X40 slipcases/sleeves?

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budder · #1 Post by **budder** » Thu May 13, 2004 10:03 pm

I'm getting an X40 with the 8-cell battery and am having trouble finding a good sleeve. The dimensions IBM gave me of the laptop with the battery in are: 9.32 x 10.5 x .94

These are the dimensions I'm getting from various sites/companies:
Tom Bihn: 9.5 x 11.5 x 1.5
WaterField Designs: 8.8 x 10.7 x 1.2
ZeroShock: 9 x 11 x 1.6
Marware: 9.75 x 11.25 x 1.5
IBM/Targus: 10 x 11.75 x 1.13

This being my first laptop/sleeve I'm going to assume that it is a safety requirement that the laptop actually fit in the sleeve

So the Marware and ZeroShock cases are out, right?

Now of the remaining three, the Targus case IBM offers has the least amount of room for lateral (orthogonal to the largest sized planes) movement. Am I right in thinking that this dimension is the most important to match up?

Or would it perhaps be better to store the battery separately from the laptop itself, so that it would fit in a smaller case, such as the Waterfield? (note: I don't actually know the "normal" dimensions of the X40, though I imagine it's slightly less than 8.8") Would this cause a lot of trouble/problems for me?

So, of these, or perhaps from another company, what would you reccomend? X40 owners, what are you using for a sleeve, if you're using one at all?

Thanks in advance.

csv96 · #2 Post by **csv96** » Thu May 13, 2004 10:29 pm

I have the IBM/Targus TPNF01. It holds the X40 with 8-cell just fine. I can also squeeze the power adapter into the case but then the whole thing bulges a little too much. It's not a very thick case (padding-wise) so I always put the case inside a larger bag (backpack, etc.,) for travel.

ldbobby · #3 Post by **ldbobby** » Fri May 14, 2004 12:33 pm

Waterfield size three... PERFECT fit... if you wanna fit the AC adapter, you can and have a little buldge... or get their piggy back, or put it in whatever you're carrying the sleeve in.

budder · #4 Post by **budder** » Fri May 14, 2004 4:49 pm

Perfect, eh? Any chance you could shoot me an email with pictures? thinkpads budder net

Thanks

mirandabam · #5 Post by **mirandabam** » Sat May 15, 2004 1:05 pm

I have the IBM/Targus "portfolio" for my X20. I think I am going to look into something else for my new X40 though. The three sides of the portfolio where the zipper is don't seem like enough protection to me.

My wife has the Tom Bihn "Mitre" for her 12" iBook -- it's more like a big padded envelope. I might get one of those if the X40 with the 8-cell fits well. I'm also considering the Brain Cell or the Monolith (although the Monolith doesn't seem to come in a small X40-suitable size).

I liked the "play through" factor of the portfolio when I got it, but in practice I never use it that way. I use it while carrying the X20 in my backpack and always just remove it when using the computer.

warmstrong · #6 Post by **warmstrong** » Wed May 19, 2004 6:14 pm

I can second the use of Tom Bihn bags. I've had a lot of laptop bags over the years and these are the best by far. Currently I have several sleeves, the Brain bag and a Messanger bag that has been subsequently updated with several different models. All are excellent: well made and durable.

I have not tried the Mitre, but it is mighty tempting for X30.

Bill Armstrong

mirandabam · #7 Post by **mirandabam** » Thu May 20, 2004 8:47 am

My X40 arrived Monday and I've tried it in my wife's Tom Bihn Mitre. It fits *perfectly* with the 8-cell battery. Like it was made for it.

I think I'll probably order one soon, but I'm curious if any of you have thoughts about whether the soft-sided protection of the Mitre is sufficient. I will be carrying the X40 inside it and then in a backpack (same as I do with my X20 and the Targus portfolio thing now).

#8 Post by **erik** » Thu May 20, 2004 1:24 pm

mirandabam wrote:I think I'll probably order one soon, but I'm curious if any of you have thoughts about whether the soft-sided protection of the Mitre is sufficient. I will be carrying the X40 inside it and then in a backpack (same as I do with my X20 and the Targus portfolio thing now).

i carry my s30 inside a sleeve and then inside a backpack. protection has never been an issue as long as i don't forget it's in there an throw the backpack on the floor (which i've luckally never done).

-erik

#9 Post by **shfawaz** » Mon May 31, 2004 4:22 pm

Has anyone seen, purchased, or have a picture of IBM563D, a Targus case made for the X40.

Targus
ThinkPad X40 Office Executive Slipcase
Platform: N Mf #:IBM563D

budder · #10 Post by **budder** » Mon May 31, 2004 9:21 pm

ThinkPad X40 Office Executive Slipcase

Ikon · #11 Post by **Ikon** » Fri Jul 02, 2004 12:38 pm

mirandabam wrote:My X40 arrived Monday and I've tried it in my wife's Tom Bihn Mitre. It fits *perfectly* with the 8-cell battery. Like it was made for it.

I think I'll probably order one soon, but I'm curious if any of you have thoughts about whether the soft-sided protection of the Mitre is sufficient. I will be carrying the X40 inside it and then in a backpack (same as I do with my X20 and the Targus portfolio thing now).

Was that the size 5 Mitre?

budder, what did you decide on?

budder · #12 Post by **budder** » Fri Jul 02, 2004 6:27 pm

The size 3 WF sleeve. It fits a bit too snugly for my liking, but I'm going to convince myself that that's for protection reasons

Now, just to get that replacement power cable...

Ikon · #13 Post by **Ikon** » Fri Jul 02, 2004 6:36 pm

Okay then. Waterfield is out.

budder · #14 Post by **budder** » Sat Jul 03, 2004 1:35 am

Don't get me wrong, the construction is great. i just need to pull out the sleeve most of the time when I want access to the lappie. There's a loop on the bottom to aid this purpose, so I think it's somewhat expected for there to be a slightly snug fit. Admittedly, this is a little more than just "slightly."

plucky duck · #15 Post by **plucky duck** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 2:10 am

Would the tight fit be due to the fact that it's still new and need some breaking in or a bit of stretching over time?

budder · #16 Post by **budder** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 6:13 am

I asked the guys at WF and they said that the ballistic nylon wouldn't stretch at all and not to expect any change.

It changed, Within a day ro two of it sitting in the sleeve, the inside stretched a bit, and though the fit's still tight, it's noticeably looser. I like the sleeve, though I'm unsure if it's the best one for the X40.

soccerjoe5 · #17 Post by **soccerjoe5** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:00 pm

does anyone know a slim hardcase? one that's like a sleeve but it's solid... i was thinking, wat if somebody accidentally sits on my lappy? something like the hardcases for PDAs

devilsrejection · #18 Post by **devilsrejection** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:14 pm

http://www.radtech.us/Products/MacTruck.aspx

derek · #19 Post by **derek** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:30 am

Hi Everybody,

I'm new here, I just bought the basic model X40 with the 4-cell battery for my sister's birthday. Now she's asking me what the smallest case there is for it. IBM special at the time gave her a free T and X series case that's way too big for the little X40. I noticed many of the recommendations in this thread were for 8-cell battery which I believe sticks out, while the 4-cell is flush. Oh she mentioned that she would prefer a case that opened on three sides like a portfolio so she could use the laptop while it's in the case.

Thanks

leesiulung · #20 Post by **leesiulung** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:39 am

I don't think Targus carries it anymore but they used to have a portfolio for the X30 that might fit the x31. It was nice, but might not be what you are looking for. Most other cases with a 3 side zipper fits larger laptops of 14"+ screens.

eriqesque · #21 Post by **eriqesque** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 3:06 pm

I just ordered the one in the link below.
I have heard wonderful things about Booq bags.
So I can't wait to get it. I will post about it when it arrives.

http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=83

eriqesque · #22 Post by **eriqesque** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:36 pm

Well I just received the booq bag BOA.XS today
You talk about fast shipping it was ordered yesterday the 27th of Aug. and I received it today on a Sat. the 28th and the shipping was free as a promo.

I will edit this post as I use it some and I will post some pics.

So far this bag is exceptionaly constructed and very well thought out.
With a removable waist strap and has a chest strap and ergonomic shoulder straps and a padded back

This bag is small so it will most likely work on all of the X series.
It weighs in a 2.5Lbs. could be a little lighter since it's for an ultra-portable laptop. It weight almost as much as the X40 itself.
But, with the 2 combined I am still at just 7 ounces
more than what the T40 I was used to, weighed by itself.

The notebook compartment on this bag is great it fits the X40 perfect enough room to slide in and out with ease but snug enough that it doesn't move about. At the bottom there are metal plates on the outside so when you sit it down the semi sct like feet but also protects the notebook when you put it down on the floor.

There are plenty pockets for everyone.
A special pocket lined with a very soft cloth for your mp3 player of choice (mine being a blue mini iPod) with a heaphones grommet.
There are many compartments and pockets that I won't go into cause
each one is subjective as to what you want in it.

So for now this is the best notebook bag I have used and certainly the best notebook backpack I have used or seen.

Onto the pics

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/7 ... Sfront.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/7 ... XSBack.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/7 ... ockets.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/7 ... ockets.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/7 ... omfeet.jpg

budder · #23 Post by **budder** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 2:04 am

Wow. Thanks for that review and the pictures.

#24 Post by **aamsel** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 9:53 pm

Most of the mentioned solutions are for the X40 with 8 cell.
I am looking for the best, smallest bag or sleeve for the X40 with 4 cell.

Any recommendations??

Thanks,
Andrew
Austin, TX

apley · #25 Post by **apley** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 3:50 am

I considered the Waterfield and Shinza sleeves before picking the Spire sleeve, and I’m very happy. Simple and sleek, the Spire Boot, is a very useful laptop sleeve, without flashy colors or zippers, and ideal for backpacks. Wrapped in black rugged nylon on the outside and lined with smooth nylon on the inside, the sleeve has a good, thick layer of foam to protect the computer from bumps and scratches. The Velcro flap enables easy, quick access. The XS vertical model provides a tight, snug home for my ThinkPad X40 with a protruding 8-cell battery. The flap allows for considerable adjustment in the size of the content, so even the ThinkPad with its docking base can fit inside. The sleeve also has a velcro pocket (for thin papers) and comes a flimsy adjustable strap. Note, this sleeve along with most other soft sleeves are not well-suited to protecting against heavy pressure exerted against the laptop. But overall, it’s a handy and durable laptop pouch.

#26 Post by **aamsel** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 8:22 am

Again, this is what you chose for the 8 cell.

Any GOOD bag, minimal in size for a 4 cell???

I would not be putting it in a backpack, just the X40 with 4 cell by itself.

Thanks!

Andrew
Austin, TX

warmstrong · #27 Post by **warmstrong** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 1:47 pm

Not to beat a dead horse here (see my earlier post in this thread), but Tom Bihn's Brain Cell offers true hard sided protection and a suspension cradle for the bottom. It's well worth the $50.00. I have several of these for various sized ThinkPads. Make sure you also get either the TerraGrip or Absolute Shoulder Strap as well.

http://www.timbihn.com

Regards,
Bill Armstrong

#28 Post by **aamsel** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 4:00 pm

Well, it looks like it is between the Brain Cell or the Booqbag for the X series with 4 cell battery for me.

Any opinions one way or the other??

Andrew
Austin, TX

warmstrong · #29 Post by **warmstrong** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 4:07 pm

Whoops!

http://tombihn.com

devilsrejection · #30 Post by **devilsrejection** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 4:15 pm

sfbags size 3.

i love it, i got an x40, 8cell and wedge.

it was a tight fit for the first week or 2 but now, 1 month later, it is as lose as a teenage girl in high school.

so i have no worries. i highly recommnd it.

X40 slipcases/sleeves?

X40 slipcases/sleeves?

BOOQ Bags BOA.XS

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