main compartment even when the Thinkpad is in there) large compartments for books, paper, files, and folders. It is quite rugged as well.

I've been using a hardcover-type case for my laptops for 4 years already, and I haven't had any mishap even though my previous Thinkpads (and other branded laptops) have been knocked around in that case a number of times.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/r ... 000762.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/r ... 000763.jpg
However, I can't imagine that it actually provides any sort of protection to the laptop. While the fact that none of the laptops I've carried in it have actually been damaged while in there, I don't think it necessarily means that it actually provides good protection against knocks. Would such a case actually provide protection, or should I be looking for a new one?

Thanks!

(I probably am just looking for another excuse to spend more money on my new T60. I got me a new laser mouse today and am already itching to get something else.)

Just to put another option into the bowl...

Look at www.tucano.it

They produce a lot of different folders and sleeves!
The're coming from the "Apple-Powerbook-side" of the world but they produce for "normal" computers also.

Personally I can recommend the Second Skin series which I use for my A31p, my X31 and an older Toshiba laptop.

Be sure to buy the PC version of your desired size, otherwise there is Powerbook or iBook or something similar written on the outside

Ramian:

However, I can't imagine that it actually provides any sort of protection to the laptop. While the fact that none of the laptops I've carried in it have actually been damaged while in there, I don't think it necessarily means that it actually provides good protection against knocks. Would such a case actually provide protection, or should I be looking for a new one?

By looking at the photo I would agree that it provides very little protection if it was dropped either on the sides or top and bottom. The thinkpad carrying cases I've owned are have thick rubber shockpads velcro'd around the inside. The machine also slips in and out through a zipper opening in the top which (after getting used to migrating from a targus) is a lot more convienient.

guYom wrote:I think you probably saw it while browsing the Pictures gallery.

Take a look at this thread and at a post from Draco with pictures of the Targus/Lenovo sleeve :

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... c&start=30

I just ordered today the PowerSleeve14 from booqbags.com, you'll see pictures of it in the Pictures gallery too.

Yes, I did! No wonder I couldn't find that thread. I kept searching for it in the T4x forum. Thanks man!

So I got the Verticle slip case from Lenovo today and I'm pretty satisfied. I have a 9 cell battery and a 14in and it fits well, although there is some dead air at the top of the case, which does not bother me at all. The shoulder strap has a Thinkpad logo on it and nowhere on the outer case itself says Targus, so I'm happy about that. It's padded pretty well for a slip case and would recommend it, especially because it was only $19.99

**edit**

The think I like most about the slip case is the padding.. It's not too thick so I can carry it in my backpack, and it has enough protection to where I can just take it around with the shoulder strap. In the pictures you can see the finger indents in the case.

Upclose pictures of the case incase anyone was wondering what it looked like upclose.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/2.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/5.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/3.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/4.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/6.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/7.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g145/ ... rgus/8.jpg

I decided to take another look at the WaterField Sleeves and came across a site where they have pretty good reviews and pictures of the Mambo Combo, which includes a sleeve. They have pictures of both the verticle sleeve with thepiggyback and the horizontal sleeve with piggyback.

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2688

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthr ... ?p=1236080

Hope this helps!

My t60 w/9 cell battery fits great in my Arc'teryx blade 21 bag, it is also waterproof.

Hey everybody, I just wanted to report that I got the Tumi SafeCase bag and it seems fine.

Pros: looks nice, rugged ballistic nylon seems indestructible, stands up when you put in on the ground, tons of convenient pockets for water bottles, umbrellas, books and files, included pen/pencil bag, amazing padding with a stretchy sling at the bottom so your computer is actually suspended above the bottom of the bag, nice non-slip shoulder pad, expandable, and it goes on.

Cons: SUPER heavy (I think the bag alone is about 6-8 pounds!), bulky. This is actually a big drawback, but I'm sticking with this bag b/c of all the pros noted above. I paid about $3k for my T60p and I want it protected. I say this, having once dropped my T42 bag from about shoulder-height and opening it up to find the T42 motherboard fried.

rockefella wrote:Hey everybody, I just wanted to report that I got the Tumi SafeCase bag and it seems fine.

Pros: looks nice, rugged ballistic nylon seems indestructible,

Cons: SUPER heavy (I think the bag alone is about 6-8 pounds!), bulky.

It's always a trade off, I'm sure you will be happy even though you're carrying a heavier case. My Tumi has lasted years, and the protection is tops. It's easy to clean and it still looks nearly new. The one time I "slipped" and dropped it I was extremely happy that my ThinkPad was in that case instead of a thinner/lighter one. Result: No damage to my ThinkPad!

Which model did you purchase?

Cheers...

Great choice! Love my Tumi bags - never regretted them. Just be careful. Tumi says "steal me" to the theives. Just had two consultants have their laptops lifted from the cars during a lunch outing last week.

I'm using a Tumi non-expandable Safecase and my T60 fits just right. It still looks new after more than a year. And yes, its quite heavy!

I'm looking for an alternate bag for travel so I don't have to transfer all my documents everytime I go out for a business trip.

I'm looking at Victorinox or Booq Bags. Any one using the Folee or Cobra XM? How do you find them?

jagged wrote:I'm looking at Victorinox or Booq Bags. Any one using the Folee or Cobra XM

I'm using the Cobra XM and it's a nice bag, but quite heavy & bulky. Advertised as 6 lbs, but feels a lot heavier. Plus with all the space it tends to fill up... on it's own...

Just stopped by Office Max for a few things, wandered over to computer cases and found this:
http://www.wengerna.com/browse/product. ... _cat_id=63

Retails for $79.95, on sale for $39.95 what a deal...
This case has 3 large zippered, top loading compartments. The center zipped compartment is the largest. It has a built in padded divider for the computer. The other space in the center can accomodate a second laptop if you want. For example I can carry both my T60 and Z60m with ease. They are not "squeezed together, as all sides are padded. The padded divider keeps the computers seperated so they do not rub on each other. Then there are two equal zippered top loading compartments one each on front and back. The back one has 2 file folder dividers. The front has to mesh pockets inside and other pockets for misc. For example I carry my WD Passport 120GB External HD in one with room to spare.
Of all the cases I have purhased, this one is absolutely the least expensive, while still being high quality. The nylon is like Cordura the zippers are the high quality #10 size with durable nicely finished metal pulls. The carry handles are finished in leather, and the shoulder strap has a non slip surface on the pad that rests on your shoulder. Also the case is light, not heavy like my booq bags. The other mesh pocket carrys the power Thinkpad power adapter. There is still room for keys, wallet, media, and of course your files in the back pocket. A well thought out design.
When you read the dimensions on the web site it says :3.5"D x 16"W x 13"H however the actual depth or "width" measured from front to back is actually 6". This is an important factor, which allows one to carry two computers easily if needed. With just one computer and some files it's very light and easy to carry.....

Everyone here has mentioned good laptop cases, and the only mention of neoprene was if people didn't like it. I'm at school, and so i can't really try on any laptop sleeves, but i really do like the neoprene laptop sleeves. I have a t60p with a 9 cell battery, 15in screen. What neoprene laptop sleeves would fit this the best? Thanks

If you're going to get a laptop sleeve do NOT get the targus neoprene sleeve if you have the 9 cell battery (sold at bestbuy for 19 bucks). It looks really sad because the sleeve fits the laptop perfect except it wont zipper shut because of the battery that sticks out. Other than that, I have always recommended the targus sleeve since it is cheap yet not as cheap as the bodyglove sleeves and has soft felt on the inside. When I go home from work I'll post a pic if you guys want to see what it is like with a thinkpad before you buy it.

To our attourney friend, how about zero halliburton's soft laptop cases? (if they still make them that is).