Thinkpads Forum

It's always frustrated me that laptops generally don't have a handle. You've got to carry it like a slippery, heavy large book, and I've dropped a couple of them while juggling the laptop and a couple other items, opening a conference room door, etc.

I'm looking for a handle system, and found this:

http://www.case-mate.net/notebook-handle.html

It appears to install via some of the case screws, and looks quite sturdy.

Anyone know if we can have something similar?

-Dane

/gulp

I'll be honest... I don't care how sturdy the handle is. If I let the thing slip out of my hand on the subway, there's no telling whether or not it'll survive the fall. Not to mention that while a notebook case or sleeve offers some sort of "theft" protection, a handle (and thus, a very exposed notebook) would be screaming "Steal me!"

IMHO, of course.

Ya, I'm thinking more about moving around the office, from meeting to meeting and such.

-Dane

IMHO, I don't think that a handle would be a good idea, as the stress of the weight of the entire Thinkpad would cause damage on whatever the handle attached to.

Remember when the old plastic Macbook came out, with a handle built into the hinge. I had hoped that every laptop would move in this direction - it's silly to have a $2000-$3000 device that has no way to keep ahold of it.

-Dane

I have seen some sleeves with a carrying handle. I would think one of these would suffice. The handle in your link is for a MacBook and I do not think it would adapt well to a ThinkPad.

Here are a couple of possibilities.

Booq PowerSleeve XM

Case Logic 15.4" Laptop Shuttle

Case Logic EVA Shuttle with Retractable Handles

ebags search results

Thanks for the links. The first set look particularly nice. I was really hoping to have no bag - just a handle - but these would at least be quite light and not bulky.

-Dane

The new Intel Metro laptops have handles....more like straps. They look like purses, really.

I understand what the OP is going for, but I think it'd be both safer and more convenient in the long run to simply go for a sleeve. Afterall, literally slipping it into a light, easy to use sleeve, versus having to flip the laptop up and grab the handle, both require about the same amount of "work," per say. Plus, around the office or not, the added protection of a sleeve could mean the difference between life and death if you happen to drop it down a staircase, or toss it at the edge of a desk.

I sympathize with the OP - closing the lid and grabbing the handle is something you'd do in a blink of an eye, vs. packing up the computer into a sleeve-ish briefcase really is breaking camp, won't happen when you need to dash to the conf room for a meeting.

However the T-series has an internal frame so attaching a handle to the exterior won't be enough, it has to be bolted to the internal frame to be sturdy enough.

It should be possible to make replacement hinges that also include a bolt thread for a handle. That way the handle will stay clear of any extended battery as well.

I'm actually surprised that everyone doesn't want a handle built into their laptop! I'd seen it as a major oversight by my manufacturers, but maybe it's calculated. The poll reveals that most folks would rather just have a rectangular 5lb slippery hard to hold expensive object.

-Dane

danejasper wrote:I'm actually surprised that everyone doesn't want a handle built into their laptop! I'd seen it as a major oversight by my manufacturers, but maybe it's calculated. The poll reveals that most folks would rather just have a rectangular 5lb slippery hard to hold expensive object.

-Dane

2 words

size

weight



rectangular 5lb slippery hard to hold expensive object. -vs- six pound slightly larger easier to hold object.

just different strokes for different folks.

So I am not surprised that everyone doesn't want one and therefore manufacturers don't include them on everything. But I am surprised that only macs seem to have the option. You'd think if Mac does it that others would at least copy it for some models. maye apple has a patent?

Well, so far, 20% of voters would like to have a nice handle for their Thinkpad. I'd imagine that someone could make a great aftermarket business out of building really high quality handles that would bolt onto stock laptops.

-Dane

danejasper wrote:The poll reveals that most folks would rather just have a rectangular 5lb slippery hard to hold expensive object.

With their peach-skin finish, most ThinkPads aren't that slippery.

danejasper wrote:Well, so far, 20% of voters would like to have a nice handle for their Thinkpad. I'd imagine that someone could make a great aftermarket business out of building really high quality handles that would bolt onto stock laptops.

-Dane

20% sure sounds like a big enough group for someone to make some money doing it.

The handle would add to the laptop's weight. So, no thanks!

pianowizard wrote:The handle would add to the laptop's weight. So, no thanks!

Shoes add to your weight, but they also make it easier to get around.

The T61 is already very heavy. A handle (titanium? stainless?) might be another six or eight ounces - but it would give you a nice sturdy point to hold onto as you move from place to place.

80% of owners apparently don't want a handle - but I'd think there'd be a reasonable market for an aftermarket handle in the remainder who do want one.

-Dane